Visiting couple say family culture built by consistency

Families from across the Diocese gathered in both Mount Maunganui and Hamilton last month for two evenings with Mike and Alicia Hernon, exploring what it means to build a strong Catholic family culture in the middle of modern life.

Rather than presenting an idealised image of family life, the couple, who are based in the United States, spoke candidly about the realities many parents are navigating – busy schedules, being overwhelmed by the digital world, social pressures, exhaustiono and the challenge of raising children intentionally in a rapidly changing culture.

One of the strongest themes was the impact of technology and social media on children and teenagers. Drawing on research and on their own experience as parents, the Hernons encouraged families to approach technology not with fear, but with clarity, boundaries and intentional formation.

“There has never been a situation in human history where children have had access to an entirely unfiltered peer group,” Mr Hernon reflected, speaking about the pressure social media places on identity, self-image and belonging during the teenage years.

The couple encouraged parents to delay smartphones and social media where possible, while also helping older teenagers grow in discernment, responsibility and healthy scepticism about the online world.

At the same time, the evenings were deeply hopeful. Participants were reminded that healthy family culture is not built overnight, nor through perfection, but through small, consistent practices lived faithfully over time.

The Hernons encouraged families to begin simply: reclaiming Sundays as days for worship and family connection, protecting time for marriage and prioritising shared family meals and conversation.

They also spoke about the importance of gradually giving teenagers freedom within healthy boundaries – allowing young people to learn discernment and responsibility while still supported by family life and faith.

Throughout the evenings, practical tools, humour, and honest stories helped create an atmosphere that was both challenging and encouraging for parents at every stage of family life.

FULL STORY

Frantic to fruitful (By Kirsty Muir/Catholic Diocese of Hamilton)