Pandemic Reflections and Family Life Ministry with Chris Rogers

Host Jack Socha opens this Connecting the Diocese episode with humorous excerpts from “top COVID-19 hits,” then shares a brief update on the UK COVID variant, urging continued precautions until more people are vaccinated. He interviews Chris Rogers, Director of the Office for Family Life, about how his family has adapted during the pandemic, including school adjustments, new hobbies like fishing, and cooking at home, as well as his wife’s interest in pursuing a teaching license. Rogers explains the diocese’s merged Office for Family Life, covering youth and young adult ministry, marriage prep and enrichment, and NFP, and describes virtual and socially distanced ministry efforts such as men’s and women’s retreats, youth and confirmation retreats, and the “Walking with Moms in Need” event. The program also highlights the Diocesan Annual Appeal, Catholic Charities’ help with impending power cutoffs, and closes with pet-themed pandemic songs and contact information for diocesan resources.

00:00 Welcome and Holy Week

00:36 Pandemic Parody Songs

05:33 COVID Variant Update

06:19 Meet Chris Rogers

06:53 Family Life at Home

13:03 School and Safety Measures

17:08 Work and Worship Changes

19:22 Vaccines and Staying Careful

23:27 Diocesan Annual Appeal Message

25:27 New Role Family Life

28:37 Virtual Retreat Highlights

29:48 How Zoom Retreats Work

30:27 Walking With Moms

31:21 Isolation And Mental Health

34:56 Men Need Friends

38:30 Tune In Tuesday Support

41:05 Marriage Prep Options

46:17 Catholic Charities PSA

50:09 Upcoming Events And Contacts

54:42 Pets And Pandemic Life

56:57 Closing Songs And Signoff