31 July 2026 · 2026-07 newsletter
A Home Away from Home – Mount Schoenstatt, Mulgoa, 5-7 June 2026
Every year, the Family Weekend at Mount Schoenstatt is a much anticipated event for our families. As this was our third year attending, the excitement was no less than the first. In fact, it felt even more special. As our five-year-old eagerly greeted familiar faces and confidently found his way around the grounds, we realised that Schoenstatt had truly become a home away from home. A place where families gather in faith, friendship and shared purpose, striving to live our covenant motto: "Nothing without You, nothing without us."
This year’s Family Weekend was during the King’s birthday long weekend. We welcomed eight families, including the special visit of Guil and Barbara Dias, who travelled from the Schoenstatt Family Branch in Perth to share their experiences and insights. Their presence reminded us of the unity of the Schoenstatt Family across Australia.
One of the wonderful initiatives introduced this year was the significantly reduced boarding fees. Bernard Toutounji tirelessly worked with the House to make the weekend more affordable for families in the face of rising living costs. Another exciting development was the opening of the new dining room, where, for the first time, families catered for themselves. Coordinating meals for such a large group was no small undertaking, yet Reny and Rudi Verdy and their family generously accepted this mammoth task with incredible dedication, ensuring everyone was well fed and cared for throughout the weekend.
The weekend began on Friday evening with dinner, a visit to the Shrine, ice-breaker activities and fellowship among the adults, setting a joyful and welcoming atmosphere for the days ahead.
The spiritual formation throughout the weekend was centred on the theme of education within the family, reminding us that parents are the primary educators and ambassadors of God in the home.
Sr Isabell opened the weekend with two inspiring sessions on "The New Person in the New Community." She challenged us to recognise that true renewal begins with each individual. By allowing Christ and Our Lady to transform us, we become instruments for building communities founded on love, unity and hope.
On Saturday afternoon, Fr Sheldon Burke CRS presented a thought-provoking talk on "The Role of Parents in Family Education." Drawing from the teachings of St John Paul II and Father Kentenich, he reminded us that the family is the first school of love. Parents are called to lead by example through self-giving love, prayer and sacrifice. Fathers were encouraged to consciously seek God’s will, work diligently without becoming consumed by work, and lovingly sacrifice for their families. Mothers were reminded of Mary’s example forming hearts that love God, foster virtue and cultivate a spirit of service.
Fr Sheldon shared his testimonial catholic upbringing and beautifully emphasised that our children’s first experience of God is through family life, and that when parents place God first, He gives them the grace to love one another more deeply.
On Sunday morning, Guil and Barbara Dias shared their experience of Living with our Home Shrine. Guil and Barbara shared their beautiful story of how they grew up and also met each other in the Schoenstatt movement in Brazil. At present they have this beautiful family life that they are building around the teachings of Fr Kentenich. It was truly inspiring to watch and learn from this young family. They spoke about how the home Shrine becomes the spiritual heart of the household a place where families gather in prayer, entrust their daily joys and struggles to Our Lady, and experience God’s presence in everyday life. The practical elements that make the home shrine and how personally the home shrine has had a massive impact on their faith journey. Their witness reminded us that the Home Shrine truly becomes a little Nazareth within our homes.
The final formation session by Sr Elizabeth explored "The Importance of Ideals in Education," drawing on Father Kentenich’s pedagogy. She explained that education is not merely about teaching rules but about helping each person discover the unique mission God has entrusted to them. Every individual has a Personal Ideal, given by God, whether they are aware of it or not. Growth comes from striving towards this God-given ideal, allowing it to shape our character, vocation and family life. She also encouraged families to discover and live their own Family Ideal, making their Home Shrine a visible reminder of the mission God has entrusted to their family.
The children and teenagers were equally blessed with engaging programs throughout the weekend. Sr Rita once again formed a wonderful connection with the teenagers through meaningful discussions and activities. The younger children were lovingly cared for by first-time volunteer Mary from the women’s group together with returning helpers Tony and his wife Karen, whose generosity allowed the parents to fully participate in the sessions.
Saturday afternoon was filled with laughter and excitement during the "Amazing Grace" family challenge. Adults and children were divided into five teams: Joy, Mercy, Faith, Hope and Love. We embarked on a treasure hunt across the Schoenstatt grounds. Through teamwork and problem-solving, families reflected on the Christian virtues represented by each team while enjoying a fun-filled adventure together.
As always, the Family Talent Night was a highlight. The Toutounji family had everyone in fits of laughter with their entertaining comedy skit. From the children we had an excellent musical piece and a beautiful solo ballet performance, while our teenage girls amazed everyone with some impressive card tricks.
Watching the children grow in confidence and, more importantly, grow closer to one another year after year was truly heartwarming. Friendships continue to deepen, making the Schoenstatt Family Weekend a place where lifelong bonds are formed. The bonfire at the Shrine just topped the day!
The weekend concluded with our final prayer in the Shrine. As families prepared to return home, there was a deep sense of gratitude—not only for the enriching talks and joyful activities, but for the gift of belonging to a community that journeys together in faith.
We left Mulgoa renewed, encouraged and inspired to continue building our homes as domestic churches, where Christ is at the centre, Our Lady is honoured, and each family member is supported in becoming the person God created them to be.
Cindrella Francis Xavier – Schoenstatt Family Group
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