The videos involved have an overview of how families live their daily lives with prayer, teaching the faith, celebrating the vocation of marriage and family life. The winning family received a pilgrimage package for four to attend the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia.
After a week of public voting and an evaluation of the videos by a committee, the following results were announced on July 19: The Almanza family from Immaculate Conception, Colton took third place; the Grothem family from The Holy Name of Jesus, Redlands was awarded second place; and the Arreola family from Sacred Heart, Palm Desert took first place.
The Arreola family consists of Juan Carlos and Edith and their five children: Leilani, Celeste, Juan Carlos Jr., Emily and Jonathan. Ismael, a family friend, says that the Arreolas always welcome everyone into their home.
“We collaborate knowing and helping in the needs of all, the physical, the emotional and the spiritual,” says Juan Carlos Arreola. “We know we need the help of others and that we also need to help others.”
The family mentioned that positive examples are important when it comes to sharing their faith, especially with their children and godchildren.
“We also try to incorporate religious and cultural traditions as a means of maintaining unity between the generations,” said Edith.
In the video, Betty and Rafael Fernandez, who are also friends of the family, shared that the Arreola family are models of service and of an active parish life.
When the family was interviewed, and before it was announced as the winner, Juan Carlos said that at first it was just a contest. However, as the weeks passed he realized that it was about a family that would go to an encounter, and also to see Pope Francis. This family will be representing the Diocese and their parish.
“I found myself praying for the family who would win the contest,” said Juan Carlos. “So that the message can touch as many families as possible.”
The videos can be viewed at: www.SBMarriageInitiative.org/videocontest
Mario Martinez is the Office of Catechetical Ministry Marriage Initiative Coordinator in the Diocese of San Bernardino.