Fostering real life relationships in an online world

Exploring friendships, dating, relationships, vocations, and personal development was the focus of a recent seven-week series of talks run by the Office of Life, Marriage and Family.

Held at the Black Buffalo Hotel in North Hobart, ‘Mates and Dates’ consisted of talks from various speakers, including Office of Evangelisation and Catechesis Director, Dr Christine Wood, Office of Life, Marriage and Family Director, Dr Rachel Bradley and husband Tony, Vincent Parr and Angela Gethin, Josh and Bridget Low, Deacon John Joseph Martin LEB, Huon Valley Parish Priest Fr Warren Edwards and Office of Youth Evangelisation Director, Sam Clear.

Dr Bradley said ‘Mates & Dates’ was intended to encourage real life interactions – in a world where socialising often takes place online – and to explore important topics for young people today.

“We wanted to encourage thinking about and practising communication skills while at the same time building bonds and friendships with other young Catholics,” Dr Bradley said.

“It was also the chance to hear about and discuss various relationship topics such as discerning marriage, building up relationships, and developing communication skills along with plenty of chances to ask questions.”

“I hope those who came along to these nights will have taken away some useful new perspectives and ideas about relationships, will have built stronger bonds with existing friends and made some new ones.

“The feedback was very positive and there was a desire to keep this format going into the future so we will be holding monthly catch ups at the Black Buffalo Hotel,” she said.

Having recently returned to Tasmania after a year living interstate, participant Simon-Pieter Doodeman said he was looking to reconnect with other young adults in the community.

Having attended ‘Mates and Dates’ he explained that he had found other young Catholics with whom he could strive for ‘true Christian mateship’ through the weekly catch ups, adding that the talk by Sam Clear had the most impact on him.

“I particularly found interesting the idea of working on oneself and simply being the best version of yourself and that societal pressures for relationships and intimacy will not solve one’s natural yearnings unless one can embrace their current state of life and live the best version of themselves,” he said.

“In our culture, relationships are glorified to the point where it is commonly held that they solve all our problems.

“However, as a young Catholic, it is important to understand the counter-cultural message of the Gospel… and that we can only be truly happy if we maintain and thrive in our relationship with God.

“Hearing these messages within a community is important because it gives us fraternity and other like-minded people with whom we can live counter-culturally together,” he said.

Following the success of the seven-week series, ‘Mates and Dates tackle the Big Questions’ will be held monthly. The next event is planned for 24 July at the Black Buffalo Hotel, with Fr Warren Edwards speaking about authentic masculinity and femininity.