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Make Space for God!
What does it mean to Make Space for God?
It means intentionally limiting our time with devices so that we can enjoy more time with God and with others.
It means choosing to disconnect from distractions so that we can reconnect with our faith and family.
It means setting aside time to be away from technology so that we can turn our hearts more fully to the Lord.
Taming Technology
A presentation by the Archdiocese of Seattle Office of Marriage and Family Life
Taming Technology is a presentation that offers practical ways to manage screen time in the home and Make Space for God in your life. Parents will take away helpful strategies for teaching their families to use technology in a healthy way.
To inquire about future presentations, please click here to send us an email.
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Join us in making a commitment to Make Space for God in your hearts and homes. By signing this pledge, you are stating your sincere intention to put God and your loved ones first by doing the following:
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No screens at the dinner table. Let the dinner table be a place for nourishment, conversation, and real connection.
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No screens one hour before dinnertime. Allow for some time before dinner for all family members to disconnect from technology and reconnect with each other.
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No screens in the bedroom overnight. Protect the bedroom as a space for rest, not only for children but for parents as well.
Do you have any other tech-distancing practices to add to your pledge? We'd love to know what else you're doing to Make Space for God in your home! Share your ideas with us using this pledge form.
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God first, then people, then things
In On Christian Doctrine, St. Augustine teaches that God made us for relationship and our spiritual health depends upon us by getting our priorities straight when it comes to three types of relationship:
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With God, who we should love above all things. This relationship defines and orders every other relationship in our lives.
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With people, who we should love for their own sake. These relationships should be ordered in priority based upon their closeness to us and how God has called us to care for them (c.f. Book 1 #28)
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With things, which may be used. We may use creation, but always with a reverence that recognizes that what God created is good and should be stewarded with care.
Our faith helps us to become aware of God's presence in our lives and to grow in our relationship with Jesus who redeems and sanctifies us in ways that we could never manage on our own.
Ultimately, as parents, the best thing we can do for our children if we want them to set aside unhealthy attachments to things like screens in favor of good relationships with God and other people is to help them grow in faith. By understanding the faith, participating in the sacraments, following the commandments and learning to pray, we grow in relationship to God and other people. -
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