Send in your ‘Family Time’ videos!

Are you ready to talk about family time?

A new initiative launched by the Diocese of Albany titled, “Recognizing the Blessings of Family Time,” lets people —  who have been hunkered down during the coronavirus — tell their stories about family and faith.

“Parish leaders and pastors have heard that some families are growing in their faith during this time of quarantine and we are launching an initiative to share those stories and video testimonies,” said Thomas G. Cronin, advisor to the Bishop for Family & Parish Evangelization.

Cronin added that the idea got rolling after he had a conversation with Father Rick Lesser, pastor of Corpus Christi Church in Round Lake.

“During my phone call with Father Rick, he told me that some families in the parish have experienced a new-found appreciation for this slower pace of life,” Cronin said.

Most families’ hectic schedules, especially when it comes to youth sports, leave little time for anything else. The coronavirus has shut that all down, opening the opportunity for increased and meaningful time, such as nightly family dinners and families “putting their faith and God more centered in their lives,” Cronin added.

To participate, here’s what you need to do: Record a video testimonial sharing your thoughts regarding your new found appreciation for more quality family time. The videos, which can include multiple family members, will be used in a campaign which will include social media and promoted on other diocesan resources.

“We want people to be natural and tell your story,” Cronin said.

The self-recorded videos — it is recommended to use a smartphone —  should be in the one-to-two-minute range; at least 30 seconds long, but not longer than three minutes. For optimum presentation, use “landscape” (widescreen) format so all clips are consistent. Hold the phone sideways, make sure lighting is good and be aware of any distracting noise or items in the background that may appear in the frame.

For more information, call Tom Cronin at 518-453-6625 or email him at [email protected]