Becoming a Holy Family: A Multi-Generational Journey

Just as Jesus, Mary and Blessed St. Joseph journeyed together as a Truly Holy Family, we also have the chance to follow in their footsteps and somehow become a Holy Family, too. Join Fr. R. Tony Ricard, as he guides us in exploring how our families can live out our faith in nurturing and spiritually enriching environments at home. This multi-generational gathering is designed for parents, youths, and young adults. Fr. Tony will bring his energetic and often humorous gifts from New Orleans to Virginia, as he offers practical steps to strengthening our family bonds and helping us all grow in faith.

Highlights of the Event:

• Inspirational Talks: Fr. Tony Ricard will share his wisdom and experiences, providing valuable insights into the role of the family in the Church.
• Interactive Sessions: Engage in meaningful discussions and activities that will help you apply Catholic teachings to your daily family life.
• Community Building: Connect with other families and individuals who are on a similar journey, fostering a sense of community and support.

Rev. R. Tony Ricard is the Director for the Office of Black Catholic Ministries and a Priest for the Archdiocese of New Orleans. He is the Campus Minister and Chair of the Theology Department at St. Augustine High School in New Orleans and is also a Core Instructor of Church Doctrine and Youth Ministry for the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana.

Fr. Tony is the author of 14 awesome books which include “I Still Believe: A Testimony of Faith After the Storm,” “Don’t Be Stupid! Lessons You Should Already Know,” and “Diary of An Unapologetic Roman Catholic Priest”. His books, “Tony Tales” and “Tony Tales 2" are compilations of his first nine Best-Selling books. His book, “Dreams I’ve Never Had! Justice Denied/Justice Supplied” reflects on many of the issues that we are currently faced in this world. His illustrated book called “The Eagle Story” is a bilingual story for children. His newest book is “Pray with Me! A Courageous Journey of Faith”.

Fr. Tony has given keynote addresses, retreats, revivals, and youth talks across the nation and throughout Canada. At last count, he has preached in and visited 22 other countries.

Since the 2000 Season, Fr. Tony has served as the Catholic Chaplain of the NFL’s 2010 World Champions - the New Orleans Saints. In this capacity he coordinates the Pre-game Masses and celebrates other Sacraments with the Players, Coaches and Staff. Back in the fall of 2010, he was featured in an internationally-released commercial for the NFL Network.

He is a native of New Orleans and a proud graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School and St. Augustine High School. He is a former New Orleans Public School teacher who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Loyola University, a Master of Theology degree from Xavier University and a Master of Divinity degree from Notre Dame Seminary.

He is the 7th member of his family to enter religious life or become an ordained priest. Two of his cousins are now active Bishops in the Catholic Church: Bishop John Ricard, SSJ - Superior General of the Josephites and Archbishop Shelton Fabre, Archbishop of Louisville Kentucky. His cousin, Fr. Oscar Pratt is a priest for the Archdiocese of Boston. His aunt Sr. Aloysius Gonzaga Carlin, SSF was a Sister of the Holy Family and his cousin, Ricardo Gourrier, SSJ, was a Brother with the Josephite. Needless to say, he loves being a part of such a great Catholic Legacy.

His love for God and his dedication to the Catholic Church is unquestionable. He is by far one of the greatest preachers and teachers around!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception, 232 Chapel Street, Norfolk, United States