Family

Screen Time

by Chris Tarantino | Mar 9, 2026 | by Chris Tarantino, Catholic Life, Family, TOBET, Virtues

Before jumping into the deleterious effects of screen usage, I want to mention one thing: giving your kid a device when he or she wasn’t ready for it does not make you a bad parent or a bad person. There’s a definite tension—do I want my child to be part of this group chat in middle school, or do I want him or her to be shunned? All of us are trying to do the best we can to navigate the very complex changes in our society, and the right decision isn’t always obvious. At TOBET, we don’t want to condemn; we want to help pave the path forward.

The Church’s Definition: For Our Flourishing

by Chris Tarantino | Feb 16, 2026 | by Chris Tarantino, Catholic Life, Culture, Family, Marriage and Love, TOBET, Virtues

The Catholic Church has caught a lot of flak over the years for defending the idea that the word marriage means “an indissoluble union between one man and one woman.” Some take issue with the “indissoluble” part, some with the “one” part, and still others with the “man and woman” part.

Holy Days of Obligation

by Chris Tarantino | Dec 29, 2025 | by Chris Tarantino, Catholic Life, Christmas, Culture, Family, Saints and Holy People, TOBET, Virtues

Our parents give us so much. From our very first heartbeat, they sacrifice no small amount of sweat, blood, and treasure to bring us to full adulthood. They love us unconditionally, and work to give us a good life. We, in turn, trust our parents implicitly, and try to give them the respect and obedience due to them. No other relationships in our lives can compare to the importance of that with our parents.

Thanksgiving

by Chris Tarantino | Nov 24, 2025 | by Chris Tarantino, Catholic Life, Culture, Family, TOBET, Virtues

Thanksgiving happens in the Fall and coincides with traditional dates of harvest. In fact, many Europeans at the time of the Pilgrims set aside days of thanks to God for successful harvests. The Pilgrims at Plymouth explicitly wanted to thank God for their bounty after having almost starved the prior Winter.

Your Parents Matter

by Chris Tarantino | Nov 3, 2025 | by Chris Tarantino, Catholic Life, Culture, Family, Marriage and Love, TOBET, Virtues

Our parents give us so much. From our very first heartbeat, they sacrifice no small amount of sweat, blood, and treasure to bring us to full adulthood. They love us unconditionally, and work to give us a good life. We, in turn, trust our parents implicitly, and try to give them the respect and obedience due to them. No other relationships in our lives can compare to the importance of that with our parents.

It’s That Time of Year Again

by Chris Tarantino | Jul 8, 2025 | by Chris Tarantino, Catholic Life, Culture, Family, TOB Elevator Pitch, TOBET Blog

Summer vacations provide opportunities for relaxation, exploration, and intentional time with loved ones, highlighting the significance of rest and the body’s role in personal well-being and connection. Emphasizing the need for balance in life.

The Greatest Family Ever

by Chris Tarantino | Jun 24, 2025 | by Chris Tarantino, Catholic Life, Culture, Family, TOBET, TOBET Blog

The author reflects on the significance of physical presence in family gatherings, particularly within his wife’s large extended family. He likens these gatherings to the communal aspect of the Church, emphasizing the importance of togetherness.

Five Practical Tips for Teaching TOB

by Chris Tarantino | Apr 29, 2025 | by Chris Tarantino, Catholic Life, Culture, Family, Pope John Paul II, TOBET Blog, Virtues

The content provides five practical tips for teaching Pope Saint John Paul II’s Theology of the Body (TOB) to children. Key strategies include prioritizing prayer and sacraments, setting an example by limiting phone use, emphasizing the significance of the body, understanding the language of the body, and utilizing age-appropriate educational resources.

TOB is the Antidote to Totalitarianism

by Chris Tarantino | Mar 18, 2025 | by Chris Tarantino, Culture, Family, Pope John Paul II, TOB Elevator Pitch, TOBET Blog

The 20th century’s totalitarian regimes caused immense suffering, yet Pope Saint John Paul II’s Theology of the Body offers hope by emphasizing the inherent dignity of every person.

Hope in Solitude

by Chris Tarantino | Jan 7, 2025 | Catholic Life, Family, Pope John Paul II, Prayer, TOBET Blog, Virtues, Vocation

Pope John Paul II reflected on solitude, drawing parallels between Adam’s loneliness and his own experiences during Nazi occupation. He emphasized that, while facing despair, turning to God and self-giving leads to deeper companionship and purpose.