Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve spoke about the importance of the family and reminded members that the principle of Family Home Evening is to strengthen the family unit and provide a safe harbor from worldly influence.

"We remind you that parents are to preside over their own families," Elder Perry said. "Helps and reminders will come from the church to help you with these responsibilities."

BYU Television, the church Web site and church magazines provide wholesome programming and suggestions that will help in efforts to enrich the family, Elder Perry said.

"Negative influences can penetrate the walls of our homes," he said. " We must make our homes refuges from the storm and the influences of the world."

The church's Web site, www.lds.org, has recently been updated to include a home and family page with thoughts from the scriptures as well as church leaders that can help in strengthening the family.

"These ideas should help parents and others in planning meaningful and joyful family home evenings and in strengthening marital and parent-child relationships," he said.

The Ensign, New Era, and Friend are the church's main media source for reaching the entire church, Elder Perry said.

"The June issues of these wonderful magazines will be dedicated to the family," he said. "They will include suggestions for Family Home Evening as well as ideas and suggestions for other teaching moments."

Elder Perry listed two special times that families can be together-the observance of the Sabbath day and Monday nights, which should be set aside for Family Home Evening.

"Avoid scheduling activities on Monday evenings," Elder Perry quoted from a message from the First Presidency. "Church buildings and facilities should be closed on Monday evenings and no church activities should be planned. We encourage members during this time to strengthen family ties. Give the highest priorities to family prayer, gospel study and instruction and wholesome family activities."

Elder Perry promised that by following this counsel, relationships between family members and the Lord would increase.

"May this be our resolve this year, to bring about a gospel-centered home," he said. "To make the home a safe harbor from the ways of the world."