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Family Groups is a resource for developing
friendlier parishes and is currently being trialled in three parishes in
England and Wales.
The Marriage and Family Life Project Office is looking for more
volunteer parishes to pilot this strategy, not only to establish whether it
can work in the UK as well as it does in other parts of the world, but also to
build up a body of experience should this resource be promoted
more widely in England and Wales.
The progress of the initial pilot is
extremely encouraging. You can read more about Family Groups in St
Bernadette's parish, Whitefield, Manchester here. Two further pilots
were launched in January and February 2008 at Holy Trinity and St George's
parish in Kendal and Our Lady of Victories in Kensington.
The
Project Office have an introductory DVD and a pack of materials that we can
send to any parish interested in pursuing this route to developing parish
relationships. Please contact Annabelle Williams if you would like a copy.
When we reviewed the progress
of Everybody's Welcome early in 2007 we discovered that a great deal of work
had been accomplished in the area of welcome but not so much in the area of
developing friendlier and family-sensitive parishes. From
all that we have heard about Family Groups, we believe that it could be an
extremely effective tool in developing those relationships from which a
natural family-to-family sharing of gifts and experience can take place (cf
Familiaris Consortio 69).
Download a leaflet
| Frequently Asked Questions | The
Family Groups Website | News | St
Bernadette's Family Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
(text courtesy of the Passionist Family Groups Movement)
What
Are The
Aims?
Members aim to get to know each other. They wish to
support each other’s joys and sorrows and so build the Christian
Community. They wish to involve their children in Christian sharing
directly, if possible, or indirectly by their
example. “Love one another as I have loved you.”
Who
Will Be In My Family Group?
A Family Group is made up of 10-15 families with a cross section of ages,
including some
children of the same age—like an extended family. Anyone
and everyone is
welcome to join, from grand-parents to babies. There is room for non-Church
attending spouses, one-parent families and single people, elderly or young.
What
Happens in a Family Group?
The groups gather once a month for a picnic, barbecue, casserole night etc
to enjoy being with one another and gradually to develop supportive
relationships. Some gatherings are just for the adults (to give parents of
young children a bit of breathing space); while others include children.
Highlights
in a Family Group’s calendar are a home Eucharist, a weekend away, special
anniversaries etc.
The
groups work together to build the parish community by sharing experiences.
This is the way Family Groups live the Faith in the everyday circumstances
of their lives.
How
Committed Do I Need To Be?
A Family Group is just like a family. The bonds that develop the feelings of
belonging create a sense of responsibility for one another. As in any family
there is sometimes the need for extra effort. As with all aspects of life,
you reap what you sow. You will get from Family Groups what you put into
Family Groups.
What
Can I Give To A Family Group?
Yourself. You can give your friendship, support and time to other members of
your group. You just have to be yourself. You can sit down and talk, share
and listen with others. What you do doesn't really matter. It is YOU
that matters. Bonds develop and the sense of belonging creates a sense of
concern for each other.
What
if I’m Single Or Divorced?
The motto is “A FAMILY FOR ALL”. Family Groups provide an extended
family for all who wish to belong: church-going or not, young or elderly,
married, single, separated or divorced. There is a giving and receiving by
all members of the group to each other. Everyone has so much to offer.
Do
We Have To Be “Holy”?
You just have to be yourself. Many non-Church attenders have found belonging
to a Family Group is a great way to become involved in the faith life of
their family. Family Groups provide a non-threatening environment for
non-Church going partners and friends.
But
I’m Already Very Busy?
Do you actually spend your busy time with your family? Being in a Family
Group will mean that once a month you will be sharing an experience with
your own family plus some 10 other families. Is that being too busy?
What
If I’ve Already Got Enough Friends?
Well, maybe a group needs you! And if you do have many friends, you don't
have to lose them to belong to a Family Group.
Have you ever thought what it is like for the people who are not like you
and who don't have many friends?
Could it be that many people don't stay after weekend Masses because they
really don't know anyone to stop and chat with? What if we could create a
network where everybody knew at least 10 families? Wouldn’t that improve
the atmosphere of the parish?
Benefits
to the Parish
Through your Family Group, you will find you are bringing a happy loving
spirit to your parish. Experience shows that Family Groups are a great asset
to the parish, since many people become more actively involved in parish
life.
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