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| Family Groups at St Bernadette's, Whitefield, Manchester |
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Fr Peter McGrath, founder of the Family Groups Movement, visited and spoke at all three parish Masses at St Bernadette's in Whitefield over the weekend of 6/7 October 2007. Veronica Murphy, Marriage and Family Life Training and Development Officer, reported: "By the end of 11.00 Mass on Sunday there were 40 families signed up for groups and 3 couples willing to be leaders. They were all invited to return to church between 5.30 & 6.30 on Sunday and guess what – the 40 turned up plus enough for another full group!" Since then further families have come forward and a fifth group is planned. In February 2008 Fr Chris Lough, parish priest of St Bernadette's forwarded to the Project Office two newsletters produced by St Bernadette's Family Groups together with the introduction to Family Groups that he has written as a means of involving more families in this movement. The co-ordinators of St Bernadette's Family Groups ,
Chris and Vincent St Bernadette's Family Groups | Newsletters In
October 2007, a not so shy, retiring Australian priest, Father Peter McGrath
came to St. Bernadette’s Church to tell us about the family group movement
he set up in Most
people assume that family groups are simply prayer based – this is not
true. The intention behind the family group movement is to create a sense of
friendship and belonging within our parish community. Whenever
you and your family go to Mass, ask yourself, “How many people do I know
by name?” We smile and nod at
each other, even share the sign of peace, but it all stops there.
Being part of a family group can change that. Many people have
already developed new, firm friendships and a network of support from within
the St. Bernadette’s community. Family
groups meet at least once per month for a social event such as bowling,
quizzes, buffet and get together, or simply a walk in the park.
It is as simple or adventurous as the group want to make it.
The group will usually plan a programme of activities together. Your
role is to help make each event a success. The
make-up of our five family groups is mixed, ranging from the single parent
with children, the young man on his own, and the family whose children have
just started school, through to the elderly couple whose family have moved
away from the area. There is a group to suit everyone.
So please come and try it - you will really enjoy it. Each
group has a team of 2 leaders and 2 deputies. Their role is simply to
support the development of the group and to facilitate activities.
It is the responsibility of the whole group to make it a success.
All you are asked to commit to is being a part of your family
group’s activities. Interested
in giving it a try?
Well, all you need to do is complete the form attached and return
it to Fr. Chris at Mass or via the Presbytery letterbox.
You will then be allocated to a group and the group leaders will be
in touch – it’s as simple as that! We
look forward to hearing from you soon. Finally,
we are always looking for new leaders. If
you feel that you may be interested in this please let Fr. Chris know.
It’s not just husband and wife teams we want. We have a very
successful group led by two mums, with dads supporting in the background.
Please give it some thought. Our Parish co-ordinators, Chris and
Vincent Joyce, would support you to get the group underway and until you
felt that you no longer needed their help.
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