We had a family day in the parish today. It started with our usual Saturday morning devotions (Low Mass, Exposition, Confessions and Benediction) and then Margaret Mizen came along to speak about how her faith had helped her and her family survive the murder of her son, Jimmy, last year. I hadn't realised that the trial is actually on at the moment, so she and her family need all the prayers you can spare. She was an inspiring speaker, and it was a moving occasion.
After Margaret spoke, we had lunch in the Large Hall. Lots of families were in evidence, and the beefburgers and cheeseburgers went down a treat. Once lunch was over, there were four separate sessions for the different groups: young children were led in various activities in the Small Hall, teenagers had a talk from Fr. Tim in the church, adults had a talk in the Large Hall, and grandparents had their own group in the Sacristy.
Here you can see Fr. Tim checking out some of the latest technology with a few of the teenagers. There were about 20 young children in the Small Hall, and about 12 teenagers (I think) - not everyone could stay right to the end, but we all finished up with prayers and a blessing for the children (and families) in the church, and then a quick cup of tea before going home.
It was a really great day. Thanks are particularly due to the Treloar family who were responsible for organising the event, though many other families chipped in to help. Fr. Tim indicated that he hoped this would be a regular parish event. Watch this space for details of the next Family Day.
We had a family day in the parish today. It started with our usual Saturday morning devotions (Low Mass, Exposition, Confessions and Benediction) and then Margaret Mizen came along to speak about how her faith had helped her and her family survive the murder of her son, Jimmy, last year. I hadn't realised that the trial is actually on at the moment, so she and her family need all the prayers you can spare. She was an inspiring speaker, and it was a moving occasion.
After Margaret spoke, we had lunch in the Large Hall. Lots of families were in evidence, and the beefburgers and cheeseburgers went down a treat. Once lunch was over, there were four separate sessions for the different groups: young children were led in various activities in the Small Hall, teenagers had a talk from Fr. Tim in the church, adults had a talk in the Large Hall, and grandparents had their own group in the Sacristy.
Here you can see Fr. Tim checking out some of the latest technology with a few of the teenagers. There were about 20 young children in the Small Hall, and about 12 teenagers (I think) - not everyone could stay right to the end, but we all finished up with prayers and a blessing for the children (and families) in the church, and then a quick cup of tea before going home.
It was a really great day. Thanks are particularly due to the Treloar family who were responsible for organising the event, though many other families chipped in to help. Fr. Tim indicated that he hoped this would be a regular parish event. Watch this space for details of the next Family Day.
I am so jealous that you have such a vibrant parish. I know you don't live within the parish boundary but if that is the church you attend on a regular basis it is your parish. An orthodox family day is what every parish needs at least once a year.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Victoria. Yes, I do consider it to be my parish... I organise the readers' rotas, I'm a Confirmation catechist and I help in the Sacristy for some of the Masses; I attend Mass in the parish at weekends, any evening Masses during the week, and weekdays in the school holidays (unless I'm away)! I think that qualifies me as a parishioner, wherever I happen to live!!
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, we are definitely blessed in having such a vibrant parish. I blame our "oppressive" and "divisive" parish priest...
;-)
I'm so jealous: we're struggling to get something of the sort of the ground. Our PP is keen but none of the other parents' in the parish seem particularly interested, and a family day with only our familyu attending would seem a lttle pointless....
ReplyDeleteWe did go to one in a town some miles away - but it was rather to happy clappy for me: I can't be doing with that kind of Mass... and the guest speaker was the type who got us to tun to our neighbour and say 'I think you're wonderful' which again is not quite the spirituality for which I am searching.
Used to belong to the NACF (which the Treloars do) but they're not active near us, and we left when the infighting got too silly (typical diabolic tactic, pace LMS, pro-lfe grousp etc etc...)
What a great day was had by all. The weather was wonderful, the children did not complain once nor did the parents or grandparents. There was plenty of food, activities and good company.
ReplyDeleteThank you to the Treloars for organising a day that inspired us all and gave us the opportunity to pray together and increase the knowledge about our faith.
Please pray for the Mizen family and our wonderful Pope and Parish.