On a beautiful Autumn morning I sit watching the sun rays dance across the water listening to the soft singing of the breeze passing through the trees. I have arrived early to the meeting spot that in ten minutes time will be filled with warm greetings, the excited shouts of children and an atmosphere of unconditional acceptance and love. I am awaiting the start of our monthly Family Group get together. While I sit and wait I reflect on the…
by Fr Peter McGrath CP
“In your busy world, this is a time for you to nourish your heart. Only God can give you a peace beyond understanding, deep in your heart, at the very centre of your being.”
An extraordinary affirmation comes to us from Fr Peter Bickley, PP of St. Michael’s Traralgon, Victoria.
I was sick and you took care of me. “I am an eight year old boy dying of AIDS. You took me in as one of your own. You helped me to celebrate my life and impending death with the Family Group.”
Fr Brian Lucas writes …
“The respective roles of laity and clergy need to be respected but all parish life is not necessarily dependent upon clerical leadership or approbation. The laity have a natural right to form associations.
As we all remembered the tragedy of 9/11 ten years ago, Father Peter McGrath was celebrating a Mass of Remembrance in Auburn, Maine USA with the parish of St. Phillips where their 7 Family Groups were celebrating 15 years. Fr. Roger Chabot, Pastor when Family Groups were first started but now retired, returned to take part in the Mass and the following celebration. Also, Chief Dan Daly was giving a heart rending presentation in Dublin to remember the victims of…
The First Congregational Church of Manchester, Vermont USA has provided a helping hand by way of a financial donation to the Family Groups of Tully. FAMILY CELEBRATION: This support came at a time when the area was and is still getting back on its feet after the devastating Cyclone Yasi. It was time to gather as one community and rejoice in all the good things after months and months of dealing with the massive clean up. Many lives are still on…
Fr. Peter has had an amazing impact on the Parishes in England and Wales in which he inspired the setting up of Family Groups. His easy and at times ‘unholy style’ of communication set aside barriers of British reserve in Church. He raised awareness for the need of friendship, support and love in the Parish. Through his wealth of stories and anecdotes he enkindled a new desire for love and belonging.