On St. Patrick’s Day, there are only two types of people in the world – those who are Irish and those who want to be. At St. Bernadette’s at Castle Hill, this time-honoured day of celebrating our Irish heritage, customs and culture represented an opportunity by the Family Groups both to foster Parish community and to raise funds for Fr. Peter and his staff at French’s Forest. On 17 March 2012, over 130 people gathered in the parish hall to…
We had a lovely sunny day for the annual meeting of our motivational day for leaders, mainly from the PFGM Sydney area, as this was the first time it was held at Grace Cottage, our PFGM home in Frenchs Forest . The day started with an inspiring Morning Prayer service, run by the wonderful Marg and Paul Casey, from Callala Bay. Each year they surprise us with their innovative thinking. Mary Ingham welcomed all the people, starting with Ron and…
Shirley & Ian Marnoch organised a weekend at Gerringong and members from several Family groups attended. The weather was not very good with some rain most days but no one seemed to care and with lots of chats, some hardy swimmers and a few outdoor games everyone was happy and “singing in the rain”. Kevin Roberts
We started the day with a prayer service organized by Marg and Paul Casey (Wollongong diocese). With their amazing creativity, they led us into Morocco for our opening prayer and into our hearts. Many of our leaders from all around NSW, came forward and lit the light of Christ for all their people, especially their sick and those who had gone home to the Father. You were remembered. Something special happened that took us deeper into our hearts. The photo…
I am a member of the new Family Group at St Agatha’s Parish Pennant Hills. We had our first meeting with Margaret & John Tibbits, in their home, and we had a lovely evening together, where we shared rather a lot about ourselves. It seemed a time of promise and over a cup of tea we decided to arrange our first outing – a picnic at Putney Park, on the Parramatta River. Chris and Tom arrived ahead of time to see…
Throughout the world on this Sunday Family Groups gather in their parishes to put into practice their motto, “A Family for All” with the Eucharist followed by a feast for everyone. Family Groups began right here in the Broken Bay Diocese in 1972 in the tiny church, St. Anthony in the Fields, in rural Terrey Hills. Now part of the Frenchs Forest Parish. The intimate little community there, where people cared for each other, began to grow quickly. It was…
Chief Dan Daly is a 24 year veteran of FDNY, the New York City Fire Department. On September 11th 2001, Dan responded to Ground Zero. What he saw on that day, and in the days and months to follow, changed his life forever. Now Dan shares his message of peace, hope and tolerance around the world.
An inspiring and ‘Spirit-filled’ day was enjoyed by over 80 Family Group Co-ordinators from parishes across NSW. Fr Peter McGrath, founder of the Passionist Family Group Movement, led this annual review at St. Anthony in the Fields where Family Groups began in 1972. A recent recruit to Fr Peter’s team, Peter Kennedy, added additional insights, support and direction to the development of the movement. So why was this day so special to me? It touched my heart. It renewed my…
It’s all in the fingers … Turning 70, there is no way I can count that many years on my fingers any more than I can count all the blessings that I have received over the years. I want to say a big Thank You to all of you who prayed for me, sent best wishes, came to our Mass and party and, in so doing, not only honoured yours truly but in particular my family and my beloved Mother…
On a cold winter’s night, Monday June 8th, 2009, over 40 of St Joseph’s parishioners came to the supper room to meet Fr Peter McGrath the founder of the Passionist Family Group Movement. He is friendly, humble, gregarious, energetic, even outrageous but he touched our hearts and urged us to consider one simple request – how could any Christian ignore it? His question “will you support others in your parish?” With a classic back to the basics attitude he grouped…