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| Experiencing the Family Ministry co-ordinator course |
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 In September 2006 six people from two parishes, Carlingford/Omeath and Lower Killeavy participated in family ministry co-ordinaor training organised by the Office of Pastoral Remewal and Family Ministry. As part of the pastoral plan in the diocese we aim to establish family ministry co-ordinators in every parish in the diocese. Here, Marie McMullan shares her memories of the first family ministry co-ordinator training course. We arrived at Mount Oliver, late, on Wednesday 13th September 2006. My lift was late, but we weren't made to feel uncomfortable. On the contrary, Debra and Andy made us feel most welcome. The awkward part came next, the "who am I?" and "Why am I here?" part. We met people from Bessbrook and the course started. One of the first things we had to do was to describe our thoughts on the "Christian Vision of Family Life". This wasn't as hard as it sounds. It was broken down into easy to answer questions. The evening was broken in the middle with coffee and copious amounts of dark chocolate; just the thing to keep us going for the second half. Saturday 16th started early at 10am and Debra and Andy had us working very hard from the start. "What are all the things that make for a family friendly parish?" Sounds difficult, doesn't it? We worked in teams to short timelines that kept us focussed. In no time, it was time to stop for reflection and lunch. "Parish Ministers and Family Ministers" was next. Like the morning session, we worked in groups to short timelines. Our concentration levels were not allowed to wain. It was hard work but soon it was time for reflection and closing prayer. Wednesday 20th September was the final session. We looked at the stages of Family growth, and the spiritual tasks and ministries to assist families at every stage. One of the things that struck me, was how much in common the two parishes had. Six people from diverse home and work environments could come up with sensible, practical starter solutions to bringing families together as domestic churches. We all realise that families as domestic churches is something that already exists, but it is also something that the church needs to nurture and develop. We also realise, it is not something that is going to happen overnight. With the help of God, the church communities in out diocese, the clergy and the family ministers, we will build a strong sense of family and community in our parishes and strengthen our faith. Marie McMullan |
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