“By joining a Family Group you will experience acceptance, love, care and support from other human beings”

The Family Group Movement – Why?
Have you heard this before? I wish I could be more involved in our parish or I wish I really knew some of the people I see in church or those Family Groups seem to have a lot of fun.

Who will be in the My Family Group?
At Corpus Christi we have ten Family Groups, some have been in existence for more than 20 years. Family Groups are made up of 8 – 12 families, with a cross section of ages, including some children of the same age- like an extended family.

Anyone and everyone are welcome to join, from grandparents to babies. There is room for non – church attending spouses, one parent families and single people, elderly and young.

What happens in a Family Group?
The groups gather at least once a month for picnic, barbeque, movie night, casserole night etc to enjoy being with one another and gradually to develop supportive relationships. Some gatherings are just for the adults (to give parents of young children some free time), while others include children.  

Highlights in a Family Groups calendar are a weekend away, special anniversary, X’Mas party, Home Eucharist etc

How committed do I have to be? 
A Family Group is just like a family- the bonds develop the feelings of belonging create a sense of responsibility for one another. As in any family there are times extra effort is required and it is important that you try to attend as many of the planned activities as possible. As with all aspects of life you reap what you sow, the efforts will be proportional to your input. However Family Groups are at their best to support one another in time of need.

What can I give to a Family Group?
Yourself. You can give your friendship, support and time to other members of the group. You just be yourself, sit down and talk, share and listen with others. What you do is not an issue. It is YOU that matters. Bonds develop and the sense of belonging creates a sense of responsibility for each other and most importantly you have some fun.

What if I’m single, divorced etc?
The motto is a FAMILY FOR ALL. Family Groups provide an extended family for all who wish to belong, church – going or not, young or elderly, married or single, separated or divorced, it does not matter. There is a giving and receiving by all members of the group to each other and everyone has much to offer.

But I’m already very busy?
Do you actually spend your busy time with your family? Being in a Family Group will mean that once a month you will be sharing an experience with your own family plus 8 – 12 other families.

What if I have already got enough friends?
Perhaps a Group needs you!! If you do have a lot of friends you don’t lose them by belonging to a Family Group.

There are lots of families who don’t know anyone to stop and have a chat to – this also applies at Corpus Christi. What if we can create a network where everyone knew at least another 10 families? Wouldn’t that make a great atmosphere?

Benefits to the Parish
Thorough your Family Group you will bring a happy loving sprit to the parish. Experience has shown the Family Groups have been a wonderful asset to the Corpus Christi Parish.

How did these Family Groups all start?
In 1972 Father Peter McGrath was appointed to the tiny parish of St Anthony at Terrey Hills; originally there was only 30 people attending however over a few years it grew to 1000+. Father Peter McGrath formed the Family Groups as way to preserve the original community spirit where everyone knew each other by name and shared each others joys and sorrows. Fr Peter has been the driver with Family Groups extended across more than 400 parishes, across countries and in all churches – Catholic, Anglican, Uniting etc

What steps do I take if I want to join a Family Group?
Leave your name and contact telephone no. with the Corpus Christi Presbytery and you will be contacted. There are two Family Group Coordinators at Corpus Christi who are keen to add more Family Groups and will be in touch

Jim Phelan 
jphelan@bigpond.net.au                           

Gerry Hoy
adsom@optusnet.com.au