On Sunday 13th November 2011 our five Passionist Family Groups celebrated our 20 years Anniversary. We commenced with a thanksgiving Mass celebrated by our Parish Priest Fr. Vince Onesi. A member from each family group processed in with their family group banner and the lectors and ministers of the Eucharist for the day were all P.F.G. members.
Linda Darbyshire, our Lower North Island director, spoke at mass and was able to stay on for the rest of the day’s celebration. Also present were Shona Roberts our Heretaunga Pastoral coordinator, her husband Graeme, our Parish secretary Debbie Lucy, our first P.F.G coordinators Helena and Patrick McEntee, and a number of past family group members. Mass was followed by a very enjoyable shared lunch at our Parish Hall.
Helena and Patrick cut our birthday cake and Patrick gave a short summary of the development of Passionist Family Groups in our Parish. Today is a different scene from our set-up day at St Mary’s School, 20 years ago, with Fr. Brian and Lynn Hill present. There were lots of families with young children who have now moved on and other families have taken their place in our now multicultural parish. It was a most enjoyable gathering of young and old, and many stories of past P.F.G. activities were recounted. Thanks to Linda Darbyshire for her presence and encouragement.
May God bless you all.
Jo and Allan Brady St Peter Chanel Parish Co-ordinator