Baking, Bowling and a Busy First Year for St Bernadette's Family Groups

Chris Robertson reflects on the packed first year of Family Groups in St Bernadette's parish, Scunthorpe

"I cannot believe that it is a year since Fr Peter McGrath and Gwen Winterscheidt first visited and helped us to set up Family Groups in our Parish. Now, one year on, the Parish has four groups which are still in the “forming” stage of development.  Over the year several groups have gathered for a chat and refreshments before/after Mass. Some have met in members' homes for games nights/quizzes and nibbles and most groups have been bowling. Following a suggestion from the children, one group embarked upon a baking session in the parish centre.  We have also hosted an Easter egg hunt; picnics in the park and several groups have organised House Masses. One group put on a trip to the National Trust's Nostell Priory and Parkland where everyone enjoyed a picnic in the courtyard and a walk in the grounds, as well a tour of the house with its paintings and Chippendale furniture and rounded off the day with an ice cream.

I have gate crashed a few groups events to see how they are getting on. In every one that I have been to the atmosphere has been brilliant. The adults, children and young people have got on well and really enjoyed themselves. However, I know that every group has its challenges and we keep praying that more people will join us for the events we plan and organise. When Father Peter and Gwen visited us in October, the shared table evening was a huge success - thank you to all those who came and brought goodies. Thanks also goes out to our own Father Peter (his savouries were delicious) and Harry for their support. The team building that was carried out that evening was superb."

If you are interested in joining one of St Bernadette's Family Groups or would like more information please call the main parish telephone number: 01724 844895 for the parish coordinators' contact details.

If your parish has any Family Groups news, details of upcoming events, reports or pictures that you would like to share with other Family Groups on this Blog please contact the MFL Project Office