International Family Group Day

International Family Groups Day at Terrey Hills by Joe Tessoriero

On a bright and fresh Sunday morning the parishioners of Terry Hills celebrated International Family Groups Day in some traditional and novel ways.  Mary Ingham welcomed all present and asked those who were in a family group to be up-standing. What a heart-warming feeling, to be joined with about 90% of the nearly-full church, standing as one large, extended family group as Mass was about to begin.

Traditional family group songs with messages of ‘welcoming all’ and to ‘love one another’ stirred the congregation to raise their voices and celebrate a wonderful movement that has been adopted on three continents.

A delicious Family Group Anniversary cake, decorated with the words ‘Congratulations Family Groups’ atop the  icing, and symbolically  framed  with walnuts, was shared by the many who stayed for a catch up after mass. Also, special thanks to the Carroll – Munro Family Group who hosted the morning tea with a variety of sweet sensations to share.

Thank you to everyone for supporting the annual cake stall. The money raised helps the ongoing work of the Family Group office. 

After nearly 40 years of Family Groups at Terrey Hills the rich and lasting friendships and care for one another was apparent for all to see.  There were a countless number of shared stories of people who had gathered to acknowledge the many blessings that family groups have brought into their lives.