© CBCEW 2015 How to build a welcoming and family-friendly parish Elizabeth Davies, Chris & Vince Joyce

© CBCEW 2015 In this workshop Getting in touch Hallmarks of family-friendly, welcoming parishes Why is family-sensitivity important? ‘Family Groups’ as a parish resource What next?

© CBCEW 2015 Getting in touch Take a moment, in pairs, to think about: An experience of a family-friendly parish or An experience of a family-unfriendly parish Identify 1 thing you look for as a sign of a family- friendly parish…. And share!

© CBCEW 2015 Hallmarks A welcoming, family-friendly parish: Offers understanding, friendship and support Is a source of help in times of need Enables everyone to feel a sense of belonging Nourishes and celebrates families, of whatever size, shape, spirituality or life-stage Recognises itself as a family of families

© CBCEW 2015 This might look like… A parish forum, to keep in touch with families Parish gatherings for having fun together Rescheduling to accommodate family time ‘Match’-making of families with families Liturgies with a family perspective Toddler groups, grandparent groups, couple groups, singles groups, parent groups, family groups etc

© CBCEW 2015 Why? Families tell us that: Family life is tough enough Friendships with others in the parish helps Not everyone feels known, loved and accepted for who they are A supportive parish community is essential for parents’ role in evangelisation

© CBCEW 2015 Parents pass on faith by…. Having a growing faith in God themselves Practising and articulating Christ’s teaching at home Introducing their children to ritual and prayer Brokering their children’s relationship with the wider Christian community

© CBCEW 2015 Family Groups Family Groups are a parish resource that: Offer understanding, friendship and support Are a source of help in times of need Enable everyone to feel a sense of belonging Nourish and celebrate families, of whatever size, shape, spirituality or life-stage Recognise themselves as a family of families

© CBCEW 2015 Family Groups Introductory film What struck you? Ten top tips Any questions? Testimony

© CBCEW 2015 Introducing Family Groups Insert film about Family Groups downloadable from

© CBCEW 2015 Introducing Family Groups In pairs, what struck you? What opportunities can you see? And challenges?

© CBCEW 2015 Ten Top Tips (1) Plan events well in advance Keep events ‘low cost’ so everyone can join in Involve the whole group, including the children Get group members to take the lead in rotation. Organise monthly events, no matter how many can/can’t make it

© CBCEW 2015 Ten Top Tips (2) Plan a House Mass once a year. Try and plan a weekend away Keep in regular contact with group members Contact those who have not been for a while – they may have clashing commitments Consider offering them a transfer to another group (with coordinator agreement)

© CBCEW 2015 Any Questions?

© CBCEW 2015 Testimony

© CBCEW 2015 What next? What will you do next as a result of what you have heard here today? Check out Take a copy of our materials Keep in touch by signing up for our ebulletin Complete the Family Groups follow-up form?