Mags GarganThe Parish Cells National Seminar hosted in St John the Evangelist Parish, Ballinteer, while celebrating 25 years of parish cells in Ireland, had as its theme ‘A Vision for Parish Community – how a cell community can contribute to parish life”. In 1990 Fr Michael Hurley and three parishioners from Ballinteer attended an international seminar on Parish Cells in Italy. This was the catalyst for Parish Cells in Ireland and today there are cells in over 40 parishes around the country. The four pioneers were present at the seminar and each shared his/her own personal story of how participating in parish cells had such a positive impact on their lives.
In keeping with the theme, delegates shared stories on how parish cells are reaching out to the wider parish through involvement in choirs, youth retreats, youth groups, programmmes for sacramental preparation and prayer ministry. Micky Harte, the Tyrone football manager, was guest speaker and spoke about the value and place of faith in his personal life.
For further information on Parish Cells log on to www.parishcellsireland.net or email: parishcellsireland@gmail.com