On the weekend of 2-3 May Aileen and Murray Straight,   Mary-Ellen and John Leen went over to the St Mary’s parish of Hokitika to launch Passionist Family Groups.

Maria Lockington, who is the Parish Coordinator, had been part of a Passionist Family Groups when she was a young girl in Cambridge and wanted her fellow parishioners to experience what she had enjoyed.

Two groups were set up and there was enthusiasm and warmth amongst those present. Father Jolly spoke in his homily about being part of the ‘Family of God’ and how we are called to love one another. Being part of a Passionist Family Group helps people within a parish community to do this, to have fun and share the good and not so good times with each other.

We enjoyed meeting the parishioners at the morning tea following Mass. A cake to mark the establishment of Passionist Family was shared. All of the baking was homemade and yummy.

We are confident that Passionist Family groups will continue to thrive along with the parish.The Launch Team at Jacksons