Welcome to the Family Centre Castlebar

passing on the faith - how can grandparents play their part

Grandparents can have an incredibly important role to play in handing on the Faith to their grandchildren. They spend valuable time with grandchildren and the relationship is one of outright love and care. Faith is a gift grandparents can give that can last a lifetime. This workshop will attempt to empower grandparents to explore different ways in which they can be "Faithful" to their grandchildren and communicate God's love to them. The event will end with Mass starting at 3.30 p.m.

Date: Friday 12th November

Time: 10.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m

Presenters: Fr. Benny Mc Hale & Catherine Wiley.
Fr. Benny is a well known priest based in Ballyhaunis. His unique and gifted skill of communication is always appreciated by those who attend any of the events or services he provides. Catherine is a native of Castlebar and is the founder of the National Grandparents Pilgrimage to Knock Shrine that has continued to grow in strength since 2007. Last year she founded the Catholic Grandparents Association which has an office base in Westport. She has ten grandchildren herself.

Cost: Free of charge

This is a joint initiative between the Catholic Grandparents Association and the Family Centre. book course


A one day retreat to prepare for Advent

A day to come aside to be with the Advent themes of "hope and waiting" and with some of the Scripture men and women we encounter in the Liturgy of Advent. The day will be reflective with input and prayer.

Date: Saturday December 4th 2010.

Time: 10.30 a.m - 4.00p.m.

Facilitator: Sr. Maura Walsh, R.S.M. Spiritual Director.

Cost: €10

Bring a packed lunch. Tea/Coffee will be provided. book course

Monthly Meditation group

Monthly Meeting Group: This will be offered on the first Tuesday of each month from September. Using audio visual aids, it will include teaching on Meditation / Centering Prayer.

Dates: Sept. 7th, Oct. 5th, (In November we hold an evening of renewal in Árd Bhríde, see next notice below), Dec. 7th.

Time: 7.30p.m. - 8.45p.m.

Facilitator: Maura Flynn R.S.M. Counsellor/Prayer Guide

Cost: free of charge book course


Evening of Renewal "Coming home to self, coming home to God"

This evening of renewal is suitable for anybody who may wish to develop a more personal and intimate relationship with God and thereby nurture their spiritual lives.

Date: Tuesday 2nd November 2010

Time: 7.30 p.m. - 9.30 p.m.

Presenter: Mary Clavin,
R.S.M, Psychotherapist and Vocational Growth Counsellor, Maynooth.

Cost: Donation

Venue: Sister's of Mercy, Árd Bhríde, Lawn Road, Castlebar. book course

The Cry of the Earth

Creation is God's gift to all of us. We all have a responsibility to care for and look after our environment and hand it on to future generations in good condition for the benefit of all of humanity. This programme offers an opportunity to reflect on our response to the challenges of a range of environmental issues and uses the Bishop's Pastoral - "The Cry of the Earth" as a template for this reflection.

Dates: Wednesday 27th October and Tuesday 9th November

Time: 7.30 p.m. - 10.00 p.m each evening

Facilitator: Sr. Maura Walsh RSM.

Cost: Free of Charge book course

Learn to "Be still and know that I am God" - An introduction to meditation

There are many ways to pray. Sometimes we use words but words are often inadequate. We feel we should give to God but He wants to give to us. This is a one day retreat where we learn how to be still and allow God to be God through using the Centering prayer techniques that have been tried and tested.

Date: Saturday 2nd October

Time: 10.30am - 4.00pm.

Facilitator: Maura Flynn, R.S.M. Counsellor and Prayer Guide

Cost: €10 book course

Bring a packed lunch. Tea/Coffee will be provided.