Passionist Family Group 1

The Higgs Family Group was formed when the Passionist Family Group was first established in the Parish of St Bernard’s in August 1992.  It was one of the eight original groups.

It is still an active group today although some of the faces have changed.  We have ten family units representing fifteen adults of which 10 are female.

We are a social group that meets on the fourth weekend of the month.  Invitations are sent out the two weeks prior.

We meet in a variety of places and share the organizing so that it doesn’t fall to one family.  In January, an annual calendar is prepared indicating the planned monthly dates and the family unit responsible for organising the event.

It is not about going places but more about catching up for a chat.  Most events are held in the afternoon due to people feeling more comfortable going out during daylight hours.  We have cuppas at various coffee shops around Geelong, afternoon tea in the Botanic Gardens, occasional walks for the more mobile, attendance at exhibitions in Geelong, meals at restaurants and at the homes of family group members and supporting parish functions including the St Bernard’s Day lunch and the school fete.

When we have a function not everyone can always attend.  We found that on average more than half the members come to an event, but not always the same ones.

We have one family who are the group’s contact point and who maintain the records, another member who makes reminder calls each month to those responsible for that month’s activity, other members provide transportation or support as needed or just drop in to say hello. 

The Family Groups’ aim to foster a community of Spirit in the Parish is in line with St Bernard’s being a welcoming Parish.

If you are interested in the possibility of a new group or joining an existing Passionist Family group please contact the Parish Office:  52432739 or belmont@cam.org.au

Passionist Family Group 2

The Ryan Family Passionist Family Group has been part of St Bernard’s for many years, beginning when most of our families had young children. Those early gatherings were full of fun, friendship, and the joy of watching our children grow together. Now that they’re adults with lives of their own, our group has naturally evolved into a warm circle of older families who still treasure the friendships formed long ago.

We meet once each school term, usually for a relaxed meal, and two families take turns organising each gathering. With ten families and one single member, our group continues to reflect the heart of the Passionist Family Group Movement: creating an extended family within the parish where people feel welcomed, supported, and included.

The movement welcomes everyone, single, married, with children or without, anyone who would like to belong to an extended parish family.

If you are interested in the possibility of a new group or joining an existing Passionist Family group please contact the Parish Office:  52432739 or belmont@cam.org.au