First Communion Visitation Group 2011

The Visitation Team   -        Newbridge Parish             2007 – 2011

The visitation team was set up in Newbridge Parish four years ago. Looking back over those years we are reminded of the origin and progress of the visitation ministry.  ‘Go out into whole world and proclaim the Good News’

Every year in Newbridge parish, parents attend various meetings in preparation for the sacraments of First Communion and First Penance, but because of the large numbers it is difficult for some of them to connect with the faith community, or to experience any sense of belonging to the parish. When working with First Communion children Sr. Eileen and some of her colleagues became aware of the need to reach out more to parents, and give them the support and help they needed, in preparing their children for the sacraments.  The idea of setting up a visitation team – lay people visiting the homes was reflected on and discussed with some parish groups. The idea though challenging was gradually becoming a reality.   Small steps were being taken to launch out into the unknown and begin a new ministry.

 The new initiative received great support from Fr. Joe our parish priest, and from the lay people who gradually became involved in the visitation programme. To begin with, people who were already involved in parish ministry were invited to join the group. Training sessions were set up by Julie Kavanagh from the Diocesan Faith Development Service. These sessions included looking at our hopes and fears, exploring benefits to families and the visitation team, listening skills, prayer and group support.

In October 2007 the new team of 16 lay people (going out in pairs) began visiting a small number of families.  Having completed the visits an evaluation took place. Both families and the visitation team felt this new venture had great possibilities and so a new ministry was born.

Today over 30 people are members of the visitation team. Even though the number of children receiving First Communion in our parish has increased, each year we are blessed with new members who are prepared to get involved in the home visits. Last year over 340 children received First Communion in our Parish, and almost all families living in the Parish were visited.

 The work of the visitation team is now seen as part of the First Communion Programme. Each year when the First Communion Programme is launched a member of the visitation team speaks to the parents and informs them about the visits. The visitation team is familiar with the Parish Communion Programme, and the information, support and encouragement they give to parents is really appreciated.

 As part of the Do This In Memory Programme all families are encouraged to have a prayer space in their homes. When visiting the homes, the team bring with them gifts of a rosary beads, holy water and a prayer book to each child, which is added to their prayer space.

Since this ministry began four years ago, the team has been made very welcome by the families. Searching for houses on cold winter nights, going into the unknown,and making contact with new families is challenging  but rewarding.  The commitment and enthusiasm of the visitation team, their faith, loyalty to parish and willingness to reach out to others has enabled this ministry to take root and become a reality in Newbridge Parish.

 January 2011  Sr. Eileen and visitation team