The Chairman of the Catholic Bishop’s Committee for the Family and Children, the Most Reverend Christopher Jones DD, Bishop of Elphin (Sligo), today announced celebration plans to mark the 10th anniversary of the UN Year of the Family. Bishop Jones said, “In 2004 we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the UN Year of the Family. In consultation with our priests and laity, the Bishops’ committee has developed various initiatives to celebrate this special family year in a number of ways. We have invited parishes at local level to celebrate marriage and family life liturgically and socially on Sunday May 9th on the theme of marriage and Sunday May 16th on the theme of the family. “A seminar will be held on May 3rd on the theme – “Supporting Marriage and Family Life”. The purpose of the seminar is to present the Church’s understanding of marriage as found in Scripture. The various speakers will analyze the significance of, and challenges to, modern family life in Irish society. This debate is important and timely.” Ends Further information: Director of Communications Martin Long 086 172 7678 Communications Officer Brenda Drumm 087 233 7797 NOTES TO EDITORS: * Details of the Seminar Supporting Marriage and Family Life are included below * A photograph of Bishop Jones is available on request from the Catholic Communications Office "SUPPORTING MARRIAGE AND FAMILY LIFE" IRISH BISHOPS' CONFERENCE SEMINAR in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the UN INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE FAMILY Time & date: 10:30 am on Monday 3rd May 2004 Venue: The Georgian Suite, Buswell’s Hotel, Dublin. 10:30 am Welcome and introductory remarks: Martin Long, Director Catholic Communications Office 10:35 am Chairman and background to the seminar Bishop Christy Jones, Elphin 10:45 am Keynote speaker Archbishop Seán Brady, Primate of All-Ireland and President of the Irish Bishops’ Conference 11:05 am "Children and the Family" Ms Breda O’Brien 11:25 am "Accord – life long support for marriage" Mr Stephen Cummins, Accord 11:45 pm "Government policy – a help or a hindrance to family life?" Mr Colm Rapple, journalist 12:05 pm "The experience of Ireland as a host country for families" Ms Arlene Diaz SRN, originally from the Philippines now nursing in Ireland 12:25 pm Chairman’s summary and concluding remarks Bishop Christy Jones 12:45 - 1pm Questions from the floor Martin Long |