PRESS RELEASE
7 APRIL 2004
CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF SEMINAR
TO CELEBRATE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UN YEAR OF THE FAMILY
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
