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July 19, 2020
Abu Dhabi.
With lockdowns and quarantines having taken a grip during this period and the resultant shutdown of places of worship, the AVOSA Family Minsitry teams nevertheless still managed to keep the momentum going through "the pandemic way of doing things" via the virtual community through online courses, meetings, webinars, praise and worship and so on.
The AVOSA Family Ministry General Body conducted their 22nd quarterly meeting online via the Zoom Application on 04 July. The team bid a fond farewell to the outgoing FM Director Fr. Arul J. Edward, and warmly welcomed new FM Director Fr. Peter Fernando.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Abu Dhabi conducted the online Marriage Preparation Course from 28 June to 04 July for 32 participants. Clear co-ordination and commitment of the resource persons, ensured the success of the online course and all 32 participants were deemed eligible for the course certificate.
An interactive online seminar conducted by St. Francis of Assisi Jebel Ali was hosted in the month of June. Titled 'Managing Work-Related Stress and Living Through Uncertain Times', the webinar was well participated with 50-plus attendees. Positive feedback received has given encouragement to the team to plan for further such seminars in the coming months.
Counselling and Support was offered to many parishioners across the vicariate and the FM members went out of their way to listen to the people’s cry and pain and provide much needed spiritual and psychological support.
Parish FM Teams across the vicariate also actively supported their parish relief efforts in providing material assistance by way of dry rations and financial assistance to those affected by this crisis.
Our Pope’s Prayer Intention for July that families may be accompanied by love, respect and guidance is being promoted across the vicariate.
The Lay Organizations affiliated to the AVOSA Family Ministry – Marriage Encounter (ME), Couples for Christ (CFC), Missionary Families of Christ (MFC), Jesus Youth (JY) Family have also kept their members busy and active during this crisis, making every effort to ensure that homes remain domestic churches of love and prayer. Additionally, members also participated in their parish programmes in packing and distribution of grocery packs to help those who had lost their jobs and undergoing financial strain.
Marriage Encounter (ME)
Online programmes conducted by the ME Team:-
A two day Micro Skill Counselling Course by Fr. Peter Fernando.
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Modern Warfare – programme to help children overcome daily challenges by Fr. Arul.
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Faith Moves Mountains - programme to help families get through difficult times.
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Global Virtual Event led by the World Wide Marriage Encounter for all couples.
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The Amazing Grace Talent Contest for families.
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A Quiz Time for families.
The monthly Love Circle Meetings continued online in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman. The Online Rosary with Dialogue sharing continued to be conducted on the first Saturday of every month.
Couples for Christ (CFC)- Most CFC activities took place online - the regular household prayer meetings, formation teachings etc.
- The CFC UAE Mission Core Online Prayer Assembly and Teaching took place for 160 couples serving in the CFC on 03 July.
- The CFC Virtual Area Prayer Assembly, titled 'Leap for Joy' took place on 04 July.
Missionary Families of Christ (MFC)
The Missionary Families of Christ (MFC) had also continued with their usual activities online for their couples, singles, youth and kids through their General and Area Assemblies, Workshops, Bible Study and Constant Rosary.
Jesus Youth (JY) Family
The JY Family teams gathered online every week in small groups for sessions consisting of prayers, talks etc. Talks were given on the spiritual and medical perspectives on Covid-19. Monthly online gatherings for teens was conducted online with talks by psychologists on emotional and mental well-being. Activities involving the kids were also conducted..
An online summer camp for kids is in the pipeline and will be rolled out to the JY families.
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