The parish of St Charles Boromeo was introduced to Family Life ministry a mere three months ago when six of its members attended the training on the formation of Family Life Units (FLU) in the parishes. Today that group has grown from six to sixteen, which includes five couples.

Preparation of the celebration of the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne began at the start of the month of July. On the weekend of July 19, flyers were distributed that gave an overview of FLU and invited couples to register to renew their marriage vows.

Because we felt that if we celebrated on the actual feast day, July 26 - a Wednesday, we would not have the participation we craved, we approached our parish priest to celebrate on the morning of Sunday, July 23.

This was such a joyous occasion that everyone in our parish wanted to be involved.

When couples arrived that morning they were ushered to specially reserved seats by our Hospitality team. The Sunday morning choir excelled in their mediation song led by Fr Reggie – Wherever you Go.

Fr Reggie, after explaining the significance of the feast and that St Joachim and St Anne, the parents of our Blessed Virgin Mother were chosen by the Church as patron saints for marriages), had 44 couples holding hands and looking into each others eyes, renewing their marriage vows and praying for graces required to create and maintain a great Catholic marriage.

Theresa Jospeh presents a gift to Bronson and Sylvia Merritt - the longest maried couple at the celebration

At the gala breakfast that followed at the newly built parish centre, specially decorated for the occasion by a FLU team led by Theresa Joseph, FLU member Janice George came into her own as emcee as the 44 couples sat together to be treated to breakfast supplied by members of the FLU and various ministries of the parish, such as 55PLUS and St Vincent de Paul.

The real treat though was the entertainment provided by the 55PLUS Romantic choir, which took us back in time, and the jokes provided by stand up comedian (he stood up to give his jokes) FLU member Charles Andrews and none other than our beloved Fr Reggie himself.

After breakfast, a gift was presented to the longest married couple, Bronson and Sylvia Merritt who have been married for 45 years with congratulations being offered all round.

Then came the moment when everyone was feeling around the underside of their chairs, thinking that they were in for a prize. They were in for a surprise.

Under ten chairs were taped questions pertaining to marriage which the persons seated thereon were asked to answer. Questions ranged from “What is the secret ingredient of a good marriage?” to “What makes a man want to commit to marriage?”

By coincidence, one couple both got questions and their shared contributions proved to be very touching. The wife answered the question: “What qualities do you most admire in your spouse?” and the husband answered: “What changes has marriage wrought in your life?”

Patsy Jack gave each couple a laminated copy of a prayer for married couples which she had created especially for the occasion, Nicole Ashby Remy leader of the FLU extended greetings while Terrance Caesar invited all present to join the FLU.

Vera Allen encouraged everyone to become active in the parish and Barbara Wafe graciously closed off proceedings with a vote of thanks.
St Charles parish had spent a very worthwhile and enjoyable morning.

The celebration of the feast of Ss Joachim and Ann in the archdiocese