The movement known as Parish Cells for Evangelisation was started in the parish of St. Boniface, Florida, by Fr. Mike Eivers. It started in Callan parish in June, 1994.

Small groups of parishioners meet every fortnight in the home of one of them. They sing and pray, read a passage of Scripture and share their reflections on it and on their lives, listen to a recorded talk by their priest and discuss it. Finally they share light refreshments together. They support and help one another in time of need.

They are constantly on the watch for others who might benefit from joining them. They invite them to "come and see", and stay if they think it is for them. In this way their numbers grow. When the number in a group goes over twelve regular members they become two groups, or "multiply" like the cells of the body. In this way the number of "cells" increases, and once more become agents of evangelisation.

There are eight "Parish Cells" in Callan at the moment. They include some members who come regularly from other parishes to take part. Every few months all the cells join together for a celebration. All the cells are ready to give a hearty welcome to any newcomer who would like to join them either permanently or for a few visits.

Each year some members from Callan go to the National Seminar on Parish Cells in Ballinteer, Co. Dublin, or to the European Conference which is held in Milan in June every year.

Mr. Gerry Stuart, Skeaugh, Callan, Co. Kilkenny.