ack in 1990 Fr Murray was privileged to attend the ‘First European Seminar on Cell Evangelisation.’  It took place in the parish of St Eustorgio in the city of Milan, Italy.  On that first morning of registration for the seminar Fr John was pleased to hear a few Irish accents among the many voices present.  Fr Michael Hurley with some of his parishioners were present and over the next few years Fr Michael was able to develop the idea of the cell or house groups from one to forty, including several young people’s cells. 

The cell meets in a parishioner’s house for one hour every fortnight.  The members (from 8-10 people) sing a few hymns, then read a text of scripture.  After a period of silence they may share on the text or listen to a teaching on it if one is available.  After this they pray for various needs and intentions and if anyone requires personal prayer the others present will offer it.  Sometimes the members will share on how God has used them to witness to their faith that week. 

The whole idea of the cell is that just like the human body’s cells divide, so the parish cell divides when its members become too big.  In this way two cells or house groups are created and so on.  Fr Michael in Ballinteer, Dublin had nearly forty cells but there is a Church in Seoul, South Korea which has 50,000!  Indeed the cell idea is universal – from Seoul to Ballinteer and from Milan to Twinbrook. 

If you are interested in belonging to a cell (house) group and receive this regular prayer and scripture ministry – then contact Fr Murray or one of the Cell leaders in the parish.  You will be most welcome.