Jordanstown couple facilitate Marriage Council retreat

Tuesday May 10th 2016

Alison Campbell-Smyth, Dean Arthur Barrett (Chair of the Church of Ireland Marriage Council), and the Rev Jonny Campbell-Smyth at the retreat.

The Rev Jonny Campbell-Smyth and his wife Alison from St Patrick’s, Jordanstown, were this year’s facilitators at a retreat organised by the Church of Ireland Marriage Council.

Every two years the Council organises a retreat for clergy and their spouses. Supported by the House of Bishops, the retreat gives couples the opportunity to have a break away from the busyness of parish life and to be refreshed and strengthened in their relationships.

Dioceses rotate every two years in order that clergy couples across Ireland can benefit from the retreat.

This year’s retreat was held in May in Sligo. Jonny, curate in Jordanstown, and Alison have been associated with the charity, Care for the Family for 20 years and have a desire to equip the local church, supporting all aspects of family life.

Participants in the Church of Ireland Marriage Council retreat held in Sligo in May. Facilitators the Rev Jonny Campbell-Smyth and his wife Alison, are on the right.

The theme for the weekend was ‘Let’s stick together,’ looking at ways for couples to enrich their married life through the good and difficult times.

For more information on the role of the Marriage Council, their website is www.towardsmarriageireland.com