The most recent meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council was held on 19th March in the Community Hall.
The minutes of the February meeting were read, proposed and seconded.
Among the issues for discussion on the evening were:
- Deanery meeting had been postponed to 23rd April.
- Funeral Ministry – Bishop has spoken to priests and Council of Priests. Feedback is presently being sought from parishes via the Council of Priests re: what parishes have teams already in place and asking parishes if they would like to avail of training for new Funeral Ministry teams.
- Diocesan Pastoral Council – “Conversations in the Spirit.” This approach was used by delegates at the October 2023 Synodal Assembly and is being encouraged within the entire Church in the lead up to the 2024 Assembly as a way of identifying differences and similarities and listening to one another and together for what The Spirit is calling for from the Church.
- Correspondence: Invitation from Ballyhaunis Community Council to Biodiversity Action Plan Launch on Friday 22nd
- Safeguarding: There is software available to manage renewals. Kevin Henry noted that once a person is registered, they can complete renewal online. It was noted also that it is not sufficient for Fr. Stephen and Sacristan to be present with servers before Mass, one of the parents need to be present also.
- Church Refurbishment: It was agreed that a definitive list of all the things that need to be done should be drawn up and seek approval/consensus of the council. There was general agreement that this project needs to be moved on without further delay.
- Easter Preparations: Washing of feet –six members of the Adoration group as well as another six contacted by A. Phillips agreed to take part in the Washing of Feet ceremony. Other arrangements regarding music, readers etc for other ceremonies were in place. Children’s liturgy to take place at Easter Sunday Mass at 10 o’clock. Refreshments to be served in the Community Hall after 10 o’clock Mass.
Reports of Sub Groups:
Faith and Light: The group had their Fiesta on 18th February in Clare Court. Focus was on Lent and St. Valentine and giving, prayer and fasting. Next gathering is planned for 7 th April, and it was hoped that Dunmore would join. Church gate collection had raised €770.
Children’s Liturgy: It has been very successful, and it was suggested that perhaps we could get more parents involved. It was also suggested that children could be brought up to the altar before returning to their parents and that Fr. Stephen could mention the work they had done or the theme of the day.
PPC newsletter had been printed in January. Fr. Stephen to get it added to the website. The work and attention to detail that Willie Ryan puts into preparing the newsletter was noted by all.
Date of next meeting 8:30pm on Monday 22nd April