The October meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council took place on Monday 21st Oct – this is a summary of the items discussed:
Matters arising:
- Thomas Kenny appointed as Resource Person for Secondary School Religion Teachers.
- Fr Stephen spoke about progress on the planned Church refurbishment project. He has consulted widely with various parishioners who are involved in the construction industry. Having listened to the advice and considered various options, it has been decided to carry out the necessary works on a phased basis. The first phase will cover painting, rewiring and electronics to automate the entrance doors. A suitable painting contractor has been identified and he has given a competitive quotation. A final decision has yet to be made on whether the ceiling of the church will be painted a bright colour. The PPC had previously reached a consensus that it should be painted a brighter colour. However, since then a number of factors have had to be considered; namely the cost and the difficulty of working at that height without scaffolding. Both the electrical contractor and painter are of the opinion that the works can be carried out without having to close the church completely, but if it’s decided to paint the ceiling, the church may have to close completely for two weeks. A local electrical contractor has been recommended and has expressed interest in the job. He will visit Tuam Cathedral and Dunmore church with Fr. Stephen in the coming days to view a modern mood lighting system that was installed there in recent years. The electrical contractor will provide spec and quotation for works thereafter. Plan for middle of January start and it is intended that the Church will be open each day for daily Mass, and will then close after Mass. Funerals will be accommodated, if and when they arise during works. Phase 2 will look at sanding of floors, removal of some of the confessional boxes etc. Fr. Stephen thanked all the local contractors and tradesmen for their support and direction.
- Grow in Love Mass for children preparing for First Holy Communion was well-attended. Children’s Liturgy also has increased attendance. Ruth Murphy and Miriam Judge are working hard to achieve this.
Funeral Ministry : Meeting of Parish Deanery this week to discuss funeral ministry. A course on lay ministry of 2/3 weeks should be sufficient. Working well in Claremorris Parish. Fr. Stephen would like to organise a group of 8 lay people to carry out funeral ministry, and several parishioners have already agreed to be part of this ministry.
Christmas Shoe Box Appeal: It was agreed that for this year we would try and keep this focus local. Fr. Stephen will check with local branch of St Vincent De Paul to see if they would like shoe boxes or if the children could bring in toys that could be sold in the newly opened SVDP shop on Bridge St.
Safeguarding: No issues at the moment. Consent forms for children’s choir and altar servers to be updated.
November Mass of Remembrance: Saturday 23rd November has been fixed as the date for the annual Remembrance Mass.
Feedback from Diocesan PPC Training night: Kevin Henry & Mary Henry attended and were very happy that all is being done correctly in our Parish Pastoral Council. Emphasis is that the objectives of the Pastoral Council are spiritual as well as practical and that that this requires a variety of gifts and talents to be identified from within the parish community. Defined as follows: The primary task of any PPC is to enable parishioners to fulfil their baptismal calling of building up the kingdom of God in their local community.
JP2 Awards: Tomás Kenny and Caroline Burns to co-ordinate the JP2 Awards. 5th Years from Parish will be approached.
AOB: Faith and Light. Julia Kelly attended National Day in Moate on 19th October. Some members attended from the Western region. Fr Fergal Cunnane, the national chaplain, celebrated Mass and members dramatized the gospel story. 10th November booked for 1st Fiesta for this season in Clare Court. Members are invited to Christmas party with Dunmore on 15th December
Next PPC meeting: 18th November