At the 10th March meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council, among the items discussed were:
Confirmation taking place this Thursday 13th March. Preparation for the Confirmation went well, with the help of parents & volunteers who delivered the “You Shall Be My Witness” programme, and the candidates attended a Retreat in Knock on 14th February. Scoil Iosa Children’s Choir will be supported by Secondary school pupils to provide the music & singing at the Confirmation ceremony. Confirmation will be celebrated as an individual sacrament and commences at 12 noon. A group photo will be taken of those confirmed with Archbishop Duffy. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the Community Hall. A total of 40 candidates were confirmed this year, down from 67 two years ago.
Church Refurbishment is progressing. Fr Stephen thanked Kieran Jennings for allowing preparation for Confirmation to go ahead in the Church during work in progress. The Stations of the Cross are undergoing restoration. The removal of Confessionals has commenced. The Crucifix at the rear of the Church has been relocated in the alcove previously occupied by one of the Confessional boxes. Additional power sockets will be fitted into the alcoves, and the use of oil candles will be phased out and replaced with smokeless wax candles. Fr.Stephen got in touch with Sven Haverman of ATU Connemara, who will construct flooring similar to existing Church flooring where discrepancies occur.
Sound system – Fintan Higgins of Tuam is charged with installing a new sound system. He suggested replacing the current system which is 50 years old. All present at the meeting agreed that this would be a very good and worthwhile investment.
Miriam Judge updated the meeting in regard to a carpet selection for the sanctuary. Carpet samples are currently being perused, and costs have yet to be confirmed.
Correspondence: Letter received from Archbishop Duffy in relation to funeral ministry. Claremorris and Dunmore Deanery are being piloted. A brochure will be issued in early April outlining what is involved. The brochure will include a nomination form to suggest suitable nominees. An Information evening will follow in June for all nominated. Training is scheduled to take place in Autumn. After training, new members will shadow the priest for some time. The Arcbbishop’s letter also requests consultation with Parish Council to determine if a funeral ministry should be set up in our Parish. All agreed to this proposal and Fr. Stephen will revert by 31st March to confirm same to the Archbishop.
Safeguarding and Training
Annual review is currently being carried out and it has been highlighted that there is a number of people who need to complete training in safeguarding to bring records up to date.
Lent/Holy Week/ Easter Ceremonies
Holy Water Bottles have been prepared by students from BCS.
Washing of Feet candidates have to be selected.
AOB
Faith and Light – Church gate collection 15th and 16th March.
Way of the Cross on the Streets article from the Far East Magazine – Alternative to doing stations in the Church.
Fr. Stephen informed the meeting that the Defibrillator situated in the Church carpark was vandalised over the weekend. CCTV footage is not to be relied upon in this instance.
Fr. Stephen also advised that the person who dropped off a big box of videos in the Church porch has been captured on CCTV and is under investigation by the local Gardai.
Next meeting 7th April @ 8.30 pm