The following is a summary of the items discussed at the November meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council:
Minutes of Previous Meeting
Minutes of meeting held on 20th October 2025 were read by K. Henry. Proposed by, A. Lyons and seconded by Fr. Stephen.
Matters Arising
- Safeguarding – Kelly asked for certificates for attendance at training which was completed on 28th May. At least ten people attended but still waiting on certificates. Fr. Stephen agreed to follow up.
- Building –
- Gates will close at 11pm each night and reopen at 8am each morning from 8th A “sandwich board” has also been made by Paul Donnellan to restrict parking when there is a funeral or a wedding.
- Shed – Cabling for power supply has been put in place. Date for installation of shed is 30th January 2026.
- Sacristy – Dates for laying lino and replacing pressed to be confirmed.
- Webcam – problem still not resolved. Identifying the root cause is proving difficult. Hope to be resolved as soon as possible.
- Sound system – Fr. Stephen to speak with F Higgins regarding sound from the gallery.
- Funeral Ministry
Initial training has been completed. There will be a blessing for all those who completed training at Mass on Saturday 29th November. It is hoped that “ministers” will commence at the first funeral after advent. Initially this will involve attending funeral home with Fr. Stephen to recite/lead prayers. If Fr. Stephen is attending home of deceased, he will check with family first. Fr. Stephen reported that there had been positive feedback from participants who attended training in the community hall and he thanked Anne Lyons and Eileen Jordan for providing refreshments. If the funeral ministry is successful in our parish, it will be extended throughout the diocese.
- JPII Awards
Fr. Stephen had identified H. Waldron to lead this initiative. The consensus was that the participants need something tangible to do, some suggestions included volunteering with the children’s liturgy/Grow In Love programme, helping out with Faith and Light group and in the run up to Christmas assisting Margie Phillips with decorating the church.
Correspondence
- Henry outlined details of education survey from Department of Education and Youth, which is open until 16th December. The survey is for parents/guardians of primary school children and children not yet in primary school. A link to the survey will be sent to all parents/guardians in the next couple of weeks. The survey directs parents towards three choices, these being Irish or English as the medium of instruction, single sex or co-ed schools and religious or non-denominational. It is the wish of the teachers and Board to retain existing status and will be asking parents to reflect this in their response to the survey. Fr. Stephen noted that is was very important that parents participated in the survey as the vocal minority often shout louder that the silent majority.
- Correspondence from Director of Safeguarding regarding upcoming training for Local Safeguarding Representative. Stephen will contact our LSR. He also circulated safeguarding newsletter for 2025. Most consent forms for children’s choirs and servers have now been received.
Review of Remembrance Mass
Mass had gone very well with positive feedback from families of deceased. Brian Flanagan was not available this year therefore had to rely on a CD for music, however numerous people had commented on the selection and its appropriateness for the occasion.
Board of Management Mass – Tribute to Kenneth Dennedy
Preparations are in place. A. Lyons and her team are organising set up of hall and refreshments for after Mass. A presentation will be made to Kenneth on the night.
Congratulations were extended to Kevin Henry on his appointment as Principal.
Christmas & Advent
Family Mass will be at 6pm on Christmas Eve with Vigil Mass at 9pm. Nativity Booklet and treat for children after Mass. It was agreed that there was no need for Santa to appear! Christmas Day Masses will be at 10 and 12. Confessions will be in Scoil Iosa on 10th December. In response to a question about whether Margie Phillips had enough help for decorating church, Fr. Stephen said he would follow up with Catriona Murphy as it was agreed this would be an ideal project for JPII.
Report of Sub Groups
Faith & Light Fiesta took place on Sunday 23rd November. There was a simple ceremony of remembrance, remembering in particular Annette and also a focus on Guardian Angels. It is planned to go to Dunmore for their Fiesta which is due to be held on 13th December. Fr. Stephen complimented everyone involved for their hard work and dedication. In response to a question from S. Conlon, A. Lyons explained that funding of the group comes from church gate collection and contribution from County Council, via Alma Gallagher.
AOB
Fr. Stephen shared a copy of a free booklet/journal which is circulated by the Dominicans. It contained some interesting articles, and a limited number of copies are available in the porch.
It was noted recently at a gathering of priests that the number of weekly collection boxes are diminishing as older parishioners pass away. In some parishes when parents are signing up for communion/confirmation they are asked for the number of their collection box, this sometimes acts as a trigger for parents to commence making weekly contributions to the parish.
Date of next meeting – 12th January at 8:30 pm.