These were the items discussed at the PPC meeting on 12th January 2026:
Minutes of Previous Meeting : Minutes of meeting held on 24th November 2025 were read by Kevin Henry. Proposed by J. Kelly and seconded by E. Donnellan.
Matters Arising
- Safeguarding – Stephen noted that certificates for training completed in 2025 had been received. Miriam and Julia had not received theirs. They may have been misfiled, A. Lyons to check file. Fr. Stephen suggested that we need to get Maureen Walsh to provide training, particularly for parents of Mass servers. There needs to be somebody in addition to the sacristan present at all Masses where servers are present. Siobhan Conlon suggested adding a parent to the roster of servers. It was agreed that this should be put in place. Kevin Henry said that once a date for training has been arranged, notification could be sent from the school.
- Building –
- Gates are working well, unfortunately the sensor has been hit twice. Sandwich board will be updated with notice regarding reserved parking for funerals and weddings. A number of parishioners had mentioned that there was a lack of parking the previous Saturday evening due to a function in the Community Hall. Fr. Stephen said that the hall committee had been asked to flag such functions so that parking can be reserved for Mass goers.
- Shed – Cabling for power supply has been put in place. Date for installation of shed is 30th January 2026.
- Sacristy – Once shed is complete, this work can commence.
- Webcam – issue seems to have resolved, may have something to do with the age of devices being used to view the Masses. Stephen mentioned lovely letter of thanks received from Nuala Caulfield (originally from Carrowkeel) who lives in the US and tunes in regularly.
- Sound system – working well.
- Funeral Ministry
Only one funeral since Advent. W. Broderick assisted with prayers in the home of the deceased. Next stage of training will take place between Easter and Summer.
- JPII
Up and running. Two boys and four girls involved. Fr. Stephen had been in touch with Anna Byrne regarding involving the participants in an Eco congregation. She had been very receptive to the idea and promised to send further information and agreed to visit group once project is started.
Correspondence
- Henry read an email received from a parishioner who wished to remain anonymous. The gist of the email was that living of the parish should be included in a weekly Mass. Fr. Stephen confirmed that parishes are obliged to remember the people of the parish .It’s called a ‘Missa pro Populo’ The 12pm Mass on Sunday used to be the MPP. We hadn’t replaced it since dropping the 12pm Mass. It was agreed that Monday would be appropriate. Masses on Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday mornings and Saturday evenings would be for deceased parishioners.
- A second piece of correspondence related to “Baptised & Sent”. This was a preparatory document for the October 2025 pre-synodal assembly in Kilkenny. This document arose out of the ‘Conversations in the Spirit’ and listening that had taken place throughout the dioceses of Ireland during the past year. This Lent, parishes and schools are invited to use this resource. The resource offers a weekly structure for prayer, Gospel reflection and conversation for each Sunday of Lent. These Lenten resources support the ongoing synodal journey of the Catholic Church in Ireland, helping communities prepare spiritually and pastorally for the National Assembly in 2026.
Safeguarding
See matters arising.
Review of Christmas Ceremonies
All Masses were well attended. Query had been raised as to whether a 12 o’clock Mass on Christmas Day was necessary. Fr. Stephen felt it was, and that it was tradition for many families to come to this Mass. The Family Mass on Christmas Eve was hugely popular. Books were handed out to children after the Masses and went down really well with the children.
There had been positive feedback about the crib and the overall appearance of the church, with many people outside the parish coming to visit. The tremendous work completed by Margie Phillips, Geraldine O’Dwyer and the team was noted, as well as the beautiful mini cribs created by the children of Scoil Iosa.
Teams of servers worked very well.
Julia Kelly commented that there was a lovely atmosphere at the confessional service.
Reports
Faith and Light – Ballyhaunis Group attended Dunmore fiesta on 13th December. Fr. Fergal told the Christmas story. Attendees given figures for the crib which they put in place as the story progressed. Santa also made an appearance. It was noted that he bore a resemblance to Fr. Stephen!
Next fiesta is due on 15th February in Ballyhaunis. Dunmore have been invited. Western Region meeting will take place in Dunmore at end of January.
AOB/News from the Pews
- Parishioner had mentioned to Julia that the confessionals do not have a ceiling, therefore are not very private. Stephen noted that there was never a ceiling on them.
- Fr. Stephen expressed some disappointment with the drafts caused by the automatic doors.
- Colour for exterior door is being selected.
- Leak – there is a leak in the corner at back of church. Need to get to the bottom of it. A number of suggestions were made in this regard.
- Anne Lyons mentioned that she had attended Children’s Christmas in Renmore. During Advent, a crib goes to different housed in the parish. The last family to host the crib have the honour of bringing the Baby Jesus to the altar on Christmas Eve. Anne suggested this might be a nice idea for next Christmas.
- Kristina spoke about a Croatian tradition, for Secret Santa people say a prayer every day of advent for the person they select.
- Fr. Stephen commented that the annual nativity play in Scoil Iosa is a fantastic lesson in catechism and it was missed this year. Kevin Henry confirmed that it would take place next Christmas, other things took precedence this year, particularly Kenneth Dennedy’s retirement.
- Kevin Henry congratulated Gilmar on recently becoming an Irish citizen. Warm congratulations were expressed by all present.
Date of Next Meeting: 16th February at 8:30pm.