The most recent meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council was held on 20th October. Among the items discussed were:
Building:
Foundation has been laid for the Steeltech shed in the church grounds for storage purposes. Electrician will run cable from toilets to front gates of church carpark to automate the gates. The gates will be open at 8am each morning and will close at 10.30pm.
Lino and carpet ordered for Sacristy, all free standing and existing fitted presses to be removed and refitted with new presses by Gurteen Kitchens.
Sound check has been carried out and volume is improved in the church. Monitor for individual singers has been purchased, all to improve the sound.
Funeral Ministry
Funeral Ministry preparation commenced earlier this month in Ballyhaunis Community Hall with 49 people in attendance. Monica Morley from Knock Shrine spoke about grief, sensitivity and pastoral care the first meeting, while Mary Connelly, BA in Liturgical Studies, spoke about becoming more familiar with the liturgical rites around funerals. Members of the PPC are providing tea / coffee for the training nights. Two further training sessions will be held next month.
Correspondence
Letter received from Archbishop Francis Duffy was read out, regarding the celebration of 50 Years of Service by our school’s Boards of Management. The Archbishop requested that each parish organise a celebration to honour and thank all current and past board members. It has been agreed that this celebration will be held in conjunction with the upcoming retirement of Kenneth Dennedy, Principal of Scoil Iosa primary school. A 7.30pm Mass and tea afterwards in Community Hall on Friday 28th November has been set for this occasion. A sub-committee of the PPC has been set up to organise same.
John Paul 2 Programme
Fr. Stephen handed out an information leaflet outlining what the awards are about, and a discussion was held in relation to reintroducing the awards in Ballyhaunis Community School.
Safeguarding
Parental consent forms to be updated annually by parents of all Servers and Children’s Church Choir. Forms will be distributed via school and can also be downloaded by parents via Archdiocese of Tuam website. Fr Stephen confirmed that he is happy to be contacted before Mass if a child is not able to serve.
November Remembrance Mass
The annual Remembrance Mass will take place on Saturday evening November 22nd. Blessing of Plot afterwards in the Church grounds.
Subgroup Reports
Children’s Liturgy
Miriam Judge outlined that the Children’s Liturgy will be held on the opposite Sundays to the Grow in Love programme. Some very young (pre-school) children attended the last children’s liturgy. Miriam confirmed that a note goes home with the children on the Friday prior to the children’s liturgy Mass.
Faith & Light
Anne Lyons informed the meeting that 5 representatives from the local Faith & Light attended the national Faith & Light Event held in Moate on 13th October last. Local Fiesta will be held next Sunday for Halloween and Dunmore have been invited also. Another fiesta will be held in November.
AOB
SVDP shoe boxes will be organised via the national school. Kevin Henry and Evanne Webb are setting out a letter itemising acceptable items. This will also be circulated locally if anyone is interested in donating to same.
Date for next meeting: 24th November at 8.30pm