The April meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council was held on Monday 7th in the Community Hall.
The following is a summary of the items discussed.
Minutes of Previous Meeting
Minutes of meeting of 10th March 2025 were read. Proposed by S. Conlon, Seconded by A. Lyons.
Matters arising
- Confirmation – Ceremony had gone very well. There had been some questions as to why there was no Communion. Families had been informed of this. Confirmation is a Sacrament in its own right. Having it on its own puts focus on the Sacrament, although it was acknowledged that older generations would expect Communion. Compliments were paid to Anne Lyons, Eileen Jordan and everyone who helped with refreshments after the ceremony. Compliments were also paid to the choir.
- Church Refurbishment
- The project continues to progress. Cabling was taking time due to thick walls. Refurbishment work on the Stations of the Cross could not proceed as planned. A solution had been found by digitising the existing artwork and it was planned to have these high quality images inserted into the existing frames. Stephen acknowledged the great work completed by Sinead Malee on this part of the project.
- Candles – sample of clear oil for candles had been ordered. Hope use of this will reduce smoke.
- Lighting – A. Phillips and M. Judge had met with Kieran Jennings (electrician) re: lighting. Trying to match against marble and wood.
- Flooring – recommended that carpets should be fitted after sanding and varnishing.
- Funeral Ministry – Nomination forms available in church porch. Closing date is 16th
Safe Guarding
At the most recent Deanery meeting, is was agreed that training should be at a central location. Vulnerable Adults is also emerging as an area for attention.
Holy Week
It was agreed that people involved in weekly cleaning of church would be invited to take part in the washing of feet ceremony on Holy Thursday.
Kevin Henry suggested having the Stations of the Cross ceremony in the Friary on Good Friday, if the refurbished stations were not back. – Agreed by all.
Holy Saturday – holy water bottles were filled. People were needed to assist with lighting of candles. A number of people indicated they would be available.
Faith & Light
Church Gate collection realised €720.
Five members and Fr. Stephen were travelling to Lourdes on Easter Monday.
AOB
- Lyons suggested setting up at group to look after various jobs that needed to be done from time to time, on the lines of the cleaning group set up during Covid.
Next Meeting
12th May at 8:30pm in Community Hall