Among the issues discussed at the May meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council:
- Church refurbishment
- Cabling for fire alarms is underway, and Kieran Jennings is installing the cabling for the sound system.
- Stations of the Cross, one sample has been completed, with the remaining thirteen expected this week.
- The next major focus will be the installation of the glass wall under the gallery, with the final components anticipated to be installed shortly.
- The sanding and varnishing of the floors is scheduled to begin in the first week of June. There should not be a need to have Masses in the Community Hall while this work is ongoing as it can be done section by section. Mary Henry confirmed that carpet had been ordered.
- Fr. Stephen acknowledged that some fine tuning will be required for lighting system as well as a final snag list. It is hoped that all work should be completed by the end of June.
- Fr. Stephen also complimented Sacristan Irene and her team for all their work ensuring that the church was always clean for Masses throughout the project.
- Funeral Ministry
A number of nominations had been received so far. Information meeting to be held in Knock in June.
- Holy Week
- Everything had gone well throughout the week even though it took a big effort to get everything ready for Holy Thursday Mass as refurbishment work continued. The Stations of the Cross in the Friary also went very well. The refreshments after Mass on Easter Sunday was well received.
Safeguarding
Maureen. Walsh who delivers training prefers to do training at parish level rather than Deanery, therefore proposed date of 27th May was agreed. The following were to be included in training, I. Nunes, C. Freeley, T. Phillips, J. Kelly and Danielle Neves. S. Conlon will also try to attend.
Year of Hope – Pilgrimages
Fr. Stephen reported that some parishes were arranging local pilgrimages. It was suggested that a walk to Holywell should be considered. Agreed that best time would be September when children returned to school. Would also need to contact landowners.
Report of Sub Groups
- Faith and Light
Julia Kelly reported that a group of six from Ballyhaunis joined the National Faith and Light group in Lourdes after Easter. Everyone had a blessed time, celebrating Mass and enjoying spending time with each other. The highlight for the Ballyhaunis group was seeing one of its members carry the large Faith and Light candle with Fr. Fergal Cunnane which was then lit for the intention of all Faith and Light members and their families in Ireland.
The group also enjoyed a train trip around the town of Lourdes, stopping off at Petite Lourdes, a beautiful model village depicting Lourdes at the time of the apparition.
Saturday 17th May is annual pilgrimage to Knock. The theme this year is A Future Full of Hope. The Ballyhaunis group will be gathering with friends from other Faith and Light communities before taking part in a banner procession to the parish church for Mass at 1pm.
The group are planning to organise an outing over the summer.
News From the Pews
- First Holy Communion – volunteers needed for refreshments after ceremony.
- Corpus Christi – J. Kelly went through check list of tasks to be completed. A number of members of the council agreed to ensure they were completed.
Next Meeting – Monday 23rd June @ 8:30.