The September meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council took place on the 14th September 2026 and the following is a summary of the meeting:
Present: Fr. S. Farragher, K. Henry, M. Henry, M. Ryan, G. Neves, R. Murphy, K. Vuckovic, E. Donnellan, M. Monaghan, M. Judge, A. Phillips, J. Flynn (LSR)
Apologies: G. Smith, S. Conlon, E. Jordan, I. Nunes, J. Kelly, A. Lyons
Opening Prayer selected by Fr. Stephen was recited by all.
Minutes of Previous Meeting
Proposed by: M. Monaghan
Seconded by: R. Murphy
Matters Arising
- Sacristy has been painted and new carpets laid. Carpet also replaced on stairs and landing to gallery.
- Cleaning of front of church has not yet been done as Fr. Stephen raised the issue of the need to carry out work on the roof of the church. A previous inspection a couple of years ago indicated that the timbers were fairly good shape, however the slates need work. There are grant schemes we could avail of. It was agreed that Fr. Stephen should go about seeking costings. It was suggested that if the project proceeded, the church could also be cleaned while scaffolding was in place.
Correspondence
A letter from Maureen Walsh to our LSR (Local Safeguarding Representative).
Details of upcoming event on 14th October for all members of PPC’s in Knock Prayer Centre.
Safeguarding
Fr. Stephen welcomed Jacinta Flynn, LSR. The matters outlined in the letter to her were highlighted. These included ensuring that the following are in place before any child joins a Church activity.
- Every child and parent completes the Child and Parental/Guarding Joint Consent form.
- Children and their parents are given Safeguarding Information Leaflets and Agreement Statement.
- Every adult volunteer has completed the Safeguarding Recruitment Form and has done or, will do as soon as possible Church Child Safeguarding training.
- Every adult who has necessary and regular contact with children has been Garda vetted before taking up any role with children. It is a criminal offence to allow any adult work with children who has not been Garda vetted.
- A separate Risk Assessment Form has been or will be completed for every children’s activity.
- A First Aid kit and Accidents and Incident Forms are available in the sacristy.
- Contact details for parents are stored securely but can be accessed if they need to be contacted.
Child Safeguarding training is currently being arranged in parishes. Maureen Walsh had asked if training was required to contact her as soon as possible. Fr. Stephen to check if anyone needs training.
In response to a question from M. Judge asked if there is a “who’s who” for safeguarding, Fr. Stephen noted it was included in the newsletter.
The notice board needs to have up to date information. Rules are displayed in the sacristy.
Margaret Monaghan asked if it was necessary for Eucharistic Ministers to retrain. Fr. Stephen confirmed it was not. He noted that he would like to get some young people involved.
Sacramental Preparation
Confirmation in our parish will be on 10th March 2027 and First Holy Communion on 15th May.
Schedule to be put in place for “Grow in Love” Programme and Confirmation preparation.
JPII – Kathleen Devaney from youth ministry in Knock is happy to call to school and speak to students who may be interested in this programme.
Season of Creation
Sheila Murphy, Biodiversity Officer for Mayo County Council would like to engage with parishes around biodiversity. There is some unused ground belonging to the parish near Scoil Iosa which be used for this purpose.
Harvest Mass
Due to take place on 27th September, Abbey Pattern to take place afterwards. Given that 4th of October is Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, it was suggested that a blessing of pets could take place after the Harvest Mass.
News From the Pews
The committee expressed relief that Fr. Stephen is staying with us.
AOB
It was confirmed that New Year’s Day Mass for cluster would be returning to Ballyhaunis this coming year.
Sympathies were expressed to Gilmar on the recent death of his grandmother. Sympathies were also expressed to Anne Lyons on the death of her brother-in-law Frank Lyons.
Date of next meeting
19th October 2026.