"The primary ministry of the parish pastoral council is to collaborate in planning the way forward for the parish at its given time. It does this in context of the circumstances of the parish, in light of the gospel, the teaching of the Church, the ‘signs of the times’ and the reflections of the members of the community.
Parish Pastoral Councils
A Framework for Developing
Diocesan Norms and Parish Guidelines
St. Patrick's Pastoral Council 2009
Our newly elected Pastoral Council was commissioned by his Eminence Cardinal Seán Brady on Sunday May 3rd at 11.30a.m Mass in St. Patrick's Church. The following are the Council members:
Fr. Gerry Campbell Adm, Fr. Séamus Dobbin, Fr. Michael Sheehan, Fr. Mark O'Hagan, Fr. John Anih
Marie Flynn (Chairperson)
Maryanne Gosling (Secretary)
Rose Bailey, Clare Clarke, Sarah Donnelly, Margaret Huckle, Conor McAleer, Pat Monagher, Benignus Ndubuisi, Clodagh O’Connor, Sharon Phelan, Jerome Sheerin, Anne Ward.
To view pictures of the ceremony, please visit our photo gallery.
In March 2004, Fr. Gerry Tremer, Adm started the process of requesting parishioners to nominate representatives for a Pastoral Council. Fr. Eamonn McCamley subsequently replaced Fr. Tremer.
The first introductory meeting was held on the 4th May 2004.
There were 20 lay people (10 male and 10 female) plus the 5 clergy on the first council (names available if needed).
Under the guidance of The Holy Spirit, the council embarked on a three month programme of Prayer, Reflection, Study, Team-Building and Planning which culminated with an intensive Weekend held at Mount Oliver on the 22nd and 23rd January 2005 which focused on the following:
Vision Workshop – What do we want to see in place in St. Patrick’s Parish at the end of 2007
Contradictions Workshop – What is keeping us from moving towards our vision?
Strategic Directions Workshop – What can we do to deal with these obstacles and move toward our vision?
Implementation workshop – What are the things we will do in the next 12 months to implement our strategic plan?
A Strategic Pastoral Plan was drawn up and it was agreed to form 4 Workshop Groups:
Evangelising
Building a Vibrant and Effective Parish
Addressing and Healing the Hurt
Reaching Out
Members were commissioned by Archbishop Seán Brady, DD on the 13th March 2005 for the new council.
Second (Current) Council
By September 2006, Fr. Gerry Campbell had taken over as administrator of St. Patrick's and he requested the outgoing members to consider if they wished to continue to serve on the Council. Seven were willing to do so.
There are currently 13 laity (6 male and 7 female) and five priests on the Parish Pastoral Council The first meeting of the new council took place on the 18th November 2006. After prayer and reflection the following subgroups were formed.
Subgroups
Liturgy
Youth
Communication
Website
Baptism
Expectations
See Fr. Gerry’s document
Achievements
Production of Welcome Booklet
Installation of Prayer Intention Books in both Churches
New Notice Boards in both churches
Vibrant Liturgy Group with Monthly Calendars on display in churches
Development of a Website
Parish Assembly
Formation of Baptism Team
Formation of Visitation team
Youth Ministry
Trócaire campaign
Mission Statement
"Motivated by the love of Christ, our mission is to develop and enhance the Christian Community by working collaboratively with our priests. We seek to serve by listening, identifying and utilising the gifts within the community for the good of all."
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