St. Mary’s Parish, Irishtown, Clonmel

Parish Pastoral Council  

Parish Leadership and Coordination: The recognized leadership structure of each parish is made up of two Councils.  The Parish Pastoral Council handles all matters of a pastoral nature and  a separate Parish Finance Council handles all matters related to parish finance and property. Both Councils are mandated by the Bishop and confirmed by Canon Law.

As the number of priests continues to fall, the need to involve the laity has become increasingly more essential and the Irish Bishops have implemented measures to create Councils in all parishes.

In May 2007, following a series of public meetings, the first Parish Pastoral Council was set up in St. Mary’s.  Its primary aim was, and continues to be, to facilitate the work of existing and new parish groups and to provide a forum to listen to, and reflect on, the identified needs of parishioners.  It attempts to chart a way forward by coordinating and facilitating other groups within the parish to respond to these needs.

The process which the Parish Pastoral Council uses includes:

• Identifying Needs and Planning: Identifying needs and Planning a way forward
• Formation: Enabling parishioners to develop their gifts through the provision of training and formation
• Implementation: Making use of existing structures and developing new structures to match needs and challenges with appropriate resources
• Communication: Ensuring that effective dialogue takes place between the parish and the wider community
• Evaluating: Reviewing parish activities to ensure a dynamic Christian community.

Parish Mission Statement

The following is the Mission Statement adopted by the Council:

St. Mary's Parish is a community of faith.

Our Pastoral Council commits itself

-to meeting the challenge of these changing times

-by actively engaging the talents of all the people of our parish

-in sharing the Good News and

-in fostering a caring, welcoming prayer community.

What is the Purpose of the Parish Pastoral Council?

The Pastoral Council’s main interest includes Church Liturgy, Baptismal Preparation, Bereavement Support, Faith Formation and Parish Communications.

The Pastoral Council:

• Endeavours to build a vibrant parish community that is inclusive of all parishioners
• Provides a structure for priests and people to share responsibility for the mission of the parish
• Provides an opportunity for priests and people to work together to listen to the needs of parishioners
• Works with all parish groups to further the coordinated development and growth of the parish community
• Acts as a facilitator for cohesion of the various elements of parish life
• Assesses needs of the parish and develops strategies to respond to them.

What activities have been undertaken by St. Mary’s Pastoral Council?

St. Mary’s first Council has undertaken a number of activities as follows:

• Pastoral Council Mission Statement : Drafting and approving the first parish Mission Statement
• Pastoral Council Constitution: As this was the first Pastoral Council it was necessary to prepare and agree a Constitution to order the future proceedings of the Council.  This was completed in 2007
• Strategic Planning: A Strategic Planning Workshop was held in January 2011 at which parish priorities were identified and a timeline for implementation agreed
• Communication: Regular communication through the Newsletter on the ongoing role and work of the Council
• Child Protection: A member of the Pastoral Council-Paul Brett- is the delegated representative on all matters related to Child Safeguarding
• Parish Directory: A comprehensive Parish Directory was compiled in 2007 and distributed to all homes in the parish.  This contained information on all ongoing parish services
• Mass with a Difference: An additional Mass was celebrated on a number of occasions during 2009 and 2010.  These are referred to as ‘Mass with a Difference’ and are held on occasional Sunday afternoons including at School Examination times.
• First Communion Reception: Following the 2010 First Communions a successful reception was held for parents and families in the Parish Hall
• Coordination of Ministers: Annual coordination of the rosters for Ministers of the Word and Eucharist
• Parish Pilot Census: A pilot Census of the Parish commenced in 2010.  This will be continued in 2011 when a Home Visitation Group will be established in conjunction with the Legion of Mary
• Priests and Religious from St. Mary’s: Priests and religious who were born in St. Mary’s Parish  from the year 1814 to the present day, have been researched and have been listed on a permanent commemorative plaque in the church
• Training and Formation: Members of the Council attended Pastoral Council Training programmes organized by the Diocesan Team
• Clonmel Area Parish Grouping: The Council was represented at meetings of the Clonmel Area Group of Parishes
• Handel’s Messiah: The PPC organized and hosted a performance of the Handel’s Oratorio-the Messiah in 2007 and in 2009, the proceeds of which were donated to South Tipperary Hospice
• Parish Website: The PPC facilitated the formation of a Communications Group which has worked on the ongoing development of the parish website.

Who are the members of the Pastoral Council?

The members are drawn from the parish through a public meeting which was open to all parishioners.  This meeting also elected a Chairperson and Secretary.

The current (2011) members are:

Two of the founding members-Joan Lonergan and Phyllis Brett completed their term in 2010.  One other founding member, Ann Conran, passed away in 2008.

How often are meetings held?

Meetings are held monthly in the months from September to May.

How can contact be made with the Parish Pastoral Council?

Through the Parish Office:   052 6122773

Chairperson:             J McCormack                Tel: 085 7330082

Vice Chairperson:    Mathuin OCaoimh      Tel: 0872467526

Secretary:                  Bridie O’Dwyer             Tel: 0868808283

Comments and Suggestions Welcome

The Council welcomes any comments or questions you may have on any aspect of our work at any time. A suggestion box is located at the rear of the church.

Would you like to nominate a person who would be suitable for leadership ministry in the Parish Pastoral Council?

If you would like to nominate a person who would be suitable to take part in the work of the Parish Pastoral Council please give his/her name here and hand to form to any member of the Council or into the Parish Office.

Name of Nominated Person: ________________________________________________________

Tel No___________________________________________________________________________

Name of Nominee:_________________________________________________________________

Pastoral Councl Meeting
The next meeting of the Pastoral Council will be held on Monday 13th June  2011 in the Pastoral Centre, Irishtown.