Parish Pastoral Assembly News

Introduction to the Parish Pastoral Assembly

(as read at Masses on the weekend of 5th and 6th April 2025)

What is the Parish Pastoral Assembly (PPA) and what is its origin?

 Let us look at the origin first:

The concept of Parish Pastoral Assembly has deep roots in the church's history. The second Vatican council of 1965 recommended the introduction of Diocesan Pastoral Councils and over the years the Diocesan Pastoral Council has been introduced.

Now, fast forward to 2020 when Pope Francis convened the Synod to be held later in Rome. In preparation for that Synod, parishes worldwide, including our own, engaged in prayerful listening and discussion about the needs and future of the parish community.

In 2024 the Synod was concluded in Rome. The Synod calls for a greater emphasis on listening, consultation and shared responsibility in the church and in the parish. Bishop Tom has requested that each parish would begin a process of organising a Parish Pastoral Assembly.

What is the Parish Pastoral Assembly - PPA?

Some months ago, Father Derek Derby from the diocese visited and introduced us to what the diocese envisages the PPA to be. In essence it is a faith-filled consultative body through which priests and people work together as co-responsible partners in furthering the mission of Christ in their parish.

Saint Paul writing to the church in Rome tells us that we are like one body with many different parts; each with its own function and each part contributing to the wellbeing of the whole. This is how we view the parish - each member has a part to play.

Who are the current members of the PPA?

Father Denis McNelis, (by virtue of appointment as parish priest), Oisin Dunne, Anne Marie McDonough, Noel Quinn, Patricia Rice and Sister Marcellina Murphy

A little over a year ago Fr. Denis asked us if we would be interested in becoming members of the initial PPA that could expand as time went on and we accepted that invitation.

What is the role/mission of the PPA in the parish?

To prayerfully reflect on parish life,

to acknowledge the good that is happening

to support parishioners and clergy

and to reflect on areas for growth in the parish that can be further developed and thus build the parish into a vibrant Christian community that promotes gospel values of love, justice and peace.

We see ourselves as a group committed to working for the good of the entire parish community, drawing on the diverse gifts and talents of its members. Our role is not about administration or finance. Rather, it is a forum for reflection, for consultation and pastoral care. However, we recognize that we are only at a starting point.

Our work so far

Over the past year, we have been meeting regularly, getting to know one another, reflecting on key aspects of parish life, reflecting on the good things that are already happening in our parish and discerning areas that would benefit with further attention.

A key part of this time together has been the development of our Mission Statement, which captures the essence of the PPA and which is printed in today's bulletin (and available on our website) for your reflection I invite you to take a copy of the bulletin with you today.

Looking ahead

As already said, our assembly is still in its early stages. It is an ongoing journey, adapting to the changing needs of our parish community. It is our hope to introduce further members to the parish assembly. We invite and encourage you to share with us your gifts, talents and ideas so that our parish may continue to evolve, to grow and to flourish.

Thank you for your time. Above all, we ask your prayers and support as we look forward to working together with you to continue building a vibrant, faith filled parish community.

THE MISSION STATEMENT 

Inspired by the love of God and guided by the Holy Spirit,

the Parish Assembly works collaboratively

to discern present and future realities of our parish community.

We seek to respond to the transitions into the future realities

through fostering the growth of co-responsibility

and the active  participation of parishioners

in the faith life of the parish community.

In this we hope to fulfill a vision of a vibrant inclusive parish

where each person feels welcomed valued and accepted.