BLESSINGTON PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

Minutes of (P.P.C.) Meeting 12th January 2012

Venue: Meeting Room, Parish Centre

Present: Fr. Tim, Gerry Staines, Carmel O Donovan, Liam Fay, Eileen O Donnell, Muriel O Neill, Ken Hannaway, Ann Creighton, Eileen Gallagher, Fidelma Hogan, Gerry Mc Intyre, Sally Joyce, Hugo Magee, Carol Walsh.

Apologies: Betty Murphy, Lorcan Mc Mahon, Mary Young.

Chairperson: Gerry Staines

Secretary: Carmel O Donovan

Matters discussed/ Decisions

Minutes of 10/11/2011 / Matters arising

Gerry welcomed everyone back after Christmas and introduced the new members of the PPC.

The PPC again discussed the idea of introducing a Mass of Remembrance for children who had died. It was felt that this could be a very good initiative and prove very beneficial to some families. The PPC agreed to put this on the agenda in February with the view to establishing a date.

Arrangements have been made to secure the Kneelers in the front pew in the Church.

Parish Survey

The PPC discussed various issues arising from the parish survey. Many of these issues are currently being addressed in the parish. It was suggested that perhaps by April 2012 an update could be sent to parishioners indicating what is currently happening within the parish.

The PPC discussed social issues such as, isolation, aloneness and inclusion, and suggested various ways of addressing these. The PPC expressed the importance of evangelisation and that perhaps in attempting to respond to the social needs this could be at the core of its response. Recommendations were made to consider delivering the Parish Easter Card / updated Community Directory by hand during the week prior to Holy Week; the thinking behind this was also to touch in with people in the parish.

It was decided to keep this on the agenda for the next few meetings.

Christmas / Advent

The feedback from the Parishioners and Prayer Guides who participated in the week of Guided Prayer was very positive. Most felt it was very worthwhile and would appreciate another week being organized at a future date. A decision was taken to schedule this at the same time as last year i.e. just before Advent: Sunday 25th November – Saturday 1st December. Carmel offered to check this date with Rosemary Lavelle and also to explore the possibility of training prayer Guides

AGM / Parish Gathering

The AGM in general was very successful, however the PPC discussed ways in which it could extend the invitation to a greater number of people thus increasing the attendance. It was suggested that perhaps holding it at a different time of the year might improve the attendance. It was decided to put this on the agenda for February.

Lenten Programme

The PPC discussed the possibility of having Lenten talks, if speakers could be located. Carmel offered to speak to Mary Young regarding this as she had organized this on a few occasions.

International Eucharistic Congress

The PPC discussed the importance of informing Parishioners about the forthcoming Eucharistic Congress. It was decided to put an ‘update’ notice in the newsletter regarding this with relevant dates etc.

Gospel John 1:35-42

“We have found the Messiah”- which means the Christ- and he took Simon to Jesus. Jesus looked hard at him and said “You are Simon son of John; you are to be called Cephas” meaning Rock.

A .O.B.

• The PPC acknowledged and thanked the students and teachers of Blessington Community College for organizing such a wonderful Carol Service at Christmas it was greatly enjoyed by all who attended.

• A Child Protection Training Day will take place on 4th February for Child Protection Representatives and any other PPC members who is interested. Ann will forward relevant literature on same when she receives it.

• The PPC thanked Father Tim and the Priests of the Parish for the meaningful and joyful ceremonies experienced by all at Christmas. Fr Tim expressed concern at the large numbers at the 5pm Christmas Eve Mass and in particular for those parishioners who had to be turned away due to overcrowding in the Church. It was decided to change the Mass times for Christmas Eve 2012 in light of this. The proposed times will be- Mass at: 4.30, 6pm, 8pm and Midnight.

• The PPC discussed various ways of engaging the youth and involving them more actively in the Parish. The PPC acknowledged the wonderful work that Betty did with many of the young people who attended dcaf and how positive this experience was for them. It was suggested that the PPC would continue to look at the role of young people in the Parish.

Next meeting Thursday 9th February

Topic –review of Gospel for Sunday 9th February.