INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION NIGHT

Tuesday, September 28, 2010 

Our Lady of Victories Parish Pastoral Council hosted an Information and Discussion Night on Tuesday, September 28.  The attendance was about 80 and we were very grateful to each and every parishioner for their presence on such a wet night!

The meeting opened with a scripture reading (John 6:3-13) and prayers for our parish and parishioners, that we may be blessed with and empowered by the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Right Judgement, Courage, Knowledge, Reverence & Wonder and Awe. As we move forward in faith into new waters, may we each be willing to give of our individual talents to our parish, at the Lord's call, so that with His blessing, like the loaves and fish, we may experience an abundance of grace. Together we are the Body of Christ.

Philip Webb (PPC Chairperson) outlined the role of the PPC as mainly advisory and consultative to the Parish Priest.  He then went on to present some of the projects and tasks carried out by the PPC so far.

Some of the burning issues for our parish were discussed, such as potential changes in the number of Masses on Sundays and weekdays and a sharing of resources within the five parishes in our cluster. This is a reality now because of the reduction in the number of priests. However, this reality presents challenges and opportunities to us all.  A strong plea was made for volunteers for the many different Ministries and jobs within our Church (copy of volunteer application form is available here).

Shay Shelly presented a very comprehensive account of parish finances and explained that, year on year, income is declining to run our church and associated parish services.  The attendees were also informed of the proposed work to be done on our church in the immediate future. 

The plans for our own Parish Centre met with great enthusiasm at the meeting.  Fr. John will seek planning permission for the centre at the back of the church. All repair work will have to be carried out on the church before we move on a Parish Centre.

Ian McGlynn from the Young Adult Group told us about our strong, vibrant young adult faith community. He spoke warmly of the support of Fr. John and Fr. Kevin over the years. He welcomed Fr. Fintan and thanked him for his presence in the parish and his support for the Young Adult Group.  He also told us about the recent success of our Gospel Choir and acknowledged the time and help given to the choir by Kevin Kelly and his recent replacement Ciaran Coll. 

Many thanks to all who contributed to the success of the night. Your many suggestions have been noted gratefully and will be discussed over the next few months at our PPC meetings.  We are sure that for many of you it was an opportunity to put a face to the names of the council members.  For all of us on the PPC, it was a lovely opportunity to meet with you, to listen and to hear what you have to say, as we move forward together in faith to make our parish a better place for all.

Geraldine Casey 

Parish Pastoral Council (PPC)