Parish Pastoral Council

Following a Parish Open Day in April 2000, a working group was formed to explore and gather information about structures for a Parish Council that might be appropriate for the parish. At the end of the day we were to form a draft proposal with clear aims and objectives on our vision of a Parish Council. 

May 2000

A questionnaire was formatted to enable us to collect information during fact-finding missions so that comparisons could  be made as to examples of system in operation in other parishes.

June, July and August 2000

Ten parishes were visited; Lucan, Rush, Rivermount, Marley Grange, Edenmore, Newbridge, Tullamore, Knocklyon, Berkley Road and Firhouse.

An interim report was then compiled based on our findings.

September 2000

The next step was to decipher the information in the interim report.  It was suggested that we should summarise our reports under the various questionaire headings and then highlight the common trends.

October and November 2000

Further area of exploration were;

What would be the main aim and function of the group?

Was it an administrative function, a spiritual function or a combination of both?

What is the vision of the future for the parish?

It was agreed that the function of the Council would probably change over time but initially that it would have a spiritual and an administration function. It was envisaged that the Council should be seen as a dynamic development from the core of the laity. 

A draft proposal was then put together based on what we had discussed at our meetings and the information we had gathered from other parishes. 

January and February 2001

Draft proposal issued to each group involved in the Pastoral Open Day seeking their views on the document and any comments that they may have.

March 2001

Doorstep visitations were conducted which delivered information to every home in the parish regarding the proposed Parish Council.

April 2001

Parish Assembly to present the draft proposal to the Parish.  Approximately 50 people attended the Assembly and gave their unanimous support for the setting up of a Parish Council.  It was agreed to hold a series of training sessions to facilitate the formation of the First Council.

May 2001

The first training session on 18^th May last considered individual motivation towards involvement.  Further sessions after the summer break will concentrate on the . nuts and bolts. operational issues of the new Council.  Everyone with an interest in the establishment of a Parish Council is welcome to attend.

The next training session is scheduled for 22^nd September and will be publicised in due course. 

The next steps:- 

A series of training days is now being organised to consider further the motivation behind the establishment of a Council, and put a definite shape on the structure and objectives of the first Council . to be established in the Autumn.

The sessions are designed for those who have an interest generally in the establishment of a Council.  Attendance is not taken as a commitment to membership, although it is likely that the first Council will comprise those in attendance who wish to go forward into membership.

And finally, after much reflection and deliberation, it is hoped that the first meeting of the new Parish Council will take place this coming October. 

Finally, finally, the first meeting took place on Thursday, October 4th. Watch this space!