PRESS RELEASE FRIDAY APRIL 25TH
Diocesan Gathering of Parish Councils
Over 1,200 members of parish pastoral councils are due to attend a Diocesan gathering and celebration of the Eucharist in Kilmacud, Dublin this Sunday (April 27th).
The event, one of the largest of its kind in the Diocese in recent years, calls together members of Parish Pastoral Councils in the Diocese and will includes a report on a major assessment of the work of the councils which began late last year.
Following this evaluation, it is proposed that a Diocesan Pastoral Council would be set up. It is envisaged that the Diocesan Pastoral Council will become an important part of the leadership structure of the Diocese, providing support and advice to the Archbishop.
Parish Pastoral councils were introduced in the Diocese’s 200 parishes over three years ago by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin. In that time around 2,000 lay people have responded, putting their time and effort into the successful working of the Councils, to ensure the Church in Dublin can carry out its mission.
In a letter to the councils at the start of the evaluation process Archbishop Martin said the work of the councils had “exceeded his expectations”. He said a new spirit of co-operation is being engendered between lay people, priests and religious across the diocese.
The Pastoral Councils will be central to the workings of the new Office for Evangelisation announced on Holy Thursday. Archbishop Martin said this Office and its work will operate a programme of “concerted outreach to renew our Christian communities, give focus to emerging structures, touch the hearts of those who have drifted from religious practice and challenge the areas where modern Irish culture is being shaped, with the richness of the message of Jesus.”
The Diocesan gathering will be held in the Church of St. Lawrence O’ Toole, Kilmacud this Sunday starting at 2.30pm. ENDS
