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Moate, Mt. Temple and Castledaly Pastoral Council.
The parish pastoral council was set up in 2007. It is a recommended structure within the church and is concerned with assisting and having an input into the pastoral work of the church in the parish and diocese.
The members are representative of three areas the parish, and underwent initial training on the role and purpose of a pastoral council, before setting about our work.
Initially we spent considerable effort in identifying and considering the spiritual needs of the parish. We identified certain objectives and areas where we could help. We clarified our vision of what a Christian community should be at the present time. The result of these discussions were then encapsulated into the following mission statement.
Mission Statement – The pastoral council of Moate, Mt. Temple and Castledaly is committed to nurturing a welcoming, inclusive, Christ centred community, helping each other to grow in prayer, faith and love, so that all people in our parish, may come to a deep understanding of their Christian calling under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
At our monthly meetings, which includes prayer and scripture readings, pastoral issues are discussed and acted on.
We have made progress on the following issues: Promoting participation in Mass through, scripture reading, music. and alter serving. In this regard a new youth choir, under the direction of Mr. Ciaran Brady, is in rehearsal and is scheduled to sing at the 11.30 Mass in St.Patrick’s Church on Christmas day.
Promoting religious practices. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament now takes place every Friday from 7 AM to 9 PM in St. Patrick’s Church Moate.
Preparation for sacraments. The “Do this in Memory” programme in which, parents are involved in the preparation for First Holy Communion and Confirmation, is now established.
Advice and help for special occasion such as scripture readings and prayers for weddings and funerals.
Planning for special liturgical events e.g. easter, lent. The most recent being the annual Mass for the deceased members of the parish. In addition, alter servers are trained for special liturgical occasions.
At diocese level.
At diocese level the pastoral council has formulated a response to Bishop Colm’s discussion document on “ how pastoral care can be provided in the future, with a much smaller number of priests available.”
Clearly, a pooling of resources and co-operation between parishes will be essential. Also, a greater involvement of lay people, including the possibility of promoting Permanent Diaconate, an ordained ministry which is open to married men, will be part of the answer.
However, while changes are inevitable it is very important to ensure that parish identities are not diluted by these changes.
Further information on this ongoing process will be provided and all views are welcome and will be considered.
Fair Trade. The purpose of this movement is to promote a fair price as well as social and environmental standards in developing countries in relation to a variety of goods most notably, coffee, cocoa, sugar, tea, bananas, honey, cotton, wine. Products that have been produced, in accordance with the fair trade specific requirements are certified, so that they can be identified. Customers are then encouraged to buy these goods and thereby support sustainable development in these countries. It is hoped to set up a fair trade group in Moate.
The members of the pastoral council are: Monsignor Bernard Noonan, Rev. Liam Farrell, Rev Pat Kiernan, Sr. Theresa, Anita McLoughlin, Bridie Claffey, Majella Ham, Tom Ledwith, (chairman), Olive Quinn, Paul O’Neill, Tommy Mollen, Peggy Gavin, Ignatous Lynam, Maura Condon, Bridie Murray, Marguerite Farrell, Vincent Lowry, Caroline McManus, June Daly, John O’ Brien, Breda Fitzpatrick, Ann Marie Flynn.
You are welcome to contact the parish council on any issue by writing to: The Parish Pastoral Council. C/O The Presbyetry, St. Patricks, Church St., Moate
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