|
--------------------------------------------
The Pastoral Council (the “PC’) was set up in April 2009 by Canon Stuart Wilson to promote and support the pastoral life of the parish in all its aspects. It works closely with the Finance Committee and those responsible for the administration of the parish.
In September 2011 it adopted, by unanimous vote, its formal constitution
(Click Here for the Constitution of the Pastoral Council).
Main Objectives
- To be a consultative voice, but through its insights, expertise and advice, to provide support to the parish priests in identifying, evaluating and implementing pastoral initiatives and policies.
- To provide a channel of communication for the opinions and proposals of the members of the parish community, and between the various groups working in the parish.
- To promote an active interest and participation by parishioners in all the activities of the parish with the aim to make the fullest use of the particular skills and professional abilities of the parishioners.
Its Members are: the Parish Priest and parish clergy, eight lay members elected by parishioners, a representative of the finance committee and the Parish Administration Secretary who acts as PC’s secretary
(Click Here for Current Members).
During the first half of the year, the PC has worked hard to recruit new catechists, fulfilling one of the main goals set at the start of the year. We are happy to announce that we have successfully recruited new volunteers for the children’s liturgy, the First Holy Communion, the Launchpad and the Confirmation course of 2012-13. It is never too late to come forward. If you are interested to help with the ministry of catechesis, either for children or adults, please contact the Parish Office.
Current Activities
The PC is currently working on
- reaching out to vulnerable people (including the elderly and underprivileged people);
- organizing weekends of prayers and reflection during the Year of Faith (click here to go to our page for The Year of Faith).
In addition, the PC is organizing a variety of social events throughout the year to deepen our sense of community and blend the diversities which exist within our Parish. Click here to go to our Current Events page.
On February 2nd 2013 we will hold our St Mary’s Open Day during which the Pastoral Council will report on the activities of 2012. We would like to discuss with you, then, the plan for 2013. Please save the date in your diaries.
Past Projects
Spiritual life’s enhancement:
- Supervising and coordinating all catechetical groups of the Parish
- Supporting the forty hours of continuous prayer held by the Deanery in our Parish Church.
- Organising the highly successful parish response to the Papal Visit in 2010.
- Leading the Pilgrimage to Walsingham in September 2011.
- Hosting regular talks in the Parish during the Advent and Lent seasons.
- Introduction a new catechetical group (the Lauchpad) for children attending non-catholic schools, in the year preceding their First Holy Communion’s preparation.
Improving communication and welcoming parishioners:
- Creation of St Mary’s website.
- Recruitment and training of our parish Greeters
- Recruitment and establishment of a rota of Readers and Eucharistic ministers.
- Helping our parishioners to receive the New Missal by organising an appropriate teaching programme
Outreach activities:
- Making Ecumenical links with other Christian communities and traditions.
- Lunch for our senior parishioners (September 2011)
- Parents' and Toddlers' (PAT) Group -- a meeting group of play and prayer
- Planning and development of parish youth activities (“Five Aside” Football Tournament and “Mini Olympics”).
- Operation Christmas Child – ‘shoe box’ collection for underprivileged children around the world.
------
Invitation
The Pastoral Council welcomes your ideas and suggestions.
Please e-mail Carmen Galdiolo (Chair) at carmen.galdiolo@btinternet.com ,
through the Parish Administrator chelsea1@rcdow.org.uk or any of the Council members.
|
Service Times
|
Mass
Monday: Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Vigil
Sunday:
Family
Solemn Latin
Sung English
Confessions
Saturday:
Exposition
Wednesday:
|
1200 1830
1200 1830
1200 1830
1200
1200
1000
1830
1000
1130
1830
1030-1100
1745-1815
1100-1200
1730-1830
|
The church is open every day
from 8am to 7pm |
| -------- |
|
The Parish Pastoral Council 