Pastoral Council Minutes

Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council of the

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Sligo

October 11, 2018

Attendance:

Fr Declan Boyce                      Fr Victor Samugana                Fr Yashin Jos

Sr Elvira Rosel                         Dermot Layden                       Pauline Cushman

Maire Finan                            Donal Lyons                             Francie Cadden

Colette Furlong

 

Apologies:

Crispin Andaya                        Grainne Kelly              Margaret Prior

 

1. The Minutes of the last meeting of September 13, 2018 were read. They were proposed by Maire Finan and seconded by Dermot Layden.

 

2. Matters Arising:

 

The John St steps have been power-washed, at a cost of €200.

A second camera has been fixed in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.

Volunteers are welcome for re-painting of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, during the Christmas period.

This is the second meeting Anthony Ruddy has missed – one is allowed to miss three.

 

3. Colette Furlong reviewed the progress of the PPC during the preceding year, with a very positive outcome. Much has been achieved, especially around the World Meeting of Families which occurred during the summer.

Everyone was most appreciative of the great contributions of our three priests Fr Declan, Fr Yashin and Fr Victor.

There is much to build on, and a lot to do.

 

4. Dermot Layden promoted ‘Catechism Beyond Reasonable Doubt’. Fr Declan, Francie and Pauline are to see if it is for inclusion.

 

5. We were encouraged to read ‘Gaudete et Exultate’ by Pope Francis.

 

6. There was intense discussion on the theme of ‘We need to ask the people……’ would they like to participate in / enjoy various projects: does the ‘we’ refer to Lay people or to the Priests?  Who is to consult the people?  Fr Declan argued passionately that we, the Laity should be approaching Parishioners; Francie felt that people expect, and respond to, approaches from Priests.

This is for further discussion at the next PPC Meeting.

 

7. The next PPC Meeting will take place on Thursday November 8, 2018.

 

 

__________________________________________

Pauline Cushman, Secretary

 

 

______________________________________________

Francie Cadden, Chairperson.

 

Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council of the

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Sligo

September 13, 2018

 

Attendance:

Fr Declan Boyce                      Fr Victor Samugana                Fr Yashin Jos

Crispin Andaya                        Sr Elvira Rosel                         Dermot Layden

Margaret Prior                       Grainne Kelly                          Pauline Cushman

 

Apologies:

Maire Finan                            Francie Cadden

 

1. The Minutes of the last meeting of June 14, 2018 were read. They were proposed by Dermot Layden and seconded by Margaret Prior.

 

2. Matters Arising: a) Fr Declan commended Francie Cadden for his planting and maintenance of flowers in the Cathedral grounds. b) Fr Declan reiterated that the Nursing Home initiative is not applicable to us, as Nazareth House, the Nursing Home of the Parish, Has a Chaplain. c) He also said that there has been a good response to the Cathedral Refurbishment Fund.

 

3. World Meeting of Families (WMOF) Review: a) Dermot Layden attended all the Dublin events and found them a great success. Adverse publicity regarding the amount of walking required, and poor logistics of transportation contributed to a reduced attendance at the Papal Mass.  Dermot especially recommended Bishop Robt Barron on the Gospel of the Family, and a Filipino Bishop on the Throw-away Culture.

It is recommended that everyone logs into www.WMOF-papaltextsandhomilies.

b) Fr Yashin supplied an admirable document summarising his journey of heading the WMOF Subcommittee, which everyone agreed he did magnificently:

He paid tribute to Fr Declan’s constant encouragement and wisdom and Fr Victor’s help and brotherly assistance.   Six PPC members were part of the sub-committee:  Grainne (Secretary), Margaret, Dermot, Grainne, Sr Emma, Donal and Fr Yashin.  Sheena Darcy was the Official Elphin Diocesan delegate to the WMOF.

c) Fr Yashin’s Document listed for discussion the Sub-Committee’s WMOF Initiatives, which included:

The WMOF Icon, distributed at Christmas Day Masses;

A Petition Box and the petitions were prayed for by the MC Sisters;

A Family Retreat by “Living Family”, a lay group;

Daily recitation of the WMOF Family Prayer at Masses;

A WMOF Sacred Space;

Different families bringing up the Gifts at Sunday 12 Noon Mass;

A dedicated section in the Parish Newsletter;

Constant communication with Sheena Darcy the Official Diocesan Delegate;

Inclusion of the Icon in the Christmas Crib;

The Amoris Cubes given to the First Holy Communion children;

Valentine’s Day Cards and Gift Tokens based on ‘The Joy of Love’ by Pope Francis;

‘God is Family, so are we’ window and car bumper stickers on St Patrick’s Day;

Frs Ml Drum and Ml Duignan and Colette Furlong trained Clare Devaney, Mary Lyons, Marian Roycroft and Patricia McCaffrey to facilitate 3 Amoris Laetitia presentations;

Washing of the feet of 6 married couples of diverse nationalities at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, with different families for the Readings, Prayers of the Faithful and Offertory;

Attendance of Fr Yashin, Fr Ml Duignan and Organist Charles O’Connor representing Elphin Diocese at a Liturgy Workshop;

A Cathedral Family Tree for Family Intentions;

Attendance of the Official WMOF Icon in the Cathedral for 4 days in May 2018 with associated ceremonies;

A joint Mass for the 3 secondary schools of the Parish;

On August 15, the Feast of the Assumption, the relics of Ss Louis and Zelie Martin and their daughter St Therese of Lisieux arrived in the Cathedral, greeted by Bishop Kevin and 8 Knights of Columbanus; there was a rota for veneration;

WMOF Opening Liturgy on August 21, Bishop Kevin presiding and Bishop Ferran Glenfield of the Diocese of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh as Homilist;

Buses to Knock and Phoenix Park on August 26 thanks to Dermot and Fiona;

Cathedral volunteers in Dublin;

and especially the major input by Colette Furlong in the Papal Mass, Jiji with an Indian Prayer of Intercession and some Choir members in the singing.

 

In a discussion, it was decided to continue the 3-school Mass, a rota of diverse families to bring up the Gifts following advertising in the Bulletin, and the Tree – Fr Victor felt tree ribbons were better than writing.

 

The Amoris programme was poorly-attended and it was agreed that people like to be asked and will respond to a one-to-one invitation.

Fr Declan suggested we study Fr Yashin’s document and see what to build on.

 

 

4. PDR Meeting 13/10/18:

Dermot and Pauline will attend.  This may be of interest to the Good Shepherd Group (Maura Garvey) and those in charge of the Children’s Liturgy and Pauline is to write to them to invite.

 

Also offered by Justin is a DVD on Adult Religious Education Resources for Use with Family & Friends – comprising 13 sessions, just requiring a TV and DVD player.

It was decided to hold these over 4 weeks in February 2019 in St Mary’s, with Frs Declan, Yashin and Victor for back-up.  For further discussion in the November meeting.

 

 

5. Cluster Meeting:

Margaret and Grainne will continue to participate with the Cluster with Dermot as a Sub.

 

 

6. Consideration of having a Mission in the Cathedral 2018 or 2019, independently of the Cluster:

Fr Yashin felt the possible speakers could encourage parish identity and ownership.

In reply to Grainne’s wish for a musical group, Fr Declan suggested Elation Ministries.

 

 

7. October PPC Meeting, featuring Colette Furlong to review progress:

To review and see where are we now?

 

 

8. AOB:

Grainne suggested the John St. steps of the Cathedral are a slip hazard and need power-washing, and daffodil bulb planting after 10.30am Mass at 11 o’clock on 20/10/18.  There will be an appeal to bring bulbs.

 

Dermot recommended a book relevant to the PDR meeting:  ‘Divine Renovation.  From a Maintenance to a Mission Parish’ by Fr James Mallon, reviewed by Fr John Cullen:  we should welcome all who knock – and the Cornerstone supplement in the Irish Catholic.

 

Fr Declan announced a second camera for the Blessed Sacrament Chapel for home viewing of Exposition, and possibly a microphone as well during prayer times.  The camera would focus all day on the Monstrance, without including people. 

 

An Introduction to Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer for people to do at home, possibly during Advent, was discussed:  Fr Victor explained that it takes 15 minutes, and is based on the Psalms and is a monastic tradition, Margaret suggested she prefers Daily Meditations.

 

 

Grainne Cawley kindly chaired the meeting as Francie Cadden is away.

 

 

Next Meeting:  Thursday October 11, 2018.

 

 

____________________________                        _____________________________

Pauline Cushman, Secretary                                    Grainne Cawley, acting Chairperson

 

 

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL OF THE CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, SLIGO

14/06/2018

 

ATTENDEES:

Francie Cadden                       Maire Finan                            Pauline Cushman

Sr Elvira Rosel                         Grainne Kelly                          Crispin Andaya

Fr Declan Boyce                      Margaret Prior

 

Apologies:

Fr Yashin Jos

 

AGENDA:

 

1. Minutes: The Minutes of the previous meeting of 10/05/18 were read, proposed by Anthony Ruddy and seconded by Crispin Andaya.

 

2. Matters Arising: Since the last PPC Meeting, it has been announced that Pope Francis will be in Knock Shrine briefly on the morning of Sunday 26/08/18, prior to saying Mass at 3pm in Phoenix Park, Dublin.  Everyone present voted to arrange a Group Ticket and bus for 50 from the Cathedral.  Ticket booking will be available from 25/06/18.  Dermot Layden was appointed to arrange both via Sheena in St Mary’s and Feehily’s/Furey’s Bus Company.

 

 

3. Bishop Christy Jones’s Funeral: Heartfelt thanks were expressed to all who helped at this sad occasion.  Fr Declan distributed the individual little gold cross and card that will be given to everyone who helped out.  May he rest in peace.

 

4. World Meeting of Families 2018: Fr Yashin, who this Sub-Committee, is on holidays.  The Banner has arrived and the Tree is coming in the first week of July; it is 16 feet tall.

 

5. Corpus Christi: The route was altered a second time to accommodate a funeral.  Thanks to all who assisted.

 

6. Cemetery Sunday in Sligo: There was a large attendance at the Mass said by Fr Declan.

 

7. Icon of the WMOF2018: The Icon arrived and Colette Furlong’s Reading of the Icon was much appreciated.

 

8. Report from the Cluster: This was given by Grainne Kelly, who reported that the Corpus Christi Procession, led by Fr Victor, was a great success; likewise the Cemetery Mass and visit of the WMOF Icon. On 29/07/18 Ocean FM Radio will broadcast the Walk to the Holy Well.  The Children’s Choir will sing at Sunday Mass on the second Sunday of every month from September 2018.  In 2019 there will be a Festival based on the legacy of the WMOF.  In the Autumn, there will be an Outreach to couples who may wish to sacramentalize their civil marriages, possibly in a group.  It will comprise an Information Evening – an ACCORD course evening – and the Sacrament of Marriage.  Dermot Layden suggested the invitation also be extended to couples living together.

 

9. Cathedral Grounds Clean-Up: This was a success and thanks were extended to those who participated.

 

10. Father’s Day: The Rota for distributing Father’s Day Gifts at Mass on 16/06/18 is:

7.30pm Mass: Francie Cadden

8.30am Mass: Grainne Kelly and Maire Finan

10.30 Mass:     Sister Elvira and colleague

12.00 Mass;     Dermot Layden and Pauline Cushman.

7.00pm Mass: Anthony Ruddy.

 

11. Launch of the Cathedral Refurbishment Fund: 8pm on 02/07/18, Gillooly Hall.     The PPC will attend at 7.30pm to organise teas.
12. AOB: i) Dermot Layden’s Letter re Abortion:          This was very good but there has been no response from Politicians.          ii)Referendum on Repeal of the 8^th Amendment:     The morality of voting yes was discussed by Grainne Kelly and Fr Declan.  Fr Declan stated that voting Yes meant de-humanising the unborn baby, saying it is not a person.           There are always two patients in pregnancy.  Maire Finan’s comment that one should always vote with an informed conscience was upheld.

          iii)       Justin Harkin’s email: a) WMOF2018: See website  worldmeeting2018.ie for details.  The Diocesan Delegate Sheena Darcy will advise via the clergy on papal events booking.

b) Elphin Diocese Parish Development & Renewal Gathering 2018: Saturday 13/10/18 in Boyle, focussing on faith development and youth evangelisation and promising to be very participatory for parish representatives.

c) Outreach to adults living in Nursing Homes and other Residential Care settings:

2 mid-September information evenings in Sligo and Roscommon, re a short morning prayer service in such facilities, and introducing a booklet of support.  For Clergy, PPC members, Ministers of the Word, Ministers of the Eucharist and Nursing Home personnel.  Dates and details later.  Sligo Town is well-catered for in this regard, with Chaplains.

d) Diocesan pilgrimage to Lough Derg, Friday June 22 to Sunday June 24: details and bus option on website elphindiocese.ie/lough-derg or people can phone Justin at 087 6171526.

e) Supporting parents to hand on the Faith:  programme for parents of children for First Confession and First Holy Communion called The Bridge Sessions – Enabling Parents Share Faith with Their Children, pioneered by 4 parishes the past year.

f) Offer of Assistance: Justin is available to help projects during the next school year.  He is also looking for Volunteers to help.

 

13. Tonight’s meeting was early at 7pm to allow for a beautiful meal provided for the PPC by Fr Declan and Fr Victor.           It was lovely and many thanks for this.

 

14. Next meeting: Thursday September 13, 2018, at 8pm.

 

 

____________________________________

Pauline Cushman, Secretary

 

 

 

_____________________________________

Francie Cadden, Chairperson.

 

Diocese of Elphin
Annual Parish Development & Renewal Gathering
in conjunction with Elphin Youth Ministry

St. Joseph’s Hall, Marian Rd., Boyle, Co. Roscommon.
9.30 – 4 pm, Saturday 13^th October 2018

 

Quo Vadis?
Faith Development and Evangelisation of Youth
and Young Adults in our Homes, Schools and Parishes

Programme outline

1. Painting the Landscape
     Session Coordinator:  Deacon Frank McGuinness
                                                    Diocesan Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry
               *  Belief and Practice among our young people today
               *  Opportunities/Challenges
2. Home – Parents as the First Teachers
   Session Coordinator:  Bishop Kevin Doran
               *  Bishops Pastoral – Handing on the Faith in the Home
               *  Sacrament of Baptism – Do you clearly understand what you are
                                                              undertaking?
               *  Opportunities/Challenges
3. School – A Changing Landscape
   Session Coordinator:  Rev. Dr. Michael Duignan,
                                                   Elphin Diocesan Episcopal Vicar for Education
               *  Post-Primary – Religious Education / Ethos / Chaplaincy
               *  Opportunities/Challenges
4. Parish/Diocese – A Place of Maintenance or Mission?
   Session Coordinator:  Deacon Frank McGuinness
               *  Youth Ministry Strategy – Faith Formation/Catechesis/Evangelisation
               *  Investing in the Future – Resources/Personnel/Programmes
               *  Opportunities/Challenges
5. Young People Share Their Experience