Cardinal launches new formation manual for parish councils

The Primate of All Ireland, Cardinal Seán Brady has launched a new formation manual for parish councils in Ireland at All Hallows College in Dublin.
 
Parish Pastoral Councils: A Formation Manual is intended to be a support to parishes seeking to organise and motivate a parish pastoral council in its work of leadership in the ministry of the Church. 

Described as a ‘how-to-do-it’ workbook, the new manual details the steps for forming, enabling and sustaining a pastoral group in any parish situation.

Published by Veritas, the manual presents guidance on how the parish pastoral council can be a transforming agent at the heart of the parish, as well as a catalyst to bring new life and energy to the parish community.

The three authors, Debra Snoddy, Jim Campbell and Fr Andrew McNally have backgrounds in pastoral education and adult and community learning.  

Debra Snoddy is a full-time lecturer in Biblical Studies and is Chair of the Continuing Education Committee for the School of Adult and Community Learning at All Hallows College, Dublin. 

Jim Campbell has been a member of the staff of the Institute of Cultural Affairs since it began in 1972.  He currently teaches courses in facilitation at All Hallows College.  

Fr Andrew McNally is currently Administrator of St Patrick’s Parish, Dundalk. He has served as a curate, diocesan adviser for religious education and as Director of pastoral renewal and family ministry in the Archdiocese of Armagh.

According to the authors, the parish is the grassroots and core of the Church.  

They compare parish councils to the rudder that steers the parish in a particular direction, saying the council shares with the priest and is co-responsible for the shepherding of the community.

“A strong and active parish council can prove instrumental in developing community faith and unity,” the book states.

Parish Pastoral Councils: A Formation Manual costs €16.99/£14.50.

SIC: CIN/IE