The Diocese of Kilmore is inviting parishioners to take part in a series of nine information evenings during September, exploring the future and renewal of parish life and the important contribution that lay people can make in their local faith communities.
The evenings follow a summer-long awareness campaign introducing parishioners to the work of Parish Pastoral Councils and encouraging greater participation and shared responsibility in parish life.
While the establishment and renewal of Parish Pastoral Councils will be an important part of the gatherings, the evenings will have a wider focus on parish renewal and the many different ways in which people can use their gifts in the service of their parish.
Bishop of Kilmore, Bishop Martin Hayes, has emphasised that the life and mission of a parish are a shared responsibility.
Encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to consider attending, Bishop Hayes said, Parish renewal needs people of different ages, backgrounds, experiences and abilities who are willing to share their gifts.
The Bishop stressed that attending one of the evenings does not mean that a person is committing themselves to membership of a Parish Pastoral Council or to taking on a particular role.
Instead, the evenings are an opportunity to find out more, ask questions and consider the many ways in which parishioners can become involved in the life of their local Church.
Bishop Hayes described the gatherings as an opportunity to help shape "a welcoming, vibrant and faith-filled future for our parish, whether through the Parish Pastoral Council or another form of service."
The Diocese hopes the evenings will attract not only those already actively involved in parish life, but also people who may never previously have considered becoming involved.
Parishioners are also being encouraged to think of others in their communities whose gifts, experience and perspective could enrich parish life and to invite them personally to attend.
All evenings begin at 8pm.
Tuesday 15 September
Ballinaglera Community Centre, Ballinaglera, Co. Leitrim
For Dromahair, Drumkeeran, Ballinaglera and Killinagh.
Wednesday 16 September
Futurecast, Leitrim Road, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim
For Manorhamilton, Glenfarne, Kinlough, Ballaghameehan and Kiltyclogher.
Monday 21 September
Kilmore Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Cullies, Co. Cavan
For Cavan, Ballyhaise-Castletara and Drumlane-Annagh.
Tuesday 22 September
Carrigallen Community Centre, Main Street, Carrigallen, Co. Leitrim
For Ballinamore, Carrigallen, Killeshandra, Corlough-Templeport and Kildallan.
Tuesday 22 September
Kinawley Community Centre, Kinawley, Co. Fermanagh
For Derrylin and Kinawley.
Thursday 24 September
Drumavaddy Community Centre, Carrickboy, Co. Cavan
For Crosserlough, Denn, Ballintemple and Kilmore.
Monday 28 September
Gallonray House, Gallonreagh, Maudabawn, Co. Cavan
For Drumgoon (Cootehill), Drung-Kilsherdany, Laragh and Lavey.
Tuesday 29 September
The Courthouse, Main Street, Bailieborough, Co. Cavan
For Killann (Bailieborough), Knockbride and Kilmainhamwood & Tierworker.
Wednesday 30 September
The Lakeside Manor, Dublin Road, Virginia, Co. Cavan
For Killinkere, Mullagh, Castlerahan and Lurgan.
Everyone is welcome to attend, and attendance does not involve any commitment to joining a Parish Pastoral Council or taking on another parish role.
