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LAY MINISTRY SUNDAY

In recent years there has been a great focus on the role and vocation of the laity in Parish Mission and Evangelisation.  We now have Ordained Deacons, Lay Pastoral Workers and Catechists in many parishes but we have a long way to go in ensuring that all Parishes have the same resources and trained personnel.  Thus, the Annual Collection for LAY MINISTRY SUNDAY in all Parishes this weekend.  The donations given will enable the Diocese to provide much needed training for parishioners to have a greater role in the running and organising of their Parishes.  This Collection will replace the SHARE Collection at all masses this weekend. Have a look at www.missionministry.ie

Fr. Tony 

 

Lay Ministry Sunday Shape Our Future

Message from Archbishop Dermot Farrell

I am continually inspired by the spirit of faith and care that animates our Catholic community, even as we face the reality of so few vocations to the priesthood.  This is a time of listening, discernment and renewed pastoral action for all of us in the Church, clergy and lay people, the vitality of our Church increasingly relies on our lay people to step into leadership and service roles with courage and love.

Take Action Today

We call upon your support to help shape the future of our Church through lay ministry.  Your donation in the second collection (in place of the Share collection) can make a significant difference.  By encouraging one another, we can collectively make a profound impact on the future of lay ministry and the strength of our parish community.

The Essence of Lay Ministry

Lay Ministry is at the heart of our parish life.  It allows everyone in our community, no matter their age or background, to find their special role in the Church.  Here are some interesting comments from people who have participated in Lay Ministry programmes in the Archdiocese:

‘Our priests are getting fewer, our priests are getting older.  I think it’s really important that laypeople understand their call to participate fully.  Once our awareness grows, then the ownership, the understanding, the responsibility grows with that, too.’  Peter Siney

‘Lay Ministry is the heartbeat of the parish, encompassing both the visible roles, like reading during Mass or assisting with sacraments, and the often-unseen tasks, such as arranging flowers or managing finances.  It is the lifeblood of our parish, vital for its day-to-day operation and spiritual health.’ 

Natalie Doherty

 

 

 

The Hopes of Pope Francis for the future of the Church

464 Bishops, Priests, Religious and lay people have gathered in Rome for the month of October to take part in the Synod which is the most important happening in the Church since the 2nd Vatican Council.  Of that number 81 are women and 54 of those are voting members.

Pope Francis seeks to bring a revived sense of mission to the Church, and many are hoping that new life will emerge as a result.  The documents that will emerge at the end of the month are not the final word, the same people who attend the present gathering will meet again in October 2024, and the Pope is expected to respond to the documents in the months after.

One topic that will be addressed is the role of women in the Church and perhaps we might have women deacons in the years ahead.  The Synod will address the role of all those of us who are Baptised and encourage us to become more active in the Church and in our Parishes.  We all share in the common priesthood of the Baptised.  This gathering is a culmination of the work that took place in our parish and the parishes of Ireland in 2022.

Ireland is represented by Alan McGuckian, Bishop of Raphoe, and Brendan Leahy, Bishop of Limerick, his early years were spent as a child in the parish of St. Agnes.

 

PRAYER FOR THE SYNOD

We Stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.

With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts;

Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.

We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.

Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.

Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life

And not stray from the way of truth and what is right.

All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time,

In the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever.  Amen.