Diocesan Pastoral Council

Latest News : Out now - Dromore Diocesan Pastoral Council Newsletter Advent 2025

Dromore Diocesan Pastoral Council is pleased to announce the publication of the Advent Issue of its newsletter. This special edition captures key moments in the life of our diocese and the wider church as we continue our journey through the Jubilee Year of Hope.

Highlights from this issue include full coverage of the October pilgrimage to the Vatican, where representatives from the Diocese of Dromore participated in Jubilee of Synodal Teams and Participatory Bodies with Pope Leo XIV.

Readers can also enjoy a feature on the musical liturgy event and Mass celebrated at Newry Cathedral on 23rd November 2025, the Solemnity of Christ the King - an uplifting gathering for Church choirs and musicians from Dromore and neighbouring parishes in the Archdiocese of Armagh.

The newsletter also includes a youth perspective on the Pre-Synodal Assembly held in Kilkenny on 18th October 2025, where delegates from across Ireland came together to help shape the next stage of the Synodal Pathway.

Learn about two fully funded training courses for clergy, parish staff, and volunteers, developed in partnership with South Eastern Regional College. These new learning opportunities are designed to build practical skills, boost confidence, and strengthen the support offered across our parishes.

Readers will also find two thought-provoking Q&As with Pope Leo XIV from the Jubilee of Synodal Teams, in which the Holy Father offers insightful reflections on shared responsibility between lay people and clergy, as well as the evolving role of women in the life of the Church.

Finally, the Advent Issue includes a preview of a major young adult event to take place in February 2026 - an initiative designed to further energise and engage young people across the Diocese.

Click here to view Issue 2: Advent 2025

Dromore Pastoral Council* Members 2025/2026

Most Reverend Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and Apostolic Administrator of Dromore Diocese
Rev Pearse Thornbury
Ms Paula Jordan
Ms Lisa Murray
Mrs Frances McNally (Diocesan Youth Director)
Rev Mr Anthony Moffett
Fr Thierry Marteaux (Benedictine Abbey Rostrevor)
Mrs Patricia Maguire (Chairperson)
Mrs Lynn Laverty
Mr Stephen Greene
Fr Brian Fitzpatrick
Dr Mark Byrne

Purpose of Pastoral Councils

The vibrancy of God’s life and love is manifested when all the baptised collaborate in the mission of Christ. A Diocesan Pastoral Council is composed of members of the faithful: clerics, members of institutes of consecrated life and especially laity. The purpose of the council is to collaborate with the bishop in discerning and considering matters relating to pastoral activity and to formulate practical conclusions. To this end they discern what is best for the diocese in light of the gospel, the church’s teaching and what the Holy Spirit is saying through the People of God. Their major tasks involve:

Reflection & Planning
Discerning the needs of the diocesan community and involving the whole diocese in response to the needs.

Animation
Enabling the baptised to discover their call as disciples of Christ by discerning the gifts of the faithful and developing them through the provision of training and on-going formation.

Action
Providing structures that will marry the needs of the diocese with the gifts and resources in the diocese.

Communication
Ensuring that effective dialogue takes place within the diocese and the wider community.

Evaluation
Reviewing the life and activities of the diocese so that parishioners might have a sense of proceeding towards bringing about the reign of God.

Adapted from Ferguson, J. (2005) ‘A handbook for parish pastoral councils’. Columba Press, Dublin.

*In statu nascendi

Latest News : Out now - Dromore Diocesan Pastoral Council Newsletter Advent 2025

Dromore Pastoral Council* Members 2025/2026

Purpose of Pastoral Councils

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