Diocesan Pastoral Council

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.

Dromore Pastoral Council* Members

Most Reverend Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and Apostolic Administrator of Dromore Diocese
Rev Pearse Thornbury
Ms Paula Jordan
Ms Lisa Murray
Mr Kieran Murphy
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

*In statu nascendi

Purpose of Pastoral Councils

Dromore Pastoral Council* Members

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