Out now - Dromore Diocesan Newsletter - Autumn 2026
Dromore Diocesan Pastoral Council is pleased to announce the publication of the Autumn 2026 Issue of 'Beo' Dromore Diocesan Newsletter.
The newsletter, now on its fourth issue, aims to celebrate the faith and vitality of parish communities in the Diocese of Dromore.
Highlights include:
- A century of the SMA at Dromantine
- Snapshot from the Seminary with Mark McDonnell
- Carlo Acutis Novena at Newry Cathedral
- Year of celebrations to mark Saval Parish Centenary
- Return to Studies Mass at Newry Cathedral
- 150th Anniversary of the Church of St John the Evangelist, Glenn
- Working Document for October National Synodal Assembly published
We hope you enjoy reading this edition and discovering some of the inspiring stories and activities taking place across our diocese.
Please consider sharing the newsletter with family, friends and fellow parishioners to help us celebrate and share the life of our diocese.
Click here to download your copy.
Past issues
Click here to view Issue 3: Lent 2026
Click here to view Issue 2: Advent 2025
Click here to view Issue 1: Autumn 2025
Dromore Pastoral Council* Members 2025/2026
Most Reverend Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and Apostolic Administrator of Dromore Diocese
Rev Pearse Thornbury
Ms Elizabeth Murray
Mrs Frances McNally (Diocesan Youth Director)
Fr Anthony Moffett
Mrs Patricia Maguire (Chairperson)
Mrs Lynn Laverty
Mr Stephen Greene
Fr Brian Fitzpatrick
Dr Mark Byrne
*In statu nascendi
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.
Publications
Web and Social Media Report - January 2025
Music event synopsis - June 2025
Young Adult Synod Report - June 2025
Dromore Diocese on Facebook
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Useful Links
www.synod.va/content/dam/synod/news/2024-10-26_final-document/ENG---Documento-finale.pdf