Diocesan Pastoral Council

Out now - Dromore Diocesan Pastoral Council Newsletter - Lent 2026

Dromore Diocesan Pastoral Council is pleased to announce the publication of the Lent 2026 Issue of its newsletter. This special edition captures key moments in the life of our diocese and the wider church.

In this issue:

Young Adult Event at Dromantine
Find out what happened when young adults came together to share their hopes and ideas for the future of the church.

Feature: From the Deacon's Desk
Read about the good works of our permanent deacons.

Catholic Schools Week
Find out about celebrations to mark Catholic Schools Week 2026 which took place from 18th - 24th January.

John Paul II Award Presentation
Enjoy our photo gallery of the presentation of certificates and the commissioning o f new volunteers for Newry Parish.

Mass of Thanksgiving at st Patrick's Church, Aghacommon
Read about Archbishop Eamon's visit to Seagoe parish to celebrate the completion of the refurbishment of Aghacommon's historic church.

Synodality Spotlight
See inside for news from the Universal Synod study groups and an update on the Irish National Synodal Assembly.

Click here to download your copy.

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 (RIP)
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.

Out now - Dromore Diocesan Pastoral Council Newsletter - Lent 2026

Dromore Pastoral Council* Members 2025/2026

Purpose of Pastoral Councils

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