Bishop Martin Hayes of Kilmore
Bishop of Kilmore Martin Hayes has encouraged the diocesan community to consider attending a series of nine information evenings during the month of September intended to explore parish renewal.
The information evenings begin on September 15 and end on September 30, and anyone is welcome to attend regardless of past parish role, age, and background.
“The life and mission of our parish belong to the whole faith community,” said Bishop Hayes, “and each person has gifts that can help our parish grow and thrive.” He noted that parish renewal requires varying perspectives; people of different ages, experiences and abilities who are “willing to share their gifts.”
While the evenings will focus largely on the subject of parish renewal, they will also dive specifically into the establishment of Parish Pastoral Councils, which parishioners have been introduced to through an awareness campaign run by the diocese this summer.
The nine evenings will present an opportunity for parishioners to come and ask questions about how they can get involved, although Bishop Hayes stressed that attending the events does not imply automatic commitment to membership of a Parish Pastoral Council. Inviting parishioners to join, Bishop Hayes said, “come, listen, ask questions and consider how you might play a part in the future of our parish.”
According to the bishop, the nine evenings will be an opportunity to help shape “a welcoming, vibrant and faith-filled future for our parish, whether through the Parish Pastoral Council or another form of service.”