Walking Together in Faith and Service
Our Parish Pastoral Councils in Lurgan are an important part of the life and mission of our parish communities. They are places where priests and parishioners come together in a spirit of prayer, listening, and collaboration to help our parishes grow and flourish.
A Parish Pastoral Council brings together people who share a love for the Church and a desire to serve others. Through conversation, reflection, and prayer, members work together to recognise the needs of our parish family and to encourage opportunities for faith, worship, evangelisation, and service.
The Council is guided by the message of the Gospel, the teachings of the Church, and the gentle guidance of the Holy Spirit. Together, members reflect on how we can continue to build welcoming, vibrant, and faith-filled communities where everyone feels valued and encouraged to take part.
A Parish Pastoral Council is not a decision-making body that replaces the role of the priest, but rather a group that supports and advises, helping to identify opportunities, respond to needs, and encourage the participation of all parishioners.
What Does the Parish Pastoral Council Do?
The Council seeks to support the spiritual life and mission of the parish in a number of ways:
Listening to Our Parish Community
The Council provides a place where the hopes, ideas, concerns, and needs of parishioners can be heard and reflected upon.
By listening carefully to one another, we can better understand how our parish can continue to grow and respond to the needs of our community.
Encouraging Participation and Sharing Gifts
Every person has unique gifts, talents, and experiences that can enrich the life of the Church.
The Council helps to recognise these gifts and encourages parishioners to become involved in ways that are meaningful for them—whether through prayer, volunteering, ministry, outreach, or supporting parish activities.
Building a Welcoming and United Parish
Open and respectful communication is at the heart of parish life.
The Council encourages opportunities for parishioners to share ideas, have conversations, and work together in a spirit of kindness, respect, and Christian unity.
Parish Pastoral Council Meetings
In the parishes of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, the Parish Pastoral Councils meet approximately four to five times each year.
Meetings provide an opportunity for members to pray, reflect, discuss matters affecting parish life, and consider ways to support the ongoing mission of the Church within our community.
We warmly welcome the thoughts, suggestions, and ideas of all parishioners. If you would like to share something with the Council, please place your comments in an envelope and leave them at the parish office.
To help maintain open and respectful communication, the Council is unable to respond to anonymous correspondence. We encourage parishioners to include their name so that, where appropriate, a response or further conversation can take place.
Your Voice Matters
We warmly welcome your thoughts, ideas, questions, and suggestions about parish life. Your feedback helps us to listen carefully, reflect together, make informed decisions, and continue to grow as a community of faith.
If you would like to share something with us, please put it in writing, include your name and contact details, and leave it at the parish office. This allows us to give your message the consideration it deserves and, where appropriate, respond with care and respect.
To encourage open and meaningful communication, all correspondence must include the writer’s name and contact details. Please note that anonymous letters will not be discussed (or responded to) during Parish Pastoral Council meetings.
Meet Our Chairpersons
Saint Peter’s Parish Pastoral Council
Chairperson: Marie McStay
Saint Paul’s Parish Pastoral Council
Chairperson: Sean Lenaghan