Ayrfield ParishAyrfield Parish

Communicating on the Parish Pastoral Plan

January 2009

Shane Halpin Pastoral Worker

PrayerPrayer

When people are genuinely led by When people are genuinely led by the Spirit, they will not seek their the Spirit, they will not seek their

own fulfilment, rather they will seek own fulfilment, rather they will seek what is best for others, for their what is best for others, for their

parish, for the Church and for the parish, for the Church and for the World. (Think Big Act Small 2005)World. (Think Big Act Small 2005)

ContextContextWhat is the background to this?What is the background to this?Survey sent to all parishioners in July 2008Survey sent to all parishioners in July 2008Three consultation evenings September Three consultation evenings September 20082008Two Parish Pastoral Council Meetings Two Parish Pastoral Council Meetings October and November 2008October and November 2008

We broke Parish into 5 areasWe broke Parish into 5 areas

Worship Worship Community LifeCommunity Life

FormationFormationOutreachOutreach

AdministrationAdministration

Situation in AyrfieldSituation in Ayrfield

STRENGTHSSTRENGTHS

Active and Involved communityActive and Involved communityCool Side of God and Family Mass Youth GroupCool Side of God and Family Mass Youth Group

AdorationAdorationGood collaboration with SchoolsGood collaboration with Schools

Good communication with AyrwavesGood communication with AyrwavesSacramental preparation for Baptism and First HCSacramental preparation for Baptism and First HC

Bereavement supportBereavement supportExcellent resources e.g pastoral centre, pastoral Excellent resources e.g pastoral centre, pastoral

workerworkerLarge young population in parishLarge young population in parish

Situation in AyrfieldSituation in Ayrfield

WEAKNESSES/CHALLENGESWEAKNESSES/CHALLENGES

Workload of priestWorkload of priestLiturgy preparation incl Music Liturgy preparation incl Music

Homily and spiritual nourishment Homily and spiritual nourishment Unity and respect for each otherUnity and respect for each other

Declining congregation and disconnect from Declining congregation and disconnect from many in the parishmany in the parishHurts of the pastHurts of the past

Situation AnalysisSituation Analysis 2900 households (plus or minus)2900 households (plus or minus) Estimated 4 per house =11,600 peopleEstimated 4 per house =11,600 people Average parish mass attendance per day 30 (0.2%)Average parish mass attendance per day 30 (0.2%) Average parish mass attendance atAverage parish mass attendance at

10am Sunday 125 10am Sunday 125 1%1% 11am Sunday 150 11am Sunday 150 1.2%1.2% 12am Sunday 200 12am Sunday 200 1.7%1.7% 6pm Saturday 250 6pm Saturday 250 2.1%2.1%

Over 300 (41%) of these are involved in plus or minus 25 Over 300 (41%) of these are involved in plus or minus 25 parish groups/ministries (some duplication)parish groups/ministries (some duplication)

Increased workload of priestIncreased workload of priest

Key areas arisingKey areas arising

Spiritual growthSpiritual growth of the community of the community Reaching outReaching out to the wider community to the wider community Young peopleYoung people are welcomed and nurtured are welcomed and nurtured Joyful celebration of worshipJoyful celebration of worship

Key Values ExpressedKey Values Expressed

Trust and Courage, Trust and Courage, Prayer, Faithfulness and Belief, Guidance Conviction, Prayer, Faithfulness and Belief, Guidance Conviction,

PerseverancePerseverance Diversity and inclusiveness, Diversity and inclusiveness, EncouragementEncouragement Friendship, unity and harmony, acceptanceFriendship, unity and harmony, acceptance Cooperation and respect, Cooperation and respect, Wisdom, Wisdom, Love and Understanding, Love and Understanding, HumilityHumility and and Selfless givingSelfless giving Openness, Openness, ForgivenessForgiveness

VisionVision

We seek We seek to reach out in loveto reach out in love and be and be Christ’s Christ’s witnesswitness to those to those on the marginson the margins of our of our community especially our young and community especially our young and

vulnerablevulnerable

Mission StatementMission Statement

We the parish community of St Paul’s We the parish community of St Paul’s Ayrfield, come together in love with Ayrfield, come together in love with faith, faith, hope and trusthope and trust in God. In a spirit of in God. In a spirit of openness and acceptanceopenness and acceptance gained through gained through prayer,prayer, we endeavour to create a sense of we endeavour to create a sense of belongingbelonging for all. for all.

StrategyStrategy

St Paul’s parish Ayrfield will focus its efforts over St Paul’s parish Ayrfield will focus its efforts over the next three years primarily on developing the the next three years primarily on developing the spiritual lives of its community through a range spiritual lives of its community through a range of quality prayer and joyful worship activities of quality prayer and joyful worship activities within the parish. within the parish.

One key aspect of this strategy is the focus on One key aspect of this strategy is the focus on young people, those of school-going age and young people, those of school-going age and young adults, the future of our Church. There will young adults, the future of our Church. There will be a particular push to reach out to those who be a particular push to reach out to those who are not regular church-goers and operate are not regular church-goers and operate effectively with the best use of resources.effectively with the best use of resources.

Four ElementsFour Elements

Spiritual Growth

Outreach

Young People

Joyful Celebration

Making best use of resources

STRATEGY

Spiritual GrowthSpiritual Growth (Formation)(Formation)

Vision: Vision: We seek to encourage and facilitate We seek to encourage and facilitate

spiritual growth through full and spiritual growth through full and active participation in quality liturgies, active participation in quality liturgies, prayer life and the sacraments of the prayer life and the sacraments of the parish.parish.

Spiritual GrowthSpiritual GrowthFor All For All By Dec 2008 we have had a successful Parish Mission By Dec 2008 we have had a successful Parish Mission By Mar 2009 we have in place a weekly By Mar 2009 we have in place a weekly Lectio Divina Lectio Divina initiative initiative By Mar 2009 we have a supporting funeral ministry in placeBy Mar 2009 we have a supporting funeral ministry in place By Sept 2009 we have increased the number of active prayer groups By Sept 2009 we have increased the number of active prayer groups By Sept 2009 we have held our second parish Alpha CourseBy Sept 2009 we have held our second parish Alpha Course By Dec 2009 we have offered Life in the SpiritBy Dec 2009 we have offered Life in the Spirit By Dec 2009 we have had an evaluation of our Lay Presiding groupBy Dec 2009 we have had an evaluation of our Lay Presiding group

For youngFor young By May 2009 we have completed regular meditation for Confirmation studentsBy May 2009 we have completed regular meditation for Confirmation students By May 2009 confirmation students have participated in 4 special liturgies in the By May 2009 confirmation students have participated in 4 special liturgies in the

churchchurch By May 2009 we have had one youth pilgrimages/ Lourdes, Medujorie By May 2009 we have had one youth pilgrimages/ Lourdes, Medujorie By Sept 2009 we have increased the number of Altar servers and put in place By Sept 2009 we have increased the number of Altar servers and put in place

regular training and support.regular training and support. By Sept 2009 we have developed the faith element to the Cool Side of God and By Sept 2009 we have developed the faith element to the Cool Side of God and

Ayrfield Youth programmes Ayrfield Youth programmes

Joyful CelebrationJoyful Celebration (Worship)(Worship)

Vision:Vision: To create a faith community known for To create a faith community known for

beingbeing joyful and welcoming, full joyful and welcoming, full attendance at attendance at Sunday MassesSunday Masses

Joyful CelebrationJoyful Celebration GoalsGoals By Nov 2008 we are encouraging participation of congregation in all By Nov 2008 we are encouraging participation of congregation in all

music at massmusic at mass..

By Nov 2008 we have established a hospitality ministry for each massBy Nov 2008 we have established a hospitality ministry for each mass – – to handout parish bulletins, greet people and when planned to help to handout parish bulletins, greet people and when planned to help with tea and coffee after mass.with tea and coffee after mass.

By December 2009 we have consulted with relevant people with regard By December 2009 we have consulted with relevant people with regard to a possible reduction of masses on a Sundayto a possible reduction of masses on a Sunday

By Jan 2009 we have formed a liturgy coordinatorBy Jan 2009 we have formed a liturgy coordinator/team/team for each of the for each of the Masses (responsible for planning and coordination of music, readers, Masses (responsible for planning and coordination of music, readers, Eucharist ministers, welcoming and priest and special groups liaison.)Eucharist ministers, welcoming and priest and special groups liaison.)

By By April 2009 we April 2009 we have had our first music ministry/liturgy have had our first music ministry/liturgy workshopsworkshops for for existing and new groups by (to include existing and new groups by (to include guidance on best practice in preparation for the Celebration guidance on best practice in preparation for the Celebration of Masses of Masses within the parishwithin the parish.).)

Outreach Outreach (And Community)(And Community)

Vision: Vision: we seek to extend we seek to extend a hand of welcomea hand of welcome

to those on the outside of our parish to those on the outside of our parish community and to those who are community and to those who are vulnerable in our parish and in our vulnerable in our parish and in our wider society.wider society.

OutreachOutreach By Nov 2008 we have establishing a team to help By Nov 2008 we have establishing a team to help

Produce Ayrwaves on a monthly basisProduce Ayrwaves on a monthly basis

By April 2009 we have established a team of By April 2009 we have established a team of volunteers to visit every household on a street by volunteers to visit every household on a street by street basis to be completed by end of 2009street basis to be completed by end of 2009

By April 2009 we have had evaluation/planning By April 2009 we have had evaluation/planning meetings with Legion of Mary and Bethany meetings with Legion of Mary and Bethany Bereavement groupBereavement group

By April 2009 we extend the coffee facility to an after By April 2009 we extend the coffee facility to an after Sunday mass slot twice a monthSunday mass slot twice a month

Young PeopleYoung People (Formation)(Formation)

VisionVision

To be a parish where young people feel To be a parish where young people feel welcome, and are encouraged to be welcome, and are encouraged to be involved in the preparation, involved in the preparation, participation and celebration of Mass.participation and celebration of Mass.

Young PeopleYoung PeopleGoalsGoals By Sept 2008 we have implemented a programme of youth with alternate weeks By Sept 2008 we have implemented a programme of youth with alternate weeks

for senior & junior youth meetingsfor senior & junior youth meetings

By Dec 2008 we have consulted regarding a proposal to change the time of the By Dec 2008 we have consulted regarding a proposal to change the time of the family mass to 12 noon.family mass to 12 noon.

By December 2008 we have created a welcoming team By December 2008 we have created a welcoming team and liturgical coordination for each Youth Mass and liturgical coordination for each Youth Mass

By December 2008 we have a young people’s Lectio DivinaBy December 2008 we have a young people’s Lectio Divina group group

By March 2009 we have a twice monthly young adult mass and related By March 2009 we have a twice monthly young adult mass and related preparation teams in place for 6pm masspreparation teams in place for 6pm mass

By May 2009 we have had at least one joint initiatives with By May 2009 we have had at least one joint initiatives with Parish High Schools (Donahies and Chanel) eg Christmas/Easter youth Mass Parish High Schools (Donahies and Chanel) eg Christmas/Easter youth Mass linked with existing groups (Includes Drama and Music)linked with existing groups (Includes Drama and Music)

(By March 2009 we have a approved a Child Protection Policy for the Parish (By March 2009 we have a approved a Child Protection Policy for the Parish based on best practice) (to be agreed by PPC)based on best practice) (to be agreed by PPC)

ImplementationImplementation

Commission Structure with pastoral Commission Structure with pastoral worker supportworker support

Ministries existing and to be formedMinistries existing and to be formed Volunteer supportVolunteer support

CommissionsCommissions

JOYFUL CELEBRATION: Leader: Colm MallonJOYFUL CELEBRATION: Leader: Colm Mallon Liturgy CoordinationLiturgy Coordination Welcome and hospitalityWelcome and hospitality Music MinistriesMusic Ministries Encouragement of singingEncouragement of singing Music/liturgy workshopsMusic/liturgy workshops Youth Music liaisonYouth Music liaison Consultation on mass times/ number of massesConsultation on mass times/ number of masses Ministers of the EucharistMinisters of the Eucharist Ministers of the WordMinisters of the Word   

CommissionsCommissions

OUTREACH & COMMUNITY LIFE: Leader: Margaret Maher OUTREACH & COMMUNITY LIFE: Leader: Margaret Maher

Visitation of parishVisitation of parish Ayrwaves NewsletterAyrwaves Newsletter Coffee/tea/massesCoffee/tea/masses Bethany Bereavement GroupBethany Bereavement Group St Vincent De PaulSt Vincent De Paul Legion of MaryLegion of Mary BriginsBrigins Social eventsSocial events

CommissionsCommissions

YOUNG PEOPLE: Leader: Noreen KellyYOUNG PEOPLE: Leader: Noreen Kelly Youth Ministry – Youth Ministry – Consultation on 12 massConsultation on 12 mass Youth/YA Mass teamYouth/YA Mass team PilgrimagePilgrimage CSOGCSOG Ayrfield YouthAyrfield Youth Faith development/LectioFaith development/Lectio YCW ProgrammeYCW Programme School liaisonSchool liaison Altar Servers teamAltar Servers team

CommissionsCommissions

Spiritual Growth: Leader: Phil BuckleySpiritual Growth: Leader: Phil Buckley Parish missionParish mission Prayer groupsPrayer groups FocolareFocolare Lectio Divina-Lectio Divina-ConfirmationConfirmation Confirmation liturgies Confirmation liturgies Alpha and Alpha and Life in the SpiritLife in the Spirit Lay PresidingLay Presiding Scripture GroupScripture Group Eucharistic AdorationEucharistic Adoration Ministry training daysMinistry training days Funeral MinistryFuneral Ministry

Next StepsNext Steps

Final input from parish tonightFinal input from parish tonight Start to develop the key goals with Start to develop the key goals with

immediate effectimmediate effect All interested parishioners to attend action All interested parishioners to attend action

planning evenings for each of the planning evenings for each of the commissions to decide priorities and commissions to decide priorities and personnelpersonnel

Dates to be confirmed but please sign up Dates to be confirmed but please sign up for your area of interestfor your area of interest

Most Urgent NeedsMost Urgent Needs

All Commission need helpAll Commission need help Liturgy and Mass coordination teams Liturgy and Mass coordination teams Prayer team inc Prayer team inc Lectio DivinaLectio Divina and others and others Welcoming teamsWelcoming teams Outreach and Visitation teamsOutreach and Visitation teams Altar Server supportAltar Server support Please give me your name!Please give me your name!