There are about ten to twelve people involved in the Contact Group, which has been active since 1995.

Their aim is to provide face-to-face contact on behalf of the priests and community by visiting homes in different areas of Knocklyon. The group meets every four to five weeks to decide on the visitation plan for the forthcoming period. Following on from the visits, the residents from a particular area or housing estate may be invited to get together for a social evening in the Iona Centre. This affords people the opportunity of meeting their neighbours – modern suburban-living being what it is, this is often the first time that neighbours get to meet! It is also seen as an ideal way of welcoming new-comers into the community.

The group is responsible for the production and distribution of the Community Directory – a catalogue of all the various services and support groups available in the parish.

As well as social liaison, the group is also able to offer practical help or advice to individuals or families that are in need of support in any way by providing relevant contacts or introductions. Such work is carried out in the strictest confidence.

More than anything else, the Contact group represents “community”, a reaching out to others so that all may feel included, offering a helping hand where required, and respecting everyone’s right to privacy.

Anyone wishing to help the group in continuing this valuable work should get in touch at

groups@knocklyonparish.com