The Parish Forum was formed during 2002 following a period of consultation with then Parish Council and Parish community. This arose out of a general recognition that the structures within the Parish were in need of review. A key desire was to retain and build on what had been achieved to that date and to improve the quality of communication with and involvement of the wider Parish community in the running of the Parish. Another important factor was the decline in the number of priests and recognition of the need for the laity to become more involved in non-secular roles that had been traditionally associated with the priests of the parish. Several "Parish models" were examined and with the support of an external facilitator the Parish Forum and Parish Team were formed and both have been running since.

Role:

The primary role of the Parish Forum is consultation and advisory in support of the activities of the Parish Team and other Parish groups. The Parish Forum meets on a monthly basis in the Iona Centre during the school year with a break during the summer months. The Parish Forum and Parish Team work closely together in the running of the Parish. The Parish Team works with the Parish Priest and the Carmelite Friars in overseeing the day to day running of the Parish and meets on a more regular basis (often as frequently as weekly).

Who:

The Parish Forum consists of members of the Parish community and is voluntary. If you are interested in joining the Parish Forum please contact the any of the Priests or the Secretary at the Parish Presbytery. New members are welcome - all the more so if you are energetic, enthusiastic and willing to become involved in contributing to Parish activities and building an even more vibrant community.

Chair of Parish Pastoral Forum: Michael Giblin