St Andrew’s Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) Meeting 26th January 2026

Attendees : Fr Michael, Mary Teresa Coyle (chair), Moira English ( Liturgy), Sadie Traynor (Messengers), Ricky Jackson(Justice and Peace), Robert Patterson ( Halls) and Veronica McLaughlin ( Secretary).
Apologies : Gary Wilson (Finance). 

1. Previous Meeting's Minutes:

• Agree previous minutes. Number of small changes agreed.
• Minutes to be published on parish website.

2. Group Reports
  Liturgy:

• Good to see update on music system. The issue flagged with words of psalm not being heard if sung from side mics. It was agreed that the first reader should be asked to announce the words of the psalm for the congregation in accordance with normal folk group practice : “the psalm will be sung – the words are …. ”.
• Date of Confirmation requested – Moira English advised that the date of the next parish Confirmation will be known around June 2026 and likely to take place Spring 2027.

  J&P: No follow up questions
  Messengers: No follow up questions
  Halls:

• Heating in hall was discussed and how difficult it can be to get an optimum temperature for the various groups.
• This will be looked at on an ongoing basis.

  Fabric & Finance:

• A number of necessary works have taken place in the parish and parish house but funds remain healthy.
• Forthcoming expense was highlighted for painting required inside church and potential options were discussed.

3. Evangelisation Fund

• The possibility of applying to the Evangelisation Fund to finance promotional material advertising St Nicholas as the local Catholic Primary school was discussed again.
• There are various routes in place currently including the Bulletin, Reachout and Banner to try and encourage parents to send their children to St Nicholas.
• Action – Father Michael to discuss potential options with Headmaster and report back.

4. AOB
   Halls – Accident highlighted that occurred in lower hall. Appropriate formal reporting and investigation has taken place as well as a review of good practice. Archdiocese H&S rep has given positive feedback on the H&S practices in the parish.
   Cooperation - Discussion took place on the current arrangement between the parishes of St Joseph’s and St Andrew’s which appear to be working quite well.
   Sign Up Sunday – meeting touched on the fact that the number of new volunteers was very low and so some groups have to consider stopping or cutting back on activities.
   Christmas Eve – discussed feedback on sound at Christmas vigil in upper hall had been received that sound was poor. 
Action –  Father to report back with an update following conversations including with David Quinn. 
   Christmas - Suggestion made for next Christmas that dairy free chocolate selection boxes are made available.
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Next Meeting – Monday 13th April 2026.