Sacramental programmes, hall improvements, and Lent preparations discussed

The parish council has made several important decisions to support our growing sacramental programmes and strengthen parish life.

First Holy Communion will take place on 16th May, with First Confession scheduled for 9th May, combining all three parishes. The programme now uses customised materials tailored specifically to help children understand the Sacrament, with 21 children participating from Our Lady of Lourdes.

Confirmation continues across all three parishes with approximately 42 candidates. Training for Eucharistic Ministers will run on 3rd, 9th and 16th March, and we are actively recruiting more volunteers for both this ministry and as readers. We have found that personal invitations are more effective than newsletter notices in attracting volunteers to ministries.

Looking ahead to Lent and Easter, Stations of the Cross will continue at their regular time, with the same groups leading as in previous years. Preparations are underway for Holy Week services.

For our hall, the council is working to improve its rental performance through better online visibility and photography, with preference being given to regular bookings that provide consistent income and better care of the space.

The council is also actively recruiting volunteers for the social committee to help organise parish events and relieve current organisers.

Our Lady of Lourdes feast day on 11th February will be celebrated mid-week. Finally, the council continues to address various administrative matters, including uploading meeting minutes to the parish website for greater transparency.