Parish Assembly

It is the mission, vision and aim of the Frankfield/Grange Parish Assembly to collaborate with and support the clergy of the parish in developing a truly Christian community though prayerful liturgy, spiritual development and effective communication.

The 2nd term of the parish assembly began their meetings on the 1st Sunday of Advent in 2010 and it will run until the 1st Sunday of Advent 2013.  The parish assembly members are elected by the parishioners for a period of one term – 3 years. However they are permitted to run for a second term and in fact are encouraged to do so in order to have continuity. It is recommended that one third of assembly members serve for a second term. Members, on completion of their second consecutive term of office, are ineligible for immediate reappointment but may be reappointed after three years has elapsed. The assembly meets monthly, except during the summer months of July and August. The sub-groups meet more often to plan and organise different events.

The 3 sub-groups within the assembly are:

Faith Enrichment: The aim of the group is to help nurture growth in faith and to support the work of the clergy and the parish assembly as a whole in building up the spiritual life of the parish community. For five Friday evenings during Lent the group prepared and prayed the Stations of the Cross in the church. Although these Stations are simple they are very powerful with different themes being explored each week. Among their other activities the group is involved in planning and organising the annual Baptismal Blessing (of babies) Ceremony, in collaboration with the Parish Baptismal Team. This ceremony is held in the church on a Sunday afternoon in May and is very well supported. Refreshments are offered by members of the  parish assembly afterwards in the parish centre.

Liturgy: Assists with community worship especially the celebration of the Eucharist. The group meets once a month but more often during Advent and Lent to help plan and organise the Christmas, Holy Week and Easter Liturgical ceremonies.

The role of the liturgy group is to prayerfully reflect on liturgy in the parish in response to the real needs of the faith community. The group plans and prepares various liturgies – The Christmas Carol Service, Healing Mass in February, Prayer around the Cross on Good Friday evening, Mass of Intercession in May, Mass in August in St. John’s cemetery, Ballinrea, Blessing of Animals in honour of St Francis of Assisi in October - on behalf of the parish, drawing in others at all times. They provide hymn sheets for the weekday morning Masses and for special Masses throughout the year.

Community and Communication: Is responsible for the maintenance of this website and for keeping the parish faith community undated on the ongoing activities of the parish assembly groups. They publish a newsletter twice a year and negotiate with various professional bodies of health and well being to speak on Wednesday mornings at the retired-active group’s coffee mornings.

Part of the group’s remit is hospitality and they organise and provide refreshments (assisted by the other assembly groups) in the parish centre after various liturgical services throughout the church year.

Members of the assembly can be contacted via the parish office or through the parish clergy.