Report to Parish from Parish Childcare Committee

February 8th, 2010

Good Evening /Morning /Afternoon

I am a member of Saint Anne’s Child Care Committee, as you can see from the bulletin, the committee is made up of (see bulletin for names) two other parishioners have recently joined the committee, Denise Mc Stay and Gerard Marron

We have been in existence for two and half years helping to establish best practice in relation to child protection and safeguarding vulnerable adults in our parish.

As a committee we felt it was timely to report to you the parishioners of Saint Anne’s on the progress our parish has made in this critical area of pastoral care. We will also be reporting to our Parish Council in the near future.

Between August 2006 and December 2009, 100 parish volunteers have completed Child Protection Awareness training and to date 64 parish volunteers have completed the vetting process.

To all those volunteers we would wish to express our thanks for your co-operation and indeed patience and acknowledge their commitment and dedication to their volunteering role in our parish.

It is the role of your Child Committee in Saint Anne’s to try and ensure that Saint Anne’s is a safe place for our children, young people and vulnerable adults, to promote best practice in this area and to ensure that as a Parish, Saint Anne’s complies with The Diocese of Down and Connor Child Protection Policy and Procedure.

Whilst acknowledging the progress our parish has made in this area, there remains work to be completed.

The Down and Connor child Protection Policy is now in place, it has been endorsed by our Bishop and has been validated by statutory authorities.

All volunteers working with children young people or vulnerable adults must attend a parish information session and must go through the vetting procedure.

All parish groups or groups using our parish facilities must have a code of practice.

Your Child Care Committee in Saint Anne’s is there to support and reassure you.

We would ask for your ongoing prayers, support and cooperation with regards to the implementation of the diocesan policy. This ongoing co-operation will go a long way to promote best practice and ensure the protection and safety of children, young people and vulnerable adults in our Parish, importantly it will also provide protection to our dedicated volunteers who in the spirit of the gospel give of their time so selflessly to the pastoral care of others.

Members of the Child Care Committee may be contacted through the Parish Office.

Thank You

St Anne’s Childcare Committee

February 8th, 2010

A report will be given this weekend at all Masses on the work and progress of the Childcare Committee.
Committee Members: Philip O’Hara, Chair. Ann Hopkins, Childcare Officer;
Denise McStay, Childcare Officer; Gerard Marron, Childcare Officer;
Annette McKeever, Scretary

Youth Forum

February 8th, 2010

will meet this Sunday, 7th February at 7.30 pm in the Parochial House.

Preparing for Confirmation

February 8th, 2010

Penitential Service for P7 children
Monday 8th February at 11.15 am (please note change of date and time)

Confirmation – Thursday 18th February
Bishop Noel Treanor is conferring Confirmation in St Anne’s this year.

Parish Pastoral Council

February 8th, 2010

There will be a meeting of the full Council on Tuesday 9th February at 8 pm in the Parochial House.

Bodybuilders Holiday Club

February 8th, 2010

26th – 30th July 2010
Leaders Wanted!
Love God, have fun –
5th Yr? – contact Noel

ALPHA

February 8th, 2010

is back for 2010
Every Tuesday – 7.30 pm – 9.00 pm
in St Anne’s Parochial House.
Fun, Food, God & Games
?more details – contact: Elizabeth

Holy Land Pilgrimage – St Anne’s Parish

February 8th, 2010

Ex – Belfast.
6 ~ 15 September 2010; (10 days / 9 nights)
Spiritual Director: Fr Edward O’Donnell
Price: £1150 per person, sharing. Please contact the Parish Office for booking details.

Ash Wednesday

February 8th, 2010

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (17th February) Ashes will be distributed on Ash Wednesday during Masses at 10.00 am and 7.30 pm.


Lent 2010

Do you feel we live in a drinks culture? Are you concerned about alcohol abuse? YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Will you give up alcohol for Lent? That’s one type of fasting. We invite you to take a Temporary Pledge with the Pioneer Association, say a short prayer daily and offer your sacrifice to God for someone suffering with an addiction. To take the Temporary Pledge register with local Pioneers on Ash Wednesday – or contact the Diocesan Pioneer Office on 9032 2744 leaving your name, address and telephone number; you will be sent a Pledge Certificate which includes the daily prayer

Mothers’ Prayers

February 8th, 2010

We meet monthly in the Parish Centre to pray together for our children and grandchildren. If interested in joining, please leave your name and Tel number at the parish office.
Any father or grandfather, who would like to start a FATHERS PRAYER GROUP, please contact the above telephone number.