Merger Enquiry Updates

Merger Enquiry Group – First Update (September 2026)

This is the update Fr Alex gave on the work of the Merger Enquiry Group during last weekend’s Masses (12/13 September).

 

In July, our three Parish Councils helped establish the Merger Enquiry Group. Its purpose is to look carefully and prayerfully at what a future merged parish might mean for our communities. This is an enquiry, not a merger plan, and no decisions have been made.

 

Over the past month, the group has met three times. We are beginning by imagining what a future merged parish could look like — its identity, ministries, and practical arrangements. With that shared picture, we can then explore the opportunities, challenges, and implications that would need to be considered.

 

We have also started reaching out to other parishes who have already walked this path. Their experiences will help us learn what works well and what can be difficult.

 

A Terms of Reference has been drafted to guide our work and will be updated as needed. The group meets every two weeks, and we expect the enquiry to continue through the autumn, concluding towards the end of 2026. A recommendation will be offered to Fr Alex early in 2027.

 

We will continue to keep parishioners informed with monthly updates. Please keep this work in your prayers.

 

Membership:

Fr Alex, Gerry Mulvenna, Brian O’Callaghan, Stephen Small, Maria McCann, Anne Henry, Anne Marie Weston, Christine McNally, Fred McConnell, Nixon Masih, Maureen Quinn, David Noake, Sr Jeannette McGlone, Susanne Lackie, Tina Bremner, Danny Friel (Project Lead).