Parish Organisations
Altar Servers | Apostolic Workers | Ballycran GAC | Child Care Committee |Finance Committee | Liturgy Committee
Ministers of the Eucharist | Ministers of the Word | Music Ministry | Other Sports Clubs | Pastoral Council
Social Committee | Society of St. Martha | St.Vincent de Paul Society | Youth Ministry
Altar Service
The Altar servers fulfil a vital role in our Liturgical celebrations, assisting the priest and the congregation in such a way that the Liturgy is celebrated in a reverent and efficient manner.The boys and girls begin their service whilst still in Primary School and become eligible when they reach Primary Five. The teams are composed as follows: Vigil Mass, all girls. 9.00 a.m Sunday Mass, mixed team. 11.00a.m Sunday Mass, all boys.
While most serve only the Sunday Liturgies they are welcome to serve evening Masses.The servers are asked to commit themselves to this ministry for at least one year and many continue until their third year in second level education.
If your child would like to join please contact the Parish Priest or their class teacher in St Mary's. Primary School.
Ballycran GAC
Ballycran Gaelic Athletic Club was formed in 1939 with the assistance of a local School Master, Frank Mc Kenna, a native of Co Monaghan.
The Club colours are Black and Amber and their ground/facilities, Mc Kenna Park, are located at Mc Kenna Road in Rubane just off the Kircubbin- Cloughey Road.
The club preference is for Hurling/Camogie. It is a vibrant organisation within the parish fielding successful teams at both senior and juvenile levels.
Traditionally, Hurling, rather than Gaelic Football, is the preferred Sport on the Ards Peninsula and for that reason Ballycran like our friends in Ballygalget and Portaferry play at Senior level in the Antrim league. A warm welcome is extended to any young person who would like to try out this exciting sport.
For full details of the Club and latest results visit their web site which you will find on the Links page, above, or alternatively visit, www.ballycran.down.gaa.ie
Child Care Committee
The Parish Child Care Committee comprises of four lay parishioners and the parish priest. Each member has responded to an initial request to attend training, participate in a proactive committee and work voluntarily on behalf of the Parish to ensure best practice during Parish based activities.
Presently the membership of the Child Care Committee is comprised of:
Hugh O’Prey (Chairperson), Orla McCarthy, Mary Edge, Sean McGourty and the Parish Priest.Every Parish within the Diocese of Down and Connor is to establish a Child Care Committee and the functions and roles of the CCC are illustrated below.
· To assist Parish based groups and societies in promoting active and meaningful protection of children and also those who work with them.
· To share with the Parish community an awareness of the existence of Diocesan child protection policy and procedures.
· To facilitate child protection training and vetting as part of the ongoing Diocesan care and support programme for Parish based volunteers.
· To support and guide organisation/group leaders in ensuring that practical measures are established and encouraged with all our children, young people and adults which promote consideration, tolerance and respect.
The Child Care Committee has commenced work and will be proactively working to facilitate the sharing of skills, knowledge and experience which will adhere to the guidelines and protocol established at Diocesan level.
Primarily the aim of the Parish Child Care Committee is to assist in the development of a Living Faith Community, which can work together, pray together and stay together.
The members of this committee look forward to working with you in supporting the Parish.
Finance Committee
The Parish Finance Committee is composed of the Parish Priest and six parishioners.
The members, chosen by the parish priest, have knowledge of accountancy, business, building, law and other expertise the parish priest feels would be useful.
The committee meet approximately once a month or as business requires to assist and advise the Parish Priest in the Administration of the goods of the parish.
Standing: L-R Geraldine Gilmore, Mary O Flynn. Seated: Cathal Gilmore, Michael Stuart, Paul O Prey, Brendan McCarthy.
In accordance with and subject to the provisions of Canon Law and Diocesan regulations the committee advises:-
* on the preparation and updating of records of parish finances.
* on the monitoring of Parish income and expenditure
* on the preparation and presentation of the annual accounts to the Parish
* on the maintenance, repair and upkeep of Parish property
* generally on other appropriate matters when requested by the Parish Priest.
Ministers of the Eucharist
The Extra-ordinary Ministers of the Eucharist assist the Priest with the distribution of Holy Communion during Mass. They also bring the Sacrament to the house bound, who request it, at weekends. The Ministers serve for a period of three years and may renew their service at that time. The next renewal date is June 2010 If you would like to be considered for this Ministry please contact the Parish Priest.
The co-ordinator for this ministry is Phyllis Gilmore
Music Ministry
The Folk Group at Mount St. Joseph's Church
The Music Ministry in Ardkeen Parish plays an active and supportive role at the weekly Masses and other Liturgies in Mount St Joseph’s and St Mary’s Star of the Sea Churches.
Led by Eamon and Siobhan Caughey in Mount St Joseph’s and Maura Lipfird in Our Lady’s, the respective folk groups in each church and choir in Our Lady’s are represented by a dedicated group of parishioners. In addition to the Organ/Keyboards, further support is provided by guitars and other traditional instruments.
The Choir in Our Lady's Star of the Sea Church
New members of the Music Ministry are always welcome. If you enjoy singing or can play an instrument and would like to participate, either as a group member, or as a Cantor, please contact one of the leaders.
Folk Groups:
St Mary’s Star of the Sea: 6.30pm (Saturday Vigil)
Mount St Joseph’s: 11.00am (Sunday)
The Folk Group in Our Lady's Star of the Sea Church
Choir:
St Mary’s Star of the Sea:
9.00am(Sunday)
7.30pm (Friday)
Social Committee
L-R Back row. Mary McNamara, Caitlin Savage, Willie Mageean, Joanne Mc Namara. Front Row: Mary Magee, Olivia Coulter,Tessie Lennon (Chairperson), Monica Hoare, May Brennan, Mariead Breen.
The Social Committee organises various events throughout the year on behalf of the parish community such as Ceildhe's, Treasure Hunts, the Annual Bazaar, Beetle Drives etc.. They try to provide something for all ages. The committee meet about once a month to plan and invent new ideas and ensure everyone has plenty of fun.
From time to time other parishioners join the committee to assist with particular events just listen for the call if you would like to help. The permanent members are always looking out for parishioners who might be of a particular help with the hospitality which we try to make a feature of all events. If you could help with providing all types of home-bakes or have ideas for social events contact the Chairperson Tessie Lennon.
Society of St Martha
The society is a group of volunteers who, following the example of their patron, offer hospitality to the rest of the parish community by providing a housekeeping service for our Churches.
They have organised themselves into teams and quietly ensure that our Churches are always clean, tidy and welcoming.
If you feel you could help and would like to join the Society please contact any of the existing members or the Parish Priest.
St. Vincent de Paul Society
The Society of St Vincent de Paul is a world wide organisation of lay volunteers which is dedicated to tackling poverty of all forms.
This can mean financial poverty, but also poverty of loneliness, neglect or despair which can affect the most vulnerable members of our neighbourhood- the unemployed, single parents, low income families, the elderly and people living alone.
Some members of the Parish Conference
How we in the society respond to these needs is primarily by visiting these people in their own homes, getting to know them, understand their needs, and to provide support to enable them to help themselves on a long term basis. We visit on average 4 families a week and the help we provide can be in the form of food, fuel, clothing and household appliances like cookers, fridges and washing machines.
We contribute towards the annual Senior Citizens party and help is given to needy families at Christmas.
Of course we couldn’t provide any of these things without your continued support. The help we distribute each and every week is funded by the Church door collections (the Red Box) and the articles of furniture donated are distributed to local families in need –for all your help we are extremely grateful.
We are constantly looking for new members of all ages to join us in our work. We meet once a week on a Monday evening in the Parish House, at Our Lady’s Star of the Sea Church, Nunsquarter.
For further details Telephone 91272467
Youth Ministry
The Youth Ministry seeks to help young people develop a deeper understanding of their faith. This is done through various programmes held in their facility, 'Joey's, in Ballycran Old School. Helping them to be more effective witnesses of the Gospel message. There is also an emphasis on fun and companionship.
The Youth Ministry is developing and if you are 18 years of age or over and would like to help, please contact the Parish Priest or one of the Youth Leaders.Check the Recent Events page to view current activities’.
