January 22nd 2026
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
With this letter, we, the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) would like to share with you the results of the Questionnaire you completed. Just to remind you of the purpose of the Questionnaire: it was the first step in what Pope Leo, and the late Pope Francis have requested for the universal church: that we walk the Synodal Path together.
We would now like to share a summary of your responses to the Questionnaire. With regards to the Parish of St. Mary’s, the consensus of your responses spoke favourably of the parish as being a welcoming place, where many cultures are integrating into the life and worship of the Eucharistic celebration. You also stated that the quality of our parish liturgy is quite varied. It was stated that the individual style of the priest-celebrant influenced our parish celebration. Some homilies are not always relevant to or address the reality of people’s lives. Staying with the liturgy, your responses illustrated a great appreciation for the music ministry. Most of you found music helps your active participation in our weekly Eucharist. Special mention was made of the 10.00am Family Mass.
Matters of concern that need attention include: a better means of communication; a review of the Parish Newsletter and new ways to initiate better means of communication within the parish. Related to this was your request to have a place where parishioners can meet after Eucharist, perhaps over tea or coffee.
We noted the request for more devotions and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. A small number of you expressed reservation concerning the process of synodality. Such honest responses needs to be addressed respectfully. In a related topic, some questioned the use of Lay Ministers of the Eucharist, given the presence of concelebrating priests
Many of you dream of a more inclusive Church, especially a Church that reaches out to those who have walked away from all forms of formal religious practice. The role of women in our Church also featured. This latter topic is also mirrored in the very high percentage of those of you who wish to live out fully your vocation as baptised followers of Jesus of Nazareth, both men and women. Related to your baptismal calling, you expressed a desire for faith formation. Currently, the parish offers daily Mass, Confessions but little else. Your responses show that supporting and developing our shared faith must be a priority for our whole parish.
We would like to sincerely thank you for completing the Questionnaire. May it be the beginning of our common faith journey as sisters and brothers in Christ.
The PPC members will, at their next meeting prepare for our first Synodal meeting. We will soon contact you concerning the date and time of the first meeting on this Synodal path.
We ask for your prayer for our parish as we continue to deepen in the gift of faith given to us all.
In Christ,
Fr Stephen, OP
PPC Members: Eilish McNally, Jeanette Cunningham, Arlene Herron, Barbara Deane, Fr Martin, OP, Deacon Eamon, OP and Fr Robert, OP
Breakdown of age-profile’s response to the Questionnaire:
| AGES | RESPONSES |
| 0-21 | 6 |
| 22-45 | 16 |
| 45-65 | 20 |
| 66+ | 40 |
| Uknown | 5 |
| Total | 87 |