Parish Pastoral Council

Pope Leo XIV, continuing the legacy and vision of Pope Francis, has reaffirmed Synodality –Walking Together as the path for the Universal Church. Through his writings, speeches, and symbolic actions, Pope Leo XIV has made clear his commitment to nurturing a Missionary–Synodal Church, one rooted in shared responsibility, participatory discernment, and collaborative leadership, where clergy, religious, and laity walktogether and work in teams for the mission of the Gospel.

Following a successful year and a half of the initial Parish Pastoral Plan launched in 2024, during which strong foundations of participation, consultation, and trust were established, the parish is now ready to progress its collaboration to a deeper level. This next phase invites us to move intentionally towards working in teams, embracing shared responsibility and co-responsibility in pastoral planning, decision-making, and mission.

Mission

Our journeying together is to build on the pillars of Evangelisation, Catechesis and Formation where we recognize the vital role of young people and create a privileged space for them and make the Laity indispensable partners in the mission of the parish.

Vision

To be a synodal parish church, where we walk and collaborate to create a more engaged, vibrant, inclusive parish community, reflecting the vision of Pope Leo, the mission of the diocese of Portsmouth and the Salesian Spiritual Identity.

Model

Collaborative Empowerment Ministry -This model proposes a leadership structure where the Parish Priest empowers 12 volunteers to lead 12 parish ministries. Each minister then forms a team of six parishioners as in the gospel of 72 disciples being sent on a mission. These are volunteers chosen by the Priest who are in alignment with his vision and who have been generously giving of their time, talents, gifts, and resources for service of the mission in building the parish community. The emphasis is on shared decision-making through prayer, discussion, and discernment. Leaders empower their ministry teams.

Role of Parish Pastoral Council (PPC): The PPC comprises of 12 members who collaborate with the Parish Priest on initiatives aligned with the parish’s mission and vision.

• The parish priest takes on the role of presiding over the PPC, while the Chairperson takes on the role of chairing it. The Parish Priest’s role is crucial in ensuring that the council operates effectively and aligns with the mission and vision of the parish (Salesian Parish) and the diocese. While the council advises and gives recommendations, the Parish Priest remains the proper shepherd of the parish.
• The Parish Priest keeps ultimate responsibility but consults with the PPC.
• The PPC advises and makes recommendations.

Key Objectives for the Pastoral Year 2026

1. To Implant the Salesian Charism in Parish Life.
2. To promote an active participation of young people within the life of the Parish. 
3. To form teams within each parish ministry, a minimum of six members to be able to plan, collaborate and coordinate with the PPC.