Hanna introduces herself

The Candidate Pastoral Worker who has recently been seconded to Kilcullen and Gormanstown Parish introduced herself to parishioners at masses on Sunday.



Hanna Evans is from Mullingar, currently living in Dunboyne, Co Meath. She will work until the end of May in the parish, spending three days a week in a new Pastoral Office at the Parish Centre.

Hanna's work in the parish is in tandem with her studies in the Mater Dei Institute to become a pastoral worker in the pilot scheme initiated by the Archbishop of Dublin Diocese, Dr Diarmuid Martin.

She is one of 16 such candidates in training to work in close partnership with priests, pastoral councils and volunteers in the cummunity, to promote the mission and spiritual teaching of the church, 'in the spirit of the Gospels'.

"In general, the aim is to contribute to the building up of community life, cathecesis and evangelisation," she told parishioners over the weekend. "We're a resource given to the community by Archbishop Martin."

Following discussions with Fr Michael Murphy, it has been decided that Hanna will focus on a renewal of faith programme for all ages in the parish. A Liturgy Team will also be established to work with Ministers of the Word, Eucharistic Ministers, Servers, and Music, amongst other things.

"Other areas I hope to work in include youth work within the parish, and other music matters."

Saying that she has come to a place where she doesn't know anybody, Hanna is encouraging all in the parish to come to her and introduce themselves, as well as sharing any ideas they might have.

"I will also be looking for volunteers down the road for the various projects," she said. "Again, I would encourage you to come on board with them."

Hanna studied Theology and Music at Maynooth University. She worked as a music teacher before returning to Maynooth to finish her Masters degree in Sacred Music and Liturgy. Before coming to Kilcullen, she spent time in a similar parish placement in Balinteer.

She is available at the Pastoral Office on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.