In search of green shoots in the Church, The Irish Catholic profiles a number of parishes in Co Laois
The Portlaoise Parish Centre
A warm, friendly atmosphere engulfs all those that step inside the door of the parish centre in Portlaoise. At just after half ten in the morning, the place is already a hive of activity as parishioners congregate after 10 o'clock Mass. A queue quickly forms at the centre's gift shop while friends gather around tables to chatter over a cup of coffee.
This modern, well-equipped centre has been drawing parishioners since it opened in October 2005, and was presented with the Pride of Place Award in 2008. Parish Centre Manager, Declan Kelly revealed that it was ''an instant success''. ''Since the parish centre opened it has really brought the community together and given the parish a greater presence,'' he said.
''Many people have been coming here after Mass since 2005 and have met other people and made friends as a result. It's a great meeting place and somewhere that people can come on a regular basis,'' he added.
The centre which is open from 9am until 10pm hosts a multitude of community group meetings, talks and workshops. (Pictured: members of a dance class at the centre)
''We have everything from FAS courses to dance classes to stage schools and counselling services,'' Declan said.
Meeting place
The centre also acts as a meeting place for priests and religious-based activities such as pilgrimages, baptismal teams and prayer groups.
The youth of the parish benefit strongly from the centre through the active Foróige group and the Pray and Play group for younger children.
Speaking about the parishioners of Portlaoise, Declan said that there is ''a huge community spirit''. ''I think the parish centre brought in a lot of people who were on the periphery and allowed them to become more involved in the parish,'' he added.
Christine Lacey, Eucharistic minister and choir leader at Mass in Portlaoise.
''The choir has been going about four years. There is a choir for every Mass and anyone can join. We do funerals once a month and on cemetery Sunday. There's a children's choir with about fifty children, about 80 in the gospel choir and we have an international choir with every nationality in the community. Thirty of us from the parish are going on a trip for a week in September to Venice, Croatia, Greece and Turkey. We'll have Mass every evening and we're going to Ephesus where Our Lady lived. We're going to the Holy Land next year and we've been to Lourdes, Fatima and Medjugorje already.''
Annette Fennelly, parishioner and member of Baptismal Team.
''We have wonderful priests here in Portlaoise. Fr Byrne is a very innovative priest; he has done a lot for the parish. We're so lucky to have daily Mass as a lot of parishes don't. The parish centre is terrific; we love coming for coffee! There's always someone here and you can come in anytime of the day. The Blessed Sacrament is exposed all day after 10 o' clock Mass in the prayer room and some people sit for hours praying there.''
Maura Loughlin, parishioner and promoter of the Portlaoise lotto.
''We have the best priests in Ireland! I hope they don't move them from the parish, they're excellent! Fr Byrne would be a great bishop; he's a lovely man, you can have a joke with him.
''It's a very close community; we really look forward to meeting each other for tea or coffee in the parish centre. We have bingo every Thursday and Friday as well; it's the best bingo in Ireland! It's the highest and the cheapest to play.''
Kitty Timmons, parishioner and Eucharistic minister.
''It's very unique, a very active parish. Two Eucharistic ministers visit the hospital twice a week, myself and Christine are involved in that.
''The parish centre is a great place to come if you're feeling down and out, it would really perk you up; it's a thriving place.''
