Lower Killeavy parish is a large parish comprising over 1400 families and five churches;

Its three priests are helped by an active pastoral council that has been up and running for over 15 years.

Each church area has four members on the council and these are chosen by the parishioners who vote on the council make up every three years.

Lislea Area;
Mrs Anna Mc Parland
Mrs Mary Mc Elroy
Mr Liam Hannaway
Mr Shane Garvey

Bessbrook Area;
Mrs Anne Mallon (Chairperson)
Mrs Millicent Mc Corry
Mrs Carol Hillen
Mr Seamus Keenan

Camlough Area;
Mrs Rose Mc Parland
Mr Aaron Clements
Mr Aidan Rice
Mrs Majella McAteer (Secretary)

Cloughreagh Area;
Mrs Kathleen Mackin
Mr Seamus Crossey
Mrs Marion Shields
Mr John Mc Guigan

Lissummon Area;
Mr Noel Rice
Mrs Deirdre Savage
Mrs Attracta Murtagh
Mr James Corrigan

The work of a pastoral council is to consider, plan and recommend ways for the parish to accomplish the mission of Christ. It is a strategic force within the parish that keeps the parish focussed on this divine purpose- loving God, loving God’s people, doing God’s will and leading others to God through Christ. In this way, parish vitality can be fostered and all baptised members of the parish can be encouraged to play a full role in the spiritual life of the church.

Lower Killeavy pastoral council meets each month on the first Wednesday. One member prepares an Opening Prayer and the meeting ends with Evening Prayer. Appropriate texts are chosen for home reading and this is the basis for spiritual reflection, led by one member of the council who volunteers each month.

The council focuses on its particular priorities and currently, each church area is working to increase the involvement of lay people at a liturgical level in Sunday Mass. Special attention is being focussed on young people and their involvement in the ministry of reading God’s word and in Prayers of Intercession. The development of Music within the liturgy is also an ongoing priority.

The current pastoral council have been in place now for almost one year and look forward to playing their part within the parish for another two years.