The Parish Pastoral Council


Elected by the parishioners in May 2009 and working to serve the needs of the parish 'till May 2010:


  • Fr. Anthony Glaysher (Parish Priest)
  • Carolyn Holbrook (Chairman)
  • Rosamund Poncia (Vice-Chairman)
  • Gillian O'Meara (Secretary)
  • Joe Anderson (Headteacher of St. Mary's School)
  • David Cooper, Natalie Johnstone, Patrick Maher, Jocelyn Galsworthy, John Ochai, Veronica Nevard, Sheila Macrae, Andrew Duxson, Yvonne Rowles (Wight Pastoral Area rep.)

Liturgy Committee & Finance Committee


These two committees are appointed by the parish priest for their expertise in these areas. Since the introduction of the new Pastoral Area of the Isle of Wight comprising the Parishes of Newport (including West Wight), Ryde (including Bembridge and Seaview) South Wight (including Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor), Cowes and East Cowes, the former Deanery Council has been replaced by three Pastoral Committees to which our parish has representation as follows:


  • The Ministerial Committee which comprises the island priests together with one lay representative from each of the parishes
  • The Pastoral Committee which comprises members of the Ministerial Committee with one further lay representative from each of the parishes
  • The Finance Committee which comprises the treasurers of each parish

St. Mary's Parish Liturgy Committee


The Liturgy Committee meets quarterly to plan and co-ordinate the liturgy at St. Mary's to ensure that it is celebrated with reverence and dignity and in accordance with Canon Law and Diocesan guidelines. In the past year guidelines have been produced by Yvonne Rowles with practical suggestions for Readers and Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist. During the year the Committee has been involved in the organisation of the following celebrations / services:


  • First Holy Communion and Reconciliation
  • Confirmation
  • Christmas and Holy Week / Easter Liturgy
  • Harvest and Patronal Feasts
  • Children's Sunday Liturgy
  • Ministries for Readers and Eucharist Ministers
  • Other feasts and events which occur during the year

Training for ministries is given at both parish and Deanery level. The Committee welcome any support from parishioners which will enhance the Celebration of Mass and the reception of the Sacraments. Members: Fr. Anthony Glaysher, Andrew Duxson, Brian Dooley, Katrina Rigby and Peter Clarke.


Sacramental Programmes


First Communion and Confirmation programmes run each year with three catechists involved in the programme. First Communion sessions are held monthly on Saturday mornings for two hours. Parishioners are asked to remember them in their prayers. The monthly parents' evenings are held on Tuesdays once a month in the convent at 7:30pm. The First Communion children are involved in the Prayers of the Faithful and offertory procession on one Sunday each month during the year.


Parish Office


This is situated in the church hall. The Secretary can be contacted on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Parish groups / societies should check with the secretary before arranging events in order to avoid clashes of dates. (Tel. 01983 562171)


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