Minutes for St Joseph’s Parish Pastoral Council

Meeting Thursday 20^TH March 03

Present:, Richard Davieson, Carlos De Souza (Paul Killoughery), Theresa Kenefick, Jan Madden, Tony Prince, John Sharpe, Chris Sibthorp, Michael Tripp, David Walsh, Alice Williams (Selina Hough),

Sr Margarite pp Fr William Davern. Apologies from Michael Brennan,. Margaret Rates and John Turner,

1.Opening Prayer and Reflection from Richard Davieson

2.Any other business. A welcome to the Parish Group Co-ordinators representing Adult Formation(Colette Stowe), Catechetics, Communications, Finance, Fundraising(Michael Ridge), Justice and Peace(Kathy Maskens), Liturgy/ Music(Chris Donovan), Marriage and family life, Premises and School Liaison.

3.The Future of Parish Groups (formerly Special Interest Groups) David presented the Action Plan for organisation of Parish Groups to allow for greater support and parish awareness for the work of the groups, beginning with recognition of the tremendous amount of good work that has been done over the years. There was a general consensus that the some Groups can be amalgamated to help share workload whilst Sacramental Preparation will be separated from Adult Formation (or Faith Development). Groups will meet regularly and provide simple action plans and each Group will have a contact point with a Parish Pastoral Council member. After Easter the Council will begin the process of communicating to the Parish the vast array of activities, roles jobs, etc that are encompassed through the Parish Groups and endeavour to encourage more people to become involved in organising, taking part or supporting them. A final List of Groups and action plan will be checked and then sent out to all group co-ordinators as soon as possible.

4.Matters Arising. A letter regarding parking and clamping in St Margaret’s Drive has been drafted by the Premises Group and will go to Fr Bill for his approval.

5.Youth Mass Update. The Youth Mass is to take place on Sunday 23^rd March at 6p.m Mass, followed by coffee/tea in the Hall for an hour. 40 letters were sent out to the last three years Confirmation candidates and a notice was put in the newsletter and read out at last weekends Masses to invite all 14-18yr olds to get involved. There were ten responses and those ten are all involved in the Mass next Sunday. Fr Rick will be the celebrant and will be forewarned. Teresa and Howard Park will continue to do the after Mass tea and Coffee and some soft drinks will be purchased. A poster will be provided for young persons to put forward ideas for possible future events or activities and/or offer to get involved themselves .A number of PPC will be present to support the event.

6. PPC Representation at Mass. The rota for 9.30a,m and 6p.m Sunday Masses has now been drawn up and is being actioned. Members are a little unsure of how to deal with some queries but are willing to learn. This is going to be a role that will develop gradually.

7. Communications Discussion. John Sharpe gave a run through of his involvement with the Communications Group. He highlighted a number of good practices including the Parish Newsletter, Road Stewards and the Website. It was felt that, in the short-term, emphasis should go to internal communication within the Parish and a number of ways forward were suggested including utilising the PPC, a Parish Diary, making more of notices at Mass, creating informative displays etc. John will provide suggested targets and objectives to the next meeting.

Next meeting: Wednesday 30^th April 03 at 7.30p.m. in the Fr Chatterton Room

Closing Prayer.