Minutes of the Twenty Fourth Parish Pastoral Council
Held on Wednesday 12 January at 7.30pm
Present: Father William Davern, David Walsh – Chairman, Michael Brennan, Jan Madden, Theresa Kenefick, Chris Sibthorp, Michael Tripp, John Turner, John Sharpe, Sue Clarke, Liam Kirby, Patrizia Wakefield, Carlos De Souza, Richard Davieson
Michael Tripp - Vice Chairman
Patrizia Wakefield/Liam Kirby – Secretary
Chris Sibthorp queried that the outside doors (by Father Chatterton Room) were sometimes locked and it could be a safety issue – Fr. Bill to investigate.
Sue Clarke raised the issue of the Church furnishings – should there be an altar in the Lady Chapel. It was agreed that the focus should be on one altar.
David Walsh asked the PPC whether with the current vacancy we should invite a young person onto the Council. Group to send recommendations to Fr. Bill to fill the vacancy. Invitation to be published in newsletter.
John Sharpe showed the group the photographs sent by Fr.Yarrick followed by discussion on whether links are to be established with the Parish. It was felt further information was needed. David Walsh to make contact with Fr. Yarrick and the people in the Parish who were already in contact with him and feed back at next meeting. It was also agreed that the link didn’t need to be material but rather cultural, educational and spiritual. Fr. Bill suggests we looked at other links within Parishes and would raise the issue at the next Deanery meeting.
Dates have been set up and will be published to the Parish so that everyone is aware of the meeting and able to attend. Fr. Bill queried whether it should be opened up to the whole Deanery. David Walsh to check and feedback to Fr. Bill.
The dates will be publicized and staged. A direct appeal to the Parish will go out 3 Sundays before the first date.
Poster to be used and made more specific to Epsom.
It was agreed that refreshments should be made available at the meetings.
Dates were reviewed and it was agreed by everyone that we continue with current dates and in November review the viability of a December meeting (in light of very poor attendance Dec 2004).
9. Agenda for the coming year
Review last year and agree on what to take forward
Look at long term objectives – Group to send ideas to David Walsh who will collate and discuss at next meeting. New members can look at previous minutes on the Parish Website.
10. Parish Groups
Communications
The group need to meet and pick up again and look at how to publicize Parish events. There is a need to continue to raise the profile of the Parish by sharing good news and good practice.
Finance
Next appeal will be to focus on Parish loans
Sacramental Presentation
Baptisms – 59 baptisms (babies) in 2004
First Communion - Fr. Bradleys’s talk to parents seems to have gone down well
Confirmation – Joanne Bogle’s talk on Sign, Symbol and Sacrament went very well
Youth – In Touch have had 3 meetings which are going very well. Preparations in progress for the next Youth Mass on Education Sunday.
Eucharistic Ministers – Some more young people beginning training
World Youth Day – To be held on Toronto. Three young people have attended first meeting regarding this with Ray Mooney in Crawley and will be going to Toronto. They are now trying to encourage others
Social Group
Patrizia and Liam to take this forward
Excellent presentation and a valuable group for the Parish to have. There is a lot of potential here, Kevin to be invited back in the future.
There is a need for clarification with regard to responsibility for Risk Assessment and Health and Safety matters in the Parish. To be taken forward at next meeting.