Minutes of the Forty Third Parish Pastoral Council

Held on Monday 26^th February 2007

Present: Kevin Rourke, David Walsh, Christine Bailey, Michael Brennan, Michelle Grasty, Jan Madden, John Sharpe, Simon Smallwood.

Apologies: Father William Davern, Michael Tripp, Andrew Heffernan, Karen McAdam, Theresa Kenefick

1. Prayer and short reflection – Christine Bailey

3. Matters Arising

Congratulations to Andrew Heffernan and all who helped with the Quiz Night, it was a huge success. It was suggested that a follow up message should go into the newsletter.

The safety check on the trees is on the agenda for the next Premises committee meeting.

4. Role of the PPC

After discussion, it was agreed that the role of the PPC is to mainly be an advisory body to the Parish Priest. It will investigate matters and advise the Parish Priest of its findings. It is then the Parish Priests role to ensure things get implemented, either by delegation or by himself. The issues to be investigated will come from either the Parish Priest or the parish community (including the PPC itself).

A suggested framework to guide investigations:

· Issue identified

· PPC facilitate a discussion and consult on issue.

· Set terms of reference/brief setting timeframes and delegate detailed discussion to appropriate group/s (suggested that a lead group be nominated to take lead role in discussion).

· Review final report/recommendation.

· Present suggested outcome to Parish Priest.

5. Strengths and Weaknesses of St. Josephs

Strengths

· Parish Day

· Youth activities

· Welcomers

· Diverse congregation

· Large number of people who do work for parish, largely unsung

· Provide good deanery centre/focus for events

· Childrens liturgy groups

· The fact that we are a deanery is an attraction.

Weaknesses

· Need better networking amongst deanery

· Do not utilise other parishes strengths

· Are not doing enough for ALL ethnic groups of the parish

· Not much involvement in parish from ALL ethnic groups of the parish

· Energy flags in volunteer groups after time ie welcomers stop attending and do not arrange cover. Needs re-energising.

· Do not celebrate success as well as we could, this could help in future promotion of events.

6. 3 year plan

A 3 year plan is advised to help direct the PPC, one such issue is the 2010 link with St. Clements and the logistics of such a joining.

It was suggested that one PPC meeting should be set aside solely to discuss the 3 year plan and to invite the parish team.

7. CRB checks update

The Diocesan Child Protection team is meeting with Jan and Christine.

The issue is moving forward with more checks coming through.

Jan is concentrating on the Youth group initially.

8. Dates for the diary

Upcoming dates were set out including visits from Bishop Kieran.

9. Procedures for Events

Moved to next meeting

10. Parish Day

It was decided that the running of the annual Parish Day would either remain with the PPC, or that a small group would be set up to run the necessary organisation.

11. Contact Sheet

Everyone was asked to provide contact details to Kevin. Only one person had responded before the meeting. Everyone was therefore asked to send contact information to Kevin, to confirm their, postal address, email address and contact telephone number. Please send to Kevin.Rourke@JacTec.com

12. Meeting Frequency

It was agreed that the PPC meetings would remain monthly. However, if the agenda was light, that the meeting be postponed.

It was agreed that Father Bill is a crucial member of the PPC and he should be present for the majority of these meetings it was decided that if he could not attend a set meeting, that meeting would be moved.

It was suggested that a member of the parish team could be invited in addition to Father Bill.

13. Date of Next Meeting

Wednesday 14^th March 2007.