PARISH OF THE SACRED HEART – PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
Minutes of the Meeting held on TUESDAY 22 OCTOBER 2019 at 7.30pm
PRESENT: Fr James Walsh, Richard McGreevy (Chair), Antonia Martinez, John Bolger, Elaine Haughton, Grazyna Skawinska, Ginny Keane, Rebeca Walker, Keith Copperwheat, Catherine Watkins (Secretary)
We welcomed: Sue Short, nominee from St John of the Cross.
- APOLOGIES: Deacon Ron O’Toole, Peter Rylands.
Fr James opened the meeting with a prayer.
- It was agreed to try and finish the meeting by 8.45pm.
- MINUTES OF THE MEETING: of 9 July 2019 were approved and signed.
- MATTERS ARISING:
Parking at the Sacred Heart Church. The system is working well, and it was agreed that a note would be added to the parish newsletter, asking parishioners to place a current newsletter on their dashboard when parking in the Sacred Heart carpark, to aid with identification.
Action – Antonia
Readers’ Guidelines. Antonia had produced the approved list of do’s and don’t’s and will email to all readers.
Action – Antonia
Sacristy Ceiling. This has now been repainted.
Newsletters. There has been an issue with items not being included and Antonia explained that it was a matter of available space. It was suggested that a note be placed in the newsletter reminding parishioners that the deadline for entries is Tuesday. Antonia reported that there was still some wastage and it was suggested that parishioners only take home what is needed. Parishioners could be encouraged to read the newsletter on-line.
Action – Antonia
Music Settings Booklet. This is now in use.
- COOL CATHOLIC KIDS: Ginny reported that the social side had been wound down, but that Family Masses were continuing and the Harvest Mass had been a success. The next Family Mass will be on 3 November. Ginny asked that the “adult” readers stay on the readers’ rota for Family Masses in case of need. The Christmas Eve Mass will be a Family Mass, although there will be no Three Trees story this year and no children’s Nativity play, the Gospel would be read around the church as previously – this had been well received. Ginny planned to hold a craft session some time during Advent to make tree decorations and this would be open to all.
Action – Ginny
- SUMMER GARDEN PARTY: This had been a success despite poor weather – around 60 people had attended, having the opportunity to meet and chat with Fr James’s family. Food – hot dogs – and a bar, in the hall.
- THE YEAR OF THE WORD 2020: Fr James said that this would commence in Advent and throughout the year there would be events focusing on the Bible. He would like to set up a working group to organise these and an item would be included in the Newsletter asking those interested to speak to Fr James. Fr James said that the aim would be to introduce the Bible to people who had little or no experience of it, with “meatier” sessions for those who were more familiar with it. How do we reach beyond the usual people? Fr James said he hoped to do this through his homilies which would focus on the Bible on a regular basis. Bishop Barron’s Word on Fire programme could be used for the second group, with meetings in people’s homes. Ginny suggested a children’s workshop would be a good idea as children often have questions about the Bible which parents struggle to answer.
Action – Fr James, Richard
- WELCOME PACK: Cathy circulated a proposed initial contact form for new parishioners to complete, and invited comments. A small amendment to the final paragraph was suggested “We would like to contact you to arrange a welcoming visit at a time of your convenience.” It was agreed that the parish records were in need of updating and Antonia said that she would welcome community representatives’ assistance with updating parish records. Fr James said he could help by letting them know who had died so that those records could be removed. The issue of Data Protection was raised, emphasising the importance of the secure storage of electronic and hard copies of records. It was agreed that an appeal could go out through the newsletter asking if there was anyone with the relevant IT skills to identify a good database.
Action – Committee
- LIVE SIMPLY STEERING GROUP UPDATE: Report submitted by Clare Hardie. In September, three parishioners travelled with CamCRAG to Calais to help in the warehouse, sorting tents, sleeping bags and clothing and to help in the Refugee Kitchen preparing food for 1000 refugees every day. They took donations of money, clothing, tents and sleeping bags with them. The parish communities celebrated The Care of Creation with the Family Harvest Mass on 6 October, and the Family Fast Day and the sale of produce had raised £991.32 for CAFOD. Several pages of signatures have been sent to CAFOD requesting the PM aim to reduce net carbon emissions to zero by 2040. There is a CAFOD Faith in Action day at Clare Priory on 16 November (details in the newsletter). It is hoped to organise another Reverse Advent Calendar for the Food Banks this Advent.
North Norfolk SVP Update. Report submitted by Clare Hardie. Sadly, the planned opening of the Sheringham St Vincent’s House by Bishop Alan has had to be postponed as the renovations have not yet been completed. The Housing Dept has several clients needing to be housed urgently. When the house is up and running it will provide accommodation for about 10 people with a sitting room, 2 shared kitchens and bathrooms. Funds are always needed for the ongoing work of the SVP so it was hoped that a further Parish collection could be arranged for the New Year. Fr James confirmed that a further Alive in Faith contribution of £1,000 had been made. And finally, the SVP is always looking for new members.
- NEW PPC COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES: Elaine Haughton (St Helen’s) and Becky Walker (Sacred Heart) had both agreed to stand for a further term. Sue Short was welcomed as the new representative for St John of the Cross, replacing Carol Shippey whose term of office had ended. Thanks were extended for the support Carol had given to the PPC over the past three years.
11. PARISH PASTORAL COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS:
St Helen. The current balance is £5762.18. The Memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday 6 November. The Advent Service will be on Tuesday 10 December and Christmas Day Mass will be at 9.00am. Details of all these will appear in the Newsletter. It had been agreed that the new crib be dedicated to Liz Smith and a plaque with suitable wording is to be investigated. Additions to the Spiritual Lending Library will come from Liz Smith’s collection and from an anonymous donor.
St John of the Cross. The ADF balance is £9,351 after reserve and work outstanding. The new children’s area is a success – there are plans to purchase a new picture mat and a couple of wheeled book boxes, and a CAFOD display will be arranged. Fr James has approved a memorial garden and possible locations are under consideration. The Knit & Natter on 26 September was a success – it is planned to hold these on the last Thursday of each month. U3A meet monthly and contribute £25 pcm. They also hope to hold a weekly Bridge group in the church. The Sanctuary is screened off while these activities take place. The Hog Roast made £464. There will be a Supper Evening on 16 November. Advent Service on 1 December. Christmas Mass will be on 24 December at 9.00pm. Details of all these will be published in the Newsletter in due course.
Sacred Heart. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament now takes place on Tuesday mornings after 9.30am Mass. The church has the services of a new voluntary organist, Alan, who kindly comes to accompany at choir practices and is willing to play at Sunday Mass when Naomi cannot, if he is available. The Harvest Mass was a success with good attendance and, as reported at Item 9, a good amount raised for CAFOD.
Churches Together in North Walsham are holding a number of prayer meetings in churches aound the town. There will be a prayer meeting at the Sacred Heart Church on 10 December at 10.00am.
Doreen had kindly sewn new altar cloths for the side altars and credence table and Cathy asked whether we could show her our thanks with a gift. It was agreed that a bottle of wine would probably be appreciated.
- ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
6.00pm Christmas Eve Mass at the Sacred Heart will be a Family Mass.
Becky asked whether Fr James could arrange Recommissioning for the Eucharistic Ministers and Readers.
Action – Fr James
Parish Twinning. Antonia wondered whether the Parish could consider expanding our twinning to another Parish in need of our prayers. It was agreed that the Committee would bring suggestions to the next meeting.
Action – Committee
The answerphone in the Presbytery does not appear to be working properly. Antonia said she would investigate as she had not been aware. [Now reported to be working again.]
Bishop’s Council of Laity. The next meeting is at 11.00am (preceded by refreshments at 10.30) on Saturday 23 November at the Conference Centre, Poringland. There will be a presentation from Jacinta Goode who leads Caritas East Anglia. Fr James thought it would be a good idea for Richard to attend, as Chair of the PPC.
Action – Richard
- Date of Next Meeting:
Tuesday 14 January 2020, 7.15pm for 7.30 at St John of the Cross, Aylsham.
Fr James concluded the meeting with a prayer.
