ST GREGORY’S PPC
THURSDAY MAY 26TH AT 7.30PM IN THE SOCIAL CENTRE
PRESENT: Terry Breed, Bron Coleman, Veronica Brown, Peter Fryer, Kathryn Timmons, Amy Jarkulisz, Rebecca Jinks, Pam Looi
1. OPENING PRAYER
2. APOLOGIES: Cath Jackson, Marlene Corrall, Emma Bowley, Fr Clement
3. MATTERS ARISING FROM LAST MEETING
Fr. Clem’s Views: I would like to meet up with the person who prepares the readers’ rota and work out something about this!
4. BIDDING PRAYERS
Fr Clement’s thoughts on this were read in full. A full discussion followed stressing very strongly the strong community feeling in St Gregory’s parish.
It was considered important to read the names of the sick each week so that they are not forgotten and are still a significant part of the parish. A mention in the bulletin does not have the same impact.
Fr. Clem’s remarks: I can guarantee a list of regular extra bidding prayers to be said on the first Sunday of the month but not every Sunday. It will be helpful to me that this list is printed and placed on the altar for me to read silently during the Mass on Sundays and weekday Masses. All regular/extra bidding prayers do not have to be vocalised every Sunday – for God knows all our prayers and petitions even before we utter them. I would like people to know that I (or the presiding priest) am aware of the content of all bidding prayers for the given Sunday Mass. In so doing, the bidding prayers become part of the offering/gifts of bread and wine that is transformed by the Spirit in the Mass. From a liturgical standpoint, all our being and all our prayers find fulfilment in the action of the Mass wherein Christ is the only High Priest capable to present our prayers to the Father. Strictly speaking the action of the Mass incorporates everyone and everything. In essence no bidding prayer is actually being excluded!
It was suggested that:
There was a strong feeling that parishioners should be given the opportunity to ask for prayers for their personal needs. It is a valuable opportunity for the parish to share in the special concerns of a member of the congregation and to pray with them.
Fr. Clem’s remarks: I will be pleasantly surprised if people can do this. I have not seen this happen in a Sunday Mass!
5. CONFESSIONAL
There was discussion about where this could be placed to ensure privacy. No solution could be found.
It was suggested that the only private place for individual confession is the sacristy, with a notice on the door to ensure privacy.
If parishioners prefer the anonymity of a confessional box there are local churches where this is available.
Fr. Clem’s views: Confessional – I hope no one says this is old fashioned! Pope Francis goes in a Confessional and confesses his sins to a priest – remember when he was elected he said he is a sinner in need of our prayers and in need of redemption. Pope Saint John Paul II used to go to a confessional once a week. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit to go to Confession. I am very touched someone has asked for a confessional. It is obviously a good sign during this year of Mercy. The problem is how and where given our little space! We have a confessional in Syston and it is not really being used. Some parishioners do use a confessional while others prefer to speak face to face with a priest.
6. PARKING
This is an ongoing problem and there is no easy solution as the notice asking people not to park is ignored.
Short term visits to the doctors’ are not a problem.
It was suggested that if the registration numbers of persistent offenders could be noted Fr Clement could write to them more formally.
On Sunday mornings the spaces at the doctors can be used. Sheila will check this with the practice.
Parishioners to be reminded that this possibility exists.
7. SERVICE OF THE WORD AND COMMUINON
When Fr Clement was away on retreat the normal Wednesday evening mass in Barrow was replaced by a Mass in Sileby at 9.30 am. The priest travelled from Leicester and there were only two people present.
The practice in the past has been for one of the Special ministers to take a service of the Word and Communion in Barrow at the usual time. Given the history of the Barrow parish it is important for the Barrow Catholics to have this opportunity to gather in the village once a week and to maintain a sense of community.
Fr. Clem’s views: The parish church, where Mass is celebrated on Sunday and where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved, is to be seen as the central place where parishioners gather to give worship to God via the action of the Mass. This is the place where the people of the parish are expected to gather to celebrate the Sunday Mass including Holyday of Obligation as well as other times (feasts) in accordance to the needs of the Church and the needs of the parish. The parish priest may celebrate Mass in other places within the parish as the pastoral needs may demand. It is really a pity Barrow lost a parish Church since the area is really growing - many houses are being built! We can have a discussion in future why we need to carry on celebrating Mass in Barrow so that I may understand the issues. At the moment we are paying £65 per month to celebrate Mass once a week in Bishop Beveridge hall.
8. CONFIRMATION
The service at the Cathedral was beautiful and inspiring. It was however led by the young people from the cathedral and our young people had no active part in it.
Should we think about asking the Bishop to come to the parish (jointly with Syston) so that Confirmation can be a parish celebration with our young people as they become adult members of the community?
To mark the occasion could the parish present the young people with the Youth Catechism, which is much more accessible than the full version?
Fr. Clem’s views: I do not know what to say about this. I think if we need Bishop Patrick to visit us (for any reason including Confirmation), I will ensure that I get a date booked in his diary.
9. SACRED HEART STATUE
Repair of the hand of statue would cost £280+ Vat
A complete repaint would cost £550 +Vat
The statue is in a very fragile state and would perhaps not survive the journey.
Fr. Clem’s views: God willing, a complete repaint and repair, will be done soon. However, we will use the image of Jesus as it is during the Month of June, the month of the Sacred Heart. I will appreciate if I get some gracious donors for this project.
As the Rearsby Convent is due to close some enquiries have been made about the possibility of our inheriting some of their statues.
Would it be appropriate for Fr. Clement to write to the sisters and formally ask if this is possible?
Fr. Clem’s views: Yes, a letter can be written if we are sure what we need.
10. REPORT FROM FINANCE COMMITTEE
None was available. It was reported that Fr Clement now chairs the Finance Committee and that a new book keeper will be needed on the retirement of Andy Hardy-Smith
11. SOCIAL CENTRE REPORT
Thanks were recorded to Shirley for her many years of service to the Social Centre: from the application for the lottery grant, its planning and building and its continuing everyday care.
Bron reported that the separate Social centre account was closed on 13th April 2016 and was transferred to the parish account. The funds will continue to be entered separately and the Social Centre has its own cheque book.
It continues to be well used by several groups, though Zumba has gone. Holmefield College use it for their training days and it is booked for parties and events. It will be used twice for voting this year.
Anita is responsible for banking the income from the Social centre and is responsible for bookings. There was concern expressed about the unavailability of an email address to make bookings.
There are repairs needed to the fascias and to the seal on the fire door.
Fr. Clem’s views: The Social centre is in reality our Parish Hall. As a parish, we are in charge of the Hall affairs. The income that passes through the Hall belongs to the parish.
12. AOB
The entry in the Diocesan year book lists Ratcliffe college as the school for the parish. This should be corrected. It also shows the Syston web site as the parish web site. This also should be corrected.
Peter to contact the Diocesan Yearbook editor.
13. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Thursday September 8th at 7.30 at the Social Centre
Emma, Amy and Rebecca will lead the opening prayer.
The meeting closed at 9pm with the prayer for the Jubilee of Mercy.
THURSDAY MAY 26TH AT 7.30PM IN THE SOCIAL CENTRE
PRESENT: Terry Breed, Bron Coleman, Veronica Brown, Peter Fryer, Kathryn Timmons, Amy Jarkulisz, Rebecca Jinks, Pam Looi
1. OPENING PRAYER
2. APOLOGIES: Cath Jackson, Marlene Corrall, Emma Bowley, Fr Clement
3. MATTERS ARISING FROM LAST MEETING
- Participation of young people in the Mass. This had been achieved very happily on several occasions (Good Friday, Pentecost, Trinity Sunday) and young people had been invited to share in the readings, along with those on the rota.
Fr. Clem’s Views: I would like to meet up with the person who prepares the readers’ rota and work out something about this!
- Crucifix in the Sanctuary. An enlarged cross is now in place in the sanctuary and the statue of Jesus sending us out has been placed near to the door of the church. The statue of the Good Shepherd is to be placed over the door leading to the social centre.
- A decoration of the entrance door for the Year of Mercy door has been put in place and has, so far, not been damaged.
- Special Ministers. The renewal day is on the feast of Corpus Christi, Wilf has reminded ministers.
4. BIDDING PRAYERS
Fr Clement’s thoughts on this were read in full. A full discussion followed stressing very strongly the strong community feeling in St Gregory’s parish.
It was considered important to read the names of the sick each week so that they are not forgotten and are still a significant part of the parish. A mention in the bulletin does not have the same impact.
Fr. Clem’s remarks: I can guarantee a list of regular extra bidding prayers to be said on the first Sunday of the month but not every Sunday. It will be helpful to me that this list is printed and placed on the altar for me to read silently during the Mass on Sundays and weekday Masses. All regular/extra bidding prayers do not have to be vocalised every Sunday – for God knows all our prayers and petitions even before we utter them. I would like people to know that I (or the presiding priest) am aware of the content of all bidding prayers for the given Sunday Mass. In so doing, the bidding prayers become part of the offering/gifts of bread and wine that is transformed by the Spirit in the Mass. From a liturgical standpoint, all our being and all our prayers find fulfilment in the action of the Mass wherein Christ is the only High Priest capable to present our prayers to the Father. Strictly speaking the action of the Mass incorporates everyone and everything. In essence no bidding prayer is actually being excluded!
It was suggested that:
- the anniversaries be read at the beginning of each month, as is the practice now
- that the prayers for Madeleine Mc Cann and children at risk be read once a month
- the prayers for the other local Christian churches be read once a month.
There was a strong feeling that parishioners should be given the opportunity to ask for prayers for their personal needs. It is a valuable opportunity for the parish to share in the special concerns of a member of the congregation and to pray with them.
Fr. Clem’s remarks: I will be pleasantly surprised if people can do this. I have not seen this happen in a Sunday Mass!
5. CONFESSIONAL
There was discussion about where this could be placed to ensure privacy. No solution could be found.
It was suggested that the only private place for individual confession is the sacristy, with a notice on the door to ensure privacy.
If parishioners prefer the anonymity of a confessional box there are local churches where this is available.
Fr. Clem’s views: Confessional – I hope no one says this is old fashioned! Pope Francis goes in a Confessional and confesses his sins to a priest – remember when he was elected he said he is a sinner in need of our prayers and in need of redemption. Pope Saint John Paul II used to go to a confessional once a week. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit to go to Confession. I am very touched someone has asked for a confessional. It is obviously a good sign during this year of Mercy. The problem is how and where given our little space! We have a confessional in Syston and it is not really being used. Some parishioners do use a confessional while others prefer to speak face to face with a priest.
6. PARKING
This is an ongoing problem and there is no easy solution as the notice asking people not to park is ignored.
Short term visits to the doctors’ are not a problem.
It was suggested that if the registration numbers of persistent offenders could be noted Fr Clement could write to them more formally.
On Sunday mornings the spaces at the doctors can be used. Sheila will check this with the practice.
Parishioners to be reminded that this possibility exists.
7. SERVICE OF THE WORD AND COMMUINON
When Fr Clement was away on retreat the normal Wednesday evening mass in Barrow was replaced by a Mass in Sileby at 9.30 am. The priest travelled from Leicester and there were only two people present.
The practice in the past has been for one of the Special ministers to take a service of the Word and Communion in Barrow at the usual time. Given the history of the Barrow parish it is important for the Barrow Catholics to have this opportunity to gather in the village once a week and to maintain a sense of community.
Fr. Clem’s views: The parish church, where Mass is celebrated on Sunday and where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved, is to be seen as the central place where parishioners gather to give worship to God via the action of the Mass. This is the place where the people of the parish are expected to gather to celebrate the Sunday Mass including Holyday of Obligation as well as other times (feasts) in accordance to the needs of the Church and the needs of the parish. The parish priest may celebrate Mass in other places within the parish as the pastoral needs may demand. It is really a pity Barrow lost a parish Church since the area is really growing - many houses are being built! We can have a discussion in future why we need to carry on celebrating Mass in Barrow so that I may understand the issues. At the moment we are paying £65 per month to celebrate Mass once a week in Bishop Beveridge hall.
8. CONFIRMATION
The service at the Cathedral was beautiful and inspiring. It was however led by the young people from the cathedral and our young people had no active part in it.
Should we think about asking the Bishop to come to the parish (jointly with Syston) so that Confirmation can be a parish celebration with our young people as they become adult members of the community?
To mark the occasion could the parish present the young people with the Youth Catechism, which is much more accessible than the full version?
Fr. Clem’s views: I do not know what to say about this. I think if we need Bishop Patrick to visit us (for any reason including Confirmation), I will ensure that I get a date booked in his diary.
9. SACRED HEART STATUE
Repair of the hand of statue would cost £280+ Vat
A complete repaint would cost £550 +Vat
The statue is in a very fragile state and would perhaps not survive the journey.
Fr. Clem’s views: God willing, a complete repaint and repair, will be done soon. However, we will use the image of Jesus as it is during the Month of June, the month of the Sacred Heart. I will appreciate if I get some gracious donors for this project.
As the Rearsby Convent is due to close some enquiries have been made about the possibility of our inheriting some of their statues.
Would it be appropriate for Fr. Clement to write to the sisters and formally ask if this is possible?
Fr. Clem’s views: Yes, a letter can be written if we are sure what we need.
10. REPORT FROM FINANCE COMMITTEE
None was available. It was reported that Fr Clement now chairs the Finance Committee and that a new book keeper will be needed on the retirement of Andy Hardy-Smith
11. SOCIAL CENTRE REPORT
Thanks were recorded to Shirley for her many years of service to the Social Centre: from the application for the lottery grant, its planning and building and its continuing everyday care.
Bron reported that the separate Social centre account was closed on 13th April 2016 and was transferred to the parish account. The funds will continue to be entered separately and the Social Centre has its own cheque book.
It continues to be well used by several groups, though Zumba has gone. Holmefield College use it for their training days and it is booked for parties and events. It will be used twice for voting this year.
Anita is responsible for banking the income from the Social centre and is responsible for bookings. There was concern expressed about the unavailability of an email address to make bookings.
There are repairs needed to the fascias and to the seal on the fire door.
Fr. Clem’s views: The Social centre is in reality our Parish Hall. As a parish, we are in charge of the Hall affairs. The income that passes through the Hall belongs to the parish.
12. AOB
The entry in the Diocesan year book lists Ratcliffe college as the school for the parish. This should be corrected. It also shows the Syston web site as the parish web site. This also should be corrected.
Peter to contact the Diocesan Yearbook editor.
13. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Thursday September 8th at 7.30 at the Social Centre
Emma, Amy and Rebecca will lead the opening prayer.
The meeting closed at 9pm with the prayer for the Jubilee of Mercy.
