PPC Minutes - March 2017

Minutes of the Parish Pastoral Council Meeting
Thursday 30th March 2017
St. Gregory’s Social Centre
7.30pm
Present:Father Clement, Marlene Corrall, Emma Bowley, Amy Jarkulisz, Pam Looi, Veronica Brown, Terry Breed, Bron Coleman, Peter Fryer

1. Opening prayer
2. Apologies received from Cath Jackson, Kathryn Timmons and Rebecca Jinks.
3. Haris Roberts: It was agreed that a card be sent to him signed by as many parishioners as possible. A Mass would be offered for him and prayers for vocations also offered. (Peter to arrange card)
4. A Mass for Vocations: The Bishop has asked for a Mass to be offered once a month. Currently the Saturday morning mass on the third Saturday of the month is dedicated to this purpose, though attendance has been poor. There was some discussion about why a Saturday morning is problematic for many parishioners. Could the Friday Mass, which is better attended, be dedicated to this end? Suggestions also included: a 48 hour prayer period spread across the deanery, though this would need to be organized at deanery level; a monthly Sunday afternoon prayer meeting with timing similar to Stations of the Cross. Father preferred the retention of the traditional “third Saturday of the month” model with 9.30 Adoration and 10.00 Mass. A list of the dates would be posted at the back of church and parishioners encouraged to sign up for the date(s) that they could make, similar to the current practice of signing up to watch at the altar of repose on Maundy Thursday. (Father Clement to publish list of dates)
5. Monthly Mass with help from Children and Youth: It was suggested that Mass on the last Sunday of the month be designated as a Children’s / Young People’s Mass. It was felt crucial that this new proposal should not cause a burden on those already fulfilling a vital role with the Children’s Liturgy Group. Therefore, involvement of the young people should require minimal preparation and could consist of: both the readings and responsorial psalm (some are already experienced in this respect), bidding prayers (from the prayer book currently used or, if they felt able, of their own composition), offertory procession and, maybe, one hymn which they already know from singing at school. (Pam to contact Rebecca for a list of hymns regularly sung at schools)
6. The safe: the large safe in the School Room is not safe! It will not reliably lock. Marriage certificates have to be kept securely locked away. (Terry to contact a locksmith to have an assessment of the possibility and cost of a repair)
7. The statue of St. Gregory has been “relegated” to the top of the cupboard in the School Room. Should it be more prominently on display? Much discussion about possible relocation. Concerns about possible damage / disrespect by groups using the Social Centre. No firm decision taken. (Father to liaise with other priests about placement of statues)
8. The frequency of second collections. Father explained that these were usually once a month. The choice of charities was dictated by the Bishop, though some were optional (e.g. special collections for flowers). (Father to post a list at the back of church with details of the second collections dictated by the Bishop)
9. The Bishop’s visit. This is only three months away! Friends of St. Gregory’s to meet with the young mothers/fathers to plan food after the Mass on Saturday 1st July. It is anticipated that the meal would be from about 7.30/7.45 – 9.30.  Organisation needed to set up the hall and clear away afterwards. Photos of the Confirmation ceremony could be taken. Father Anthony has been invited. A special display of flowers needed in keeping with the celebration. As well as the confirmation ceremony, the Bishop would be asked to bless our church. The service would be held in the church and not in the hall. Hopefully, the church would be packed! (Bron to liaise with young mothers / fathers)
10. Official thank-you to Tricia Ward for all her work in producing the newsletter. A card to be signed by as many parishioners as possible and prayers offered for her intentions on a Sunday after the card has been sent. (Peter to organize card)
11. AOB 
    1. Thanks to the Friends for providing the beautiful folder for the death notices at the back of church. Some discussion regarding the desirability / feasibility of a more detailed Book of Remembrance such as exists in Syston.
    2. Launde Abbey sponsored walk. Father reiterated his thanks for the wonderful response. Suggestion that this could become an annual event involving both parishes, possibly in a more family-friendly location. BBQ?  Watermeads Park was suggested. (Father to sound out Syston parishioners to gauge their reaction to this suggestion)
12. Date of next meeting: July 6th. Emma and Amy will be unable to attend due to long-standing commitments.
13. Closing prayer

 
Meeting finished at 8.40pm
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