| PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
MISSION STATEMENT: |
CONTENTS
November 2007 Meeting
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Minutes of the 59th Meeting on Monday 21 January 2008
Fr Walker opened the meeting with a prayer.
Present: Fr B Walker, Fr J Henderson, A Campbell, A Cran, C Lugton, J Hargreaves,
P Bonella.
The Chair welcomed all to the meeting.
Apologies had been received from Mike and Anne White and from Lynn Johnston.
The Minutes of the last meeting were accepted.
Matters Arising. BW reported that the planned meeting before the 8.00 p.m. Mass had taken place, and that only 3 people had turned up, none of them undergraduates. He had also invited any who wished to come to the Ogilvie Room after the Mass, but there had been only two takers, neither of them regular attenders at that Mass. He proposed to contact Sr Kathleen, the chaplain at Napier, to discuss the way forward. ACran suggested that coffee in the foyer might be more popular; BW was not keen on this, in view of the new carpet. PB thought that the format of that Mass is satisfactory.
ACampbell reported on progress towards Eco-Congregation status. We had taken 4 modules to work on; implementation was not as daunting as it looked. Responsibility for two had been taken by the Finance Committee, which was working on them; one had been given to the Children’s Liturgy Group, and the Justice and Peace group was dealing with the fourth. It was agreed that the matter should be a permanent item on the PPC agenda.
BW reported on progress with plans for the Hall. He and JHargreaves had had a meeting with Hardies, who were enthusiastic and promised to contact the architects who had produced the earlier plan, with a view to our discussing with them our proposed, quite radical, changes. JHargreaves reported that the Hall roof was in urgent need of attention, and some £20,000 would need to be spent within the next year.
1. Feedback from Parish Meeting. PB was thanked for the notes she had provided. There was extended discussion of the points raised, especially of those made by several people. The question of audibility and requests for use of the pulpit was of greatest concern to BW. He explained why he was unhappy with the idea of going back to regular use of the pulpit for the homily. He asked that parishioners let him know of the precise occasions when they find hearing difficult, so that either individuals could be advised on delivery or any ‘dead spots’ in the church could be identified. He agreed to hold a meeting for readers soon on the practicalities of clear delivery. Connected with this was the question of lighting the lectern, which was proving intractable.
There had been a number of requests for more use of the Organ. BW reminded members that Forth Pipe Organs had estimated over £100,000 for a complete overhaul, which even they admitted would not be money well spent. They had suggested, after the most recent maintenance visit, that the instrument was suffering from lack of use; they also said that if organists would agree to practise on it and make precise notes of any problems, they would attempt to address these over a period of a few days, charging on an hourly basis. It was thought that one or two parishioners knew students who might be willing to take up this offer.
Outreach. BW mentioned that he had accepted an offer from the Legion of Mary to undertake a survey of the homes in our geographical parish area in September 2008. He would also undertake to drop leaflets with our Mass times in the Guest Houses on Gilmore Place. Signage at the end of Lauriston Street pointing to the church was another frequent request; this had been refused by the Council on earlier occasions, but it might be worth trying again. BW suggested that floodlighting of the façade might be considered.
It was agreed that it would be important to arrange an opportunity for feedback to the parish on our response to the questions raised.
2. Goals for the Parish arising from the last item.
It was agreed that a short-term goal would be audibility and reading; medium-term – outreach; long-term – the Hall.
3. Fundraising for Zimbabwe. BW was anxious to maintain this. It was suggested we hold a St Patrick’s Day event on the evening of Saturday 15 March. The Social Committee should be approached as soon as possible.
4. Elections to the PPC. An announcement would be made that nominations to vacant positions should be given to the Parish Priest by 2 March. He would approve them, check the nominees’ willingness, and give a list to the Chair. Names and photographs etc. would be displayed in the foyer as last time. The procedure for voting would be simplified; it would take place, as previously agreed, on April 12/13, 19/20 and 26/27.
5. Group Feedback. Social Committee. The Senior Lunch had been a great success, and the catering was very good value.
There were no other reports.
6. Child Protection. In the absence of Anne Hughes, thee was no report.
Any Other Business. Volunteers were needed to attend at meetings of the new Parish Pastoral Grouping (next meeting 5 Feb) and at occasional meetings of the full Deanery (22 Sept).
Date of Next Meeting Monday 3 March
Meditation – Fr Henderson
Secretary BW
BW led a closing prayer.
Minutes of the 58th Meeting on Tuesday 13 November 2007
Present: Fr Bernard Walker, Fr Jim Henderson, Angela Campbell (Chair), J Hargreaves, Lynn Johnson, Anne Hughes, Anne White, Mike White, Chris Lugton, Bruce McKenzie, Alan Cran.
Fr Henderson opened the meeting with a reading from the life of St Stanislaus Kostka SJ.
Angela Campbell welcomed all to the meeting. There were Apologies from Bob Minns, Nancy Cavanagh and Philippa Bonella.
Minutes of the previous meeting: Chris Lugton should have been noted as present.
Matters arising. Eco-congregations – ‘green’ issues should be in the forefront of planning for upgrading of the Hall. St Ignatius College Zimbabwe – it should be recorded that over £5000 had been sent to Jesuit Missions for the College. Welcoming – BW thought it was still somewhat patchy. He had produced copies of the Mass responses in English for foreign visitors, but more needed to be done to ensure that it reached those who needed it. The Hall – some plans for large-scale changes, made a few years ago, had been found; BW would discuss them with Fr Boles, and the matter would then be taken to the Hall Committee.
1. Parish Meeting – Sunday 18 November.
Angela Campbell thought that the questionnaire should perhaps have been issued earlier. A wide-ranging discussion took place. It was agreed that after a short introduction from the Chair, the meeting would break into groups of about 6, each including one or two members of the Committee, in which the 3 questions would be discussed and the papers filled in. After about 12 – 15 minutes there would be a plenary session in which a representative of each group would report, and a general discussion would follow. An opportunity should be taken to list some of the achievements of the committee over the year, and the Chair and possibly the Parish Priest would summarise. It was expected that the Hall would figure largely among suggestions for improvements. The meeting should finish by about 12.45 p.m.
2. Group Feedback Youth – the recent Ceilidh had been successful and had made a profit of £45, which it was intended to donate to SCIAF’s scheme to buy a goat for Africa, and to Childline or a children’s cancer charity. A further planning meeting was to take place. Social – it was proposed and agreed that the Senior Lunch would take place on Saturday 19 January, with a collection for that purpose on the first weekend of December. Spirituality - More films were planned; also a course on prayer in the new year. Justice and Peace. The celebration of Burns Night was still being planned.
3. Child Protection. Completion of Disclosure and Registration records was continuing. Liz Carty would be asked to provide an awareness session here in the near future.
4. Sunday evening Mass. BW reported that there had been a discussion in the Jesuit Community about how best to serve the students who attend this Mass. One possibility was to provide, possibly monthly, an opportunity before Mass for students to discuss their ideas over pizza and tea/coffee; from this it might be possible to provide some further opportunity for discussion and input. Could they provide some music? Perhaps we could liaise with the Jesuit Community in Glasgow over Celebrants. A further possibility would be to change the Mass time to an earlier hour. BW would liaise with Sister Kathleen with a view to a first meeting early in the new year.
5. AOB. Fr Henderson reported on the meeting of the Pastoral Grouping of parishes which took place on 8 November at St Columba’s. Discussion had centred on possibilities for co-operation between the parishes of the group. Fr Walker asked that further fund-raising for St Ignatius College, Zimbabwe be considered. He also asked about the parish’s participation in the City’s Doors Open Day in 2001; recollections of this event were very positive, and it was suggested we might consider repeating it in 2009 for our 150th anniversary. Finally, he reported that the Province had asked parishes to consider if they could recommend any young people (over age 18) who might benefit from participation in the World Youth Day in Sydney in 2008, under the aegis of the Province’s MAGiS08 project. Some possible names were suggested.
Date of Next Meeting 21 January 2008.
Meditation Fr Walker
Secretary Fr Walker
Minutes of the 57th Meeting on Monday 10 September 2007
Present: Fr Walker, Fr Henderson, Angela Campbell (Chair), Philippa Bonella, Nancy Cavanagh, Alan Cran, John Hargreaves, Anne Hughes, Bob Minns, Jan Minns.
Angela C led the opening prayer, and welcomed all to the meeting. There were Apologies from Mike and Anne White.
The Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
Matters Arising. Eco-Congregation – John H had arranged recycling facilities in the Hall. Materials were being passed on to the children’s liturgy group and to the Finance Committee; the Justice and Peace Group had taken the module on Global Neighbours. The Social evening had been very successful. An appeal for Jesuit Missions was arranged for October 13/14, with the collection going to St Ignatius College Zimbabwe.
1. St Aloysius Glasgow. Alan C reported that the visit to St Aloysius had been much enjoyed, and the hospitality was excellent. The suitability of the date, 22 September, for a return visit here was not yet confirmed, but confirmation was expected this week. It is proposed that they come to the 1230 Mass, followed by lunch in the Ogilvie room. We would all bring some food, and BW would provide wine. CL would provide cutlery etc. There was some discussion of what might be arranged to follow lunch, but no conclusion was reached.
2. (a) Parish Meeting. This would take place on November 18 in the Hall after the 1045 Mass. The format would be similar to last year, but no table between the speakers and the parishioners, which had been seen to be divisive. The meeting would be preceded by an Insert in the Bulletin on ‘being a Jesuit parish’, and a simple questionnaire, to encourage participation. (‘What does the parish do well … what could it do better … what can you offer?’)
(b) Dates for PPC Election 2008. It was agreed that nominations would be accepted in Lent, with voting taking place on 3 weekends, April 12/13, 19/20, 26/27 (the second of these is a holiday weekend).
(c) PPC Social. This would be held on 11 June 2008, and would be an opportunity for retiring and new members to meet. It was suggested that an invitation might be extended to a few loyal workers outside the PPC.
3. Goals for the Parish – feedback. Efforts in the area of welcoming should continue. BW undertook to publish a leaflet with the Mass responses, for foreign visitors. A list of coming parish events would be made available to the members of the PPC. The updating of the goals would be revisited after the parish meeting.
4. Feedback from the first Hall Committee Meeting. BW reported on short term and long term plans, and particularly on the hopes of the Lauriston Centre for the provision of smaller spaces within the Hall. It had been agreed that further progress would have to await contact with the City Planning Department and with an architect.
5. Group Feedback. LJ, for the Spirituality Group, reported that the film The Gospel according to St Matthew by Pasolini had been appreciated. AH for the Youth Group said that the Youth Ceilidh would probably take place on October 26, but we were waiting to hear from other parishes. Angela C, for Justice and Peace, said there would be an event for Burns Night on 25 January, focussing on his ‘social’ poetry. A Fair Trade Fashions event was also planned.
6. Child Protection. Anne Hughes and Brenda-Anne McLauchlan had spoken at all Masses about the need for registration, Disclosure and attendance at awareness sessions.
Any Other Business The meeting at the Lauriston Centre on 13 September would clash with the choir practice, but catering would be arranged.
Ideas were suggested for fundraising for St Ignatius College Zimbabwe, including the sale of food with coffee after the 1045 Mass, a Bottle Stall, and an appeal for left-over holiday cash.
Fr Walker ended by announcing the receipt of a bequest from the Estate of Matthew Martin, as former parishioner who died in September 2006, of £371,875.24 plus interest. The council expressed amazement and delight!
The date of the next meeting was agreed for Tuesday 13 November, since Fr G Hughes would be speaking at the Lauriston Centre on all Mondays from 8 October until 26 November. Fr Henderson would lead the meditation.
Minutes of the 56th Meeting on Monday 21st May 2007
Present: Fr Walker, Fr Henderson, Angela Campbell (Chair), John Hargreaves, Alan Cran, Bruce McKenzie, Philippa Bonella, Nancy Cavanagh, Anne Hughes, Chris Lugton, Bob Minns, Jan Minns, Anne White, Mike White.
There were no Apologies.
Matters arising. There was as yet no monthly or annual planner. No letter had yet been drafted for newly registered parishioners, though cards have been sent out in the meantime. No comments had been received by the Chair on the proposed Modus Operandi, so it was taken that this was accepted.
1. Our goals for the Parish.
(a) AC and AW had done some welcoming; it had seemed to be helpful. Other parishioners not on the PPC had expressed willingness.
(b) It was suggested that space might be found for a monthly planner on one of the notice boards in the foyer.
(c) The Hall. Fr Walker announced that he had appointed a number of people to a Hall Committee, and he distributed a draft remit. He said that Fr Provincial on his recent visitation of the Community had suggested consideration of the possibility of handing over management of the Hall to an outside agency, who would attempt to run it at a profit, paying us a rent and making it available for our needs. A discussion followed, but Fr Walker suggested that details should be considered by the Hall committee, and AC added that the committee should report back to the PPC.
2. Eco-Congregation. AC reported that we had received the four modules we had requested from eco-congregation Scotland. It was agreed that the material on buildings and on finance should be passed to the Finance Committee, and that on ‘Global Neighbours’ to the Justice and Peace group. Fr Walker would ask the Sunday Catechists whether they could include material from the module for children, ‘Acorns to Oaks’ in their programme.
John H said that some practical steps had already been taken regarding lights and recycling. Further recycling facilities could be provided in the hall. Ethical policies in investment etc. were considered by a Province Committee which included Fr Boles.
3. Proposed Visit to St Aloysius. June 30th was suggested as a date which was convenient for most. AC would propose this to the parish Priest.
4. June Social get together. After protracted attempts to find a convenient date, it was agreed to hold this on 5th September. John H would approach St Thomas’ School about accommodation; otherwise St Catharine’s Convent was a possibility. At the first subsequent meeting in September we would attempt to fix a date for June 2008.
5. Group Feedback. BMcK said it was hoped to hold an Archdiocesan Youth Ceilidh here in September. Fr Henderson announced that there would be a showing of Pasolini’s film of the Gospel of St Matthew on June 17, sponsored by the SAFE Committee.
6. Child Protection. AH and Brenda-Anne McLoughlin would speak after all Masses on September 8/9 on awareness of child protection issues.
7. AOB. Fr Walker reported that he had corresponded with Jesuit Missions and Fr Roland von Nidda of St Ignatius College Chishawasha in Zimbabwe about the possibility of our parish supporting that College in these very difficult times. This plan was approved with enthusiasm, and suggestions were made for fundraising.
Date of next meeting: Monday 10 September.
Meditation Leader:
Secretary: Fr Walker
Mike White read a closing reflection.
Minutes of the 55th Meeting on Monday 26 March 2007 at 7.00 p.m.
Present: Fr Walker, Fr Henderson, Angela Campbell (Chair), John Hargreaves, Alan Cran, Bruce McKenzie, Nancy Cavanagh, Philippa Bonella, Chris Lugton, Anne White, Mike White, Lynne Johnson.
Apologies had been received from Anne Hughes, Bob Minns, Jan Minns.
Bruce McKenzie opened the meeting with a reading from Jose-Maria Escriva. Angela Campbell welcomed all to the meeting.
The Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.
Matters Arising. There was continued discussion of the question of welcoming at Sunday Mass. At the 10.45 there was always someone to give out hymn books etc., but any welcoming presence of members of the PPC would be appreciated. BMcK said he had felt more welcomed on a visit to St Patrick’s. It did not matter if one did not know who was new to the parish – just keep smiling! Members were urged to do what they felt they could. The suggestion of wearing name-tabs was not received with enthusiasm. It was suggested that there should be a letter sent in response to those who filled in ‘new parishioner’ forms. BW and JHargreaves would arrange this. Members, and any friends, should make a point of socialising generally in the Hall after the 10.45 Mass. An attempt should be made to make contact with the new students’ residence across the road.
1. Feedback from DPC Meeting with the Cardinal. It seemed that our request to be moved from group 5 to group 2 would be accepted. Proposed Groups 4 and 5 would be amalgamated. Edinburgh City would be one Deanery, under the name of St Giles. The new DPC would meet not more than twice annually. There would be meetings of the geographical clusters and, it was suggested, of overlapping interest groups to share ideas and resources. BW thought that the meeting had been very positive.
2. Amended Modus Operandi. This was provisionally agreed, though AC said she would consider any observations over the next few days.
3. Diocesan Mission Statement and Commitments. AC said that the APC wanted a response. The meeting found the documents confusing and unclear. Who are they from, and to whom addressed? Their purpose needs to be clarified in the title. Are these guidelines/aspirations ‘from above’, or are we all taking ownership of them? The goals are vague; one wants to ask in many cases how they are to be achieved. Or is this to be worked out by each parish?
4. Our goals for the parish this year. There was a wide-ranging ‘brainstorming’ on this item. Suggestions came under the general heads of: increased involvement of parishioners; welcoming; upgrading of the hall; becoming an eco-congregation; revival of Christian Life Community (CLC) Group; Community spirit and the Eucharist; students and young people; outreach; forward planning; making clustering work.
It was agreed to make welcoming an immediate goal; also the production of an annual and monthly planner. BW and JHargreaves to forward the latter. BW was investigating the possibilities for improvement of the hall; a cleaning team was already being formed.
5. Eco-Congregations. BW and AC to move forward on this.
6. Proposed dates for visit to St Aloysius. May 12 and 26 were possible dates; neither was possible for everyone. The proposed format was Mass in the Church, lunch and meeting with St Aloysius PPC.
7. Group Feedback. On behalf of the Finance Group, John Hargreaves presented the parish trustee’s report and Accounts for the year ended December 2006.
8. Child Protection. In Anne Hughes’ absence, BW reported that the process of completing Disclosure Scotland forms was continuing.
9. AOB. A proposal to try to arrange another combined service with St Andrew and St George’s, after the success of last year’s combined Vespers, was welcomed.
The next meeting was fixed for May 21st. Mike White would lead the meditation, and BW would again produce the Minutes.
Minutes of Sacred Heart Parish Pastoral Council Meeting
29th January, 2007
Present: Fr Walker, Fr Henderson, Angela Campbell (chair), John Hargreaves, Alan Cran, Bruce McKenzie, Nancy Cavanagh, Anne Hughes, Philippa Bonella, Chris Lugton Bob Minns, Jan Minns (minutes).
Apologies: Anne White, Mike White, and Lynne Johnson
Angela welcomed those present to the meeting and the meeting was opened with a prayer.
Minutes from the previous meeting were read and accepted. ‘Fr Walker would like the Justice and Peace Group to be included in the PPC membership’ from item 1 under A.O.B.
Matters Arising:
It was suggested that members of the PPC be available to welcome people to Mass on an ‘ad hoc’ basis, at whatever Mass they usually attend. Also to be aware of new comers to the Parish in order to welcome them and be of assistance as required.
Youth Workers are going to arrange a Ceilidh for the young people after Easter and are still working through ideas on how to make contact with those within the Parish and also others who may be interested from St Thomas Aquinas School.
Agenda:
1. Review of Modus Operandi of the PPC – A list of proposals were given to members for perusal and to make suggestions at the next meeting.
Parishioners could be invited to attend meetings if they have any ‘burning issues’ to discuss – after consultation with the Parish Priest.
Frequency of meetings changed to two monthly and go on till 9pm.
2. Update on foyer; Holyrood Madonna has been moved to Fr Bernard’s office. St Peter’s statue was too difficult to move and could have been damaged in the attempt. The contractors didn’t inspire confidence so the Plaque of The Transfiguration was put back up. Unfortunately there will be no access to the doorway behind St Peter as was planned. Electricians OK and modern spot lights to go up. Painters are very efficient and will soon finish. Carpets and lights still to come. Colour will be yellowish. Fr Walker would like to have a glass topped display cabinet for the repository to avoid dragging the stands back and forth but this will depend on cost. There will be three or four pin boards for notices.
3. Proposed visit to/from PPC of St Aloysius: Angela to discuss with their chairperson – May be a Saturday visit could be arranged – Mass – Take own lunch - ?sometime in May.
4. Feedback from Parish Groups: Need to advertise our whereabouts. Important to make people feel welcome and to be available to greet them coming into Mass. Maybe Eucharist Ministers could be approached to see if they are willing to do this.
5. Child Protection; Disclosure forms are being sent out to long standing volunteers now. There will be a meeting on 24/02/07 at St Mary’s Cathedral to discuss Diocesan Guidelines re Vulnerable Adults and two people from Sacred Heart are invited to attend. Vulnerable Adults now termed Adults at Risk.
A.O.B.
Finance Group met last week and a full report is being written – There is a projected surplus of around £13,000.
Hall Committee; Needs to be formed to take responsibility for overall management and long term improvement of the facility. Hall needs to be cleaned on a regular basis.
Reps could be found from Justice & Peace, Social Committee, Youth Group, John Hargreaves, Fr Bernard, and Fr Chris Boles for the Lauriston Jesuit Centre. A full refurbishment of the Hall could be too expensive.
Novena of Grace 4/03/07 – 12/03/07 to be preached by Fr Michael O’Halloran – to be advertised.
Film on the life of John Paul Two; Will be shown on 25/03/07 – bring a packed lunch as it is a long film. Time to be arranged.
Series of talks by Fr Basil Clark – Flyer in back of Church.
Meeting closed with a prayer.
Next Meeting 26/03/07 at 7pm. Minutes - Fr Bernard, Meditation to be led by Bruce McKenzie.
Parish Pastoral Council – Elected Members 2006-2007
Chairperson Angela Campbell
Outreach Jan Minns
Nancy Cavanagh
Social Life Anne White
Chris Lugton
Spirituality and Adult Faith Formation Angela Campbell
Lynn Johnson
Liturgy and Sacramental Preparation Robert Minns
Alan Cran
Youth Bruce McKenzie
Anne Hughes
Finance Michael White (vice Chair)
Philippa Bonella
Ex Officio Members - Father Bernard Walker
Father Jim Henderson
John Hargreaves
(asst. administrator)