Minutes of Parish Pastoral Council
OUR LADY AND ST. JOSEPH SHERINGHAM AND CROMER PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING
10th December 2009
Present: Father Denys Lloyd, Paul Finn, Mary Haynes, Mary Mustoe-Arthur, Alan Shannon, Tony Webster,Janet Arbuthnot, Michael Dunning, Don Paulino, Russell Wright , David Boland + 6 members of the Parish
Opening Prayer for the Parish and welcome to newly elected PPC members: Michael Dunning, Don Paulino, and Russell Wright
O God, the creator and giver of all good things, bless our Parish in this united endeavour. Strengthen our faith and grant us the spirit of sacrifice, that, with your help, we may provide for the needs of our Parish, give glory to you and sanctify ourselves. We ask this through Christ our Lord Amen.
Apologies for absence Anita Richards, Keith Holt, Martin Harrington.
Minutes of the Meeting held at Sheringham on 1st October 2009 - signed and agreed
Matters arising - covered on Agenda
Finance Committee Report
Development and major maintenance updates:
a. Cromer Sacristy
There are ongoing negotiations between the Finance Committee/Architects/Planners and Contractors - no definite decisions at this stage but the Parish will be informed as soon as the situation is clarified.
b. Cromer Presbytery
Tenders have been received and the Finance Committee is due to decide, however this is linked partially with decisions about the Sacristy.
c. Damp proofing around St Joseph's
Very successful - work is now completed, the walls need time to dry out before replastering takes place. The water pipes are not leaking and the pipes will be checked for leaves, perhaps needing a cover at some stage.
'Sheringham in Bloom'
The plot has been cleared and manured. Father Denys to write to Ian Claydon expressing our concerns that the plot was not well tended over the summer and hoping that next year it will receive more attention.
Social and Fundraising Committee Report
Anne Mann presented a report, her term of office ends at the end of December 2009. She reported a very successful and busy year beginning with Fish and Chip Supper and Quiz in February and ending with the Parish Harvest Supper. The 2 communities had worked closely together and some good links had been forged. The sick and disabled teas were particularly commended. Some disappointment about the change of Christmas meal dates (to accommodate venue) as this meant some people will be unable to attend.
Thanks to all involved but in particular, Christine Neate, Mavis and Helpers, Maureen Sullivan and Father Denys.
Anne was formally thanked for all her work and input and Yvonne Worthington was also thanked for her work over many years as she too stands down at this time.
There will be a meeting on 20th January 2010 at 11am at Our Lady of Refuge to finalise plans for year.
Thanks to the Parish for the generosity in the Christmas Hamper draw due on 11th December.
Suggestions for Lent Alms 2010
Principle established of giving in the UK and abroad. Suggestions to Finance Committee are: Quidenham Hospice, Let the Children Live (Street Children in Colombia) and/or Mlandizi, (Cromer's ongoing project). Sr. Brigid to be asked for a report on last year. Finance Committee meeting in February to decide.
Concert at St Joseph's: Autumn 2010 Some disquiet at the Church being used for Secular concerts. Recognised that it was a crucial part of cultural contribution to area - recommendation that music of a more serious nature would be more apt. This will be considered by Father Denys in conjunction with Maureen Sullivan and any other interested parties.
Welcoming of visitors at after Sunday Mass coffee - Reminder to both parish communities of our mission of hospitality and inclusion. Visitors enjoy being welcomed to our parishes and encouraged to talk to locals - Father Denys to include in bulletin.
Sign of peace on weekdays
Some discussion about whether this should continue given how spread out people were in the Church physically. Linked with 10 above it was agreed that it was an important message of community and should continue.
Possibility of sending some Masses to Missions/another Parish (Intentions Diary severely overloaded)
We have a number of foundation masses (established regular masses paid for in advance) and a tradition in both parishes of Masses being said for particular intentions. There is pressure on the diary. Father Denys will remind parishioners that masses for particular dates (anniversaries etc) should be booked as early as possible - at least 6 - 8 weeks. Consideration will be given, and discussed at Finance Committee, of sending some masses to be said by Aid to the Church in Need. This was strongly supported.
A.O.B.
Light at Sacristy - St Joseph's - live candle working very well, some discussion about using different glass cover - agreed Sacred Heart red cover should remain and clear glass continue for the Blessed Sacrament.
Sheringham Church Hall - some concerns raised at meeting about maintenance - Father Denys to investigate further.
Parish Hall Floor Cromer - reminder to all users to not drag tables across the newly sealed floor leaves black marks.
Rosary - in May and October the Rosary will be offered before Weekend Masses at both communities. Father Denys will look for volunteers to lead.
Seat Pads - generous donation at Sheringham had enabled these to be purchased, some discussion about Cromer but benches of different kind so may not be as practical. If any donations forthcoming could be considered.
Mass Times - Question about whether mass times could be altered. Answer No, masses must remain as listed in the Catholic Directory for England and Wales. We publicise on Parish and Diocesan Website.
Talking before Mass - discussed fully in March, recognition that for some parishioners this may be the only time they see other people. Church is about community and belonging. No Further action.
Date and venue of next Meeting - Thursday 6th May @ 7.30pm Sheringham - The Rosary will be said before this meeting - more details in bulletin closer to that time.