OUR LADY AND ST.JOSEPH SHERINGHAM AND CROMER

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING

6th December 2011

Present:   Father Denys Lloyd, Tony Webster (Chair), Janet Arbuthnot, Keith Holt, Anita Richards, Mary Mustoe-Arthur, Russell Wright, David Boland Michael Dunning, Mary Haynes, Alan Shannon, Miriam Ireland, Breda Godfrey, Diana Spalton and 9 parishioners.

 

1. Opening Prayer for Parishes

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.

 

2. Welcome to newly elected members.
Three newly elected members were warmly welcomed to the PPC: Miriam Ireland, Diana Spalton, Breda Godfrey

 

3. Apologies for Absence

 None received from PPC members, Denis Wise sent his apologies.

 

4. Minutes of the Meeting of 14th September

    Signed as a true record by Chair.

 

5. Matters Arising

 5.4 The main door, windows and hall have been re-varnished at OL Cromer. All work now completed.

 

6. Report from Parish Finance Committee

6.1 Major expenditure
St Joseph – needed a new valves for church boiler £1500 and also one of the heaters at Our Lady of Refuge needed replacing at £1500.

Keith reported that he would now be focusing on year end accounts and budgeting for next year.

Thanks were given for all Keith’s work and support for the parish.

7. Social and Fundraising Committee
Miriam Ireland reported:
Harvest supper – very enjoyable and well supported – thanks to Dorothy Shannon, Val and all helpers
WW11 lunch at Cromer had also been enjoyed.

Plans for 2012
Friday 16th March – Quiz + Fish and Chips at OLR - external quiz master.
Friday 25th May – Medieval Banquet at OLR

Wednesday 11th July – Parish BBQ at St Joseph’s

Autumn 2012 – date to be confirmed – Parish Harvest Supper

In addition Jim Laird had offered to organise a concert at St Joseph’s during September/October including other musicians and contacts.

Miriam reported that most events were very well supported. She felt that there was a good team of helpers and supporters across the parish.

 

Father Denys reported that he had asked for a lunch to be provided following the Requiem Mass for Departed Clergy of the Deanery – this would be at St Joseph’s in November 2012.

 

8. Council of Laity
Feedback was given by Paul Finn about the most recent meeting which took place in November. Father David Bagstaff as Administrator led the day. Fr David described his appointment and the overall picture in terms of other Dioceses who are also awaiting the appointment of new Bishops. Paul reported that 30 parishes attended. It was clear that there is a variety of issues across the Diocese including relationships between Parish Priests and Laity, feedback and governance issues such as PPC’s and Finance Committees etc. Some parishes reported that they had not been instructed about the new translation, in some books were just taken away.  In the absence of instruction to the contrary some laity perceived that the return to Friday abstinence and the changes to the mass indicated a return to “pre-Vatican II Catholicism”. Father Denys reminded all present that in fact the Latin texts were a product of Vatican II and the new translation is more accurate, reflecting the Council’s work.

There had been an appeal for laity to support priests in the many tasks they are asked to carry out and the difficulties some Parish Priests faced. The role and influence of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan was also discussed. Suggestions were made of all Parishes having a directory (Father Denys showed an example of the Directory he had in his previous parish and told the Committee of his plans to put such a directory in place during the summer of 2012).  Suggestions were also made about having a newcomers evening – (Social and Fundraising committee will take this forward)

Paul fed back that he felt that we were very well supported and led by Father Denys and this was endorsed by the PPC.

Paul was thanked for his comprehensive report and would be happy to provide further information if required.

9. New Translation of the Mass – materials
Father Denys showed the meeting a number of Redemptorist publications including all the readings and responses. It was agreed to subscribe for a year to the A4 version which folds into an A5 size. The costs will be £21 per week across the Parish, the first month is free.

The Council of Bishops reported that the “new” translation readings should be available in about 18 months – so this suggestion will enable us to fully participate in the Mass in the interim. This option was proposed by Breda Godfrey, Seconded by Alan Shannon and unanimously agreed by the PPC. Action Keith.

10. Suggestions for Lent 2012 Programme
Father Denys asked for suggestions for the programme. Paul Finn suggested that Father Denys guides through the books by Pope Benedict – Jesus and Jesus Part 2
Father Denys said he would have to be selective about what he focused on and that it could be helpful to examine the Pope’s teaching and scholarship in greater depth. Agreed this would be the 2012 programme in both churches.

11. Repainting of Figure at St Joseph
This has been completed this afternoon.  St Joseph is now reunited with his hand and a lily stalk! The work has been carried out very sensitively and all are pleased with the result.

12. Parish 100 Club
This was discussed and examples of other local projects given. Agreed that the simplest possible methods should be explored. Paul Finn and Janet Arbuthnot agreed to investigate further including any licence requirements etc. Father Denys observed that as there was not a planned fete again this year the Parish had to consider alternative ways of raising funds. This option was felt to be inclusive of those who might not be able to actively contribute/attend other parish events.

13. Any Other Business
(i) Presbytery OLR -  questions raised about tenancy and maintenance of building during winter cold etc. Heating etc on timer. No tenants identified yet although publicised via Agents and local schools. Hope that in the Spring a tenant would be found. Canon Mac’s flat would be redecorated and would be marketed in the Spring.
(ii) Feedback from Sr Brigid – Mary Haynes shared materials from Sr Brigid which she asked to be included on the parish website. Copy given to Father Denys for Kevin Jones. Notice Board at OLR will be updated. As always our donations make a real difference and are gratefully received.

(iii) Lights outside OLR -  this is in hand, issue over where switches are – now being sorted.
(iv) Leaflet about Church Trail Cromer – Michael Dunning raised this. Father Denys reported none in parish. Wendy Allen said that Tourist Information still had copies
(v) Letters about Walsingham – Tony Webster reported he had, after chasing up in September, received a response from Father Bagstaff and the Archbishop. There was some disquiet expressed in the responses that this had not been handled locally however, all agreed that the action was fully explored and agreed at PPC level. Disappointment was expressed at the lack of initial response and it was agreed that all would monitor via any visits to Walsingham and keep a watching brief. The support of our future Bishop would be a major factor in the future.
(vi) Fridge at OLR - Wendy Allen reported milk left there – please can any users make sure they empty the fridge – it is not to be used for storage

 

Formal Thanks were proposed to Tony Webster and Paul Finn who had been Chair and Vice Chair during the last 3 years. Their work and support of Father Denys has enabled the combined parish to flourish and develop. All present thanked them for the solid foundations they have built and which can be taken forward. Their hard work and enthusiasm were valued and appreciated.

 

14. Date and Location of next meeting: Wednesday 21st March at 7.30pm @ Sheringham.
Election of Chair and Vice Chair will be required.
Apologies received from Alan Shannon.

 

Previous

 

OUR LADY AND ST.JOSEPH SHERINGHAM AND CROMER

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING

14th September 2011


Present:   Father Denys Lloyd, Tony Webster (Chair), Paul Finn, Janet Arbuthnot, Keith Holt, Anita Richards, Mary Mustoe-Arthur, Russell Wright, David Boland and 8 parishioners.

 

1. Opening Prayer for Parishes

 

2. Apologies for Absence

 Martin Harrington, Michael Dunning, Mary Haynes, Alan Shannon, Miriam Ireland

 

3. Minutes of the Meeting of 19th May 2011

    Signed as a true record by Chair.

 

4. Matters Arising

 Covered in agenda.

 

5. Report from Parish Finance Committee

5.1 Cromer Presbytery – tenants moving out at end of September. Have been very happy and are recommending to other parents at Gresham Schooland Beeston Hall. Agents actively marketing.
5.2 Keith Holt reported no major expenditure planned
5.3 Fencing between Garden of Remembrance and Presbytery completed – looks very smart
5.4 Finance Committee agreed that the main doors and hall entrance at Cromer need to be revarnished and treated. Keith Holt has instructed the builders.
All other items raised previously have been actioned.


6. Social and Fundraising Committee
Miriam Ireland had sent apologies Peggy Webster spoke in her place.
3 main events since last meeting: Cambodia Evening in May, Organ Recital and Soprano in June and BBQ in July.


Produce stalls had run at both churches during May – August. May had been the best month. The number of people providing goods had been disappointing and tended to be the same individuals. Social and Fundraising Committee tomorrow will discuss and explore how a wider support base could be achieved.


Forthcoming events:
23rd September – Solemn Mass of Thanksgiving followed by party at Our Lady of Refuge

12th October – Parish Harvest Supper £6.50 per person St Joseph’s Hall.

11th November – We’ll meet again Lunch with World War Two theme including menu! Period costume encouraged.

 

Father Denys fed back that the produce sales had made a good total of £356.40 and he thanked all involved for their effort.


7. Elections to PPC Autumn 2011
Father Denys informed the meeting that 2 members of the PPC (Paul Finn and Martin Harrington) had offered to stand down, these places together with the vacancy left when Don Paulino left the Parish meant that there are 3 vacancies. Father Denys proposed electing 3 new members which would be in line with his plan to move to a greater proportion of elected members as the parish moved forward. This would mean we had 6 elected and 6 appointed members. Father Denys to 

ask for volunteers and arrange for elections by the end of October. If only 3 people come forward no election will be needed if not an election would be arranged.


Tony Webster, Chairman, indicated he would like to step down as Chairman at the end of this year.


8 Peter Taylor Funeral Services – fundraising
Mixed response here:
5 members of the Parish have produced a profit – food seems to be a good approach.
2 others have expressed interest but no further action has taken place

£30 left (3 x £10 left) to be distributed.  


9. Music at St Joseph’s
Mr Jim Laird has now taken up post. First Choir practice 15th September. Combined Choir will sing at the Solemn Mass on 23rd September at Our Lady of Refuge. Father Denys praised those most affected: Maureen and Hazel and Paul H. and the choir members they had all been very gracious in facilitating the handover


10. New Translation of Order of Mass – new musical settings
Update on this – the proposed versions need to go to the Bishops Conference Liturgical Commission and they are proceeding, quite rightly, sensitively and slowly before publishing final versions. Stowmarket Parish have begun using a setting and Father Denys has requested further details as feedback has been largely positive.


11. Repainting of St Joseph Figure on reredos 
The lily stalk part of St Joseph’s iconography had been removed previously leaving a somewhat distorted figure. Unanimous agreement that the original should be restored. Father Denys to seek a quotation from a recommended restorer. Quotes will be bought to Finance Committee for approval


12. Use of Brass Processional Crucifix as fixed item.
Father Denys recommended that the brass crucifix be used as it is more in keeping with the age and decoration of the church. The more modern crucifix to continue to be used as processional for entrance and exit of Sanctuary party. Unanimous agreement to this course of action, again to Finance committee for approval.

13. Any Other Business
(i). Concern expressed about the use of incense and its impact on those with any bronchial difficulties. Discussion and information provided by member of parish on scientific findings re: carbon particles etc. 
Agreed that Father Denys would reduce the amount of incense used and the PPC would welcome an update at the December meeting.


(ii). Mary MA thanked Father Denys for the work he had done in preparing the parish so well for the New Translation of the Mass. Other parishes around the UK appear to have been much less informed and instructed about the reasons behind the changes and how we could all engage. Unanimous applause received.

 

14. Date and Location of next meeting: 
Tuesday 6th December at 7.30pm, (approximately) venue Cromer Parish Hall 
(following 7pm Mass which would be held at Our Lady of Refuge that evening only)