Minutes: meeting held at St Joseph's Hall on Tuesday 1st December 2009 at 7.30pm
Mary Wilkins (Secretary)
Persons Present: Father Stephen, Pauline Toohey, Mary Wilkins, Sister Maria, Nancy Brook, Anne Hall, Deacon Geoffrey Carey, Deacon Wilf Westlake, Jim Logan, Suzanne Newson and Alicia Watkins
Opening Prayers: Fr Stephen opened the meeting with prayers
Apologies for absence: Tony Keane
Approval Of The Minutes: Approval of the minutes from the Parish Council meeting held on the 8th September 2009. The majority of members acknowledged and unanimously approved the minutes the week after the meeting. A copy of the minutes was then displayed in the churches and on the parish web site.
1. Matters arising from the minutes of the last meeting: A member of the parish council requested a line from the minutes of the previous meeting to be removed re; Home is A Holy Place (it is not Holy just because of there being statues, pictures etc). The members approved.
2. Follow up on the Big Breakfast: Suggestion for a male parish council member to make contact with Paul Barnes to find out about the running - Jim Logan volunteered.
3. Weekday Evening Mass: Father Stephen enquired as to whether an evening mass during the week would be attended. After discussion as to who would probably attend, it was decided to leave at present until requested by the community. A note would go in the newsletter to contact the parish office if the community would like a weekday evening mass.
4. Weekly Benediction: Father Stephen would like to fit a weekly Benediction into the New Year and be looked after by Father or a Deacon. Father feels this is a missing aspect of Spiritual life and would like it to be very much part of church life. Whether it will be a day or evening, starting at the end of January / February.
5. Advent Carol Service: The annual carol service will be a St Joseph's Church as it was well supported last year. The date being the 20th December.
6. Children's Liturgy & Crèche: There are to be two adults who are CRB checked to go out with the children for each age group .Four Catechists are required at each 11.00 mass. There was a question over who organises the rotas for the adults. It was suggested that a meeting with the Catechists to discuss the correct procedures by law to be followed. The Crèche is for children under the age of three years and should be accompanied by a parent - a different area than liturgy area to be used. The rules will be written out and signed by Father Stephen and to be displayed in the rooms used. Deacon Geoffrey Carey volunteered to go on the rota when not serving on the Sanctuary.
7. Parish Registration: Still not all parishioners registered. A list of names of those registered will be displayed and if your name not on the list a registration form is to be completed.
8. Building Project Update: At present a stale mate situation between Father Stephen, Diocese and Historic Churches. The Diocese would like to appoint two architects from Historic Churches and anyone else required with no input from us - Father has sent a letter to the Bishop asking him to be more pastoral as he is taking full /total responsibility for the care of the people here in this parish. Father is concerned that paying out money not discussed in the budget would put us into debt. The drawings of the Presbytery and hall are to go to the building group - a two storey building with a secure area. This does not come under Historic Churches and will go to Weymouth and Portland Borough Council for approval. The hall is equally important for meetings, clubs, and could go ahead of the church. We are hoping to have a reply before Christmas.
9. Mass for Housebound/strawberry tea: There seems to be limited events for the housebound of the parish and it was suggested that the parishioners organised an event, possibly a strawberry tea. It was felt that instead of a specific parish organisation arrange the event but all to offer services together. A letter is to be sent to each organisation thanking them for their support but asking for ways in which parish could help. A meeting with a few members of the parish council to discuss the plans/ideas.
10. First Aid Boxes: First Aid boxes requiring updating/refilling. Jim Logan will find out what is required to be in the First Aid boxes as Health and Safety requirements for parish. A request from the Youth Club as to the First Aid Box in the hall as to whether it would be alright for them to bring their own, as a safety precaution with children. It was agreed they could provide their own but had to be removed after club.
11. Emergency building repairs: There are nine volunteers offering their services if required for emergency repairs in the parish. Before any work or items purchased for repairs they must have authorisation from Father Stephen or Jim Logan. This is to ensure the parish insurance is covering the personnel when doing the work.
12. Home is A Holy Place: Gillian Wilce visited and has suggested showing a DVD in the evening in the New Year. It was proposed by the working party to invite Gillian to a parish day social event. The 'Home is A Holy Place' prayer cards are to be given out to the First Holy Communion parents. The working party was going to discuss the best way to display the prayer cards.
13. Any other Business: Cafod held a meeting at Dorchester but unfortunately was poorly attended. Next Year will be the 50th Anniversary of Family Fast Day. The theme will be Give it up for Cafod, starting from the 26th February with a mass on Family Fast Friday. At the cathedral in Plymouth there will be a short presentation. Collection boxes will be distributed the week before giving everyone the opportunity to participate. The suggestion is that we do practical things to help others. It should be treated as a fast day not just giving money allowing a spiritual effect.
Stewards: Jim Logan has organised stewards over the Christmas Masses.
Date of next meeting: Tuesday 9th March 2010. St Joseph's Hall, 7:30 pm
The meeting ended with a prayer.
Minutes: meeting held at 27 Grove Avenue on Tuesday 8th September at 7.30pm
Mary Wilkins (Secretary)
Persons Present: Father Stephen, Tony Keane, Pauline Toohey, Mary Wilkins, Sister Maria, Nancy Brook, Anne Hall, Deacon Geoffrey Carey, Deacon Wilf Westlake, Jim Logan and Alicia Watkins
Apologies for absence: Suzanne Newsome, Ralph Johnson.
Opening Prayers: Fr Stephen opened the meeting with prayers.
Approval Of The Minutes: The majority of members acknowledged and unanimously approved the minutes the week after the meeting. A copy of the minutes was then displayed in the churches and on the parish web site.
1. Matters arising from the minutes of the last meeting: None
2. The Big Breakfast:
Father Stephen spoke about a Big Breakfast that started about four years ago when Father Trevor, David Wells and Paul Barnes held one in Cornwall. At the first meeting 23 attended and they have had as many as 37 since. The format is a simple full English breakfast at 8.45 on a Saturday. Men of all ages meet and chat about their faith in a cosy environment. Approximately £5 per person- held twice a year. They have had a range of speakers and sometimes break into small groups. They finish at 12 noon - no later. A report is sent to the Catholic South West with a photograph. Father Stephen enquired as to whether our parish men would like to form a similar Big Breakfast group. The response being positive and a notice would be put in the parish newsletter.
Sarita deKretser arrived to discuss Safeguarding in the parish.
3. Safe guarding:Sarita deKretser and Katy Hall - the parish safeguarding team. The C.R.B is changing and will become I.S.A (Independent safeguarding Authority). Everyone in the parish who has contact with the young or vulnerable will need to complete the adequate checks. All new Catechists and Eucharistic Ministers are to contact the Safeguarding team. Information will be available after masses by the safeguarding team, allowing any questions or concerns to be asked and answered. A notice will go in the parish newsletter with dates when confirmed by the team.
4. Home is A Holy Place:
The launch will be on the 10&11thOctober. St Augustine's school is hosting a presentation by Jillian Wilce, the co-ordinator for the 'Home is a Holy Place' project at 1.45pm on Monday 12th October. All parents are invited to attend.
The parish has purchased 50 sets of prayer cards for families, which over a year primarily explaining 'Home is a Holy Place'- Recognising good things - God already dwells there with them, it is not Holy just because of there being statues, pictures etc. Father suggested some families may wish to have their homes blessed and maybe a family meal (family meaning everyone)
Father invited a small mixed group to watch the DVD and discuss it afterwards on the 24th September.
5. Building Project Update:
Parish House - Presbytery:
There has been work going on internally in the old St Joseph's Presbytery. These changes have been necessary for the future use as the Presbytery for the parish of Our Lady Star of the Sea. The work is expected to be completed, in 2/3 weeks. It is then Father Stephen's intention to move out of the Presbytery at 38 Dorchester Road and to take up full time residence in the Presbytery of Our Lady Star of the Sea, at Stravordale Road.
Refurbishment of St Joseph's Church:
Plans for the proposed alterations to St. Joseph's church have now been sent to the Diocesan Liturgy Committee, which are due to meet on the 16th September. If there are no major problems, then they will be sent to Historic Churches who are meeting in November. Afterwards should they pass scrutiny to Weymouth and Portland Borough Council Planning Department for approval. This means that it is unlikely that any work will begin on St. Joseph's church until after Easter 2010.
Meanwhile plans are being drawn up for a new hall, meeting rooms and car park at St. Joseph's and these will go towards the Building Group as soon as they are available. No decision has been made as to what will happen to the Presbytery at 38 Dorchester Road and it is unlikely to be made for some time. Meanwhile it is intended once empty to use part of the house for Children's Liturgy on Sundays and meeting rooms for the parish organisations.
6. Car Parking at St. Joseph's Church:
At weekends, Christmas and Easter we have the use of Betterment Properties car park, which gives us 13 spaces. The existing St. Joseph's car park at the front and at the back of the church hall currently holds 20 cars but can if necessary hold 25 cars. The aim with the new build is to have 27 spaces. The blue badge holders are asked to use the road next to the church as permitted. There is also on street parking available in the streets around the church. We must always ensure that we do not obstruct driveways and not to park on the double yellow lines as tickets have been issued. Parking on a Thursday morning in the church car park still remains difficult, with cars being parked but not attending church. A notice highlighting this will be put in the parish newsletter.
7. Any other business
Parish Stewards:
It was agreed that the parish needs twenty four Stewards to provide adequate cover for the three weekend Masses. Allowing a rota of one weekend in four. The duty requires each Steward to take parishioners to seats in the church before and during mass when the church begins to fill up. Also when necessary to ask parishioners to move along the pew to allow others to be seated. This is a neighbourly gesture as well as a Health and Safety measure. At present only two has responded from St Augustine's church and three from St Joseph's church. A request will go out again in the parish newsletter.
Dates:
Jim Logan pointed out that there had been a clash of dates with the parish council meeting and the parish finance meeting. He informed the council of the dates that the finance committee meet during the year - 17thNovember, 19th January, 27th April & 8th September.
Date of next meeting: Tuesday 24th November 7.30pm at St. Joseph's Presbytery.
The parish council thanked Alicia for her hospitality for holding the past meetings.
The meeting ended with a prayer.
Minutes: meeting held at 27 Grove Avenue on Tuesday 5th May at 7.30pm
Mary Wilkins (Secretary)
Persons Present: Father Stephen, Tony Keane, Pauline Toohey, Jim Logan, Mary Wilkins, Sister Maria, Nancy Brook, Anne Hall, Deacon Geoffrey Carey, Deacon Wilf Westlake, Suzanne Newson, Ralph Johnson and Alicia Watkins
Apologies for absence: None all present.
Opening Prayers: Fr Stephen opened the meeting with prayers.
Approval Of The Minutes: Members unanimously approved the minutes from the Parish Council meeting held on the 3rd February 2009
1. Items arising from the previous meeting
The Plymouth/Portsmouth Diocesan event planned for May 30th Cafod Live Simply has been postponed until next year.
Regarding the Olympic preparation for parish level, Becky Barbour (Diocesan Youth Coordinator) will hear next week what action should be followed.
2. Report on progress of Refurbishment of St. Joseph's church and Hall:
St. Joseph's has been listed as Grade II. Father Stephen, in conjunction with Mr Lenis (planner in WPP Dept) has appealed against the listing within the agreed time. The different stages of the refurbishment will be shown to the Diocese/Parish and a copy will go to Historic Churches. The body of the Catholic Church will look at the alterations and the Bishops will decide whether the design and architecture will change the appearance of a Catholic church.
Mr Stephen Hooper is the architect/surveyor of the basic plans. The idea for the two side walls to be moved out with a screen at the back with a wooden partition to waist level, glass above, internal fixtures, lighting etc all to be renewed. The cracks on the walls are to be repaired, which have been caused by dry summers. There has been no structural movement and the roof is sound. The concern is the wish to move the two outer walls further out.
We will now have to await a response.
3. Parish Spiritual Programme (Home is a Holy Place):
We can order the prayer cards as a twelve mixed packet priced at £2.60. It is recommended to display a set on a stand and run a programme along side. There are three sessions these are an hour each session and Jillian Wilce has offered to come and talk to the parish about the prayer cards. It has been suggested that Mr Mason (headmaster parish school) would be asked to run a Home is a Holy Place meeting inviting all parents, with Jillian explain the prayer cards. Question over whether the prayer cards could be purchased in Polish. If not available whether Alicia was permitted to translate and copy for our Polish families. David Wells has been talking to the priests about these prayer cards and linking them to the home family prayer.
4. Sidesmen at each Mass:
Father Stephen would like to see two volunteers showing parishioners to vacant seats at each Mass. Jim Logan has offered to organise a request in the newsletter and compile a rota.
5. Catechists:
There are always more needed especially at the older children's liturgy at 11am Sunday Mass. The Catechists requested training and David Wells is coming to talk to them on two Tuesday evenings. Father is going to write to past Catechists to request if they would be interested in resuming their ministry.
6. Dorchester Deanery Pilgrimage:
This is being held on 7th June at Dorchester. A coach leaving Weymouth would be available if enough interest shown in attendance. At 2.30pm there will be a procession with the relics of the Martyrs followed by Mass celebrated by Bishop Christopher. The sewing group is in the process of making a parish banner and it is hoped to be completed for use on this occasion.
7. Health and Safety report on both church sites and buildings:
The report has been done and highlighted certain issues. The railings have to be of a set height, ensuring no one falls over the top. G. Dewey professional carried out this report.
8. Stewardship:
The needs of the parishioners have changed - a time talent book has been written
with collective information, also the website. Thinking how the parish as a whole
could move things forward. Gift based the Holy Spirit guides us - gifted to help do
jobs - needs route - but would avoid over burdening the same people but encouraging parishioners to help as they can.
The parish council would like to thank Suzanne for the hard work she has put into producing the booklet.
The Sisters, Deacons and Father are meeting to discuss the Spiritual parish. What may or may not come out of it. They need to see if what they are doing or not as part of their vocations are sufficient.
9. Elections:
Two years have passed since October 2007, when the first meeting held. Preparation for election by the parish will need to be made. This will be discussed at next meeting.
AGM being held Wednesday 13th May at St Augustine's hall.
Date of next meeting:
Tuesday 8th September. 'The Willows', 27, Grove Avenue, Weymouth.
The meeting ended with a prayer.
Minutes: meeting held at St Joseph's hall on Tuesday 3rd February at 7.30pm
Mary Wilkins (Secretary)
Persons Present: Father Stephen, Tony Keane, Pauline Toohey, Mary Wilkins, Sister Maria, Nancy Brook, Anne Hall, Jim Logan, Deacon Geoffrey Carey, Deacon Wilf Westlake and Alicia Watkins.
Apologies for absence: Apologies were received and accepted from Suzanne Newson and Ralph Johnson
Opening Prayers: Fr Stephen opened the meeting with prayers.
Approval Of The Minutes: An apology was made by the parish secretary on the minutes from the meeting on the 18th November, informing the council that Nancy Brook represented the Diocesan Pastoral Council. Sister Maria and Deacon Geoffrey Carey represented the Diocesan Forum not as previously stated. The apology was accepted and the members unanimously approved the minutes.
1. Items arising from minutes of 18th November
a) Christmas Mass times went reasonably well. It would seem that the requirement can be met from three Masses instead of four.
b) It is becoming clear that we must somehow set up a rota of at least two ushers for each Mass so as to ensure that all the seats are occupied in the church and standing kept to a minimum (Suggestions welcome).
c) A parish Banner is now being made by the sewing group and we hope to have it ready before the Deanery day. Also, the sewing group is making a cover for the book of the Gospels.
2. Update on Building progress: The Bishop has agreed that we can continue with a local company to put together drawings for the proposed refurbishment of St. Joseph's church and we hope to have the drawings ready for an application to the planning authority around Easter. Other members of the Building Group are looking into forms of heating and to the cost of re-decoration etc. Discussions about the refurbishment of the parish Presbytery and the car park are in their early stages but will continue. Our main thrust at present is to get planning permission for the church extension and refurbishment as soon as is practically possible. As soon as drawings are available they will be put on display for parishioners to view.
3. For Information:
a) all the parish catechetical programmes are running well and we are as usual served well with our existing parish catechists. However we must endeavour to keep recruitment of parish catechists as a priority
b) The active participation of St. Augustine's school in the parish Family Mass is going very well and Father is keen not only to keep this going but to look for other ways the parish and school can be involved together.
Father Stephen left the parish meeting after these items had been discussed.
With respect to item 1b as above: It was suggested that maybe the Knights of St Colombia may be asked whether they would be ushers at the Masses. To identify them maybe a badge or band be worn. Jim offered to speak to them by Easter.
4. Fundraising: There are several different charity requests within the parish. Pauline would like not all groups asking for money at once, maybe have an organised rota on fundraising? Jim pointed out that anything collected in church has to be accounted for in the parish accounts. There was a discussion on collections for local charities within the parish, with mixed thoughts within the council. Father would be spoken to as to his opinion.
5. Car Parking. Concern over the car park being used by non parishioners and parishioners attending Mass having difficulty in parking, particularly on a Thursday morning Mass. A query on one car belonging to the flats next door parking there. Has he permission from Father? Suggested removing hand rails from present position and moving against wall. Thus allowing double cars parking at front of hall. Only one complaint on the parking situation.
6. Any Other Business:
Dorset Deanery forum
Father Stephen is now on the clergy working party for Deanery reorganisation. It will report in Lent. Date of the Diocesan Pilgrimage/Deanery Day is 7th June.
Money raised on this day will go to Aid to the Church In Need.
Wareham, Wool and Lulworth are now one parish and called "Our Lady Queen of Martyrs and St. Joseph".
Catholic Deanery Youth Service Eighteen youth from our parish attended the Deanery event hosted by Christ the King, Bournemouth, joining fifty others.
CAFOD A joint Plymouth/Portsmouth Diocesan event planned for May 30th entitled "Cafod live Simply Celebration of Pentecost".
Mini bus course for drivers This will be booked for a date after Easter for anyone interested.
Olympics Becky Barbour (Diocesan youth Coordinator) has circulated some ideas to discuss at parish level in preparation for the Olympics. It was decided by the DDCYS regarding timing of events that good planning should be followed by action in 2011 and the Olympic year itself.
Prayer Cards We are still waiting for the 'Home Prayer Cards' to be printed
7. The meeting ended with a prayer.
8. Date of Next Meeting Tuesday 5th May 7.30 pm at St Joseph's hall.