Meeting held at Grove Avenue on Tuesday 29th November 2011 at 7.00pm
Mary Wilkins (Secretary)
N.B. These minutes are still to be approved by the Council
Persons Present: Father Stephen, Pauline Toohey, Mary Wilkins, Anne Hall, Judith Boichot, Joe O'Brien, Jim Logan, John Jenkins, John Alway, Deacon Geoffrey Carey and Alicia Watkins.
1. Opening prayers: Father Stephen opened the meeting with prayers.
2. Apologies for Absence: None - all present
3. Minutes of the last meeting: Approval of the minutes from the Parish Council meeting held on the 27th September. 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.
4. Matters arising from the last meeting: Alicia mentioned that since the last meeting when a request for a new vacuum cleaner was made, the present one had been looked at and a new hose would be sufficient, as the motor sounding fine. An advertisement had been in the parish newsletter for two cleaners, as two had stepped down.
5. Father Stephen's Items
a) Update on building work: At present the builders are one week behind on the church. They are trying to catch up and fifty percent of the concreting has been done. The steel structures for both the aisles have been assembled. Scaffolding is in situ in the church, with block work, insulating panels, joints and flooring being done before the builders break for Christmas. This is from the 22nd December to 3rd January.
b) Hall: The hall has been demolished and the footings have been excavated and concrete foundations in place. Scaffolding has been erected, ready for the build. £80,000 has already been paid out to the OP CO (a Welsh Company) who is based in Exeter who is the contractors for the building. They have previously done work for the Diocese at Buckfast and have agreed the price.
c) Bills: There are heavy bills to be paid at St Augustine's church, as the annual gas check, fan heating estimated in the region of £800. There is the replacement of lights in the church which will cost £500 - £600. An estimate of having all the guttering cleaned is also required, as there are leaves blocking the drainage of the rain water.
d) Risk Assessment: A risk assessment has been carried out at St Augustine's church and the wooden step ladder, which is used to change the hymn numbers, has been declared unfit for use.
e) Final Mass at St Augustine's Church: We have to look at the preparations of the Celebration Mass at St Augustine's and not leaving it to the last minute. Past Parish Priest to be invited, therefore a Sunday Mass would not be viable, as the Priests would not be able to attend. Father is going to ask the Bishop to grant permission for a Mass during Lent. An evening Mass was suggested with a celebration afterwards in the hall. The date March 14th 2012 at 6.30 was put forward. A buffet in the hall after the Mass with a display of photographs through the years. The history of the Church/hall- book /DVD detailing everything will be available. It was suggested that parishioners wishing to attend apply for a ticket (no charge) just for numbers for the seating and buffet.
f) Letter to Bishop: Father Stephen has written to the Bishop requesting that on completion of the new church St Joseph's could be re named Our Lady Star of the Sea.
6. Report back on Healing Mass and Christmas party: The healing Mass and meal was successful but was not a party due to lack of time. The guests enjoyed sharing a meal and socialising. The two events had to be combined this year as only one hall in use. In future the two events will be separate.
7. Report back on working party meeting at St Augustine's church: The main concern of the group related to level of usage from within the Weymouth community. Another concern voiced was the charge and whether it is viable to keep or not. If it is kept it must pay its way but not a profit making scheme. The running and organising, and the maintenance, would probably require a caretaker. Ideas of who would use within the community of Weymouth and Portland on a regular basis. A decision as to whether to keep, sell or rent the house - which would be in the region of £700 - £800 a month rent. There is not a rush; there is time to make the right decision.
8. Any other business: Olympics Committee: Deacon Geoffrey asked if there would be any extra Masses during the Olympics, as there are to be an increase in visitors and families to Weymouth and Portland. Father Stephen felt that there are already three Masses and we will be in the new church, so plenty of space. The dates are 27th July - 12th August and the Paralympics at the end of August. There is also going to be hubs, places providing services for people to drop in to have a coffee and use toilet. Deacon Geoffrey asked whether the church hall could be used as a hub. The members agreed providing a rota is made and that there are always two persons present when open.
9. Dates for Parish Council Meetings 2012: The following dates are the future Parish Council meetings for 2012.
Tuesday 28th February (Note that this date has recently changed)
Tuesday 24th April
Tuesday 26th June
Tuesday 25th September
Tuesday 27th November
Closing Prayer: Father Stephen closed the meeting with a prayer.
Meeting held at Grove Avenue on Tuesday 27th September 2011 at 7.00pm
Mary Wilkins (Secretary)
Persons Present: Pauline Toohey, Mary Wilkins, Anne Hall, Judith Boichot, Joe O'Brien, Jim Logan, John Jenkins, John Alway and Alicia Watkins
Apologies for absence: Apologies were received and accepted from Father Stephen and Deacon Geoffrey Carey
Opening Prayers: Pauline Toohey opened the meeting with prayers.
Approval Of The Minutes: : Approval of the minutes from the Parish Council meeting held on the 15th June 2011. 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. Fr Stephen's Items
(a) New hall: Fundraising to acquire the items we need for the hall? The parish council members discussed the ways in which the parish already supports different charities within the parish and are also very generous in their donations when there are two collections. The conclusive idea was to have a list of items required and then to ask if anyone wished to donate money towards a specific item. The parishioners could see what was required and also groups within the parish may consider raising funds for the larger items. There are some fixtures and fittings included within the quotation of the build. One item suggested was a statue of St Joseph to match the two from St Augustine's church. Father would have to write a list of items required in the church. Pauline suggested writing to each parish group and asking them to write a list of items they would use in the hall and then hold a meeting with a representative from each group, handing over their list. A final list could be complied from items most required by the various groups.
(b) A re-view of Masses will be needed This will not take place until the building is in use and we have an idea of the numbers at each mass: When the building is in use the mass times will be decided. There was the question of where the Christmas Eve mass would be held, as St Paul's have their Christmas Eve service. Father Stephen is going to speak with St Paul's on his return from holiday.
(c) Nominations for the Working Group This will look at the possible uses for St Augustine's, Church, Hall and Presbytery are now in: Financing is a key issue. St Augustine's must be self financing in whatever the final project put forward. Father will sort through the nominations on return from holiday and a working group formed.
(d) There will be a final Mass held at St Augustine's Former clergy will be invited to attend: Bishop Christopher will attend the closure of St Augustine's and the opening of the new St Joseph's.
2. Report on the process of Bringing together groups in the Parish Consequences :
(a) Shared Lunches: Father Stephen does not want any changes to day unless this becomes necessary - Joe expressed that since St Augustine's started shared lunches 22 years ago there had been a healthy 22 attending on average.
Recently it has dropped to 13 on average. This has been due to the recent discussions on changing the date from the first Sunday to the second Sunday of the month.
Several original parishioners have become upset and have even decided upon meeting at alternative venue for lunch.
(b) Cleaning The cleaning rota appears to be operating smoothly. A request for another vacuum cleaner was asked by Alicia. It was agreed for her to go ahead and purchase a suitable one of good quality.
(c) Linen There was a request for a third Alb. This would allow one to be kept at St Augustine's, one at St Joseph's and a spare for laundering. Alicia offered to measure Father's up and have one made.
(d) Flowers At present it has been decided to leave the rotas as they are, due to some helpers taking breaks.
3. St Andrew's Angels Report on meeting: The group is not really part of the church. All walks of life are part of their visits and many are referred by local health centres. The visits are varied and they offer gardening, shopping, chatting etc. They operate on a voluntary contribution. We feel this is not really applicable for us.
4. Healing Mass and Christmas Lunch Housebound: The Catholic Women's League has agreed on helping with the provision of a turkey lunch after the healing Mass. The date being 19th November at St Augustine's Church and hall for lunch. The money has been agreed as the same amount as last year. Invitations are to go out to the housebound with the Eucharist Ministers to approximately thirty. It will also be open to any parishioners for the healing Mass. Including carers the number attending could increase to fifty. Sarita has been asked to play music for entertainment in the hall after the meal.
5. Olympics Committee: This up date as been postponed due to Deacon Geoffrey being absent from meeting.
6. Any other business: Judith reported back from the Dorset Deanery Forum held on the 21st September 2011. Training Catechists in Cornwall are being run by the clergy.
The clergy are to provide the input rather than getting outsiders in to do this. The question is whether they would have time to do this?
This will be discussed at the Priests Deanery meeting.
Youth Forum reported that the summer Deanery event held at St Mary's Shaftesbury was not very well supported.
Those who did attend enjoyed themselves. The next event is on the 2nd October- the Diocesan Youth Rally at St Rita's, Honiton.
They are hoping to improve the Communication, which apparently was not too good in informing parishes of the Shaftesbury event.
Poole parishes are trying to appoint a Youth worker, as the one who was appointed in July has now declined the position and is working in a full
time position in the Plymouth diocese. They are now advertising again.
Poole parishes now have two priests covering four churches.
7. Pauline closed the meeting with a prayer
8. Date of Next Meeting To be advised
Post meeting note: Please note: Since the parish council meeting Pauline and Mary has discussed item 3b and the school has been thought of as a possible venue for the Christmas Eve 6pm Mass, if St Paul's is unavailable.
Meeting held at Grove Avenue Wednesday 15th June 2011 at 7.00pm
Mary Wilkins (Secretary)
Persons Present: Pauline Toohey, Mary Wilkins, Sister Maria, John Alway, John Jenkins, Alicia Watkins, Joe O'Brian, Judith Boichot and Deacon Geoffrey.
Apologies for absence: Apologies were received and accepted from Anne Hall
Opening Prayers: Deacon Geoffrey opened the meeting with prayers.
Approval Of The Minutes: Members unanimously approved the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on the 30th September 2008.
1. Bringing together groups in the Parish: The different groups from the Parish were discussed and it was decided that two members of the Parish council meet with each group.
This would give them the opportunity to introduce themselves and any new members to the group.
Also to thank the group members, many for their long time service and dedication to the church in their ministry.
The groups and Parish Council members as follows;
Sister Maria and Mary - Flowers
Judith and John - Linen
John and Alicia - Cleaning
Joe - Brass Cleaning
The allocated Parish Council members will contact their groups direct and arrange a suitable time to meet. All agreed to report back on completion of meeting.
2. 4. Any Other Business: The main concern seemed to be the access to St Augustine's church rooms as several locked doors and few keys. The keys would have to be shared as the insurance went up when more keys in circulation. Also safety should be taken into account and that no one should be alone when cleaning, in case of an accident
3. 5. Closing Prayer: Deacon Geoffrey closed the meeting with a prayer.
9. Date of Next Meeting 27th September at Grove Avenue.
Meeting held at Grove Avenue on Tuesday 10th May 2011 at 7.00pm
Mary Wilkins (Secretary)
Persons Present: Father Stephen, Pauline Toohey, Mary Wilkins, Anne Hall, Judith Boichot, Joe O'Brien, Jim Logan, John Jenkins, John Alway, Alicia Watkins, Sister Maria and Deacon Geoffrey
Apologies for absence: None
Opening Prayers: Fr Stephen opened the meeting with prayers.
Approval Of The Minutes: : Approval of the minutes from the Parish Council meeting held on the 29th March 2011. 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:
Letter drafted to each Parish group The Catholic Women's League, The Knights of St Columba and the Catenians care for all their members and people requiring assistance within the parish and replied informing us of this.
There is a group named the Angels who are from St Andrews Preston, who are volunteers who are trained to assist the needy. This is not always for church goers. They do charge a small amount for their services. The works they do are similar to what the S.V.P do in our parish. It may be an idea to enquire as to how they find out who the needy are. Maybe invite an Angel to a parish meeting in the near future.
Olympics Anne hall wrote to the diocese to enquire as to whether they had been approached for any funding for the Olympic funding for
The Churches Together. Apparently the wage of the organiser had been arranged by the Methodist and Anglican churches. A contribution may be made later as on going expenditure but at present no reference for anything in particular. Deacon Geoffrey has been given a list of all the events and how much each will cost. Individuals may contribute amounts with events being held for the young and families in the summer months. There will be a hospitality tent for visitors and worship for all denominations around the Olympics.
A copy will be available to all members at the next meeting
Father Stephen's Items St Joseph's church is now empty of all its furnishings. The hall has been closed and emptied. At present await the contracts to be signed. The contractors are to move into the church this month. Tenders are out for the hall.
The Saturday evening Mass at St Pauls going reasonably well, with the first weeks crowded but could settle down as the weeks go by. There are also several from the eleven o'clock Mass now attending the nine o'clock Mass at St Augustine's.
Mass will be said every weekday at St Augustine's.
This is a very delicate important time for the parish. We must try to keep as much balanced as possible with individuals and groups working together. Father is happy with the way things are taking place and everyone working together.
This is a good time for consolidation, which will make the final leap easier.
The future of St Augustine's will be made by the Bishop. But it is our duty to provide reasons how we would like St Augustine's used.
Therefore Father has suggested a working party, which will include two parish council members, four parishioners elected from the parish and two appointed by Father.
Their duty will be to look in depth at the cost of ideas to keep St Augustine's, the house, hall and church and to work out a proposal by October.
The parish will then be told and a report will then be sent to the Bishop. Eight people seem an adequate number and the persons will work together on behalf of the parish. A building to be used, which is affordable to maintain, not aiming on a profit but also not running at a loss.
2. Cleaning team Our gratitude to John Jenkins and Alicia Watkins who has kindly agreed to organise this group
3. Setting dates for Parish Council Meetings a year at a time These to be in February, June, September and December.
27th September 2011 7.00pm Grove Avenue
29th November 2011 7.00pm venue to be confirmed nearer date
28th February 2012 7.00pm
4. Venue for next Parish Council Alicia has kindly agreed to host the next meeting at Grove Avenue. Thank you
5. Any Other Business Deacon Geoffrey had a request from a parishioner for Mass intention for peace in the Holy Land.
Father explained that there was a yearly schedule for Mass intentions and it was included.
A collection on Good Friday was done for the Holy Land and any other fundraising was suggested to go through The One World group.
Deacon Geoffrey and Judith Boichot expressed concerns that carers needed to be recognised and helped. Maybe carers are unable to attend Mass due to looking after relatives. They need to be identified and also relatives/carers need to inform the parish office of sick or in hospital parishioners.
Father requested the Parish Council to continue wearing their badges at Mass.
8. The meeting ended with a prayer.
9. Date of Next Meeting 15th June at Grove Avenue.
Meeting held at St Joseph's hall on Tuesday 29th March 2011 at 7.00pm
Mary Wilkins (Secretary)
Persons Present: Father Stephen, Pauline Toohey, Mary Wilkins, Anne Hall, Judith Boichot, Joe O'Brien, Jim Logan, John Jenkins and John Alway
Apologies for absence: Apologies were received and accepted from Alicia Watkins, Deacon Geoffrey Carey and Sister Maria Doherty
Opening Prayers: Fr Stephen opened the meeting with prayers.
Approval Of The Minutes: The majority of members approved the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on the 30th September 2008.
1. Matters arising
Parish Pastoral Council Badges Father Stephen requested that all members of the Parish Council to wear their badges when attending mass.
The building group have a meeting re hall, decision on the wall colours, kitchen and flooring.
At a later date, representatives from the parish groups will be asked if everything required has been mentioned. The hall building is to go to tender, re contractor carrying out the work. St. Joseph's hall will be cleared next week
Lifts required to St Augustine masses So far no response to newsletter inclusion re anyone who is requiring a lift to St Augustine church masses.
Thursday mass After mass there will be tea/coffee served as usual. An inclusion in the parish newsletter will clearly advise everyone in black and white what is happening
Crucifix from St Augustine's Church A parishioner has suggested that the large crucifix hanging behind the altar be moved across to St Joseph's in a procession, when the church is completed. This is a lovely idea but will depend on how regarding the weight of the crucifix.
Father Stephen is waiting on the history of the church from John Fannon, for the end of the year book, D.V.D for the parishioners
Olympics Anne Hall attends a meeting with Churches Together in Dorset and queried whether we should be prepared to finance a donation towards the Olympic funding.
She will enquire, asking whether any money already goes from the Bishop into The Churches Together fund
Letter drafted to go to Parish groups All Parish Council members looked at letter drafted Re: The needs of the Parish which we do not meet. All groups will be sent one and await response. It was suggested to include a date for reply. A separate letter will be sent to St. Augustine's school.
2. Any items from Father Stephen
Father expressed the time between the start of the work on the church and hall and the completion, is going to be a difficult one.
All groups must come together, flower arranging, Ministers of the word, shared lunches, tea/coffee etc.
Father Stephen is considering having one day a week Mass held at the Convent - possibly Wednesday.
The Mass times will also be looked at when St Joseph's is completed. The Bishop has two Masses in mind for St Joseph's church, over the weekend.
This will enable Father Stephen to be used to cover other parishes.
The parish Council is aware that the various teams will have to merge to work together in different avenues.
If little things do not happen, they will make a big problem.
Acoustics/sound needs to be addressed in the new church, as there are deaf spots at present. Father says that all will be tested during fitting and be working correctly before use.
In time we have to look at a development plan for the church - feel what is needed, what programmes required - where we want to be going - evaluate from time to time.
The quality of the Parish is the rite of the Parish Council. The stewardship programme fits in here well - we now are hands full listening and being there for the parishioners.
3. Christmas party and Healing Mass It was suggested that the Catholic Women's League help with the cooking of a meal for a combined Christmas party and healing Mass.
4. Venue for next Parish Council meeting Alicia has offered to host the Parish Council meetings at her home.
5. A.G.M The venue will be at St Augustine's hall on the 11th May 2011 at 7pm
6. Any other business None
7. Date of Next Meeting 10th May at 7 pm at Alicia's home.
8. The meeting ended with a prayer.
Meeting held in St Joseph's Hall on Tuesday 15th February 2011 at 2.00pm
Mary Wilkins (Secretary)
Persons Present: : Father Stephen, Pauline Toohey, Mary Wilkins, Anne Hall, Deacon Geoffrey Carey, Alicia Watkins, Judith Boichot, John Jenkins, Joe O'Brien, John Alway, Jim Logan and Sister Maria Doherty.
Apologies for absence: None as everyone was present
Opening Prayers: Fr Stephen opened the meeting with prayers.
Approval Of The Minutes: Approval of the minutes from the Parish Council meeting held on the 22nd January 2011. The majority of members acknowledge 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 last meeting
Report on progress with Parish Fete Allocation of the proceeds. The Parish Fete will be held on the 4th June at the Convent grounds and John explained which stalls, events etc would be at the Fete.
The meeting for this will be held on the 16th February
Report on Christmas party Pauline read out the thanks from June and Adam Wojdat for the Christmas gifts. This year there might be more people invited - alone and elderly Parishioners
Olympics Committee There was a request from Deacon Geoffrey Carey who attended the Olympics Committee meeting for a request for funding. Father referred him to the Finance Committee
Comments on meeting with the Bishop Bishop Christopher has sent a letter to Father after his visitation. He recognised signs of health and development within the Parish. He realised that within the next 12 to 18 months it was going to be a difficult time and supported all of us with the changes
Saturday Mass at St. Pauls Father Stephen has yet to speak to the Priest from St. Pauls regarding the Saturday 6.00pm Mass
Parish Pastoral Council Badges Pauline Toohey distributed badges to all members of the Parish Pastoral Council.
It was suggested that members wore their badges at Mass so Parishioners could approach them with any queries.
On the first Sunday of each month Parish Councillors will be available
after each Mass for Parishioners to communicate any questions regarding the Parish
2. Fr Stephen's Items
Update on the building We are waiting until we are able to start which will be after Easter week. One company has been chosen for the storage of items within the Church - Stations of the Cross, benches, basically anything moveable. The price ranges from £5000 to £6000 including packing, moving and storing.
Next month Historic Churches are meeting to decide 'yes' or 'no' regarding whether the new Hall building can start. Even though it is not listed as it is on the same site as the Church they have to be asked.
The different groups within the Parish are being asked about the equipment they use. Once items have gone into storage they cannot be removed individually.
A compassionate time is coming up - the daily Mass parishioners attending St. Josephs may need offers of transport across to St. Augustines Church. All groups should check any time changes - don't take anyone for granted. If any parishioner expresses their feelings or comments make a note of what has been said to get an idea of the general feelings within the Parish. The older parishioners particularly are finding change difficult. 9.00am coffee at the hall after Mass and 11.00am coffee in hall after Mass will bring a mix of parishioners.
When all the new building work has been completed there will be a discussion about the usage of the present St. Augustines Church, Hall and house. Father Stephen would like to retain it, making use of it as an outreach centre - using it for good works within the community locally and further afield. We would have to put together our own case for the Diocese. The Parish Council and parishioners would have to say what it could be used for.
This year or early next year a meeting on the best dutifully respectful way in which we close St. Augustines Church - invite previous serving Priests - allowing people the opportunity to mourn and let their feelings out.
Bishop Christopher would be asked to consecrate the new Church and there will be a celebration during his visit.
The war memorial will be put into the new Church with an appropriate plaque.
Father Stephen is to chase John Fannon regarding the history of the Church in Weymouth leaflet and DVD. Father is also hoping to have photographs taken of the new Church throughout its development.
In 18 months time there will only be two Masses rather than the three at present.
Lent This year there is a Lent course hosted by the Prayer group every Thursday evening for 5 weeks. There has been a coach booked for the Chrism Mass in Plymouth and this will be advertised in the newsletter at the beginning of Lent.
3. Involving the Parish Community in deciding the needs of the Parish which we do not meet at present: It would be useful to sit with the groups who attended the meeting with Bishop Christopher and the Liturgy Groups to ascertain their perceptions of the needs of the Parish which we must address in order to fulfil our function and ensure our development. The school also needs to be involved, as part of the parish. This has been left open ended. There will be a one off gathering with all groups concerned. A letter will go out to all groups within the parish inviting them to attend a meeting. We also need to re emphasise that catholic families should send their children to a catholic school
4. Preparation for the agenda for these meetings: The items for the agenda should be sent to the secretary at least a week before the meeting. All agreed.
5. Report on Diocesan Pastoral Council, attended by Judith: Please find attachment of the report from Judith
6. Any other business: A letter received from Joyce Fannon, secretary for the Weymouth and District LIFE group, requesting a brief presentation after mass in March, was read out. This had previously been mentioned at the recent meeting with Bishop Christopher. The group had organised events - Precious Memories gathering for those who have lost a child, before or soon after birth on the 10th April and a presentation of LIFE Fertility care on 21st May. Having these events in mind a LIFE presentation would enable them to tell the congregation about the aspects of LIFE's work, both of which aim to help the community. Father Stephen said he would contact Joyce regarding suitable dates.
7. Date of Next Meeting Tuesday 29th March at 7pm
8. The meeting ended with a prayer.