Author: francisparish

8 September 2026

Present: Father Kevin, Father Craig, Deacon Stephen Parker, Mike Campbell (chair), David Bellamy, Richard Bushell, Sam Caldwell, Maria Levesley, Sarah Lynch (minutes), Richard McQuinn, Sian Price (SP2), Ben Ryan

Apologies: Jen Benzies

Opening meditation: two minutes’ silence, led by MC

Minutes of the last meeting: passed without debate

Matters arising:

• Transport for Fr Craig: Eva has set up a Google docs system for transport for Fr Criag which is working well. A parishioner from St William provides transport on Wed.
• Morning Prayer on Fridays: this is now underway and happens weekly, although attendance is low.
• Bidding prayers: these are being provided to Stephen Parker who focuses them for our parish.
• Live Simply award: the plaque has arrived and will be be put up in the narthex or possibly outside after the presentation. The presentation will be on 25 October [from the altar at the conclusion of mass], with cake and a donation for the Foodbank after mass. The J&P group are meeting tomorrow and will make plans for the day.
• Book token as thanks for Ed King: this was organised by MC and Ed was very grateful.

Fr Kevin’s retirement:

The suggestions made between the PC members by email were agreed, details to be agreed by email given Fr Kevin was present at the meeting. He was clear he does not wish to have a party!

Parish Survey follow up:

BR produced a written document regarding parish mission. Pope Francis called the whole Church to mission, and we need to work out what our mission is and how the Parish is going to achieve that. He proposed that the PPC would pull together the work of the sub-groups. It would be a significant undertaking so may need a smaller group to work on that. MC said that he would be interested in working within a small group, as his term on the PPC will come to an end next year. He would like to work more with other parishes.

DB raised the issue of working in a more synodal way, questioning whether we as a parish have particularly been using this. BR agreed it was a tool that could be used in such discussions, SC observing synodality is more than a technique. SC felt more than a mission statement we need a focus on mission. Several members agreed a small group was the way to take this forward, opening that group to all of the parish as well as the clergy. Parishioners who had expressed an interest in mission in response to the parish survey would be obvious people to invite. BR observed that this could mean significant changes in how the parish does things, SC commenting that that meant it was important to keep feeding back to the parish and indeed to the diocese as well. SP talked of how we would be going out to our immediate community, demonstrating Catholicism, and it will be important for people to be encouraged into practical action to take that mission out into the community. There were discussions about the various ways of demonstrating our Catholicism, our mission, something which is seen in the work of the J&P committee. The question is how all that our parish does is done in a missionary way. The smaller group will need to discern not just what would be ideal but what we as a parish are capable of. DB referred to Fr Casey’s book ‘Sent’, which may be of interest to those starting on this work – BR will donate his copy to the parish library.

Action: BR will get a smaller group together, including MC and SC from the PPC.

Parish Day:

This is on 4 October, the actual feast of St Francis. There will be a shared lunch afterwards. It was recalled something was said last year about maybe balancing up sweet and savoury contributions, although others supported the idea of the randomness of leaving it to chance! It was felt there would be enough people around on the day to pull the organisation together.

BR raised in the discussions about Mission, that this might be an opportunity to get views from the wider parish. He suggested a couple of cards with questions on which could be put on each table, to get people to start thinking about these issues and plant seeds. SC said any card/leaflet could also give a bit of an update on progress on the Parish Survey topics.

Action: MC will put an announcement in the Franciscan about the shared lunch (“bringing something for yourself and someone else”) and bringing an extra item for the S2 Foodbank.

Spirituality & Liturgy:

• The Blessing of Animals service will be on 3 October at 3pm. Invitations have gone to St William’s parish and St Vincent’s.
• There will be a retreat at church on 5 Dec 10am-3pm on the theme of Portraits of Jesus in Word, Music and Art.
• It is hoped there will be another service for the sick in the new year, to be discussed with Fr Craig.
• There will be Stations of the Cross again on Good Friday morning. It is hoped there will also be a Taizé service in Advent.
• A service of reconciliation in Advent or Lent [Rite 2] is also being considered, likely jointly with other parishes. It was acknowledged by the clergy present that younger members of the Church are less likely to attend confession, and a service of reconciliation may encourage them, and indeed other parishioners, to do so. There was enthusiasm for such services.
• Later in 2027 a day is envisaged on the theme of Praying with St Paul.
• Baptisms continue, and we need to plan confirmations for 2028 given commitments Bishop Marcus will inevitably have if unification of the three dioceses happens. It could be that this will be done jointly with St William’s.

J & P Report:

• The presentation for Live Simply will happen (see above) on 25 October.
  Reports have been written and are appearing in The Chronicle in relation to groups working to alleviate poverty who we support.
• Displays in the narthex continue, bi-monthly roughly.
• Plans for the usual events such as the panto continue.

Youth Ministry:

The confirmation celebration evening happened, the group going to an escape room. Youth Group will be starting again this term. The Holy Communion programme will start again in the new year.

Finance Committee:

SC reported we’ve had a number of expensive expenditure items relating to the fabric of the church, but our reserves are healthy.

1. Clergy salaries and housekeeping expenses: this necessitates changes in respect of our outgoings. The Diocese takes responsibility for Fr Kevin’s housing costs and bills, and DB is sorting out how to divide up the bills. Fr Craig will be funded between St William’s and St Francis’, his salary and his housing costs, the costs being divided equally. We will reimburse St William’s for this. Overall, this means higher outgoings, though we do not know how much yet as we await the figures from St William’s; it may be that it will wipe out our surplus for the year.

2. Increase in spending limits requiring individual, PFC or diocesan checks: DB explained that the spending limits in relation to which the parish has decision making power, now £5 000. £5000 -10 000 requires PFC approval, over that the Diocese. Our cleaner is paid by cheque fortnightly which will have to change; we will need to deal with this more formally now. DB now has an HSBC business debit card for the parish, meaning he can order items and pay some bills more easily. It would be easier if the parish did more of its purchasing online, eg sacristy supplies, rather than parishioners having to be reimbursed for expenditure.

3. Security: Ring Doorbells have been installed at the church and presbytery. It has flagged up an issue though. There was an incident a couple of weeks ago at 5.20am a group of young men arrived at the church door. SC contacted our neighbourhood policing team, and the video footage has been shared with them. The police have provided a pack of information and also some alarms we may want to use or may not. Fr Kevin queried who would respond to such alarms. The church hasn’t been burgled before; in the past youngsters came in and lots of candles were lit. It was agreed internal doors need to be kept locked when the church is open, so on weekdays people can get through the main doors to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel but nowhere else, including the main church (from the narthex and from the chapel) and the hall. It may be that a sign could be placed on the internal door to the main church directing those who wish to pray to the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, Fr Kevin having expressed concerns that people who come in to pray head to the main church.

Maintenance:

There will be a maintenance walk through this Thursday and next, to accommodate two new members of personnel.

Matters raised by Fr Craig:

Fr Craig has been having conversations with Bishop Marcus and it has been confirmed Fr Craig will be looking after us until next summer. In due course there will be another parish priest, who won’t be Fr Craig as St William’s is a large active parish, as are we and so requires two priests. The likely merger of the three dioceses gives more options to the Bishop.

Any other business:

1. A new computer package has been suggested by the Diocese of Leeds, which could be used for newsletters, etc. Jayne Middlemas has given some thoughts and it was agreed this could be looked at at the next PC meeting.
   Action: DB will advise Jayne of this.
2. MC advised next Tuesday there is a group walking from Leeds to Walsingham, travelling from St Marie’s to Padley, with mass at St Marie’s at 8am. MC proposes to join them.
   Action: MC will put out a Whatsapp message about this.
3. SP advised the Diocesan newsletter has been combined with that with that of the other two dioceses. It will be important to keep ourselves visible through that, given the future going forward. Articles put in The Chronicle could be put forward for inclusion.

Closing prayer: led by Fr Craig

Next meeting:

10^th November at 7:30 pm in the parish room [SL gives apologies for this meeting]

Present:

• Father Kevin
• Anthony Rossiter
• Nick Neale
• Stephen Spooner
• Lyndsay Reynolds
• Clare Byrne
• Richard Webster
• Mike Campbell

Apologies:

• Eva Kaltenthaler
• Anne Shepherd
• Phil Rostant
• Stephen Parker
• Jacquie Stacey

1. Opening prayer

2. Appointment to council responsibilities

• Chair (Nick Neale)
• Liturgy and Spirituality (Stephen Spooner/Stephen Parker/Clare Bryne/Mike Campbell)
• Mission, Evangelisation and Faith Formation (Lindsay Reynolds/Stephen Parker/Clare Bryne)
• Youth Ministry (Lindsay Reynolds/Richard Webster)
• Justice and Peace (Eva Kaltenthaler)
• Pastoral Care and Community (Anne Shepherd)
• Maintenance (David Hughes)
• Communications (Anthony Rossiter/Richard Webster)
• Secretary to parish council (Anthony Rossiter)
• Liaison with St. Williams (Phil Rostant/Mike Campbell)

Nick Neale took over as chair for the remainder of the meeting.

3. Matters arising from minutes of June meeting.

We discussed the need for a parish ICE (In case of emergency) document and indeed the collation of more mundane but essential information. Anthony will email the example from Sacred Heart to Nick Neale who will take this item forward.

The council discussed whether Father would appreciate more support for routine administration tasks, for example a paid parish secretary/administrator. Father Kevin expressed that for now he did not want such help, but he would ask should this change. In the meantime, Mike Campbell will explore the possible definition of equivalent roles in other parishes beginning with his brother-in-law.

4. Liaison with St. Williams

Anthony will email Fr. John and Lesley to hand over to Phil, Mike and Nick and also express the wish for engagement with a wider range of the St. Williams parishioners.

A core precedent is that we feel it is important that we assume and work for an independent parish identity but also we should collaborate, co-operate and develop a sense of shared community.

Father Kevin will decide how, when and if we will use the prayers supplied by the deanery linked to clustering.

Stephen Spooner is happy to invite St. Williams’ parishioners to the CAFÉ series in September, but for now does not want to involve them in the organisation. He will arrange for information to go to their newsletter (and also St. Vincents).

Stephen Spooner is pondering something for Lent in which he may involve St. Williams.

5. Parish social

It was agreed that a good time for this would be on the parish day on Sunday October 7^th when there is a shared 10am Mass. We would ask all parishioners to bring some food for a shared lunch.

Richard also proposed another Praise and Pizza (or similar) event led by the music group and this was broadly supported although no time scales or details were discussed.

6. Parish Directory

Details of new parish council members were added and Clare Bryne agreed to arrange printing for the whole parish once the little fishes details were added.

7. Any other business

Clare noted that attendance at children’s liturgy and the number of helpers had been going down recently and so they were considering reducing the number of times this was offered, for example by skipping half term weekends and the like. The council were supportive.

Father Kevin shared information about a ‘walk with me’ booklet. Mike and Stephen Spooner agreed to look at this and decide whether we should acquire some for parishioners to purchase.

Father Kevin noted that a mums and toddlers group that had been coming regularly on Thursdays seems to have folded (and were in debt to us although we are happy to write this off). Also, they still had a number of toys in our cupboard. Clare agreed to follow up and resolve the matter and redistribute toys appropriately in due course.

8. Dates of future meetings

Provisionally agree to do 2nd Wednesday of month, every 2 months, but we will meet more often if there is an obvious need.

September 12^th, November 14^th, January 9^th, March 13^th and AGM on May 8^th.

9. Closing Prayer

The meeting finished with a prayer.

Present:

• Anthony Rossiter (chair)
• Ron Jarman
• Nick Neale
• Margaret Neale
• Stephen Spooner
• Clare Morgan
• Diane Rossiter
• Anne-Marie Appleton
• Eva Kaltenthaler (minutes)
• Jenny King
• Anne Shepherd
• Alex Krzyz
• Lyndsay Reynolds
• Jayne Middlemas
• Clare Byrne
• Paul Middlemas
• Richard Webster
• Sara Baker
• Steve Davies
• Anne Green
• Grazyna Swales
• John Green
• Belinda Barber
• Alan Wenham
• Bernie Shepherd
• Clare Wenham
• Gillian Burke
• Derek Hemmingfield
• Mary Conway
• Marysia Placzek
• Jim Conway
• Angela Titman
• Tim Baron
• Jacinta Campbell
• Richard Bushell
• Mike Campbell
• Dave Stanley

1. Opening prayer

Anthony Rossiter led the opening prayer.

2. Brief overview

Anthony Rossiter presented a brief overview of what has been happening in the Parish over the past year.

• A lift sharing scheme has been put in place.
• The Parish social was held in May.
• The Parish Directory has been updated and will be printed and distributed within the next month.
• Mission continues to be a high priority in the Parish.

3. Financial Report

Derek Hemmingfield presented the annual financial statement showing that there was a modest surplus over the past year.

4. Reports from Parish Council subgroups

The following reports were presented:

• Justice and Peace (Eva Kaltenthaler)
• Liturgy and Spirituality (Stephen Spooner)
• Mission, Evangelisation and Faith Formation (Lindsay Reynolds)
• Pastoral Care and Community (Anne Shepherd)
• Maintenance (Eva Kaltenthaler on behalf of David Hughes)
• Communications (Dave Stanley)

Please see the full Parish Council Annual Report 2017-18.

5. Vision statements and priorities for the Parish

A discussion was held and Parishioners made suggestions for priorities for the Parish:

• Provision for Youth, this could include Mass books for children who have had their first communion. Another suggestion was for a Youth leader for the Parish and it was suggested that we could request more input from the Diocese for this. A number of other suggestions were put forward and it was agreed that a small group could be formed to develop some of these suggestions.
• Mass numbers: John Green presented a report on Mass numbers for the past 10 years and it was suggested that this be looked at in more depth and that it would be helpful to compare Mass numbers for 9am and 11am.
• Social events: There was a request that more Parish social events be held.

6. Pastoral ministry course update

Lyndsay Reynolds is doing the Loyola online course and enjoying it very much. She wanted to thank the Parish for their support. Deacons in the Diocese are also doing the course.

7. Policy on charitable giving

Anthony Rossiter asked for views on how we should make decisions on charitable giving both with regard to which charities to give to and the amounts the Parish Council contributes to these charities. It was suggested that transparency as to how decisions are made was important. The Parish Council will be taking this forward and develop a policy on charitable giving and to share with the Parish.

8. Election of new Parish Councillors

The following Parishioners came forward to stand as new members of the Parish Council:

• Richard Webster
• Mike Campbell
• Phil Rostant
• Jacquie Stacey

Lyndsay Reynolds kindly agreed to continue on the Parish Council for another term. David Hughes will be standing down although will continue with maintenance tasks. A number of Parishioiners agreed to help out where needed with specific tasks: Richard Bushell, Marysia Placzek, Clare Wenham, Belinda Barber and John Green. Anthony Rossiter thanked the retiring Parish Councillors for their service: Dave Stanley, Anne Shepherd and David and Julie Hughes. It was agreed that for the foreseeable future Parish Council meetings would be held monthly.

9. Sheffield Deanery plans

Stephen Spooner, Stephen Parker and Diane Rossiter have recently attended a Sheffield Deanery meeting to discuss plans moving forward to group Parishes. A summary of the meeting was presented. St Francis will be grouped with St William’s. The two churches will have three Masses between them.

Anthony Rossiter said that he has already had contact with the Priest from St Williams Parish and he is happy to start planning discussions with St Francis. He stressed the need to direct our future as best we can. There are some questions still to be answered such as whether or not we will still have a Parish Council. Other unanswered questions were what will happen with the Easter Vigil and Christmas Eve Masses and what will happen to the current school configurations.

It was not clear what the impact will be on younger people of having fewer Masses. It was also stressed that it was important to hear Father Kevin’s views on any plans for the future. Several people said that it was essential to maintain the spiritual dynamic of the 11am Mass. Other options for spiritual growth could be considered such as: prayer groups, daily offices and Taize services. A joint Parish social with St William’s could be held. The Parish Council will ensure that the whole Parish will be involved in planning the way forward.

10. Closing Prayer

The meeting closed with a prayer and refreshments were enjoyed.

Present:

• Fr Kevin Thornton
• Anne Shepherd
• Clare Byrne
• Eva Kaltenthaler
• Stephen Spooner
• David Stanley
• Lyndsey Reynolds
• Anthony Rossiter (chair)
• Nick Neale

Apologies:

• Julie Hughes
• David Hughes

1. Opening Prayer

Fr Kevin led the opening prayer.

2. Approval of last minutes and matters arising

The minutes from the January 2018 meeting were approved.

3. Matters arising from the last meeting

Clare agreed to help Fr Kevin with formatting the parish directory and printing 100 copies to distribute.

4. Parish social and poster

David brought a poster which summarised the plans for the parish social on Saturday May 12^th. The council accepted this and we will move immediately
to advertising and ticket sales from Sunday 22^nd April. Anthony will arrange tickets and the item in the newsletter.

5. Cafe videos

Eva proposed a series of videos that could be used for a series of parish evening sessions on spiritual development. She proposed one called the Gift course
and the council agreed that she should go ahead, arrange purchase and other details as required with the aim of running the sessions around September time. She would need 3 to 4 helpers/facilitators and Lyndsey and Clare have both volunteered already.

6. Sound system

There was concern that the current sound system is over complicated and unuseable for all but two parishioners who would normally not be present and thus defeating the object of owning it. As for most meetings a very simple sound system, such as speakers running off a laptop, is more than ample it was agreed to delegate Stephen to research and purchase such a simple alternative. In slower time, we need to consider the role, cost effectiveness and possible repair of the more complex system.

7. Request for money for Uganda

A group of parishioners gives regular donation to Fr Francis in Uganda and gave a specific request for some significant funding from the parish. The council was
concerned with how to manage such requests fairly and in accordance with the wishes of the whole parish and thus proposed in the first instance a general request for donations through the newsletter with us topping this up later. Eva will follow this up with Susanna Baron. An item on the charitable giving of the parish will be presented at the AGM to gain input from more parishioners.

8. Update on First Holy Communication preparation pastoral ministry

Lyndsey reported that she had several volunteers to assist with baptism preparation and one new volunteer for First Holy Communion. She is working with them now. She also reported a strategic aim to do more for the youth and to form links with the schools. She is having discussions with Jonathan Yewdall and others on possible
projects. The council encouraged her to choose just one project rather than several as this is then more likely to be done well and with success.

9. Update on Pastoral Ministry course

Lyndsey reported that it is hard work but going well and reiterated her thanks for the support.

10. Plumbing and general infrastructure

Following the recent burst pipes during the snow, the toilets are useable but long term repairs are still outstanding with the plumber promising to return when less busy. Subsequently it has also become apparent that many of the velux windows are leaking and need repair or replacement; quotes are being collected. There have also been some problems with internal doors which again have been repaired. All these will incur significant expense which will likely reduce or eliminate the parish’s surplus this year.

11. Parish response to snow and jobs like faulty alarms and leaking pipes.

It was recognised that the current mechanisms are not robust being highly reliant on Fr Kevin and just a few others. It was agreed this item should be discussed at a later meeting when time was available.

12. Crosspool festival

We have been asked to give some input to this in 2019 and this has been suggested as an agenda item in the Autumn. In the meantime, Fr Kevin has agreed that our organ can be used this year by Mr Silverton for an event on July 1^st.

13. Date of next meeting

Date of next meeting will coincide with the AGM and is proposed as Tuesday June 19^th at 7.30pm. There will be a need for some preparation and items in the
newsletter to encourage new members and Eva has agreed to organise this in Anthony’s absence. It was suggested that if this coincided with the monthly tea organised by Anne-Marie that perhaps someone could talk to her about providing some cakes. Also, someone should organise wine, cheese and other refreshments.

14. Closing Prayer

Fr Kevin led the closing prayer.

Present:

• Fr Kevin Thornton
• Stephen Spooner
• Eva Kaltenthaler
• Anthony Rossiter (chair)
• Claire Byrne
• Lyndsey Reynolds
• David Stanley
• Anne Shepherd
• Julie Hughes
• David Hughes

Apologies:

• Anne Marie Shephard
• Deacon Stephen Parker
• Nick Neale

1. Opening Prayer

Fr. Kevin led the opening prayer.

2. Approval of last minutes and matters arising

The minutes from the November 2017 meeting were approved.

3. Matters arising from the last meeting

1. Home visits for new parishioners will be undertaken by parish council members if required.
2. The parish website has now added a link to Hallam Caring Service.
3. Diane Rossiter has kindly agreed to coordinate ‘lifts to mass’ for parishioners who require this.
4. Parishioners with mobility problems may benefit from a visit by one of our Eucharistic Ministers to the home. A request for volunteers to assist with this service will be made in the Franciscan – volunteers do not need to be DBS checked.
5. David Hughes has risk assessed the chairs in the hall. At present there is no need for them to be changed. A polite notice regarding safety when lighting candles
   is now in place.
6. A parish social event is to be held after Easter 2018. Anthony Rossiter to speak to Petra regarding entertainment for the event.
7. The Parish Directory is almost completed for printing and distributing.
8. Lyndsey Reynolds is to make an announcement after mass and request for Parishioners to come forward if they are interested in undertaking a Baptismal Catechist Role.
9. Eva Kaltenthaler is to look on the catholic cafe website with a view to obtaining some resources to promote discussion around evangelisation.
10. David Stanley stated that Paul Middlemas is to step down from his role in organising and facilitating the parish website. A request will be made in the Franciscan for any interested parties to step forward and take on this valuable and important role.

4. Any other Business

1. Fr. Kevin is to send £300 to the St. Marie’s Organ Fund.
2. A parish retreat is to be held on 03/02/2018. Fr. Kevin from Ampleforth is to conduct a Lenten retreat on 17/03/2018.
3. All electrical and gas equipment on the church premises has now been checked. Certificates for these checks are to be forwarded for the ‘Parish Toolbox?’

5. Date of next meeting

Tuesday 20/03/2018 at 8pm.

6. Closing Prayer

Fr. Kevin led the closing prayer.

Present:

• Fr Kevin Thornton
• Anthony Rossiter (chair)
• Anne Shepherd
• Lyndsey Reynolds
• Claire Byrne
• David Hughes
• Julie Hughes
• Dave Stanley

Apologies:

• Deacon Steven Parker
• Stephen Spooner
• Eva Kaltenthaler
• Nick Neale

1. Opening Prayer

Fr. Kevin led the opening prayer.

2. Approval of the last minutes

The minutes from the September 2017 meeting were approved.

3. Matters arising from the last meeting

a) Suggestion box – suggestions from Parishioners were as follows:

1. A suggestion was put forward that there could be one mass only on Sunday mornings. Father confirmed that while he is fit and able he is happy to continue to have 2 masses.
2. A home visit could be offered to new Parishioners. It was decided that the offer of a home visit should be available. This information could be clear on the Parish website (Dave Stanley to action) and in talks with Father it has been agreed that he will pass on information about new parishioners to the parish council.
   ACTION: The council needs to identify suitable parishioners (in pairs) who are happy to do these visits.
3. An enquiry was made as to whether Sunday sermons could be recorded. Father Kevin stated that this was not a possibility.
4. It was suggested that the Parish website should have information regarding the Hallam Caring Service on the website. Dave Stanley to action if feasible.
5. A request for support of elderly Parishioners to attend mass by the provision of car lifts. A list of volunteers who would be interested in supporting is required but such people would need to be DBS checked before we offer the service. ACTION: Anthony to liaise with Bobbo over the DBS issue before we actively seek volunteers in the new year. Diane Rossiter has agreed to be the coordinator once we are ready to deliver the service.
6. Suggestion about fundraising for CAFOD Youth constructing a ‘Tippy Tap’ outside. Eva to follow up on this.
7. An enquiry regarding a retreat recorded by Father Raniera Cantelamesse. Father confirmed that the Diocese already runs a number of similar retreats so it is best not to spread ourselves too thin on such things.
8. The Dance club asked if a cheaper hall hire rate was possible. Clarification to be sought regarding the current hourly rate of hall hire fees. It was agreed that the reduction currently offered was already quite generous. Anthony to write to Grazyna to confirm the answer was no.
9. Concerns raised about the chairs in the hall which may need recovering. Concerns raised regarding the lighting of candles. ACTION: David Hughes to risk assess these items.
10. A request for more Parish social events was made. ACTION: A future social event for the Parish to be placed on the agenda and discussed at the next meeting.
    Likely not to want anything before Easter which is early in 2018.

b) Parish Directory: ACTION: all council members to check that the named Parishioners are happy for their contact details to be made available so this can
be distributed in the new year.

c) Update on Baptismal Catechists. Lyndsey Reynolds has contacted Fr. John Ryan regarding possible training for this role. ACTION: Lyndsey to ask for
interested parties within the Parish to come forward once details of training has been confirmed.

d) Feedback on Justice & Peace Day – covenant for the poor to be refreshed.

4. Evangelisation

‘Evangelisation’ to be placed on the January 2018 agenda.

5. The Loyola certificate in Pastoral Ministry

Lyndsey is interested in completing this. The parish council agreed to support Lyndsey in this, both as a parish representative and with the recommended financial contribution. (She has recently confirmed her acceptance on the course.)

6. Any other business

a) MISSIO: St. Francis are offering support to Seminarian: Peter Chaimapadoko of Malawi. Peter will be ordained in 2021.

b) St. Marie’s organ restoration fund. A concert is to be held on 8.12.2017 at St. Francis. This is free of charge but donations will be welcome.

7. Date of next meeting

Tuesday 16.01.2018 at 8pm.

8. Closing Prayer

Fr. Kevin led the closing prayer.

Present:

• Fr Kevin Thornton
• Anthony Rossiter
• Stephen Spooner
• Eva Kaltenthaler
• Anne Shepherd
• Lyndsey Reynolds
• Nick Neale
• Claire Byrne
• David Hughes

Apologies:

• Dave Stanley
• Deacon Steven Parker

1. Opening Prayer

Fr. Kevin led the opening prayer.

2. Approval of the last minutes and matters arising

The minutes from the July meeting were approved.

3. The Parish Directory

The Parish Directory has now been updated. Parish council members are listed under roles/responsibilities/sections.

Further discussion at next meeting will decide about the availability/form of contact details.

A copy of the updated directory will then be added to our Parish website.

4. Any other business

1. A discussion took place regarding the future appointment of catechists for baptism. Details of the relevant training for this role are to be acquired from the diocese. Lyndsey Reynolds offered to find out more details.
2. It was agreed that ‘Evangelisation’ would be a key item on the agenda of the next Parish council meeting. Discussion to be held on how our Parish can take this forward.
3. The Parish Day is the 1/10/2017.
   A request for ‘home baking’ to support this celebration to be placed in the Franciscan.
4. Justice and Peace
   The S2 food bank – it would be useful if food items in particular demand could be highlighted. Financial support is also to be requested in the future to support the food bank initiative.
   The Diocesan Justice and Peace Day will take place on the 28/10/2017. Lyndsey Reynolds will attend this.
   The ‘Connect 2’ initiative will go ahead where the Parish may connect with an overseas Parish e.g. Ethiopia.
5. The Organ at St. Marie’s Cathedral has been restored. Hugh Finnigan has asked if each Parish in the diocese would hold a concert in support of part of the restoration fund.
   Parish council members felt that a concert in the Parish would be a great opportunity for a social event. It was hoped that the concert could be scheduled for early November 2017.
   Anne volunteered to contact Hugh and discuss this further.
6. Ezekiel Ghunda from Milawi is unable to continue with his training into the Priesthood. Parish funds are to be made available and transferred for training another student.

5. Date of next meeting

• Tuesday 21.11.2017

6. Closing Prayer

Fr. Kevin Thornton led the closing prayer.