Present:
- Fr Kevin Thornton
- Deacon Stephen Parker
- Greg Ryan (chair)
- Eva Kaltenthaler
- Stephen Spooner
- Anne Shepherd
- Lyndsey Reynolds
- David Hughes
- Julie Hughes (minutes)
Apologies:
- David Stanley
1. Opening Prayer
Fr Kevin Thornton led the opening prayer.
2. Approval of last minutes and matters arising
The minutes from the September meeting were approved.
Matters arising
- Photographs of all Parish Council members have now been sent to Dave Stanley for display on the notice board.
3. Feedback from Guest Speaker, Frank McDermott’s visit (20.09.2016)
Parish Council members recognised that the situation in Stainforth was significantly different from that of Sheffield Parishes. Father Kevin highlighted the fact that Sheffield ‘still has priests in parishes’. Stainforth is an isolated community and the parish had become a self sustaining community by necessity. However it was recognised by all council members that the people of Stainforth were experiencing “spiritual growth” as a result of their contributions to increased parish activities and ministries. In Sheffield, parishes would merge if there was no Priest available for each parish.
The future is at present unknown but it was acknowledged that laity already had roles. eg. Active Prayer group, the ability to make representations to their Parish
priest.
4. Church Security
Security lighting has now been installed outside Fr Kevin’s front door. It was suggested that South Yorkshire Police would complete a Safety Assessment of the Church Premises if this was requested.
5. School Admissions
Questionnaires have been submitted to the Diocesan School Department. A reply remains outstanding at present.
6. The Franciscan
A request will be made for the Franciscan to be uploaded onto the Parish Website each Friday if this is possible.
7. Reports from Sections
Liturgy and Spirituality: Day of Spirituality 19.11.2016. Taize evening 29.11.2016 at 7.30pm
Justice and Peace: Information was presented relating to the corporal acts of Mercy on the display board. A request will be made for specialist Christmas
items to be contributed to the Food Bank. The Pantomime will be held in November 2016 and funds raised will go to CAFOD. Eva Kaltenthaler to contact Fr. Shaun, Sacred Heart Parish to discuss working more closely in facilitating the provision of items for refugees in Greece.
Maintenance: The Safety tool kit is ongoing. Fire Risk Assessment completed. Emergency Church lighting repaired and upgraded. Security lighting installed.
Paving stones outside main entrance to the church have been cleaned and cemented. In the interest of Health and Safety a de-fibrillator is to be ordered for the church premises.
Community and Pastoral: Tables and chairs to be put out by tea and coffee facilitators after 11am Mass if possible. This will provide a more welcome
atmosphere and hopefully provide parishioners with the opportunity to socialise in comfort.
Evangelism: Welcome cards may be provided on specific occasions eg. Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals. at Christmas and Easter. This will help inform visitors about our Church Community and Parish Activities. (This initiative was discussed when Frank McDermott visited our Parish.)
8. Any other Business
‘Matched Giving’ to be funded by the parish with regard to:
- The Sick and Retired Clergy collection.
- Needy parishes collection
- Emergency Response collections
A request from Hallam Council of Churches was put forward to do a “Pulpit swap”. Unfortunately Father Kevin and Stephen Parker are not available to facilitate this.
A suggestion for an “open day” at St Francis church is to be considered. Parish members felt that this would be a positive step towards Evangelisation.
Newspapers are to continue being provided for sale in the Narthex. It has been noted that the sale of newspapers has been falling.
A request for new curtains in the church hall is to be reviewed in twelve months time.
The next Parish council meeting will take place on 17.01.2017
9. Closing Prayer
Stephen Parker led the closing prayer.