Minutes St Francis Parish Council meeting Sept 11th 2019 at 19:00-20:30
1. Welcome prayer
2. Apologies: Phil, Jackie, Stephen.
Present: Nick Neal (Chair), Anthony Rossiter (Secretary), Fr Kevin, Belinda Barber, Mike Campbell, Ann Shepherd, Clare Byrne.
3. Big picture: A small group has been doing a
trial; it is going well. It has been challenging for members but worthwhile and
developmental. This small group is planning for a roll out to the parish after
Easter on Monday evenings; currently publicised in newsletter with April 27
start (this might be delayed due to coronovirus issues). The current group is
mostly female and so they would like more males. The course involves doing some Bible readings and
reflections each day and meeting once a week to share and discuss.
It is cheaper to buy the required book via the Parish
who moreover can get on sale or return. It was agreed that initially the Parish
would subsidise/purchase so people are not put off from participating. We could
ask for contributions later.
We also intend to advertise in partner parishes
(St Williams, St Vincent’s and Sacred Heart). On a related note, Greg Ryan also
offered to come and give a talk to Parish at some point, for example, how to
get started with the Bible?
4. Lindsay Graduated in the summer. She and
other graduates are meeting regularly and planning on how they can support each
other use this to contribute to parish life.
5. The troublesome trees have come down and
cost £3000. However, this has opened up the front nicely. Moreover, we had a
thank you from neighbour for clearing the back of lots of trees as this has
improved their light.
6. We have heard nothing about the dangerous wall.
It is owned by neighbour so it is their responsibility. However, lots of overgrown
ivy has been removed.
7. The cupboard in the hall is getting too full
or messy and so needs tidying. Clare thinks it is on Geraldine’s list, while
she is helping Father Kevin with the office so no action was decided for now.
8. There was a request from care in Crosspool
for some cash support, £1500. They offer support, visits, respite and so forth
within the Crosspool region. The feeling was we should be supporting local
charities, but perhaps the amount was large. Consensus was to propose £1000. We
will ask the finance committee to sort out.
9. The dance club performers want a Sunday
matinee so they do not have to do 2 performances on a Saturday. Apart from the
need to avoid lent, there were no substantive objections but a mild concern
that it would be harder to open screens if needed for Sunday morning mass.
10. The AGM is Tues May 11 at 7.30pm. Council
members were reminded of the need to provide reports for their responsibility
areas (to Nick in plenty of time for printing). Clare and Anthony are reaching the end of
their terms and need replacing. We need refreshments organising (tea, cake,
wine) although no decision was taken for now on who would take the lead.
AOB.
We need parish council member to look at new
safeguarding rules, H&S, paperwork etc. Lots of new forms needed for groups
hiring parish hall. Nick is taking a look but it may not impact on most current
users.
Some materials about dedication of UK to the dowry
of Mary will be distributed at mass.
There will be a temporary suspension of the sign
of peace and changes to holy communion distribution due to the coronavirus. Also
Holy water stoops to be emptied. Anything that is shared should not be used for
the time being, e.g hymn and mass books, towels, etc. More comprehensive
guidance will be placed on the website.