22 April 2025, 7:30pm
Present: Mike Campbell (chair), Stephen Spooner, Deacon Stephen Parker, David Bellamy, Sam Caldwell, Edmund King, Jenny King, Alex Krzyz, Sian Price, Richard Mcquinn, Sarah Lynch, Richard Bushell, Clare Byrne, Ben Ryan, Father Kevin, Eva Kaltenthaler (minutes).
Apologies: Jacinta Campbell
Father Kevin led the opening prayer
Minutes of the last AGM
The minutes of the last AGM were approved and there were no matters arising.
Chair’s report
Mike went through some of the activities of the past year and thanked all those who have helped in the parish over the past year. A new lectionary has been purchased and there is now a card reader in the narthex. Two parishioners are being funded by the parish to go to Lourdes. The parking lines in the car park will be repainted. The parish library has been updated. More details of the past year can be found in the annual report.
Finance
The parish income remains basically unchanged this year. However, there has been more expenditure over the past year. We have reserves that can be drawn on when needed. Parishioners are encouraged to use the card reader, offertory envelopes or standing orders to make donations so that we can claim gift aid. The parish will be encouraged to increase their standing orders as income has remained unchanged for years but costs are increasing.
Mike thanked all those who have helped with the finances. Sian proposed the financial report and Mike seconded it. The Parish council thanked David Kay and Paul Doherty who have counted money for the parish for a number of years.
Justice and Peace
Sian said that the group had mainly focussed on the CAFOD LiveSimply campaign over the past year. There has been a monthly topic with requests for pledges. The group has been involved with many activities as described in their annual report.
Eva presented the Covenant with the Poor. It was agreed that Foodworks would be added to the list of organisations to receive a donation. Sam will provide the bank details for Foodworks. The Covenant with the Poor will be rededicated at a Mass, the timings will be determined after discussions with the Finance Committee and Father Kevin.
Youth Ministry
Richard Bushell said that the youth are very active in our parish, in performing music, serving on the altar, participating in the dance show and the panto. There is an active children’s liturgy. Fewer younger children are coming to Mass and there are only four this year for holy Communion instruction. Richard is trying to encourage young people to read at Mass more regularly. Richard was thanked for working with the youth of the parish.
Other matters
Deacon Stephen said that there are a number of people who can not come to Mass any more and would appreciate a visit from someone in the parish. He will collect the names of those who would like a visit and co-ordinate a few volunteers to visit them. He will put a note about this into the Franciscan.
The closing prayer was led by Stephen Parker