Present
Fr Tom Egan, Fr Martin Tate, Sean Carroll, Greg Howard, Edoardo Albert, Kevin Keenan, Gerard Barden, Ray Landi, Felicity Brown, Michael McGowan, Patrick Bolger, Libby Biberian, Liam O’Hanlon (representing Knights of St Columba)
Apologies
Melanie Gibbons, Pat Madigan, John Wilson
Father Martin and Liam O’Hanlon were welcomed to the Council Meeting by the Chair.
Minutes of Parish AGM, 28 April 2013
Minutes were signed as being correct by the Chair.
Finance
The finance committee meeting took place on 19 August 2013.
The accounts for the six months to 30 June 2013 reveal:
· Income for was £108,159, slightly down on the same period in 2012 (£109,981).
· Loose plate and envelope income is down but standing order income has increased
· Net recurring income is down compared with 2012 mainly due to increases in repairs and renewals, office and administration costs, staff and clergy salaries
· The overall balance at 30 June 2013 was £345,182, however this does not include the cost of the recent boiler replacement
Plans are being made to go ahead with a planned giving appeal next year.
A gift aid claim has been submitted but has not been received as yet.
Prayer and Evangelisation
Father Tom and Father Martin have begun to think about the advent program.
A “pilgrimage” to Westminster Cathedral or London shrines was suggested as a possible Advent activity.
Ecumenism
Nothing significant to report.
Eduardo reported he has been working with Hill Song an Australian Pentecostal church which regularly attracts a 6000 congregation. The services are very friendly and welcoming.
Parish Support Network
Liam O’Hanlon on behalf of the Knights of St Columba (KSC) addressed the Council and proposed a new Parish Support Network. Parishioners will be asked complete a form identifying any skills that they have and are willing to share with other parishioners. The KSC hope to launch the network by speaking at all masses on a designated Sunday and by distributing a flyer for parishioners to complete with details of any skills/ help they can offer.
The issue of data security was raised and it was felt that the flyer should emphasize that personal data will be protected and will only be used for the stated purpose of the support network; Michael offered to provide a suitable form of words.
This initiative is being set up by the KSC on behalf of the parish; once the support network has been created it will be maintained and run by the parish.
Liam will speak to Father Tom to identify a suitable Sunday to publicise the network.
Parish Hall
A fundraising dinner is being held in early October by Celia as a parish event the proceeds of which will help fund the repair of the fence at the side of the hall. Ticket sales are going well.
Some taps in the hall toilets need to be replaced.
Website/IT/Security
Security of the church and parish buildings remains an issue. Gerard will chase up outstanding quotes from CCTV companies. Approval will be needed from the diocese once the quotes are in.
Any Other Business
Some of the light bulbs in the church need to be replaced but are difficult to access. The KSC will assist Ray with this task.
The parish recruitment day that took place on May 19 was not felt to have been particularly successful. Michael offered to co-ordinate the next one to try to improve engagement with the individual groups and with parishioners.
With the shortage of school places in the area it was suggested that this might be a good time to look at the possibility of expanding the school to make it a two-form entry. Gerard said he would speak to the school’s chair of governors about this.
The Scouts have made a request to move the fence at the side of the church forward to create more room in front of the two storage cabins. It is however unclear exactly how much land is being requested and the proposed placement of fence and gate. The Scouts will need to provide a diagram to establish the detail of the proposal.
The next meeting will take place on Monday 18 November 2013.