Parish Pastoral Council
St Joseph's Parish Pastoral Council Meeting, Annual General Meeting Tuesday 27th February 2024 at 7pm in Parish Hall
Draft AGENDA
Welcome and Opening Prayer
1. Minutes of Meeting held on 21st November 2023, previously circulated
Matters arising
(i) Update on Maintenance issues
(ii) Update on IT
(iii) Update of Recruitment of Volunteers
2. Parish Finance Report
3. Agree Charity to be supported from Parish Fundraising activities
4. Agree the Programme of Social Events
5. Parish Second Collections - agree the list for the year
6. Diocesan Pastoral Plan
7. Working with Other Churches - Update on 2024 Programme
8.. A.O.B.
9.. Dates of meetings for the year - Tuesday 21st May> September and
November dates to be agreed.
1. Minutes of Meeting held on 21st November 2023, previously circulated
Matters arising
(i) Update on Maintenance issues
(ii) Update on IT
(iii) Update of Recruitment of Volunteers
2. Parish Finance Report
3. Agree Charity to be supported from Parish Fundraising activities
4. Agree the Programme of Social Events
5. Parish Second Collections - agree the list for the year
6. Diocesan Pastoral Plan
7. Working with Other Churches - Update on 2024 Programme
8.. A.O.B.
9.. Dates of meetings for the year - Tuesday 21st May> September and
November dates to be agreed.
Draft AGENDA
Welcome and Opening Prayer
Apologies for absence
1. Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday 26th September 2023 (previously circulated)
2. Matters Arising
3. Report from Finance Committee
Offertory collections
4. Social Events Programme
Harvest Lunch
Epiphany Lunch
5. Parish Volunteers - progress report
6. Legacy - (see attached note)
(a) Ideas for use
(b) How to consult wider parish
7. Working with Other Churches
8. Safeguarding - Clare Hedges
9. A.O.B.
10. Date of next Meeting` - AGM February 2024
Welcome and Opening Prayer
Apologies for absence
1. Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday 26th September 2023 (previously circulated)
2. Matters Arising
- Update on maintenance work
- IT/email-update
- World Day of the Poor and Turning Tides
3. Report from Finance Committee
Offertory collections
4. Social Events Programme
Harvest Lunch
Epiphany Lunch
5. Parish Volunteers - progress report
6. Legacy - (see attached note)
(a) Ideas for use
(b) How to consult wider parish
7. Working with Other Churches
8. Safeguarding - Clare Hedges
9. A.O.B.
10. Date of next Meeting` - AGM February 2024
St Joseph's Parish Pastoral Council Meeting
Tuesday 3rd October at 7pm in the Parish Hall
DRAFT AGENDA
Welcome and Opening Prayer
Apologies for absence
1. Minutes of the Meeting held on 30th May 2023
2. Matters Arising Update on work on sacristy etc IT/ email
3. Report from Finance Committee
4. Social Events Programme Harvest Lunch Christmas/New Year
5. Parish Volunteers - progress report and gaps
6. Consulting the Parish - Investing in our Future
7. Parish Activities and Groups Saint Mother Theresa Group Care for the Earth Synod on Synodality World Day for the Poor
8. Working with Other Churches
Rustington Christmas Fair - 9th December
9. Safeguarding
10. AOB
11. Date of Next Meeting
DRAFT AGENDA
Welcome and Opening Prayer Apologies for absence
1. Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday 21st February 2023 (previously circulated)
2. Matters Arising
Welcome and Opening Prayer Apologies for absence
1. Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday 21st February 2023 (previously circulated)
2. Matters Arising
- Confirmation of core-membership of PPC
- Church Cleaning - Update re-deep cleaning of the Church
- IT Programme -update on progress
- Music Support - update on progress re Blue Tooth and help with singing
3. Report from Finance Committee - Deacon Adrian
4. Social Events Programme Events to date
Future events
5. Parish Volunteers - progress report
- Parish Newsletter
- Bidding Prayers
- New treasurer
- Eucharistic Ministers
- Others
6. Parish and Diocesan Plan - 'Hubs' (pick up on discussion from AGM). 7. Working with Other Churches
8. Safeguarding - Clare Hedges
9. A.O.B.
10. Date of next Meeting` - 26th September (tbc)
St Joseph's Parish Pastoral Council Meeting
Vote of Thanks to those who support our Parish.
Take time to acknowledge the kindness and generosity of those who have supported the parish over the last year.
First of all I would like to thank our 'Stewards' - who provide a warm welcome and keep us safe. Thanks to our Sacristan and those who help prepare our liturgies, to our Readers, to those who write the bidding prayers, those who take the collections, count the offerings and do the banking.
To our young band of altar servers. Those who look after the rotas for regular activities.
To those who look after Health and Safety and all the small and large maintenance work.
To our Safeguarding Officer.
To those who have kept the church and hall clean, put the bins out, sorted the recycling.
To those who play the organ and help enrich our liturgical celebrations.
To those responsible for the Parish Newsletter, for putting items on our website.
To those who deal with the parish laundry, those who look after flower displays.
To those who provide the refreshments after Mass, Tea at Three, and those who have continued to organise social events, bake cakes, organise raffles, decorate the hall, clear up.
To those who have maintained regular contact with sick or housebound parishioners, in person or electronically.
To those who take Communion to those unable to get to Mass.
To those who serve on our Committees (PPC and Finance), prepare papers and reports, take Minutes.
To those who look after the monies for us, pay the bills. and liaise with our tenants. To all those who support the parish financially.
To those who help collect and deliver items for Turning Tides and the Food bank.
To those who represent our parish and participate in activities with other Churches in Rustington.
To Deacon Adrian for his faithful service,
To Fr Boniface for his warm and encouraging engagement with us.
To all those parishioners who have just come to Mass, for their prayers, their moral support and encouragement.
To the small number of children who have raised our spirits in tough times.
If anyone has been left out. My apologies.
Final thank you to Gene Seabridge and Lilian Hearn, long serving parishioners who are moving out of the parish in the near future.
St Joseph's PPC AGM, February 2023
First of all I would like to thank our 'Stewards' - who provide a warm welcome and keep us safe. Thanks to our Sacristan and those who help prepare our liturgies, to our Readers, to those who write the bidding prayers, those who take the collections, count the offerings and do the banking.
To our young band of altar servers. Those who look after the rotas for regular activities.
To those who look after Health and Safety and all the small and large maintenance work.
To our Safeguarding Officer.
To those who have kept the church and hall clean, put the bins out, sorted the recycling.
To those who play the organ and help enrich our liturgical celebrations.
To those responsible for the Parish Newsletter, for putting items on our website.
To those who deal with the parish laundry, those who look after flower displays.
To those who provide the refreshments after Mass, Tea at Three, and those who have continued to organise social events, bake cakes, organise raffles, decorate the hall, clear up.
To those who have maintained regular contact with sick or housebound parishioners, in person or electronically.
To those who take Communion to those unable to get to Mass.
To those who serve on our Committees (PPC and Finance), prepare papers and reports, take Minutes.
To those who look after the monies for us, pay the bills. and liaise with our tenants. To all those who support the parish financially.
To those who help collect and deliver items for Turning Tides and the Food bank.
To those who represent our parish and participate in activities with other Churches in Rustington.
To Deacon Adrian for his faithful service,
To Fr Boniface for his warm and encouraging engagement with us.
To all those parishioners who have just come to Mass, for their prayers, their moral support and encouragement.
To the small number of children who have raised our spirits in tough times.
If anyone has been left out. My apologies.
Final thank you to Gene Seabridge and Lilian Hearn, long serving parishioners who are moving out of the parish in the near future.
St Joseph's PPC AGM, February 2023
Minutes of St Joseph's Parish Pastoral Council Meeting,
Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday 21st February 2023
Present: Maggie Lax, Denise Mitchell, Pam Filler, Michael Mitchell, Margaret Smith, Rosamund Aylett, Tony Aylett, Elizabeth Freeman, Geraldine O'Reilly, Clare Hedges, Gene Seabridge, Nola Eaton, Annet Zuraba, Pauline Sellier, Deacon Adrian and Fr Boniface
Apologies: Stafford Dunn, Lilian Hearn
Welcome and Opening Prayer
Maggie reminded participants of the purpose of the meeting, by quoting the PPC Terms of reference:
"The aim of the PPC is to provide support, guidance, advice and counsel to the Parish Priest. It is further responsible for assisting the parish clergy to manage and oversee the smooth, efficient and effective running of the parish and its activities. Members of the PPC are parishioners who volunteer to serve and whose membership is endorsed by the PP. Any member who does not attend three consecutive meetings will be deemed to have resigned. Election to the position of Chairperson and Secretary to the PPC will take place at the AGM with the approval of the PP. Terms of office will be for three years with the option of re-election for a further three years."
1. Election of Chairperson and Secretary
Chairperson:
Maggie Lax was the only person offering to take on this role. Her appointment was Proposed by Michael Mitchell and Seconded by Pam Filler and unanimously supported by those in attendance. Approved by Fr Boniface
Secretary:
There were no candidates offering to take on this role. Denise Mitchell agreed to take on the role, but emphasised this was as the Minute Secretary for the PPC, not the Secretary for the Parish. Proposed by Michael Mitchell and Seconded by Pam Filler and supported by those in attendance. Approved by Fr Boniface
2. Core Membership of PPC -
Whilst the PPC Meetings were open to anyone from the Parish attending, it was important to appoint a core group of members. Those agreeing to take on this role were expected to attend the meetings, but also to contribute to and help deliver the parish programme. It was important to include individuals who were taking a lead on any parish activities. Those in attendance were asked to indicate their willingness to serve as part of this core group. The following indicated their willingness to form the core group: Pam Filler, Michael Mitchell, Margaret Smith, Helen Dunn, Nola Eaton, Clare Hedges. Rosamund Aylett indicated that she was willing to attend the core group in collaboration with Margaret Philips, covering Health & Safety/Building Maintenance.
3. Minutes of the Meeting held on 8th November 2022
Copies had been previously place on the noticeboard at the back of the church and parish website. Minutes were approved and signed.
Matters arising
(i) Church cleaning - Margaret reported that the cleaning was organised on a monthly basis, a small team were now involved, and it was working well. She had made contact with Frotclean Cleaning Seervices, regarding the possibility of a deep clean of the church. Someone from the company would come and assess what was needed and give us a quote.
(ii) IT Programme - Fr Boniface and Deacon Adrian was asked for an update on progress. Dcn Adrian reported that the Diocesan IT person had provided him with a list of potential parish functions/roles
that could be provided with email addresses and passwords. Not all were relevant for St Joseph's. and Dcn Adrian said he would liaise with Maggie and take this forward asap. With regard to paper records we needed to review what we had and then organise for relevant documents to be scanned.
(iii) Support for Young People - had previously been identified as something we wanted to highlight. Dcn Adrian asked for the discussion to be deferred to Item 10 on the Agenda.
4. Agree Charity to be supported from Parish Fundraising activities -
Last year was the Women's Refuge. After some discussion it was agreed that we would support
'The Pantry', which had links with 'Family Support' and was organised by St Peter and St Paul's Church and Rustington Methodist Church. It was also agreed that we would look for opportunities to highlight our continued support for Turning Tides.
5. Parish Finance Report
Dcn Adrian, as chair of the Parish Finance Cte was asked to provide an account of the parish finances. Copies of the Income & Expenditure Report for the 12 months to December 2022 were circulated. Our income was slightly up, due to an increase in offertory income. Our expenditure was also up because we had paid out £16,000 for the new Audio and heating system.. Overall our financial position was stable, because we continued to benefit from the income from the renting of the parish house. He indicated that there was a new bequest due, but we did not know for how much. There would be some further expenses relating to maintenance/building work following the Quinquennial Report, including the already agreed re-decoration and re-fitting of the toilet in the sacristy. Dcn Adrian also reported that our Treasurer, Ian Thornhill was stepping down and that we urgently need to find someone to replace him.
Hall Income: Denise reported that the Hall has been booked for local Elections on 4th May so we will get some additional income (approx £490). She reminded the Committee that additional income from letting the hall was generally used for the hall and asked if there was anything that was lacking, or needed replacing. Geraldine proposed purchasing some tablecloths that could be used for the Tea at Three. Possibly ones that could be wiped clean. It was suggested that she come back with what was needed and the costs. Margaret suggested that we might get the floor of the hall deep cleaned. It was agreed she should include the work, alongside the deep cleaning of the church.
Music Support - We are very grateful to Ann and Penny for their musical accompaniment at Mass, but recognised that we need to give some thought to how we might enhance our singing etc at our liturgical celebrations. Pam drew attention to how a Blue Tooth devise she had seen used at a funeral, might provide some additional music back-up. Dcn Adrian said he was familiar with these and the issue of cost was in relation to the License. Rosamund mentioned that at Our Lady Star of the Sea, they had been able to improve their singing, by getting some additional choir training support. She had a contact and offered to see what might be possible. Fr Boniface suggested we see if we can encourage parishioners to put a bit more energy into singing, even for the hymns that we know. It was agreed further thought was needed once we had more information.
6. Agree Programme of Social Events
(a) Parish Feast Day - 19th March (Sunday) - this was also Mother's Day. After some discussion it was agreed that we would have and enhanced tea and coffee after Mass that day.
(b) Fr Boniface's 50th Birthday Celebration (6th April) - it was agreed we would like to celebrate this, but it was difficult to find a suitable date due to Easter.
(c) King's Coronation - this was over the first weekend in May. The Tea at Three on 4th would not be able to go ahead that day, because the Hall was in use for the local Elections.
(d) Bring and Buy Plant Sale - Pam had put a note in the newsletter asking people to grow plants for this event. It had previously proved to be very popular. It was thought we could hold it as part of a coffee morning.
More thought was needed to finalise the detail of the above proposed social events.
7. Recruitment of Parish Volunteers
Maggie noted that we had made significant progress in securing some additional volunteers to help out in the parish, but we had some gaps.
Parish Newsletter : Gene Seabridge, who has looked after the production of the newsletter for many year is moving away in next few weeks. - To-date no-one else has come forward so we are still looking for someone to take it on. In the interim, Denise and Pam would aim to look after production. Fr Boniface suggested that it might be worth just having one joint St C's and St J's Newsletter, which the Parish Secretary at St C's could help with, if her hours of work were increased. It was agreed to first see if anyone in parish willing to take it on. Secondly for Denise and Pam to cover and explore the joint newsletter and if this didn't work out, to see how the Parish Secretary can help. It was agreed that as much info should be available online, as paper, and printing were costly. Gene was warmly thanked for all the work she had done for the parish.
Help with Bidding Prayers - same four people - need a couple more to spread the load.
New Treasurer/Bookkeeper - as previously mentioned Ian covered both St Catherine's and St Joseph's and it was a mixture of volunteer and paid work.
8. Parish Second Collections - agreeing for the year
A list of the annual second collections was circulated and agreed.
9. Working with Other Churches
Denise reported on the following:
CTR Committee - Denise had now stepped down as chairperson (last 6 years) and Desmond Bellew from Arun Church is the new chairperson. Pam and Denise remain on the Committee.
St Joseph's hosted the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Service this year, which went very well.
Lent Programme, rotating around the local churches, begins on 4th March, with St Joseph's taking the lead, to be held at St Peter and St Paul's. Sessions to be held between 10.30 and 12 noon on Saturday mornings. We are hosting the session on 25th March. Materials Rhythm of Life, produced by Diocese of Leeds.
Good Friday Walk of Witness starting at 10am at St Andrew's.
World Day of Prayer - Friday 3rd March at 10.30.am - Focus on Taiwan - at Rustington Methodist Church.
10 Diocesan Pastoral Plan - future of St Joseph's. Fr Boniface asked to provide update
Since Dcn Adrian had attended the recent Deanery Meeting he provided an update on the Bishop's plans. Rather than focussing on closing parishes, due to lack of priests, the Diocese was exploring the setting up of Three 'Hubs’. One for Adur Valley, one for Worthing and one for Littlehampton. Our 'hub' would bring together St Catherine's, St Joseph's, Our Lady Star of the Sea, and English Martyrs Goring, with St Catherine's as the main 'hub'. With elderly priests at East Preston and Goring, it was important to start establishing the hub model sooner, rather than later. The parishioners in all these churches are being encouraged to look at how they can best work together and share their expertise. For example, if one parish was particularly good at organising First Communion preparation programmes, maybe they could take the lead for the others. Or if one parish had a good youth programme (NB reference to matters arising), how can they support other
parishes in the hub looking to attract and engage young people. Dcn Adrian also mentioned that they were exploring the possibility of appointing a paid Administrator who could relieve the priests of some of the administrative tasks, leaving them free to give more time to their priestly ministry.
The proposal raised a number of questions about consultation, motivation and adapting to new and changing models for our parish life, but we did not have time to deal with them at the meeting. We also Maggie said it would be important for us to discuss in more detail at our next meeting.
11. A.O.B. No Items
Maggie mentioned that it was customary to have a vote of thanks to all who help the parish at the AGM. See attached thank you note.
Thank you to two long standing parishioners who are leaving Parish - Gene Seabridge and Lilian Hearn
12. Dates for meeting for the year
Tuesday 30th May 26th September (tbc) 21st November (tbc)
Fr Boniface finished the meeting with a blessing.
Present: Maggie Lax, Denise Mitchell, Pam Filler, Michael Mitchell, Margaret Smith, Rosamund Aylett, Tony Aylett, Elizabeth Freeman, Geraldine O'Reilly, Clare Hedges, Gene Seabridge, Nola Eaton, Annet Zuraba, Pauline Sellier, Deacon Adrian and Fr Boniface
Apologies: Stafford Dunn, Lilian Hearn
Welcome and Opening Prayer
Maggie reminded participants of the purpose of the meeting, by quoting the PPC Terms of reference:
"The aim of the PPC is to provide support, guidance, advice and counsel to the Parish Priest. It is further responsible for assisting the parish clergy to manage and oversee the smooth, efficient and effective running of the parish and its activities. Members of the PPC are parishioners who volunteer to serve and whose membership is endorsed by the PP. Any member who does not attend three consecutive meetings will be deemed to have resigned. Election to the position of Chairperson and Secretary to the PPC will take place at the AGM with the approval of the PP. Terms of office will be for three years with the option of re-election for a further three years."
1. Election of Chairperson and Secretary
Chairperson:
Maggie Lax was the only person offering to take on this role. Her appointment was Proposed by Michael Mitchell and Seconded by Pam Filler and unanimously supported by those in attendance. Approved by Fr Boniface
Secretary:
There were no candidates offering to take on this role. Denise Mitchell agreed to take on the role, but emphasised this was as the Minute Secretary for the PPC, not the Secretary for the Parish. Proposed by Michael Mitchell and Seconded by Pam Filler and supported by those in attendance. Approved by Fr Boniface
2. Core Membership of PPC -
Whilst the PPC Meetings were open to anyone from the Parish attending, it was important to appoint a core group of members. Those agreeing to take on this role were expected to attend the meetings, but also to contribute to and help deliver the parish programme. It was important to include individuals who were taking a lead on any parish activities. Those in attendance were asked to indicate their willingness to serve as part of this core group. The following indicated their willingness to form the core group: Pam Filler, Michael Mitchell, Margaret Smith, Helen Dunn, Nola Eaton, Clare Hedges. Rosamund Aylett indicated that she was willing to attend the core group in collaboration with Margaret Philips, covering Health & Safety/Building Maintenance.
3. Minutes of the Meeting held on 8th November 2022
Copies had been previously place on the noticeboard at the back of the church and parish website. Minutes were approved and signed.
Matters arising
(i) Church cleaning - Margaret reported that the cleaning was organised on a monthly basis, a small team were now involved, and it was working well. She had made contact with Frotclean Cleaning Seervices, regarding the possibility of a deep clean of the church. Someone from the company would come and assess what was needed and give us a quote.
(ii) IT Programme - Fr Boniface and Deacon Adrian was asked for an update on progress. Dcn Adrian reported that the Diocesan IT person had provided him with a list of potential parish functions/roles
that could be provided with email addresses and passwords. Not all were relevant for St Joseph's. and Dcn Adrian said he would liaise with Maggie and take this forward asap. With regard to paper records we needed to review what we had and then organise for relevant documents to be scanned.
(iii) Support for Young People - had previously been identified as something we wanted to highlight. Dcn Adrian asked for the discussion to be deferred to Item 10 on the Agenda.
4. Agree Charity to be supported from Parish Fundraising activities -
Last year was the Women's Refuge. After some discussion it was agreed that we would support
'The Pantry', which had links with 'Family Support' and was organised by St Peter and St Paul's Church and Rustington Methodist Church. It was also agreed that we would look for opportunities to highlight our continued support for Turning Tides.
5. Parish Finance Report
Dcn Adrian, as chair of the Parish Finance Cte was asked to provide an account of the parish finances. Copies of the Income & Expenditure Report for the 12 months to December 2022 were circulated. Our income was slightly up, due to an increase in offertory income. Our expenditure was also up because we had paid out £16,000 for the new Audio and heating system.. Overall our financial position was stable, because we continued to benefit from the income from the renting of the parish house. He indicated that there was a new bequest due, but we did not know for how much. There would be some further expenses relating to maintenance/building work following the Quinquennial Report, including the already agreed re-decoration and re-fitting of the toilet in the sacristy. Dcn Adrian also reported that our Treasurer, Ian Thornhill was stepping down and that we urgently need to find someone to replace him.
Hall Income: Denise reported that the Hall has been booked for local Elections on 4th May so we will get some additional income (approx £490). She reminded the Committee that additional income from letting the hall was generally used for the hall and asked if there was anything that was lacking, or needed replacing. Geraldine proposed purchasing some tablecloths that could be used for the Tea at Three. Possibly ones that could be wiped clean. It was suggested that she come back with what was needed and the costs. Margaret suggested that we might get the floor of the hall deep cleaned. It was agreed she should include the work, alongside the deep cleaning of the church.
Music Support - We are very grateful to Ann and Penny for their musical accompaniment at Mass, but recognised that we need to give some thought to how we might enhance our singing etc at our liturgical celebrations. Pam drew attention to how a Blue Tooth devise she had seen used at a funeral, might provide some additional music back-up. Dcn Adrian said he was familiar with these and the issue of cost was in relation to the License. Rosamund mentioned that at Our Lady Star of the Sea, they had been able to improve their singing, by getting some additional choir training support. She had a contact and offered to see what might be possible. Fr Boniface suggested we see if we can encourage parishioners to put a bit more energy into singing, even for the hymns that we know. It was agreed further thought was needed once we had more information.
6. Agree Programme of Social Events
(a) Parish Feast Day - 19th March (Sunday) - this was also Mother's Day. After some discussion it was agreed that we would have and enhanced tea and coffee after Mass that day.
(b) Fr Boniface's 50th Birthday Celebration (6th April) - it was agreed we would like to celebrate this, but it was difficult to find a suitable date due to Easter.
(c) King's Coronation - this was over the first weekend in May. The Tea at Three on 4th would not be able to go ahead that day, because the Hall was in use for the local Elections.
(d) Bring and Buy Plant Sale - Pam had put a note in the newsletter asking people to grow plants for this event. It had previously proved to be very popular. It was thought we could hold it as part of a coffee morning.
More thought was needed to finalise the detail of the above proposed social events.
7. Recruitment of Parish Volunteers
Maggie noted that we had made significant progress in securing some additional volunteers to help out in the parish, but we had some gaps.
Parish Newsletter : Gene Seabridge, who has looked after the production of the newsletter for many year is moving away in next few weeks. - To-date no-one else has come forward so we are still looking for someone to take it on. In the interim, Denise and Pam would aim to look after production. Fr Boniface suggested that it might be worth just having one joint St C's and St J's Newsletter, which the Parish Secretary at St C's could help with, if her hours of work were increased. It was agreed to first see if anyone in parish willing to take it on. Secondly for Denise and Pam to cover and explore the joint newsletter and if this didn't work out, to see how the Parish Secretary can help. It was agreed that as much info should be available online, as paper, and printing were costly. Gene was warmly thanked for all the work she had done for the parish.
Help with Bidding Prayers - same four people - need a couple more to spread the load.
New Treasurer/Bookkeeper - as previously mentioned Ian covered both St Catherine's and St Joseph's and it was a mixture of volunteer and paid work.
8. Parish Second Collections - agreeing for the year
A list of the annual second collections was circulated and agreed.
9. Working with Other Churches
Denise reported on the following:
CTR Committee - Denise had now stepped down as chairperson (last 6 years) and Desmond Bellew from Arun Church is the new chairperson. Pam and Denise remain on the Committee.
St Joseph's hosted the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Service this year, which went very well.
Lent Programme, rotating around the local churches, begins on 4th March, with St Joseph's taking the lead, to be held at St Peter and St Paul's. Sessions to be held between 10.30 and 12 noon on Saturday mornings. We are hosting the session on 25th March. Materials Rhythm of Life, produced by Diocese of Leeds.
Good Friday Walk of Witness starting at 10am at St Andrew's.
World Day of Prayer - Friday 3rd March at 10.30.am - Focus on Taiwan - at Rustington Methodist Church.
10 Diocesan Pastoral Plan - future of St Joseph's. Fr Boniface asked to provide update
Since Dcn Adrian had attended the recent Deanery Meeting he provided an update on the Bishop's plans. Rather than focussing on closing parishes, due to lack of priests, the Diocese was exploring the setting up of Three 'Hubs’. One for Adur Valley, one for Worthing and one for Littlehampton. Our 'hub' would bring together St Catherine's, St Joseph's, Our Lady Star of the Sea, and English Martyrs Goring, with St Catherine's as the main 'hub'. With elderly priests at East Preston and Goring, it was important to start establishing the hub model sooner, rather than later. The parishioners in all these churches are being encouraged to look at how they can best work together and share their expertise. For example, if one parish was particularly good at organising First Communion preparation programmes, maybe they could take the lead for the others. Or if one parish had a good youth programme (NB reference to matters arising), how can they support other
parishes in the hub looking to attract and engage young people. Dcn Adrian also mentioned that they were exploring the possibility of appointing a paid Administrator who could relieve the priests of some of the administrative tasks, leaving them free to give more time to their priestly ministry.
The proposal raised a number of questions about consultation, motivation and adapting to new and changing models for our parish life, but we did not have time to deal with them at the meeting. We also Maggie said it would be important for us to discuss in more detail at our next meeting.
11. A.O.B. No Items
Maggie mentioned that it was customary to have a vote of thanks to all who help the parish at the AGM. See attached thank you note.
Thank you to two long standing parishioners who are leaving Parish - Gene Seabridge and Lilian Hearn
12. Dates for meeting for the year
Tuesday 30th May 26th September (tbc) 21st November (tbc)
Fr Boniface finished the meeting with a blessing.