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MINUTES OF THE PPC HELD ON WEDNESDAY 20th JANUARY 2010
Present Fr. Michael, Barry Wiles, Sr. Marguerite, Lym Mulligan, Maurice Lewis, Denise Hewson, William Anthony, John Regan, Gill Keene and Lorna Lewis
Apologies Rev. Stephen Newman
Register of AOB
1. Heating in the church
2. Second collections
3. Identification sash for Extra-ordinary ministers of Holy Communion
Minutes of Last Meeting
The minutes of the last meeting were signed as correct.
Matters arising
1. Artefacts update- Money was received from Swale Council which enabled a survey to be done and a report will be submitted. The main findings were that it’s generally in good condition and it would be worthwhile to get it repaired.
2. Letters were written to Susan McMeel and Stephen Goldsmith thanking them for their work on the web site with reference to The Sisters of Christ. With reference to the website some parishioners have requested that the Parish Council Meeting Minutes be put on the web site. It was agreed that this was a good idea and all members hope to see the minutes on the web site.
3. A letter was written to Mr. Dewar-Whalley withdrawing our interest in land with reference to the Sittingbourne plan.
4. Vision for the Diocese- the meeting was cancelled due to the snow and has been set for next month. Since this process was started the Arch-bishop has retired.
5. Noise levels at Mass- It were thought that the notices about noise in the church had the desired effect of a reduction in the amount of noise before Mass. It was suggested that the notices be changed from time to time to maintain this peace before Mass.
Christmas Fayre
The Christmas Fayre was well attended with a great variety of stalls manned by different organisations in the parish co-ordinated by Kevin Nunn. The Parish Council would like to thank Kevin Nunn for all his hard work during the planning and leading up to the event, for his co-ordination of the preparation evening on the Friday when stallholders were setting up their individual stalls and his hard work on the day of the fayre. The Parish Council would like to thank Kevin for his comments about the organisation of the event next year and would like to invite him to Parish Council meetings during the run up to the next Christmas Fayre so that members of the Parish Council can give more help with the planning and the event.
Parish Fund Raising
Sue McGoldrick, secretary to the finance committee, explained that the architects have drawn up plans and a quotation to complete the new confessional and porch area has been accepted. The quotation is for £31,620 +VAT. £11,000 has been earmarked for this money from the deposit account but fund raising will need to be done for this project. Ideas for fund raising were discussed, these were some of the ideas put forward- an auction of promises with a social evening, an Easter Raffle, collecting used stamps, having a second collection whenever there was not a second collection for another reason and a request for donations from parishioners.
It was agreed to have a Sub Committee to look into ideas and to put them into action. On the sub committee are Father Michael, Sr. Marguerite, Barry Wiles, Sue McGoldrick and Lorna Lewis.
Reports from Parish Representatives
Sr. Marguerite- Sisters of Christ The Sisters received a visit from The General Council who were impressed with the ethos and the running of The Sisters of Christ Convent. There are 8 sisters currently living in the Convent. Sr. Marguerite and the sisters help in the parish where they can and are at present working with the Children’s liturgy group and looking after the linen in the church. Sr. Marguerite decorated the church at Christmas.
Gill Keene- St Peter’s Catholic Primary School St Peter’s, has been recognized as one of the top three primary schools in Kent based on the most recent Key Stage 2 SATS results, out of nearly 400 primary schools in the county which is a superb achievement. Mrs. Jackson has returned to full time work after her accident last term.
Lym Mulligan –St. Peter’s Playgroup All playgroup leaders and children appreciate the new heating that has been installed in the O’Sullivan Centre it is warm and comfortable. Vivienne is now better and once again leading the play group. There are over 30 children on the books, 20 children attending daily and children on the waiting list.
Maurice Lewis- Confirmation Catechist The confirmation group has started this month with 13 students on the course. The parents evening was well attended at the start of the course. The Confirmation is in June.
Denise Hewson - The Union of Catholic Mothers The next meeting of the UCM is next Tuesday, the last meeting was cancelled due to snow.
William Anthony –St. Vincent de Paul Society The Society continues to support the needy and poor with visits, financial help, replacing small items of furniture and prayers to recipients of all denominations. This year food vouchers were distributed to residents of the Quays Shelter and local nursing homes for use over the Christmas festive season. The overseas project is financing the teaching of women of the poorer classes in Kerala, South-west India to use and operate sewing machines so that they can be in a position to earn a living. The Society would like to thank donors and collectors of the Red Box for their continued support.
Barry Wiles – Catenians The Christmas Social event was very enjoyable. The Catenians ran the bottle tombola at the Christmas Bazaar. The January meeting was not well attended due to the snow. All members are looking forward to the February social event the Valentines dinner dance which is always an excellent evening.
John Regan -Knights of St. Columba The Knights organized and coordinated the running of the Christmas Fayre and thanks all the organizations who helped and ran stalls.
Registered AOB
1. Heating in the church – some parishioners have commented that it has been rather cold during the 9.30 am Sunday Mass in the Church. Father Michael said that the heating is turned on early on a Sunday morning in preparation for the Mass but it will be turned on earlier to try to ensure the Church is warmer during the cold weather.
2. Second collections – It was commented that sometimes there is not always someone holding a collection plate at each door for each Mass which results in people being willing to give to a second collection but not always being able to donate. Father Michael said he will ask people to take the collection plate during Mass and there were offers from people present to hold the plates at the end of Mass.
3. Identification sashes for Extra-ordinary ministers of Holy Communion- Some Parishioners wondered if Extra-ordinary ministers of Holy Communion could be identified by wearing sashes. It was agreed that in our small church this was not necessary as the Extra-ordinary ministers of Holy Communion are easily seen when giving communion. Also it would be another expense at a time when we are raising money for other projects.
The next Parish Council Meeting will be the AGM
The AGM will be held on Friday 30th April at 7.30 pm in the O’Sullivan Centre.
The meeting closed at 10pm.
