Present : Marian England (Chair), Helen Day, Helen Druett, Sue Farnham, Irene Higgins, Rebecca Jeffreys, Ted Kell, Therese Kercher, Sharon Loiterton, Kevin McMahon, Sabina Van Rooy. Joe Barr (minutes).
Agenda Item 1 |
Opening and Welcome |
Marian England opened the meeting at 7.30 pm as John Drury was away and Mike Kiley, the Deputy Chair, had been called urgently to Sydney. She welcomed members to the meeting.
Apologies: Josette Allester, Sally Cox, Toni Cox, Helen Currie, John Drury, Tom Halloran, Mike Kiley, Keiren McLeonard,
Agenda Item 3 |
Opening Prayer |
The Opening Prayer was led by Helen Druett.
Agenda item 4 |
Minutes of the Previous Meeting |
• Acceptance of Minutes
The Minutes of the October 2011 meeting were accepted with one amendment. Mike Kiley was not present at that meeting and should be listed as an apology.
Proposed: Therese Kercher. Seconded: Helen Druett
• Business arising from the minutes
Children's' Participation in the Liturgy . Rebecca Jeffries had sent a note home with children from St John's school seeking names of those who might like to participate. She plans to speak to the children on 11 November and start the appropriate training. She has also spoken to the School of Religion teachers whose pupils are keen to participate. Marian advised that five children who would be taking the Eucharist for the first time at the 10.00 am Mass on 20 November might be suitable candidates for taking up the Offertory Procession. Rebecca agreed to keep this in mind.
Roles and Responsibilities with regard to the Liturgy. Marian advised that she, John and Tom had not yet been able to meet. It was agreed to ask John to remain a member of this group after he leaves the PPC at the end of the year.
Aged and Ageing . Marian has still to speak to Bert about the outside seating proposal. Sue Farnham advised that supporting funds of varying amounts up to $30,000 for projects connected with improving parish facilities for the aged and those with disabilities are available from a number of government and non-government agencies. Unfortunately it is too late to meet the deadlines for this round of grants but she suggested that priorities should be set so that early action can be taken to make submissions for the next round. Meanwhile she would continue to seek information about the various requirements for these grants and would be willing to prepare submissions. She would appreciate early ‘ball-park' costs for the proposals. Sue pointed out that some funds might not be available until 2013.
Special Needs. It was agreed that Marian will appeal in Compact for people with disabilities to contact the Parish Office to advise on their special needs. Sue will arrange an appointment for Mobility Matters to visit the parish in the near future. With regard to providing the Eucharist to those who cannot easily approach the altar, it was agreed to add a note to Compact asking those affected or their helpers to make their needs and seating preferences known to Acolytes and Special Ministers. This should be supported by an announcement from the Celebrant on one or two Sundays.
Mission Statement . This now appears on the front page of Compact.
Regional Pastoral Council Dinner . Three people from the PPC, John, Marian and Sabina, had attended the dinner which was an excellent evening.
Archdiocesan Assembly – Saturday 12 November . Marian advised that a number of parishioners had registered to attend the Assembly so St Johns would be well represented. Helen Druett, who is one of those registered, agreed to provide a written report to the PPC.
Father Jim Littleton – History of St Johns . Father Jim has asked to meet some foundation members of the parish. Volunteers will be asked to contact the Parish Office.
Agenda item 5 |
Correspondence |
• Out Nil
• In
• i. A letter from the MSC Parishes Committee advising that the next annual conference will be held 2-4 October 2012 at Blackburn Parish in Victoria.
• ii. National Church Life Survey (NCLS) Forms for the parish to complete.
Agenda Item 6 |
Spiritual Development Discussion |
There was no Spiritual Development Discussion. St John's Parish has been asked to participate in the 2011 NCLS Survey as we completed the previous survey and continuity is valuable in revealing trends in Christian life. Survey forms are to be returned in November so PPC members took time to fill in their forms to reveal how long this took and assist in deciding when to hand forms out to the parish.
Agenda Item 7 |
Matter arising from Reports submitted |
No written reports had been received but verbal reports raised the following points:
Liturgy Committee : Tom advised, via Joe, that the Liturgy Committee was working on the Advent Liturgy and Robert Day has prepared some excellent prayers. The Committee supported the measures being taken to include children in the Liturgy. Procurement of new microphones is going ahead.
School of Religion . Sabina had attended the annual Mass for Catechists held at St Thomas Aquinas Parish and was disappointed that she was the only representative from St Johns.
Social Justice . Sabina expressed the thanks of the Committee for the generous bucket collection for victims of the famine in Africa. $1,486.05 has been sent to Caritas.
Social Life . Marian advised that the only planned activity is the Pot-Luck Dinner on Friday 25 November.
Agenda Item 8 |
Ongoing projects |
New Ideas . There was continued discussion of the New Ideas document. Subjects covered included:
Relaxing and Joyful Activities for Seniors . At present these are confined to the activities of the Over 45s Group (which is considering a change of name to a more general heading). While no conclusions were reached, it was suggested that a Parish Art and Crafts Exhibition to coincide with the 40 th Anniversary celebrations would encourage people to display their skills and talents.
Home Visits to the Shut-Ins . Marian advised that Father Paul had been trying to visit parishioners confined to their homes but had not got round to everyone before he left. Further proposals were deferred until Father McCormick arrives.
Home Communion for the Sick . This is provided on a voluntary basis and, where necessary, through Neighbourhood Communities.
Parish Nurse . This suggestion was thought to be inappropriate both on a cost basis (insurance etc) and because of potential clashes with existing ACT Health arrangements.
Seniors Sunday . It was agreed that the long and generous service of many Senior Citizens to St Johns Parish might be commemorated appropriately in Seniors Week each year.
Agenda Item 9 |
New business |
40th Anniversary of St Johns Parish . The PPC discussed how the parish might celebrate its 40 th Anniversary. The exact date of the first Mass was not available but was thought to be in February – Marian will check. It was agreed that commemorating the anniversary in that month might be problematical for various reasons:
Father Littleton could not be expected to have completed his book by that date:
There is no full PPC meeting planned until February so arranging events for that date would be difficult as many members would be taking summer breaks;
Arranging liturgy and hymns and practicing would be difficult in the time for the same reason;
Father McCormick would hardly have settled into the parish and his wishes need to be taken into account;
The new PPC would only just have met and could not be expected to agree and arrange the commemoration in the time available.
It was agreed provisionally that while the 40 th Anniversary might be commemorated in Compact and other media throughout 2012, the Feast of the Sacred Heart would be an appropriate date for formal commemoration. As part of the celebrations, Father Littleton's book could be launched with a social event – perhaps a Cocktail Party. Sue suggested that there might be a grant available to help with publishing costs under the heading of ‘Recording Community Life'. She will investigate. Therese suggested that the parish investigate the possibility of digital publishing as the use of Ebooks is becoming more popular – particularly with older parishioners.
PPC Nominations . Marian advised that four nominations had been received for membership of the PPC for 2012/13. These are:
Peter Igoe-Taylor
Margaret Sheehan
Luan Nguyen
Eman Basheer
As the number of nominations equals the number of vacancies, it was agreed no election is needed.
2012 MSC Parishes Conference . Marian advised that any parishioner could attend the conference but in the past the parish had only funded the travel of two or three parishioners. It was agreed that this would be appropriate as long as the budget will allow for such costs.
The theme of the Conference will be ‘Spirituality of the Heart', which fits nicely with the proposed revival of Spirituality of the Heart discussions in St Johns Parish.
December Meeting . It was agreed that in line with previous practice this will be a Dinner Meeting with members paying $10.00 to Marian either before the meeting or on the night. New members are entertained free of charge. Members were reminded that it is customary to elect the new Chair of the PPC at this meeting and that, as both John and Mike are retiring, it will also be necessary to elect a Deputy Chair. Accordingly the meeting will begin at 7.00 pm to allow the election and any urgent business to be completed in time to sit down at 7.30 pm.
Following Meetings . As is customary, there will be no meeting in January 2012 and the first meeting in 2012 will be on Thursday 9 February. It was suggested that this might begin at 6.00 pm with a BBQ to welcome Father McCormick.
The Meeting closed with a final prayer at 9:30 pm.
Next meeting: Thursday 8 December 2011 at 7.00 pm
|
Present : John Drury, (Chair), Fr. Paul Browne MSC, Deacon Salfinus Buarlele MSC, Helen Day, Helen Druett, Marian England, Sue Farnham, Tom Halloran, Irene Higgins, Rebecca Jeffreys, Ted Kell, Therese Kercher, Mike Kiley, Sharon Loiterton, Kevin McMahon, Sabina Van Rooy.
Joe Barr (minutes).
| Agenda Item 1 |
Opening and Welcome |
John Drury opened the meeting at 7.30pm and welcomed everyone. He particularly welcomed Deacon Alfin (Salfinus) who is attached to St John's Parish for twelve months.
Apologies: Josette Allester, Sally Cox, Toni Cox, Helen Currie, Keiren McLeonard,
| Agenda Item 3 |
Opening Prayer |
Prayer was led by Joe Barr
Next meeting: Helen Druett
| Agenda Item 4 |
Minutes of the Previous Meeting |
• Acceptance of Minutes
The Minutes of the September 2011 meeting were accepted with one amendment. Ted Kell is not due to leave the PPC at the end of 2011 and his name is to be deleted from the list in Agenda Item 10 of the September Minutes.
Proposed: Sharon Loiterton. Seconded: Kevin McMahon
• Business arising from the minutes
New Ideas . Discussion of the ‘New Ideas' List continued from the September meeting.
Children's' Participation in the Liturgy . Rebecca Jeffries offered to seek volunteers from children at St John's School to participate in the liturgy and to prepare them during recess and lunch times with a view to arranging at least part-participation in November. Her offer was enthusiastically accepted by the PPC. Sabina Van Rooy raised the question of participation of children from the School of Religion who do not attend St John's School. After discussion that included the possibility of joint participation or alternate weeks of participation, it was agreed that Rebecca would liaise with the School of Religion. Tom Halloran raised the subject of the role of the Liturgy Committee and undertook to discuss the subject at its forthcoming meeting.
Singing the Children out to their Liturgy . The Chair advised that the suggested hymn “Children Got Hear God's Word” by Carey Landry and Carol Jean Kinghorn can be heard on the web at http://www.ocp.org/compositions/11365 . There was discussion of the need for such a hymn and the matter was referred to the Liturgy Committee for its views.
Married Deacons . The Chair has spoken to Mgr John Woods about Archdiocesan policy and practice with regard to deacons. Mgr Woods has offered to provide a briefing if required. Father Paul said that appointing married deacons to St John's Parish would be difficult as St Johns is an MSC parish and there are no married MSC deacons. All MSC deacons are religious and have taken vows. Archdiocesan deacons are under the control of the Archbishop and allocated duties by him as he sees fit rather than to permanent archdiocesan parishes or duties. It is unlikely that an allocation would be made to the one MSC parish in the Archdiocese. It was agreed that the Chair would obtain a copy of the Archdiocesan policy and draft a letter to those proponents of the ordination of married deacons explaining the difficulties and attaching the policy. John will bring the draft to the November meeting.
Mission Statement . It was agreed that the first paragraph of the PPC Mission Statement is actually the Mission Statement of the Parish and this should be promulgated in a ‘Did You Know' item in the Compact with an extract appearing regularly in the Compact heading.
Renewal of the Spirituality of the Heart . The PPC noted that there had been no follow-up to previous ‘Spirituality of the Heart' sessions in the parish. It was agreed to go back to those recommending such follow-up seeking their ideas and asking them to form a committee to implement these ideas.
Understanding of Roles and Responsibilities with regard to the Liturgy . It was agreed that the Roles and Responsibilities in the Parish with regard to the Liturgy are:
• Policy: Parish Pastoral Council
• Planning: Liturgy Committee
• Implementation: Ministers, Choirs, Youth Groups and others as appropriate.
John Drury, Tom Halloran and Marian England will prepare an appropriate paper for presentation to the Parish.
Census of Formal Religious Training and Community Experience . After discussion about the value of such a census it was agreed that it is not necessary at this time.
Music Ministry . It was agreed to defer any discussions about the Music Ministry until the new parish priest arrives, since he has a particular interest in the subject.
Sacramental Program . The Sacramental Program currently prepares children for the Sacraments of Eucharist, Reconciliation and Confirmation. It was agreed that it had been considerably revised in recent times and should be left ‘as is' for the moment. The Parish has a discrete Baptismal Preparation Team and liaison between the Sacramental Program and this Team might be useful for the education of children. It was pointed out that the Archdiocesan Marriage Preparation program is used by some couples while others receive preparation from the parish priest.
The Aged and Ageing . A number of subjects were discussed under this heading.
• Seating outside the Church : It was agreed to ask Bert Broekhuyse to explore the possibility of constructing a seat outside the Church door for people waiting for transport. It should have arms or a grab rail. Sue Farnham agreed to approach Mobility Matters to ask it to advise the parish on access and other relevant matters.
• Hearing Loop : The need to extend Hearing Loop coverage in the church was agreed and it seems that this may be relatively easy to arrange if volunteers can lift and replace appropriate carpet tiles. A grant for such an extension may be available under current government programs. Sue Farnham agreed to explore this and draft a submission.
• Transport to Mass : This is currently handled informally but if parishioners seek assistance from the Parish Office, Neighbourhood Community Leaders are asked to seek volunteers to assist. It was suggested that the Time and Talent survey might usefully ask for people willing to assist.
• Communion for those who cannot walk to the front of the Church : In response to reported failures to give Communion to people who cannot walk to the front of the Church, Acolytes and Senior Servers pointed out that it was often difficult to identify such people both before and during Mass. It was suggested that they or their carers should be encouraged to identify themselves to ministers before Mass and to point out where they plan to sit.
• Wheelchair Seating : It was suggested that the first row of the triangular seating block next to the wooden pews should be established and labelled as a row for wheelchairs with appropriate spaces left free and a sign erected. These arrangements will be tried in the near future.
Children's Liturgy : This was discussed earlier and at the last meeting.
Because of time constraints, discussion of further suggestions was deferred until future meetings.
| Agenda Item 5 |
Correspondence |
• Out Nil
• In Nil
| Agenda Item 6 |
Spiritual Development Discussion |
In view of the length of the meeting, there was no Spiritual Development Discussion.
| Agenda Item 7 |
Matters arising from reports submitted |
No written reports had been received but verbal reports highlighted the following points:
Liturgy Committee : The need for three new microphones costing $800 has been identified and submitted to the Finance Council for approval. During Advent Masses, prayerful reflections will be substituted for the Reflection Hymn. The Apostles Creed will replace the Nicene Creed at Masses for the next few weeks.
Finance Council : Income is matching the budget at present. Permanent scaffolding has been bought to facilitate work on the higher levels of the church. The proposed budget for 2012 will be submitted to the next Finance Council meeting. The Chair reported on a discussion with the Archdiocese about the use of contributions from parishes. It was agreed that the Archdiocese will respond to requests from parishes for information and will provide an annual statement of income and expenditure.
Social Justice Committee : A discussion on the Bishops' Conference 2011 Social Justice Statement will be held in the Parish Library on Sunday 23 October. There will also be a leaving collection for African Famine Relief at Masses over the weekend 22/23 October.
| Agenda Item 8 |
Ongoing projects |
Regional Pastoral Council Dinner . This takes place on 26 October at St Francis Xavier College. Cost is $30 per head. Unfortunately this is the same day as the Second Rite of Reconciliation. Three PPC members asked to attend the dinner.
| Agenda Item 9 |
New business |
Archdiocesan Assembly . This will take place on Saturday 12 November at the Rheinburger Centre. Details can be found on the Web at http://www.cgassembly.org.au/ . Parishioners will be invited to tell the Parish Office if they are interested in attending.
Father Jim Littleton MSC – Offer to write a History of St John's Parish . Father Jim Littleton, who is retired at Daramalan College and has written a number of books, has offered to write a history of St John's Parish in time for the 40 th Anniversary of the Parish. The book would be for sale but the Parish has been asked to underwrite the cost of printing. The PPC welcomed the offer, subject to Finance Council approval.
New Parish Priest . Father Paul advised the PPC that he has been appointed the new Novice Director at Douglas Park. Father Gerard McCormick MSC, who is currently Parish Priest of Camp Hill Parish in Brisbane, has been appointed as Parish Priest of St John's. Father McCormick is expected to arrive at St John's in December. Father Paul is to leave at the end of October and have some leave to spend time with his elderly mother before taking up his new appointment. Arrangements are being made to cover the gap period. The PPC expressed its understanding of, and regret about, the early departure of Father Paul. He was assured of our grateful thanks for his time here and wished well in his new appointment.
The Meeting closed with a final prayer at 9:30 pm.
Next meeting: Thursday - 10 November 2011 - 7:30pm
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#8sep11
Present : John Drury, (Chair), Fr. Paul Browne msc, Josette Allester, Toni Cox, Helen Day, Helen Druett, Marian England, Tom Halloran, Irene Higgins, Mike Kiley, Sharon Loiterton, Kevin McMahon, Sabina Van Rooy. Joe Barr (minutes).
Agenda Item 1 |
Opening and Welcome |
John Drury opened the meeting at 7.30pm and welcomed everyone.
Apologies: Sally Cox, Helen Currie, Sue Farnham, Rebecca Jeffreys, Ted Kell, Therese Kercher, Keiren McLeonard,
Agenda Item 3 |
Opening Prayer |
Prayer was led by Marian England
Next meeting: Joe Barr
Agenda item 4 |
Refugee Resettlement Committee Address |
Peter Peterson, Chair of the Refugee Resettlement Committee, addressed the PPC on the aims and activities of the Refugee Resettlement Committee(RRC). He said that the RRC is believed to be the last of the many committees established in the 1970s to welcome Vietnamese refugees to Australia. Although it is a St John's committee, membership stretches to include members from other parishes and other denominations although its activities deal with refugees who live in North Canberra. At present there is no counterpart group dealing with refugees living in South Canberra. Peter stressed that the activities of the RRC have changed over the years and that recently it has been heavily involved in supporting refugee families that are settled here. The emphasis now needs to change with the influx of refugees, and particularly young unaccompanied refugees, arriving by boat and being placed in the Canberra community. Once again it will be necessary to provide community support for new arrivals with limited or no English language skills and no experience of the western way of life. The Australian Government provides limited support for the first twelve months after arrival (during which the refugees are not permitted to work or enjoy many of the privileges of the rest of the community) but then the refugees are left to their own devices. There is already pressure for the RRC to adopt new families and from various other organisations for members to become involved in new support activities.
Peter said that the RRC needs to grow and to attract new members with new energy and new skills. The Committee was grateful for recent support from St John's Parish, particularly for the proceeds of the bucket collection and the World Food Day, and for the opportunity to brief parishioners on RRC activities. As a result a number of parishioners had expressed interest in helping and these expressions of interest will be followed up in the near future.
John Drury thanked Peter and expressed the appreciation of the PPC. He confirmed that in no way was the RRC responsible to the Pastoral Council but invited Peter to advise the Council if there is any way in which it can help or support RRC activities.
Agenda item 5 |
Minutes of the Previous Meeting |
• Acceptance of Minutes
The Minutes of the August 2011 meeting were accepted without amendment.
Proposed: Sabina Van Rooy. Seconded: Kevin McMahon
• Business arising from the minutes
World Youth Day . Toni Cox said that Stephanie was not due home until the weekend. She was asked to request Stephanie and/or Belinda to give a short report to parishioners during the weekend 17/18 September. If this date is not acceptable, no other suitable dates are available until mid-October, by which time the impetus will have been lost.
Agenda Item 6 |
Correspondence |
• Out
• In Letter from the Australian Catholic Bishops' National Committee for Professional Standards re Child Protection Week. This is to be commemorated on the weekend 10/11 Sep with a note in Compact and relevant prayers of the Faithful.
Agenda Item 7 |
Spiritual Development Discussion |
In view of the amount of material to be discussed, there was no Spiritual Development Discussion.
Agenda Item 8 |
Matter arising from Reports submitted |
1. Adult Education Tom Halloran advised that he is still preparing his recent talks for inclusion on the parish web site.
2. Finance Council Josette reported that Planned Giving is slightly ahead of expectations and that Capital Expenditure is running behind due to delays in work on the toilets. It is intended to report to parishioners in February. She also agreed to share the Financial Spreadsheet with the PPC to promote clearer understanding of the financial situation.
3. Liturgy Committee Written report attached.
4. School of Religion Sabina reported that there had been good attendance at the evening meetings for parents of children making their First Reconciliation. Father Paul advised that the children will have the opportunity to make their First Reconciliation according to either the First or Second Rite.
5. Social Justice Next meeting is on 11 September
6. Regional Pastoral Council The annual dinner of the Belconnen/Gungahlin Pastoral Council will be held at St Francis Xavier College on Wednesday 26 October at 6.00 pm for 6.30. Sabina asked that those wishing to attend advise Marian before 18 October. Cost will be $30 per head.
7. Social Life of the Parish Toni Cox reported that the World Food Day was very successful with some $1,300 profit being passed to the RRC. Lessons had been learned and there had been offers from Sri Lankans and others to provide stalls in 2012. It is also hoped to have musical entertainment and children's activities next year. The next activity will be a pot-luck dinner on the last Friday in November at which Deacon Alfin will be formally welcomed.
8. St John the Apostle Primary School Written Report Attached
9. Youth Nothing to report from Xtreme. Belinda has returned from World Youth Day and Stephanie will return this weekend.
Agenda Item 9 |
Ongoing projects |
New Ideas . Marian presented a list of “New Ideas” summarising suggestions of points requiring attention that had been offered by parishioners and PPC members. These will be discussed over forthcoming meetings. The first subjects discussed at this meeting were:
• Participation of Younger Parishioners in Masses . It was agreed that there is a need to have greater involvement of young parishioners in at the 10.00 am Mass on the third Sunday of the month when the Children's Choir sings. Hopefully this will become a Children's Mass at which there will be greater involvement of suitable young people in the liturgy. Such ministries as Welcoming, the Offertory Procession, Prayers of the Faithful and Reading could all be done by trained young people. It was agreed that an organiser would be needed and suitable candidates will be approached. Tom was asked to take the concept to the Liturgy Committee. As a first step, it was suggested that we adopt the practice used in some other parishes of a special song/hymn be sung as the children depart for the Children's Liturgy and when they return each Sunday.
• Socialisation . It was agreed that the current social activities are stretching available volunteers to the limit but that better publicity of activities is needed ( see below ). It was agreed that there was no need to increase the number of pot-luck dinners.
• Communication . It was agreed that more use should be made of Compact to tell parishioners about the activities and groups available in the parish. Short paragraphs, perhaps with the title “Did You Know?” might be used as a first step.
• Art and Craft Exhibition . A parish Art and Craft exhibition had been suggested and this idea will be explored with a target date of November 2012. Early publicity would be required to enable people to prepare exhibits in time.
• Wall of Remembrance . After discussion revealed differing views about this project, it was agreed that it is not a priority and requires further consideration. A project leader is required if the concept is to be progressed.
Discussion of further points was deferred until the next meeting.
Agenda Item 10 |
New business |
Prayer for Vocations. The Catholic Women's League has undertaken to organise a Prayer for Vocations at each Mass between 26 September and 1 October.
Election of New Members to the PPC . Nominations for new members to join the PPC in 2012 will be invited in October. The following members are due to be relieved and are eligible to renominate: John Drury, Mike Kiley, Ted Kell, Sharon Loiterton, Kevin McMahon
RCIA . Father Paul advised that three RCIA candidates are expected at the information night on 12 September.
The Meeting closed with a final prayer at 9:55 pm.
Next meeting: Thursday - 13 October 2011 - 7:30pm
TO DO LIST
TASK |
PERSON RESPONSIBLE |
Study and consider the “New Ideas' list before the next meeting |
All |
Written Reports tabled at the September meeting.
Liturgy Committee report to PPC meeting of September 2011
The Committee met on 25 August 2011 with five members in attendance and addressed the following:
1. Ambo: To facilitate a proper use of the ambo for proclaiming the Word, another lectern and perhaps mike is needed. Consequently, it would be important to know "in advance" when there will be "speakers" at Masses so that appropriate preparation can be made.
2. New Translation: General response to the use of the PowerPoint to "prompt" the congregation in using the new translation is good,
3. PowerPoint issues: In context of using PowerPoint two issues have arisen:
• Structural: Need for the blinds in the corner of the church behind the organ to be replaced as there is a glare and it is difficult for PowerPoint operators and pianist to see screen of laptop.
• Technical: Verdana 40 bold is good seems to be the best font to be used for PowerPoint presentation as it is clear font. Choice of background should ensure that slide can easily be read.
Next meeting of Committee is September 22nd
Tom Halloran
Representative (pro temp) for Liturgy Committee
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Present : John Drury, (Chair), Fr. Paul Browne msc, Helen Currie, Marian England,
Tom Halloran, Rebecca Jeffreys, Ted Kell, Therese Kercher, Mike Kiley,
Keiren McLeonard, Kevin McMahon, Sabina Van Rooy.
Agenda Item 1 |
Opening and Welcome |
John Drury opened the meeting at 7.35pm and welcomed everyone.
Apologies: Josette Allester, Toni Cox, Sally Cox, Helen Day, Helen Druett, Sue Farnham,
Sharon Loiterton, Joe Barr.
Agenda Item 3 |
Opening Prayer |
Prayer was led by Keiren McLeonard
Next meeting:
Agenda item 4 |
Minutes of the Previous Meeting |
• Acceptance of Minutes
The Minutes of the July 2011 meeting were accepted unchanged.
Proposed: Sabina Van Rooy. Seconded: Mike Kiley.
• Business arising from the minutes
The Sacrament of Confirmation . Paul reported that two families had returned the survey regarding the Sacrament of Confirmation. It was decided at the Sacramental Team meeting that in 2012 the Sacrament of Confirmation will be held in the parish and not at the Cathedral.
Agenda Item 5 |
Correspondence |
• Out Judy Kenny – Re submission document
• In Nil
Agenda Item 6 |
Spiritual Development Discussion |
The article titled Conservatives and Liberals – We need both by Ronald Rolheiser resulted in a healthy discussion.
Agenda Item 7 |
Matter arising from Reports submitted |
1. Adult Education Tom reported that the numbers for all three presentation afternoons were consistent. He has received some request for the talks to be written up and presented on the parish web site.
2. Finance Council The next meeting of the Finance Council is 1 September 2011. Josette will report to the PPC at the September
3. Liturgy Committee Liturgy Committee is interested in feedback regarding the effectiveness of the PowerPoint on the changes to the Mass Liturgy. It was generally thought that the introduction to the changes had gone smoothly.
4. School of Religion Attached
5. Social Justice Attached
6. Regional Pastoral Council The annual dinner of the Belconnen/Gungahlin Pastoral Council will be held at St Francis Xavier College on Wednesday 26 October.
7. Social Life of the parish no report
8. St John the Apostle Primary School Attached
9. Youth Two of our youth Stephanie Cox and Belinda Milne are currently at World Youth Day in Madrid. They will be invited to give a report to the parish of their experiences on their return.
Agenda Item 8 |
Ongoing projects |
• New Ideas . Ordained Deacons: John Drury will investigate the issue of permanent Deacons and how this is implemented in the Archdiocese.
Vocations: There is a need for a renewed focus on vocations. Not in the area of symbols of piety but in structures and what can be done at the parish level.
Review of Sacramental life: There is a need to see sacraments as a whole unit rather than segmented.
Communication: Communication can always be improved. There is a need to look at different means of communication.
Web Site: As a means of communication the website is a valuable tool that is underutilised and needs updating.
• International Food Day. Toni has asked for volunteers to help set up on the morning of Sunday 21 August.
Refugee & Migrant Sunday The Refugee Resettlement Committee will have a leaving collection at all the masses on Sunday 28 August. This collection will assist the work of the committee.
Agenda Item 9 |
New business |
Refugee Resettlement Committee
Fr Paul had received an email from the president of the RRC noting the following points.
1. A member from the RRC will speak at each mass on the weekend of 27/28 August.
2. Would the PPC please note that Peter Peterson is the new president of the RRC.
3. Bev Purnell has retired after 30 years on the RRC and could the PPC think of a fitting way to acknowledge Bev's contribution.
4. Peter would like to address the PPC at its September meeting.
The Council agreed that Bev would be honoured at the 10:00am mass on Sunday 28 August and his contribution recognised with a thank you at the Coffee Club that same morning. Toni Cox will organise a thank you cake. The Council is happy for Peter Peterson to address it at its September meeting. Marian will contact him to arrange it.
The Meeting closed with a final prayer at 9:55 pm.
Next meeting: Thursday - 8 September 2011 - 7:30pm
TO DO LIST
TASK |
PERSON RESPONSIBLE |
Contact Peter Peterson [Refugee Resettlement Committee] |
Marian |
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Present : John Drury, (Chair), Fr. Paul Browne msc, Josette Allester, Helen Day, Helen Druett,
Marian England, Rebecca Jeffreys, Ted Kell, Therese Kercher, Mike Kiley, Keiren McLeonard,
Sharon Loiterton, Kevin McMahon, Matthew Toohey, Sabina Van Rooy. Joe Barr,
Agenda Item 1 |
Opening and Welcome |
John Drury opened the meeting at 7.40pm. Before the meeting there was a small celebration of Father Paul's Birthday (the next day).
Apologies: Toni Cox, Sally Cox, Helen Currie, Sue Farnham, Irene Higgins.
Agenda Item 3 |
Opening Prayer |
Prayer was led by Marian England
Next meeting: Keiren McLeonard (who asked that members bring a small object they use in support when praying)
Agenda item 4 |
Minutes of the Previous Meeting |
• Acceptance of Minutes
The Minutes of the June 2011 meeting were accepted unchanged.
Proposed: Keiren McLeonard. Seconded: Mike Kiley.
• Business arising from the minutes
The Sacrament of Confirmation . Paul reported that two families had returned the survey regarding the Sacrament of Confirmation. Both these families stated that they would prefer the Sacrament being celebrated in the parish rather than at the Cathedral as has been the practice for the last three years. A discussion ensured and Paul said that he would take the item to the next Sacramental Team meeting. The Council agreed that the issue could be decided by the Sacramental team and Paul will report back their decision at the next PPC meeting.
Agenda Item 5 |
Correspondence |
• Out Judy Kenny – Re submission document
• In Nil
Agenda Item 6 |
Spiritual Development Discussion |
The article titled Conservatives and Liberals – We need Both by Ronald Rolheiser resulted in a healthy discussion.
Agenda Item 7 |
Matter arising from Reports submitted |
1. Adult Education Tom reported that the numbers for all three presentation afternoons were consistent. He has received some request for the talks to be written up and presented on the parish web site.
2. Finance Council The next meeting of the Finance Council is 1 September 2011. Josette will report to the PPC at the September
3. Liturgy Committee Liturgy Committee is interested in feedback regarding the effectiveness of the PowerPoint on the changes to the Mass Liturgy. It was generally thought that the introduction to the changes had gone smoothly.
4. School of Religion Attached
5. Social Justice Attached
6. Regional Pastoral Council The annual dinner of the Belconnen/Gungahlin Pastoral Council will be held at St Francis Xavier College on Wednesday 26 October.
7. Social Life of the parish no report
8. St John the Apostle Primary School Attached
9. Youth Two of our youth Stephanie Cox and Belinda Milne are currently at World Youth Day in Madrid. They will be invited to give a report to the parish of their experiences on their return.
Agenda Item 8 |
Ongoing projects |
New Ideas . Ordained Deacons: John Drury will investigate the idea of having a permanent Deacon assigned to the parish and how this is implemented in the Archdiocese.
Vocations: There is a need for a renewed focus on vocations. Not in the area of symbols of piety but in structures and what can be done at the parish level.
Review of Sacramental life: There is a need to see sacraments as a whole unit rather than segmented.
Communication: Communication can always be improved. There is a need to look at different means of communication.
Web Site: As a means of communication the website is a valuable tool that is underutilised and needs updating.
International Food Day. Toni has asked for volunteers to help set up on the morning of Sunday 21 August.
Refugee & Migrant Sunday The Refugee Resettlement Committee will have a leaving collection at all the masses on Sunday 28 August. This collection will assist the work of the committee.
Agenda Item 9 |
New business |
The Meeting closed with a final prayer at 9:55 pm.
Next meeting: Thursday 11 August 2011
TO DO LIST
TASK |
PERSON RESPONSIBLE |
Objects to support prayer at next meeting |
All |
Interim response to the ‘Women Elders' |
John Drury |
Volunteers to set up International Food Day |
As available (names to Toni) |
Examination of Women Elders Submission |
All |
New Ideas Sheets to Marian |
Any outstanding |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Present: John Drury, (Chair), Fr. Paul Browne msc, Josette Allester, Toni Cox, Sally Cox, Helen Currie, Helen Druett, Marian England, Sue Farnham, Irene Higgins, Ted Kell, Therese Kercher, Mike Kiley, Keiren McLeonard, Sharon Loiterton, Kevin McMahon, Matthew Toohey, Sabina Van Rooy.
Agenda Item 1 |
Opening and Welcome |
John Drury opened the meeting at 8:00pm. Preceding the meeting was a pot luck dinner which gave members of the Council an opportunity to get to know each other a little better in a relaxed environment.
Apologies: Joe Barr, Helen Day, Rebecca Jeffreys.
Agenda Item 3 |
Opening Prayer |
Prayer was led by Paul Browne
Next meeting: Marian England
Agenda item 4 |
Minutes of the Previous Meeting |
• Acceptance of Minutes
The Minutes of the May 2011 meeting were accepted unchanged.
Proposed: Kevin McMahon. Seconded: Sue Farnham.
• Business arising from the minutes
There has been a change to the Adult Ed afternoons being presented by Tom Halloran during July. The dates are 10, 24, & 31 July, not the 17 July as previously advised. The 17 July is a book club afternoon and members of the book club want to attend the presentations.
Agenda Item 5 |
Correspondence |
• Out Nil.
• In Submission from a group of women regarding their hopes and dreams for the parish. This will be submitted for discussion at future meetings.
Agenda Item 6 |
Spiritual Development Discussion |
Due to the dinner preceding the meeting there was no discussion topic this month.
Agenda Item 7 |
Matter arising from Reports submitted |
Adult Education As noted in item 4b Tom will present talks on the Eucharist during July
Finance Council The next meeting of the Finance Council is set down for 6 th July. Josette will give a more detailed report after that meeting. Marian and Josette will meet to discuss the planned giving and Josette's proposed talk to the Parish on the weekend of 18/19 June.
Liturgy Committee See Attachment A
School of Religion
Social Justice sixteen people attended the Walk and Talk Sunday on the 15 May. It is planned to hold another one in the warmer weather – probably spring. Social Life of the parish
a. Fr Michael's 50 th anniversary of Ordination will be celebrated on Friday 17 June with mass at 6:00pm followed by dinner at West Belconnen Leagues Club. Over three hundred tickets have been sold for the dinner.
b. Fr. John's farewell will be at the 10:00am mass 26 June followed by a soup lunch in the parish centre.
c. Feast of the Sacred Heart will be celebrated on 1 July at 6:30pm mass followed by St John's Got Talent and supper.
d. International Food day will be celebrated on Refugee & Migrant Sunday21 August 2011.
e. There are plans for a pot luck dinner in November.
St John the Apostle Primary School
Youth Xtreme is going well – 12 attended last week.
Agenda Item 8 |
Ongoing projects |
Prayer Groups Sub Committee - No developments at this stage.
Agenda Item 9 |
New business |
• Farewell gift for John: There will be a leaving collection the weekend of 18/19 June.
• Submission from elders: Paul Browne spoke briefly about the submission mentioned a Item 5b.
• Implementation of new translation: Implementation of the new missal is set down for the 17th July. The need to get the colours of the powerpoint presentation right so that everyone can read it was stressed.
4. New Ideas: One member of the Council submitted their new ideas sheet. Marian will circulate the form again before the next meeting.
5. Matthew Toohey: Thank you tributes to Matthew on this the occasion of his
last meeting were given by John, Toni, Marian, Irene and Paul. Matthew's contribution to the life of the parish has been enormous and will be sorely missed. “Go with our prayers and earnest goodwill”.
The Meeting closed with a final prayer at 9:20 pm.
Next meeting: Thursday 14 July 2011
ATTACHMENT A
Liturgy Committee report to PPC meeting of June 2011
The Committee met on 26 May and addressed the following:
• Pentecost Liturgies
• Red banners to be placed in church on evening of 8 June
• Lighting of pot of fire during the first reading from Acts to symbolise the tongues of flame
• Congregation to be invited to recite Lord's Prayer in their first language
• Fr Michael Fallon's Eucharistic Celebration on 17 June
• Ministers have been nominated and contacted
• Implementing the new missal
• Will begin on 17 th July
• Will be incremental (timing as per a spreadsheet which is being developed)
• Will utilise PowerPoint presentations in preference to pew cards which could distract
• New Music (starting with Mass of St. Francis) will be introduced before Liturgy
• Music will be used for one month before any new music is introduced
• Music
• Although the St Francis Mass melody is available free on-line, copies of the music will need to be purchased
• Procession of the Gifts
• Issue: the flow of the Liturgy is sometimes disrupted by the length of time which it takes to assemble the people and their respective items for the procession.
• Resolution: inform acolytes of the issue and give some direction for resolving the issue.
• ¡Bien hecho Matthew Toohey!
• After dedicated representation of the Liturgy Committee to the Parish Pastoral Council for a long time, Matthew will be stepping down as our rep
• Tom Halloran will report to the PPC at least by written report until such time as the full committee is convened and a new representative emerges.
Tom Halloran
Representative ( pro temp ) for Liturgy Committee |
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF ST JOHN ' S CHURCH, KIPPAX
• PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
• 12 May 2011.
Present: John Drury, (Chair), Fr. Paul Browne msc,, Sally Cox, Helen Druett, Marian England,
Sue Farnham, Irene Higgins, Rebecca Jeffreys, Keiren McLeonard, Kevin McMahon, Matthew Toohey, Sabina Van Rooy, Joe Barr (minutes).
Agenda Item 1 |
Opening and Welcome |
John Drury opened the meeting with a welcome to all.
Apologies: Josette Allester Toni Cox, Helen Currie, Helen Day, Ted Kell, Therese Kercher, Mike Kiley, Sharon Loiterton,
Agenda Item 3 |
Opening Prayer |
Prayer was led by Helen Druett
Next meeting: Helen Day (with Kieren McLeonard as reserve)
Agenda item 4 |
Minutes of the Previous Meeting |
• Acceptance of Minutes
The Minutes of the May 2011 meeting were accepted unchanged.
Proposed: Kevin McMahon. Seconded: Sabina Van Rooy.
• Business arising from the minutes
• NAIDOC Week . This commences Sunday 3 July. Marian England advised that a kit of useful material is usually sent before the week. It was agreed that Prayers of the Faithful for that Sunday should include appropriate petitions. The Acknowledgement of Country will be recognised at the beginning of each mass that weekend.
• WYD - Fundraising . Sally Cox advised that two young parishioners, Belinda Milne and Stephanie Cox, planned to attend World Youth Day in Spain. Fundraising activities would include a cake stall after 10.00 am Mass on Sunday 15 May followed by a Sausage Sizzle on another week and a later Trivia Night
• 18-40 year-old Pot Luck Dinner . Sally Cox advised, on behalf of Toni Cox, that this is a long=term idea and may be combined with another activity such as the Trivia Night.
Agenda Item 5 |
Correspondence |
• Out Nil.
• In Nil.
Agenda Item 6 |
Spiritual Development Discussion |
Article: “ Self-confessed sinners ” by Father Herbert McCabe; The Tablet 5 March 2011.
The Council had a relatively deep discussion of this article in which the general view was that it changed and enlightened members ' views of forgiveness and reconciliation. The subject appeared to be a suitable subject for future discussion in the Adult Education program.
Next month : Another article will be selected and circulated before the next meeting.
Agenda Item 7 |
Matter arising from Reports submitted |
• Adult Education. Tom Halloran attendee the meeting and placed before the Council his report, which included a suggestion for a series of lectures followed by discussion on the history and development of the Eucharist. It was agreed that the new Translation of the Mass was an ideal time to discuss this subject and the Council supported his concept of three sessions on Sunday afternoons in July. It was suggested that the program should be introduced in a flyer, perhaps enclosed with ‘ Compact ' and that titles of the sessions should not be too intimidating to the ordinary parishioner . Sabina Van Rooy offered the services of the Social Justice Group to provide afternoon tea on completion.
• Liturgy Committee. The report by Matthew Toohey was welcomed. Those who attended the session on Mass Settings for the New Translation on 1 May reported that it was well attended and very well received. It was suggested that a further session would be useful.
There was discussion of ways of introducing the new liturgy to St Johns, John Drury reported on a disappointing experience in another parish in which pew cards were very short and the Celebrant appeared ill-prepared. Kieren McLeonard mentioned that St Mary ' s Cathedral in Sydney was already using the New Translation successfully while Sabina Van Rooy had attended a parish in which the translation was being introduced gradually, three parts at a time, via the parish bulletin. It was generally agree that use of the overhead projector would be vital to encourage parishioner participation. Father Paul said that preparation by priests is vital but difficult and confirmed the need for solo practice sessions to make the new text flow more smoothly.
• Parish School of Religion. Sabina Van Rooy advised that 3 children are being prepared for confirmation which will take place at the Cathedral on 14 June. The program for First Communion candidates used in 2010 was well-received and will be followed this year. There will be evening meetings for parents on 13 May and 20 June at which the process of parents discerning when the children are ready to make their First Communion will be explained and guidance given.
• Youth. Sally Cox provided a report from Xtreme and was congratulated on successful recruiting that resulted in the group growing to 20 members.
• Social Life of the Parish . Sally Cox, on behalf of Toni Cox, advised that tickets for father Michael ' s Farewell will be on sale at all Masses from Sunday 15 May. So far more than 200 people had indicated their intention of attending.
Agenda Item 8 |
Ongoing projects |
No changes
Agenda Item 9 |
New business |
• New Ideas. Council members were provided with an ‘ Ideas Sheet ' on which to note their ideas for Pastoral Activities and the ideas they had received from parishioners. They were encouraged to bring these to the June meeting. Rebecca Jeffreys was concerned about her experience of a lack of response to parts of the Time and Talent survey. Marian England advised that names of interested people were passed on to appropriate representatives of the various organisations who were responsible for following up on them. In some areas, such as choirs and Family Groups, it might be difficult to meet aspirations with an appropriate response. It was agreed that there is a need to contact volunteers for some activities to clarify their aspirations and try to meet them.
ACTION:
Ideas Sheets: All.
Time and Talent Follow-Up: Parish Office
• Prayer Groups . There was discussion about the best way to encourage and organise participation in Prayer Groups. This led to a suggestion about of the use of alternative and modern technologies, such as the telephone and Email, to develop groups for people who found it difficult, perhaps because of physical or time constraints, to attend more traditional groups. A Sub-Committee consisting of Keiren McLeonard, Sue Farnham and Irene Higgins was asked to examine possible ideas and to report back to the next meeting. It was suggested that they might also discuss the subject with the Youth Group and Extreme.
ACTION Sub-Committee
The Meeting closed with a final prayer at 9:30 pm.
Next meeting: Thursday 9 June 2011 |
Minutes of the meeting of St John the Apostle
PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
Date: |
Thursday 14 April 2011 |
Chair: |
John Drury |
Minute Taker: |
Marian England |
Started: 7:35pm |
Finished: 10:15pm |
Present: |
Josette Allester, Fr. Paul Browne msc, Toni Cox, Helen Day, Helen Druett, John Drury (Chair),
Marian England, Ted Kell, Therese Kercher, Mike Kiley, Kevin McMahon, Matthew Toohey,
Sabina Van Rooy. |
Agenda Item 1 |
Opening and Welcome |
John opened the meeting with a welcome to all and thanked Mike and Josette for chairing the February and March meetings respectively.
Apologies: Joe Barr, Sally Cox, Helen Currie, Sue Farnham, Irene Higgins, Rebecca Jeffreys,
Sharon Loiterton, Keiren McLeonard.
Agenda Item 3 |
Opening Prayer |
Prayer was led by Matthew Toohey. Next month Helen Day.
Agenda item 4 |
Minutes of the Previous Meeting |
Acceptance of Minutes
The Minutes of the February 2011 meeting were accepted unchanged.
Proposed: Ted Kell. Seconded: Marian England.
Business arising from minutes
• Sacramental Program – Commitment Masses . The commitment masses will be held on 7 & 8 May and the 14 & 15 May. The children received a bookmark prayer card in their preparation packs and these they will hand out to parishioners at the commitment masses.
• Acknowledgement of Country .
Since last month's meeting, Fr Paul has consulted within the Archdiocese on this issue. His response
to his findings is in the letter below.
To the Parish Pastoral Council April 14 2011
In this letter I would like to explain my decision in regard to Acknowledgement of Country before the Sunday Eucharists in our parish of St John's. I think it is an excellent thing to acknowledge the indigenous people who once dwelt in our part of Canberra. We should look for special occasions to do this. However, in my judgment, it is not a good idea for it to be a feature of our regular Sunday Assemblies.
We gather as Catholics. Our perspective is a universal one. There will be special occasions in which we can acknowledge other cultures in our community but not as a regular part of our liturgy. It would be good to bring into focus different cultures through meaningful liturgies and not just as some sort of tokenism. For similar reasons, flags, whether Australian, Papal, or any other are not desirable in a church.
To check these thoughts Mons John Woods, the Vicar General who is, by profession, a liturgist, was also consulted. He is of the same opinion.
Finally, I would like to thank the Social Justice group for challenging us by bringing this issue to our attention. Much good discussion and raising of awareness has occurred. I hope the Social Justice group will continue to bring important matters to the attention of the Parish Pastoral Council.
Paul Browne msc Parish Priest
- NAIDOC week which commences 3 July is one occasion when it would be appropriate to acknowledge the first inhabitants of the land. It would be appropriate that there was a prayer petition in the Prayers of the Faithful for Sorry Day on 26 May. Marian will contact the appropriate prayer group.
No decision had been made regarding whether a plaque in recognition of the first inhabitants of the land would be installed.
A letter to the Social Justice Committee in response to their letter of 8 February 2011.
Agenda Item 5 |
Correspondence |
Out Nil
In 1. Karinya House asking for a donation of $5000.00.
It was agreed that we would have a leaving collection at the first opportune time and
send whatever was collected to Karinya. Marian will look at the calendar for the first
available date.
• Archdiocese of Canberra & Goulburn – 2011 National Church Life Survey. Marian will contact CatholicLife with a view to expressing our interest in taking part in the survey.
Agenda Item 6 |
Spiritual Development Discussion |
Article: The Future of the Parish – Australian Catholics Easter 2011 Pg. 17
There was a healthy discussion on this article. Some of the points to come from the discussion were:
• Lifestyle today affects the way we worship.
• Amalgamation of parishes.
• The growth of the Deaconate
• The different ways of belonging to the church today.
Next month: Another article will be selected and circulated before the next meeting.
Agenda Item 7 |
Matter arising from Reports submitted |
1. Finance Council . Josette Allester reported that income and expenditure were tracking well to the
budget.
2 . Social Program . Toni Cox advised that over two hundred parishioners had indicated that they were
interested in attending the dinner. On this occasion Michael wanted to celebrate with the parish so the event will not be advertised to the wider community.
3. Youth. See attached report.
4 . Liturgy Committee . Matthew Toohey advised that the Committee is busy working on the Easter
Liturgies. The Committee welcomed new members; Tom Halloran, Robert Day, Sarah Kiley and Catherine McFadyen. Their addition to the committee is very much appreciated.
Agenda Item 8 |
Ongoing projects |
See Attached report
Agenda Item 9 |
New business |
1. New Missal
Paul advised that the pew Sheets had arrived and that we will be looking to incorporate some adult education with the implementation of the new missal.
2. Request for financial support WYD
The Council agreed to contribute $1000.00 to Belinda Milne's expenses to attend WYD in Madrid in August this year. $500.00 of this donation has been made possible through the generous donation from a parishioner. It was also suggested that the parish hold fundraising events between now and August to assist both Belinda Milne and Stephanie Cox who are both attending WYD. Marian will mention this to Belinda.
3. Walk and Talk to unite the world - Sunday 15 May
This initiative was devised by Fr John Armstrong to help “create a world of hope”. The aim is to get people across the globe to walk and talk together. The goal is to have at least 250,000 people from around the world take part in Walk and Talk for one hour on 15 May. It is simply an opportunity for people to take time out to walk and share an aspect of their life with another person. The idea is to create a sacred space that will lead to something beautiful. As people walk they will know that somewhere out there, 125,000 other pairs of people are walking with them. Each pair is asked to come up with one concrete action that they will carry out to make a difference in the life of another person.
Parishioners will be invited to meet at the parish at 1:30pm then walk and talk around the suburb with someone they don't know and meet back at the parish at 2:30pm for afternoon tea.
4. Fr John's Farewell
Fr John's farewell will be celebrated at the 10:00am mass on Sunday 26 th June followed by a soup lunch in the parish centre.
5. Pot Luck dinner for 18-40 years
With a view to building a network between the 18-40 year olds in the parish there has been a suggestion to hold a pot luck dinner at which there would also be music. More details to follow.
Next meeting: Thursday 12 May 2011
|
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF ST JOHN 'S CHURCH, KIPPAX
PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
10 March 2011.
Present: Josette Allester (Chair), Fr. Paul Browne msc, Fr John Bosman msc, Toni Cox, Helen Day, Helen Druett, Marian England, Irene Higgins, Rebecca Jeffreys, Ted Kell, Sharon Loiterton, Matthew Toohey, Joe Barr.
Agenda Item 1 |
Opening and Welcome |
Josette Allister opened the meeting with a welcome to all.
Apologies: Helen Currie, John Drury, Sue Farnham, Therese Kercher, Mike Kiley, Keiren McLeonard, Kevin McMahon, Sabina Van Rooy,
Agenda Item 3 |
Opening Prayer |
Prayer was led by Father Paul Browne
Agenda item 4 |
Minutes of the Previous Meeting |
• Acceptance of Minutes
The Minutes of the February 2011 meeting were accepted unchanged.
Proposed: Sharon Loiterton. Seconded: Marian England.
• Business arising from minutes
• Lenten Prayer Groups . Helen Druett advised that four Lenten Prayer Groups had been formed and two existing Prayer Groups had also taken materials for the season. A number of individuals had bought the books for private study. Father Paul and Marian England advised that towards the end of Lent the formation of new ongoing prayer groups would be encouraged.
• Sacramental Program – Commitment Masses . The Sacramental Program is only just starting but it is intended to include commitment in the liturgies of appropriate Masses through the Year.
• Acknowledgement of Country . Members had studied the letter from the Social Justice Group received at the last meeting and there was lively discussion of the implications and practicalities of an acknowledgement. The differing views of parishioners were noted as were the various circumstances in which a ‘Welcome to Country' and an ‘Acknowledgement of Country' might be appropriate. There was concern that too frequent acknowledgements might become meaningless ritual. Father Paul is having ongoing discussions on the subject with other parishes and with the Archdiocese and it was agreed to continue the discussion at the next meeting when he could report on his findings.
Agenda Item 5 |
Correspondence |
• Out Marian England has sent an interim response to the Social Justice Group advising that the PPC wishes to have detailed discussions before making a formal response.
• In Nil.
Agenda Item 6 |
Spiritual Development Discussion |
The Committee discussed a previously circulated article from The Tablet by Peter McGrail entitled “Text and Context” on the subject of the changes to the Missal that will be introduced in 2011 as the Third Edition of the Roman Missal. There was lively discussion in which it became clear that many in the parish are not well prepared for the changes. Some may not even know that they are to occur. Matthew Toohey had attended an Archdiocesan workshop at which the timetable was introduced and new musical settings of parts of the Mass were introduced. In line with Archdiocesan plans, St John's choirs will start practicing new settings after Easter with the aim of introducing them after Pentecost. The new Mass will be used in the Archdiocese from the First Sunday of Advent but may be used earlier in the year. Although a full text is not yet available in Australia, details of the changes to be introduced in the USA can be found on the US Conference of Bishops website at www.usccb.org . There is also information on the changes, although not a text, on the website of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference at www.catholic.org.au (Click on “New Roman Missal”). Father Paul intends to write a column in Compact about the proposed changes.
Next month : Another article will be selected and circulated before the next meeting.
Agenda Item 7 |
Matter arising from Reports submitted |
• Finance Council. Josette Allester reported that the solar panels are commissioned and working. Details of savings will be made available in Compact. The Finance Council will meet again on 16 March.
• Social Program. Toni Cox advised that discussions with the Leagues Club had resulted in a quote of $30 for a two-course dinner being received. In view of his health, it is necessary to confirm with Father Michael the type of event he would like before a final decision is made. It was agreed that the Daramalan Community and other representatives of the MSC's should be invited.
• Youth. Toni Cox advised that four new members had joined the group which now has about 15 members. Students attending Daramalan College are to be invited to join. The Group has agreed to conduct the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday again this year.
• Liturgy Committee . Matthew Toohey advised that the Committee working on the Easter Liturgy and is examining the implications of introducing the New Roman Missal. He asked the PPC to encourage new members to join the Liturgy Committee as it is very small and some members had been serving for many years.
Agenda Item 8 |
Ongoing projects |
• Ministry Retreat Days . Mary French plans to hold an afternoon retreat and training session for Ministers of the Word on 27 March. A meeting is to be held shortly to plan a similar event for Eucharistic Ministers.
• Ongoing Support for RCIA and Catholics Returning Home Candidates . Father Paul advised that, with the RCIA leaders, he is planning two or three meetings after Pentecost at which the current and previous RCIA candidates can discuss their experience and ask questions about matters that puzzle them.
Agenda Item 9 |
New business |
• Security/Money. Marian England reported that there had been two break-ins at the bookstall and money had been taken. The cost of replacing locks had greatly exceeded the amount lost. No money is now being left in the shop and Acolytes and Senior Servers will now remove collection money from the altar as they leave the sanctuary and will lock it in the parish safe. As a parish we need to become more aware of security matters.
The Meeting closed with a final prayer at 9:15 pm.
Next meeting: Thursday 14 April 2011 |
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF ST JOHN 'S CHURCH, KIPPAX
PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
10 February 2011.
Present: Mike Kiley (Chair), Fr. Paul Browne msc, Fr John Bosman msc, Josette Allester, Toni Cox, Helen Day, Helen Druett, Marian England, Sue Farnham, Irene Higgins, Rebecca Jeffreys, Therese Kercher, Sharon Loiterton, Kevin McMahon, Matthew Toohey, Sabina Van Rooy, Joe Barr.
Agenda Item 1 |
Opening and Welcome |
Mike Kiley opened the meeting with a welcome to all and particularly to the new members.
Apologies: Helen Currie, John Drury, Ted Kell, Keiren McLeonard.
Agenda Item 3 |
Opening Prayer |
Prayer was led by Marian England
Agenda item 4 |
A New Pastoral Council |
Father Paul spoke on the expectations and role of the Parish Pastoral Council. He explained that Council members are the animators of the community who provide a listening ear that can recognise the gifts latent in the parishioners and encourage their use. In his view the Holy Spirit has called PPC members for a reason. It is not their job to do everything but to provide leadership within the Parish, identifying needs, both spiritual and temporal, and assisting with their realisation.
Agenda item 5 |
Minutes of the Previous Meeting |
• Acceptance of Minutes
The Minutes of the November 2010 meeting were accepted unchanged.
Proposed: Toni Cox; Seconded: Kevin McMahon.
• Business arising from minutes
• Prayer Support for children making Sacraments. Marian England explained that since the implementation of the home-based preparation for the Sacraments, a link between the Parish and children receiving Sacraments for the first time had been lost. It was proposed in late 2010 that this link should be renewed by encouraging prayer support. Children would be encouraged to invite individual parishioners to pray for and with them during their preparation period. The Sacramental Team was asked to explore ways of developing appropriate invitations and delivering them at Mass.
• Prayer Support for Year 12 Students. Matthew Toohey explained that this idea had been developed in other msc parishes in which Year 12 students received a box of materials that showed the support they would receive from the parish during the year. It was agreed that appropriate times for delivering such boxes would be before the students' Retreat and towards the end of the year. While this will be relatively easy for the students attending St Francis Xavier College, it was pointed out that we should also attempt to support parish students attending other colleges and independent schools. Matthew Toohey agreed to continue developing the boxes.
Agenda Item 5 |
Correspondence |
• Out None
• In From the Social Justice Group suggesting that St John's Parish acknowledge traditional ownership of country by a statement of acknowledgement at meetings and ceremonies as well as a plaque acknowledging country in the church foyer. There was a short discussion of the subject before agreement that Marion England would circulate the letter for discussion at the next PPC meeting.
Agenda Item 6 |
Spiritual Development Discussion |
The Committee discussed a previously circulated article from The Tablet by Sybil Lee entitled “Ripples in the Pond”. The article was felt to be very relevant to the recognition of talents that could benefit the parish as well as individuals. Particular note was taken of the quote from a meditation used by Cardinal Newman “God has created me to do him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which he has not committed to another”.
Next month : Another article will be selected and circulated before the next meeting.
Agenda Item 8 |
Matter arising from Reports submitted |
• Finance Council. Josette Allester reported that she is preparing a statement for presentation to parishioners at Masses on Sunday 13 February explaining the activities of the council in 2010, comparing income over the past three years and outlining budgetary plans for 2011. She reported that the parish debt had finally been paid off in December 2010 but explained that that this could not be an excuse for complacency as there is an urgent need for maintenance and development work to be done in the near future. Marian England reported that the solar panels had finally been commissioned and were operating after a number of installation and administrative delays. The first electricity bill that should show savings was expected daily.
• Social Program. Toni Cox reported that 92 people had attended the very enjoyable welcoming dinner for Father Paul. She was congratulated on its success. She also presented a draft program of events for 2011 (attached). The combined celebration of Fr Michael Fallon's 50 th Jubilee of Ordination and his farewell from the parish is planned for Friday 3 June. There was discussion of the best way to enable the greatest number of parishioners to join the celebrations. Options will be examined and discussed at the next meeting. No parish picnic is planned for 2011 but this will be replaced by a pre-Christmas Pot Luck Dinner as these are so popular. Consideration is being given to holding an early activity in 2012 that might also welcome the parents of children starting in kindergarten at St John's School .
• Youth. Toni Cox advised that students attending St Francis Xavier College are to be invited to join.
• Liturgy Committee . Matthew Toohey advised that the Committee has not yet held its first meeting of the year.
• Other Reports . Reports were tabled from the Refugee Resettlement Committee, Parish School of religion, Parish Sacramental Team, Social Justice Committee and Belconnen Regional Council.
Agenda Item 9 |
Ongoing projects |
• Commemorative Wall. For the benefit of new members, Marian England briefed members on the Commemorative Wall project. She mentioned that this has been taking a long time to reach fruition but that the gardens have been tidied behind the wall and theat the wall, after stabilisation, is to be painted. A folder on the project will be available for parishioners to view in the near future.
• General. Members were issued with a copy of the 2011 Parish Pastoral Council Booklet which includes a list of ongoing projects.
Agenda Item 10 |
New business |
• Lenten Prayer Groups. Marian England advised that Veronica Brennan who usually organises the groups will be going away this year. Helen Druett volunteered to take responsibility
• Belconnen Regional Council . Sabina Van Rooy asked for a volunteer to join her on the Belconnen Regional Council, whose first meeting for 2011 will take place on 24 February at St Matthews Parish, Page. Sue Farnham volunteered to join the council. After two years in the position, Sabina will be standing down from the chair of the Council at the next meeting.
The Meeting closed with a final prayer at 9:20 pm.
Next meeting: Thursday 10 March 2011
|
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF ST JOHN 'S CHURCH, KIPPAX
PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
11 November 2010.
Agenda Item 1 |
Opening and Welcome |
Thomas Halloran opened the meeting with a welcome to all members.
Present: Thomas Halloran, Fr. John Bosman, Josette Allester, Toni Cox, Sally Cox, John Drury, Marian England, Stephen Kiley, Kevin McMahon, Matthew Toohey, Joe Barr.
Apologies: Moira Sutch, Helen Currie, Mike Kiley, Sharon Loiterton, Meg Millband,
Peter Polkinghorne, Sabina Van Rooy.
Agenda Item 3 |
Opening Prayer |
Prayer was led by Stephen Kiley
Agenda item 4 |
Minutes of the Previous Meeting |
• Acceptance of Minutes
The Minutes of the October meeting were accepted unchanged.
Proposed: Kevin McMahon; Seconded: Marian England
• Business arising from minutes
• Parish Picnic. Toni Cox advised that the Kippax Oval has been booked for 21 November and the picnic will start after the 10.00 am Mass. The Youth Group will organise activities. It was agreed that a sausage sizzle will be provided as it is felt that parishioners do not mix as readily if they bring their own meals.
• Commemorative Wall. Marian England advised that the angled area for commemoration of children has been cleared and a boulder located to be placed in the area. St Joseph the Worker Group is cleaning the walls. The information file is still being developed and was made available in its current state for PPC members to examine. It is intended to make the file available to parishioners in January 2011 with the aim of opening the Commemorative Wall in February. It has been decided that the Parish will collect and pay GST in accordance with current regulations. The PPC agreed that it would be appropriate to make a small charge, in addition to the cost of plaques, to cover postage, telephone and other administrative costs.
• Regional Dinner. Moira Sutch was the only parishioner who attended the Regional Dinner. She has reported that the speaker was Bishop Pat Power who mentioned his visit to St John's Parish with representatives of the Australian Council of Churches.
• Solar Panels. The solar panels have been installed but there is a minor electrical problem that is causing the circuit breakers to trip. It is hoped that this will be rectified in the next few days. The Parish will be informed when the system is operating.
• Opening Spiel. Members reported that this is not always being used – particularly at the 8.30 Mass. This will be taken up by the Liturgy Committee.
Agenda Item 5 |
Correspondence |
• Out None
• In None
Agenda Item 6 |
Calendar Events |
November
11 PPC meeting 7:30pm
12 Guardians and Angels 10:30am
14 33rd Sunday in ordinary time
16 CWL meeting
21 Feast of Christ the King
[Parish Picnic after 10:00am mass]
21 Sunday Book Club 3:00pm
23 Women's breakfast club
24 Over 45's 11:00am
25 Liturgy meeting
26 Guardians and Angels 10:30am
28 1 st Sunday of Advent
[ St Vincent de Paul Christmas appeal]
29 Candle light adoration Advent 9:00pm
December
3 Stations of the Cross 5:30pm
4 Mass of Anointing 11:00am |
52nd Sunday of Advent
6 Candlelight Adoration Advent 9:00pm
8 Feast of the Immaculate Conception
9 PPC meeting 7:30pm
10 Guardians and Angels 10:30am
12 3rd Sunday of Advent
13 Candlelight Adoration Advent 9:00pm
15 2nd Rite of Reconciliation
19 4th Sunday of Advent
19 Sunday Book Club
20 Candlelight Adoration Advent 9:00pm
20 School Holidays commence
21 CWL meeting
25 Christmas Day [Saturday]
[Archbishop's Christmas appeal]
26 The Holy Family [feast]
27 Feast of St John the Apostle
28 Feast of The Holy Innocents |
Agenda Item 7 |
Spiritual Development Discussion |
Chapter 4 of ‘God of Surprises' was discussed. The concept of making time to pray and of the value of silence had particular impact on readers as had the emphasis on prayer as a two-way communication in which we had to leave space for God to speak to, and inspire, us.
Next month : “God of Surprises” Chapter 5
Agenda Item 8 |
Matter arising from Reports submitted |
• Finance Council. Josette Allester reported that the Finance Committee is very active at this time of the year. The Works Program is being finalised and the Parish Budget for 2011 is to be discussed at the next meeting on 2 December. Office staff salaries are also reviewed at this time of year. It is intended to provide regular notes in Compact to inform Parishioners about parish financial issues. Currently it appears that income is a little below expectations and expenditure is a little higher than budgeted but the figures are being reviewed. At present 305 people are committed to Planned Giving, of whom 54% use direct credit facilities.
• Catholics Returning Home. Two people have taken advantage of the program, which finishes on Tuesday 16 November. They seem to have appreciated the program, which has progressed well.
• RCIA. Two women have joined the program and are enthusiastic. At the last session, one brought three teenage children with her and this has changed the dynamic of the meetings. It remains to be seen whether this will continue. Second couple is still needed to run the program as are speakers to cover future session on Introduction to the Sacraments. PPC members are asked to identify and to recommend suitable parishioners.
• Adult Education. As Sabina Van Rooy has been sick, the projected session on Social Justice have been postponed. Adult Education will recommence in 2011. John Drury suggested that the writings of Pope Benedict would make a suitable subject for study as they are not enjoying much publicity despite their valuable content. Tom Halloran welcomed the suggestion.
• Youth. Sally Cox advised that an average of 12 young people between the ages of 14 and 18 are attending meetings.
• Liturgy Committee . Matthew Toohey advised that the Committee is planning the Advent program and will then do any necessary planning for Christmas. A Christmas Masses program has been circulated separately.
Agenda Item 9 |
On going projects |
• Prayer Support. Matthew Toohey advised that 140 Prayer Boxes have been prepared for senior students but had been completed too late for this year. They will be available for 2011
• PPC Elections. After the talks at Masses by members of the PPC, 8 nominations for 2011 were received from parishioners. This is a great improvement on previous years and an indication of the value of the talks. It was agreed that, in the interests of encouraging wider participation in PPC activities, all the nominations should be accepted.
Agenda Item 10 |
New business |
• Asbestos . At a cost of $2700.00, a professional report has been prepared on the amount and locations of asbestos in St John's . It appears that no urgent problem has been identified and the report will be passed to Trevor Williams on the Finance Council who will examine its implications. The report is available in the Parish Office for PPC members to read.
• Death of Father Phil Buckley . It was agreed that the Parish should send a letter of condolence to Page Parish on the death of their Parish Priest, Father Phil Buckley, in Austria . Father John advised that the effects of the loss of Father Buckley on St John's parish are not yet clear but already it meant that he would be on the hospital roster every six weeks instead of every 8 weeks.
The Meeting closed with final prayers at 9:20 pm.
Next meeting: Thursday 9 December 2010 (which will be a Dinner Meeting).
|
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF ST JOHN 'S CHURCH, KIPPAX
PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
14 October 2010.
Agenda Item 1 |
Opening and Welcome |
Thomas Halloran opened the meeting with a welcome to all members.
Present: Thomas Halloran, Fr. John Bosman msc, John Drury, Helen Currie, Marian England, Stephen Kiley, Sharon Loiterton, Kevin McMahon, Peter Polkinghorne, Matthew Toohey, Joe Barr.
Apologies: Moira Sutch, Josette Allester, Toni Cox, Sally Cox, Mike Kiley, Meg Millband,
Sabina Van Rooy.
Agenda Item 3 |
Opening Prayer |
Prayer was led by Helen Currie.
Next meeting: Stephen Kiley
Agenda item 4 |
Minutes of the Previous Meeting |
• Acceptance of Minutes
The Minutes of the September meeting were accepted with a minor change to the wording of Item 4 b 2 to reflect the views of the Liturgy Committee more accurately.
Proposed: Sharon Loiterton; Seconded: Marian England
• Business arising from minutes
• Government Grant for Seniors Activities. Peter Polkinghorne and Marian England regretfully advised that the parish submission for support under the ACT Government Seniors Grants and Sponsorship Program had been unsuccessful .
• Commemorative Wall. Marian England advised that advice and quotes would be sought for rendering the wall to make it more suitable for attaching commemorative plaques. The gardens above would be rejuvenated and a large rock placed in the indented area where babies can be commemorated. A folder is being prepared to show parishioners the plaques and this should be available in December. It is expected that plaques will cost in the vicinity of $200 and would be ordered through the parish. After discussion about the issue of GST it was agreed that advice should be sought before the costs are finalised.
• Liturgies for the Weekend of 2/3 October. Many positive comments had been received about the liturgies presented during the weekend when our priests were away. The hard work of the Liturgy Committee was commended and it was agreed that a letter of thanks be sent from the PPC.
• RCIA The first RCIA session will be held on Monday 18 October. So far, no second presenting couple is available although a reply is still awaited from one couple that has been approached.
• Solar Panels. The solar panels have been mounted on the church roof and an initial inspection by ACTEW-AGL had identified some outstanding work that needs to be done before the final inspection by ACTPLA could be done and the system commissioned.
• Pillars. Two of the pillars in the church have been removed by the St Joseph the Worker Group. Members commented on the seamless quality of the work and improved look of the church.
• Opening Spiel. This is settling down and has been generally well received.
Agenda Item 5 |
Correspondence |
• Out None
• In
• Peter Kearney. A letter from Peter Kearney (who previously presented a program entitled ‘Good Morning, Good People' that had been well received in the parish) is making available a new program entitled ‘Ashes to Easter' in the period 9 to 25 March. It would take about 2 hours and cost the parish $475 that could be subsidised by a leaving collection. The PPC approved the proposal in principle and agreed to pass it on to the Liturgy Committee.
• St Vincent de Paul Society. The central office of the St Vincent de Paul Society proposes to hold a Christmas Lunch for needy members of the community at St Edmunds College. It seeks parish assistance to make eligible members of the local community aware of the lunch. St John's Conference is not aware of the proposal but it was agreed that the parish would promulgate the information.
• Brisbane Archdiocese. Brisbane Archdiocese had provided details of their Lenten Program for 2011. It was agreed to order the program for St John's Parish.
Agenda Item 6 |
Calendar Events |
October
14 PPC meeting 7:30pm
15 Guardians and Angels 10:30am
17 29 th Sunday in ordinary time
17 Sunday Book Club 3:00pm
18 RCIA
19 CWL meeting
19 Catholic's Returning Home
21 Youth Group 7:00pm
24 30 th Sunday in ordinary time
[MSC Missions appeal Adrian Meaney]
26 Women's Breakfast Club
26 Catholic's Returning Home
27 Over 45's 11:00am
28 Liturgy meeting
29 Guardians and Angels 10:30am
31 31 st Sunday in ordinary time
November
1 All Saints Day [Monday]
2 All Souls Day [Tuesday]
|
2 Catholics Returning Home 7:30pm
4 Footprints 7:30pm
5 Stations of the Cross 5:30pm
6 Mass of Anointing 11:00am
7 32 nd Sunday in ordinary time
9 Catholics Returning Home 7:30pm
11 PPC meeting 7:30pm
12 Guardians and Angels 10:30am
14 33 rd Sunday in ordinary time
16 CWL meeting
21 Feast of Christ the King
[Parish Picnic after 10:00am mass]
21 Sunday Book Club 3:00pm
23 Women's breakfast club
24 Over 45's 11:00am
25 Liturgy meeting
26 Guardians and Angels 10:30am
28 1 st Sunday of Advent
[ St Vincent de Paul Christmas appeal]
29 Candlelight Liturgy in Advent 9:00pm
|
Agenda Item 7 |
Spiritual Development Discussion |
Father John Bosman spoke about the MSC Chapter in early October. Father John Mulrooney was elected as the new Provincial. The Chapter discussed the development of a Province Plan and a variety of other relevant subjects including Lay Partnership, Professional Standards, Discernment and Interchange with Other Countries. It was pointed out that MSC have 30 priests looking after 16 parishes around Australia . Most of these priests are more than 65 years old (115 of the 190 MSCs in the Province are more than 70 years old!) and approaching retirement will put extreme pressure on availability within the next three years.
Next month : “God of Surprises” Chapter 4
Agenda Item 8 |
Matter arising from Reports submitted |
• Liturgy Committee . Report Attached. The success of the Liturgy of the Word is discussed above. A special Liturgy has been approved by the Archdiocese for Sunday 17 October in recognition of the canonisation of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. The committee is also preparing Candlelight Liturgies for Advent.
• St John's School . Report Attached. The PPC congratulated Helen Currie on the success of the school in winning the Canberra Wakakirri finals
Agenda Item 9 |
On going projects |
• Prayer Support. Members agreed that a Prayer Support program for children receiving the sacraments for the first time would be very valuable and as an initial step the proposal should be passed to those running the Sacramental Program.
• PPC Elections. Notices inviting nominations for the PPC for 2011 will appear in Compact next week. As stated in the Minutes of the September Meeting, six candidates are needed.
Agenda Item 10 |
New business |
None
The Meeting closed with final prayers at 9:30 pm.
Next meeting: Thursday 11 November 2010.
TO DO LIST
TASK |
PERSON RESPONSIBLE |
Prayer |
Stephen Kiley |
Proposal for future Masses Program |
Mass Times sub-Committee |
Seek quotes for rendering the Commemorative Wall |
Marian England |
Letter of thanks to the Liturgy Committee |
Marian England |
|
MINUTES OF MEETING OF ST JOHN 'S CHURCH, KIPPAX
PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
9 September 2010.
|
Agenda Item 1 Opening and Welcome
|
Thomas Halloran opened the meeting with a welcome to all members.
Present : Fr. John Bosman, Thomas Halloran, John Drury, Helen Currie, Marian England, Peter Polkinghorne, Meg Millband, Kevin McMahon, Matthew Toohey,
Sharon Loiterton. Apologies : Moira Sutch, Josette Allester, Toni Cox, Sabina Van Rooy, Joe Barr, Mike Kiley, Stephen Kiley.
Agenda Item 3 Opening Prayer
|
Prayer was led by Peter Polkinghorne.
Next meeting: Helen Currie.
Agenda Item 4 Minutes of Previous Meeting
|
• Acceptance of Minutes
The Minutes of the August meeting were accepted unchanged.
Proposed: John Drury; Seconded: Peter Polkinghorne.
• Business arising from Minutes
1. Opening Spiel : The opening spiel was presented for the first time at all masses on the weekend of 4/5 September. The presentation was discussed and Council members were asked for their thoughts on its success. Some members expressed their concerns that the spiel was a little long and that it needed to be spoken more clearly, but that the Aboriginal content was appropriate. A Parishioner at the Vigil mass had commented that they thought it was excellent. It was agreed that the spiel should be given a couple of months, and then be revisited by the Liturgy Committee, who will make any necessary changes.
2 . Proposal for changing mass times : Members once again discussed the proposals that were being considered. Tom Halloran advised that at the August meeting, three proposals had been put forward from the sub-committee on Mass Issues. After lengthy discussion, it was agreed that it was the responsibility of the PPC to discern a single proposal to be put to parishioners for comment. Consequently, the PPC decided its sub-committee would continue to explore options, after the October ‘priestless' weekend.
The proposals are:
i. That every week one of the masses becomes a Liturgy of the Word with Communion on a rotation basis (see example below)
FIRST WEEK |
6:00PM VIGIL |
Liturgy of the Word with Communion |
SECOND WEEK |
8:30AM |
Liturgy of the Word with Communion |
THRID WEEK |
10:00AM |
Liturgy of the Word with Communion |
FOURTH WEEK |
6:00PM |
Liturgy of the Word with Communion |
This proposal could not be implemented without the knowledge of the Archbishop. It was agreed that John would meet with Archbishop Mark Coleridge and discuss the proposal with him.
ii. Decrease the number of masses from four to three.
Amalgamate 8:30am and 10:00am – this proposal would have implications for the School of Religion .
iii. Cut out the 6:00pm Vigil.
One of the concerns express by the Liturgy Committee was that if the Liturgy of the Word with Communion was adopted, then we would lose parishioners as they would attend other parishes. Marian England advised that the two morning masses at the Henley Beach Parish had been amalgamated earlier this year and reports from Henley Beach where that it had been accepted well by the parish.
3. Liturgies for the weekend 2/3 October : Matthew Toohey advised that organisation for this weekend had been completed by the Liturgy Committee. Leaders for the weekend have been contacted and training has been organised for Sunday 12 September. Training for Acolytes, Senior Servers, ministers of the word, ministers of communion and music ministers will take place on Sunday 26 September. Matthew had copies available of the liturgy for the weekend, which he handed out to interested Committee members. Matthew when asked confirmed that the liturgy does conform to guidelines set out by the Archdiocese. It was advised that this weekend would coincide with a long weekend and the school holiday. John Drury requested that a questionnaire be taken after the weekend, to see what parishioners thought of the liturgies. It was also suggested that the Liturgy Committee speak to the Leaders after the weekend to assess what they thought.
4. Government Grant – Seniors : Peter Polkinghorne advised that although our application didn't meet the guidelines for this grant, he and Marian England had devised a submission, which they hope will be successful. The application was for $5,000 and is for a Community Garden , which they hope will encourage seniors to come and work together. A decision is expected in early October.
5. Commemorative Wall : Marian England advised that Joe Barr had contacted Denis Kernaghan, for advice on the plaques for the wall. Denis forwarded photos to Marian, which in turn she had forwarded to Council members.
It is suggested that the Commemorative Wall will be the drive way wall opposite the entrance to the office area. The Commemorative Wall will have two designated memorial areas. There is a V section in the wall and that area will be used as a memorial area for babies. The plaques Denis suggested for this area are falling leaves. The surface area to the left of the V area will be for the memorial plaques. These plaques are cast bronze measuring 209mm x 99mm (wxh) and with up to eight lines of inscription. Priced at $185.00 each plus GST and freight. The Ivy Vine plaques with bronze sectional branch and two blank leaves is priced at $86.00 plus GST and freight.
Agenda Item 5 Correspondence
|
a. Out None
b. In Kippax Uniting Church Newsletter
Agenda Item 6 Calendar Events
|
September
9 PPC meeting 7:30pm
12 24th Sunday in ordinary time
16 Youth Group 7:00pm
17 Guardians and Angels 10:30am
19 25th Sunday in ordinary time
19 Sunday Book Club 3:00pm
21 CWL meeting
23 Liturgy meeting
26 26th Sunday in ordinary time [Social Justice Sunday]
27 Sept – 8 Oct School Holidays
28 Women's breakfast club
29 St's Michael, Gabriel, Raphael Archangels
29 Over 45's 11:00am
MSC Chapter 27 September – 5 Oct
|
October
1 Stations of the Cross 5:30pm
3 27th Sunday in ordinary time
4 Public Holiday [Labour Day]
5 Catholic's Returning Home
7 Footprints 7:30pm
10 28th Sunday in ordinary time
12 Catholic's Returning Home
14 PPC meeting 7:30pm
15 Guardians and Angels 10:30am
17 29th Sunday in ordinary time
17 Sunday Book Club 3:00pm
19 CWL meeting
19 Catholic's Returning Home
21 Youth Group 7:00pm
24 30th Sunday in ordinary time
[MSC Missions appeal Adrian Meaney]
26 Women's breakfast club
26 Catholic's Returning Home
27 Over 45's 11:00am
28 Liturgy meeting
29 Guardians and Angels 10:30am
31 31st Sunday in ordinary time |
Agenda Item 7 Spiritual Discussion Groups
|
Refer item 4b Liturgy of the Word
Agenda Item 8 Matters arising from Reports submitted
|
1. Liturgy Committee: Report attached 2. Social Life of the Parish: Report attached
3. St John the Apostle School
Helen Currie advised that she had recently interviewed 5 new families, who were enquiring about enrolling their children for the 2010 and 2011 school years.
Currently, the school is being renovated under the Federal Government's Building the Education Revolution program. To ensure the renovations are completed, the Community Council has approved $185,000.
$60,000 has also been allocated for new playground equipment for the Year 3-6 playground.
(Helen advised that she would forward her full report to Marian England.)
Agenda Item 9 On going projects
|
1. Social Life of the Parish
The next scheduled event is the Parish Picnic, to be held after the 10am Mass on Sunday 28 November (The Feast of Christ the King). This event will be a sausage sizzle and games, and will be held on the Kippax Oval. The Kippax Oval will need to be booked with ACT Grounds.
A Pot Luck Dinner, with a Christmas theme, has been proposed for Friday 26 November, but is dependant on how busy the PPC is at that time of the year.
2. Solar Panels
Marian England advised that the solar panels are being installed the week commencing 20 September.
3. Church maintenance:
1. Painting of the inside of the church is to be included in the 2012 budget.
2. Removal of the two front pillars has been flagged.
Agenda Item 10 New business
|
1. RCIA
Marian England advised that the RCIA program was to commence on 18 October. Marian advised that a second couple were needed to assist Elaine and Allan Laycock, the leaders of the program this year. Marian had previously sent an email to PPC members, requesting assistance with the lectures that are to be given during the program. Marian had received an offer from one person willing to do two of the lectures ( Eucharis t and Mary in the Church ), but once again asked the Committee to find other people in the St John's community, willing to assist with the remaining lectures.
2. PPC Nominations
Marian England advised that there would be 6 vacancies to be filled, for the coming year. The members completing their term this year are Thomas Halloran, Stephen Kiley, Meg Millband and Peter Polkinghorne. Moira has advised she will not be continuing and Michael Bannon recently tendered his resignation.
3. Prayer support for the wider community
1. It has been the practice in the past that when children were preparing to receive sacraments for the first time there was a Sunday mass dedicated to a particular sacrament where the children would give a parishioner a prayer card requesting them to pray for them. This gave the children a connection to the wider community. Now that the program is parish based the children haven't been handing out prayer cards we will look how that can be implemented for next year.
2. At the MSC Parishes Conference last year a parish told how they had made prayer boxes which had been given to year 12 students at the beginning of the year and the student knew that someone was praying for them particularly at exam time. Again we will look at how that can be implemented for next year.
The Meeting closed with final prayers at 9.30pm.
Next meeting Thursday 14 October 2010 |
|
MINUTES OF MEETING OF ST JOHN 'S CHURCH, KIPPAX
PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
12 August 2010. |
Agenda Item 1 |
Opening and Welcome |
Moira Sutch opened the meeting with a welcome to all members.
Present: Moira Sutch, Thomas Halloran, Michael Bannon, Toni Cox, Sally Cox, John Drury, Marian England, Stephen Kiley, Sharon Loiterton, Kevin McMahon, Peter Polkinghorne, Matthew Toohey, Sabina Van Rooy, Joe Barr.
Apologies: Fr. John Bosman, Josette Allester, Helen Currie, Mike Kiley, Meg Millband.
Agenda Item 3 |
Opening Prayer |
Prayer was led by John Drury.
Next meeting: Peter Polkinghorne
Agenda item 4 |
Parish Groups Addressing the Council |
Sigrid Kropp of the Social Justice Committee briefed the Council on the history and activities of the Committee. The Committee has been running for 21 years and started with a membership of 20 but this fluctuated in later years and it is currently suffering one of its leaner periods with only three active members.
It was decided very early that the Committee should not get involved in practical activities that could be handled by other parish groups but should concentrate on advocacy and educational roles while identifying gaps in parish capabilities and encouraging groups to fill those gaps. As a result, the parish developed an Unemployed People register (now defunct) and the Care and Concern Group, which is still active.
In its early years the Committee had many members with high-level public service experience and the skills to prepare submissions to government and others. As the number of members dropped, it was necessary for the Committee to restrict its activities to suit the skills available. Currently the focus is on educating members of the parish on social justice issues. Recent activities have including providing summaries of party attitudes on social justice issues before elections, providing summaries of the annual Bishops' Social Justice Statements and preparing a section for Compact in support of a Caritas Australia project fostering the responsible use of resources. A weekend campaign encouraging support for the Caritas project is planned as is a submission to the PPC supporting recognition of the original owners of this land.
In response to questions, Ms Kropp advised that St John's appears to have the only active social justice group among north side parishes and attempts to involve other parishes in joint meetings and activities had been unsuccessful.
Agenda Item 5 |
Minutes of Previous Meeting |
• Acceptance of Minutes
The Minutes of the July meeting were accepted unchanged.
Proposed: Tom Halloran; Seconded: Kevin McMahon
• Business arising from minutes
Changes to Masses. Sub-committee on Mass Issues had met and suggested that three proposals be put to parishioners seeking their views. After lengthy discussion, it was agreed that it was actually the responsibility of the PPC to discern a single proposal to be put to parishioners for comment. Consequently the PPC and its sub-committee would continue to explore options with a view to preparing a proposal to be put to the parish after the October ‘priestless' weekend.
Subsequently, Marian England distributed a booklet entitled “Guidelines for Sunday Celebration of the Word (when Sunday Eucharist is unavailable)” issued by the Archdiocese together with a Liturgy developed by the Archdiocesan Liturgy Commission. On first viewing these appear likely to affect proposals for proposals for St John's Parish so it was agreed that they would form the Study Subject for the September meeting.
Opening Spiel
The amendments suggested at the last meeting had not reached the Liturgy Committee so the planned August start had not happened. Matthew Toohey will take the proposals to the next meeting of the Committee. Start date will be delayed until September.
Office for Ageing Grant Application
Peter Polkinghorne had examined the invitation to submit applications for grants under the ACT Government Seniors Grants and Sponsorship Program. The maximum available to the parish is $15,000 per project and applications close later in August. The application form has 16 pages! It was agreed that Peter should discuss the subject with Father John and Marian England out of session.
Agenda Item 6 |
Correspondence |
• Out None
Agenda Item 7 |
Calendar Events |
August |
September |
15 |
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin |
2 |
Footprints 7.00 pm |
15 |
Sunday Book Club 3:00 pm |
3 |
Guardians and Angels 10:30 am |
17 |
CWL Meeting |
3 |
Stations of the Cross 5:30 pm |
18 |
First Reconciliation Formation 7:00 pm |
4 |
Mass of Anointing 11:00 am |
19 |
Youth Group 7:00 pm |
5 |
23 rd Sunday in ordinary Time |
20 |
Guardians and Angels 10:30 am |
7 |
Contemplative Prayer 10:00 am |
22 |
21 st Sunday in Ordinary Time ( Parish International Food Festival 11:00 am) |
8 |
Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary |
24 |
Women's' Breakfast Club |
9 |
Parish Pastoral Council Meeting 7:30 pm |
25 |
Over 45s 11:00 am |
|
|
26 |
Liturgy Committee Meeting |
|
|
29 |
22 nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
(Migrant and Refugee Sunday Appeal) |
|
|
Agenda Item 8 |
Spiritual Development Discussion |
There was brief discussion of “Guidelines for Sunday Celebration of the Word (when Sunday Eucharist is unavailable)” but there had not been time to study the Guidelines so full discussion was deferred until the September Meeting.
Next month : “Guidelines for Sunday Celebration of the Word (when Sunday Eucharist in unavailable)”.
Agenda Item 9 |
Matter arising from Reports submitted |
- Liturgy Committee
The Committee will meet on 26 August to prepare the liturgy for the weekend 2/3 October. As there had been confusion about the respective roles of the PPC and the Liturgy Committee, this had not been completed. After discussion it was agreed that the role of the PPC was to promote awareness in the parish while the Committee would be responsible for preparing the liturgy.
- RCIA Marian England reported that the absence overseas of the Laycocks, the senior responsible couple, would delay the start of the 2010 program until October. No second couple had been identified at this stage. She asked PPC members to invite possible candidates for the program and to identify suitable speakers as the subjects recently covered by Father Michael would not be covered by Father John. Sabina Van Rooy advised that this was how the program had been run in earlier years so suitable speakers should be available within the parish.
- Catholics Returning Home Moira Sutch confirmed that the programme was planned to commence in October and that she had already discussed promotion with Catholic Voice. In discussion about dwindling number attending in recent years, it was pointed out that a significant number of those attending recent courses had been from the generation that ceased practicing after Vatican 2. The number of such people who are likely to return to practice is dwindling.
- Social Life of the Parish Toni Cox reported that the recent function to welcome Father Frank had been very successful with 70-80 attendees who had a very enjoyable evening.
- Parish School of Religion Sabina Van Rooy reported that letters had been sent to the parents of children eligible to make their first Reconciliation explaining the current program and emphasising that they needed to attend two preparation sessions. There had been a 50% response at the first session and another session will be held on 18 August.
Agenda Item 10 |
On going projects |
• Commemorative Wall : Moira Sutch suggested that the walls of the flower beds beside the church doors would be a suitable location for the wall and invited PPC members to examine this proposal. There was a consensus that this would seem to be suitable but further examination was needed. It was generally agreed that a standard design and size of plaque would be needed but that some flexibility about wording would meet the needs of those requiring plaques. The plaques could probably be mounted by the St Joseph the Worker Group. Joe Barr undertook to ask the Crematorium for advice about sources of suitable plaques.
• Formation for the Liturgies of the Word with Communion for the weekend 2/3 October. The urgency of identifying suitable presiding ministers and providing formation for all the ministers rostered for the weekend 2/3 October was agreed. Marian England will identify those already rostered for that day and contact them to arrange formation. She will also approach suitable presiding ministers. It was agreed that Acolytes and Senior Servers who already conduct Liturgy of the Word during the week should be among those approached but other suitable persons should not be excluded.
• International Food Day Toni Cox advised that she has arranged the provision of Vietnamese, Italian, and Spanish foods and asked Stephen Kiley if he and his wife would provide Indian food. The Footprints Group will run a sausage sizzle and the Morning Teas Group will provide Devonshire Teas. Payment to cover costs will be available through the sale of 50c tokens that can be exchanged for food. Any profits will be passed to the Refugee Resettlement Committee. Toni asked PPC members to assist with setting up in the lower car park on the morning of 22 August.
Agenda Item 11 |
New business |
None
The Meeting closed with final prayers at 9:30 pm.
Next meeting: Thursday 9 September 2010.
TO DO LIST
TASK |
PERSON RESPONSIBLE |
Prayer |
Peter Polkinghorne |
Proposal for future Masses Program |
Mass Times sub-Committee |
Follow-up of ACT Office for Ageing invitation |
Peter Polkinghorne |
Ideas for Commemorative Wall |
All |
Sourcing of plaques for Commemorative Wall |
Joe Barr |
Assistance with International Food day |
All |
|
MINUTES OF MEETING OF ST JOHN 'S CHURCH, KIPPAX
PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
8 July 2010 – 7:30pm |
Agenda Item 1 |
Opening and Welcome |
Moira Sutch opened the meeting with a welcome to all members including Joe Barr who has volunteered to take over as Minutes Secretary from Marian England
Present: Moira Sutch, Fr. John Bosman, Thomas Halloran, Michael Bannon, John Drury, Marian England, Sharon Loiterton, Kevin McMahon, Meg Millband, Peter Polkinghorne, Sabina Van Rooy, Joe Barr.
Apologies: Josette Allester, Toni Cox, Helen Currie, Mike Kiley, Matthew Toohey,
Agenda Item 3 |
Opening Prayer |
Prayer was led by Moira Sutch.
Next meeting: John Drury
Agenda item 4 |
Parish Groups Addressing the Council |
It was confirmed that the Social Justice Committee will address the Council at the August meeting.
Agenda Item 5 |
Minutes of Previous Meeting |
• Acceptance of Minutes
Minutes were accepted unchanged. Proposed: Sharon Loiterton; Seconded: Tom Halloran
• Business arising from minutes
Changes to Masses: There was extensive discussion on the proposal to make changes to Mass times. As background it was noted that although the Parish has two priests again, both have been appointed on an interim basis for 12 months and both are over 70 years of age. The Council decided that the subject should continue to be discussed as there is no guarantee that there will always be two priests in the parish and the current weekend workload for one priest is excessive. There is a continuing shortage of priests and it is important to care for them as well as for parishioners.
There was agreement that the Mass is a focal point for the solidarity of the parish community and that removing any Mass could have an adverse effect on community spirit, attitudes and numbers. While it had been pointed out that all parishes in the Belconnen region had vigil Masses, this is in response to a widespread demand for Mass at that time. In contrast, only two parishes, Kaleen and Kippax, have Sunday evening Masses but these are both popular, particularly with youth.
The Council discussed the idea of having occasional Liturgies of the Word with Communion to alleviate the workload for priests. Many country parishes are forced by the shortage of priests to have these services on up to three Sundays a month and taking such step would also indicate that the Parish was sympathetic to their sacrifice. One suggestion was that such Liturgies could be conducted in place of a different Mass on each of the first four Sundays of each month.
It was agreed that discernment of the subject should continue over the next few months. The sub-group of the PPC will continue to explore options and will submit a proposal to the PPC with supporting reasons. Meanwhile parishioners will be encouraged to see the October 2/3 program as a learning experience and to attend the Liturgies on Tuesday and Saturday to further experience the beauties of the liturgies.
Flag Proposal
Due to a misunderstanding about responsibilities, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags were not displayed in the church during NAIDOC Week. The Council discussed the appropriateness of displaying flags in the church and its potential to cause division in what should be seen as a universal community except on very special occasions. The original proposal was withdrawn and the Council agreed to examine alternative ways of recognising Australia 's original people. One proposal was for an annual ‘Aboriginal Sunday' at which the local indigenous community would be invited to attend and the liturgy might include didgeridoo music and appropriate Prayers of the Faithful – perhaps in a mix of languages.
Opening Spiel
The Council agreed to a trial of the proposed opening spiel, with minor amendments, from the first weekend in August. The suggested amendments will be passed to the Liturgy Committee.
Fr Michael's Farewell Gift
A total of $2840.00 was collected for Father Michael. This will be presented to him by Moira Sutch, on behalf of the Parish, at morning coffee on Sunday 8 August
Agenda Item 6 |
Correspondence |
• Out None
In Email from ACT Office for Ageing inviting applications for grants under the ACT Government Seniors Grants and Sponsorship Program to fund community-based projects that support older Canberrans to remain active in the community and maintain their well-being. The concept of Men's Groups was discussed, with particular mention of the existing ‘St Joseph the Worker' group. The Brisbane Archdiocesan program ‘Men Alive' was also mentioned. The Email will be passed to Peter Polkinghorne for examination with a view to drafting an application if a suitable project can be identified.
|
Agenda Item 7 |
Upcoming Calendar Events |
July |
|
August |
|
11 |
15 th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Propagation of the Faith Appeal)
|
1 |
18th Sunday in Ordinary Time |
18 |
16th Sunday in Ordinary Time |
4 |
7:00 pm First Reconciliation Formation |
18 |
3:00 pm. Sunday Book Club |
5 |
7:30pm Footprints |
20 |
CWL Meeting |
6 |
Feast of the Transfiguration |
22 |
Liturgy Meeting |
6 |
10:30 am Guardians and Angels |
23 |
10:30 am Guardians and Angels |
7 |
11”00 am Mass of Anointing |
25 |
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time |
8 |
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Canonisation of Mary MacKillop Appeal)
|
27 |
Women's Breakfast Club |
|
|
28 |
11:00 am Over 45s |
|
|
Agenda Item 8 |
Spiritual Development Discussion |
“God of Surprises” by Gerard W. Hughes. Chapter 3 “Inner chaos and false images of God”
Next month Chapter 4
Agenda Item 9 |
Matter arising from Reports submitted |
- Finance Council
Marian England reported that it is expected that Pyramid Power is making a submission for Planning Approval for the solar panels. It is not expected that the panels will be erected and working until some time in August.
Marian also reported that a letter had been received from the Office of Regulating Services advising that an Asbestos Management Plan is required by all non-residential buildings. A contract has been placed with an appropriate company to check the buildings of St John's and prepare a plan. Cost is expected to be $2,710.00.
- No other reports were received
Agenda Item 10 |
On going projects |
The Council examined the Schedule of Ongoing Projects for 2010 that was prepared at the beginning of the year. Some of the projects are already in hand and attention was given to:
• Commemorative Wall : The concept of the wall was discussed and members were asked to bring their ideas to the August meeting.
• RCIA : A new couple is to be recruited to assist with the program for 2010/11. The program will be examined to identify the speaker needs as Father Michael led the majority of the sessions in the last few years.
• Catholics Returning Home : This program is planned to begin in October.
Agenda Item 11 |
New business |
• Formation for the Liturgies of the Word with Communion for the weekend 2/3 October. The Council agreed that it is necessary to identify four suitable persons to conduct these liturgies. The experienced Ministers who conduct Liturgies on Tuesdays and Saturdays were identified as potentially suitable but this should not exclude others in the Parish with the necessary confidence and skills. It was noted that the last time it was necessary to hold these Liturgies on a Sunday there was some criticism of the apparent lack of flair with which they were conducted The nominated leaders will join the rostered Ministers (Acolytes, Senior Servers, Eucharistic Ministers and Readers) in Teams for Formation and practice over the preceding weeks. Marian England will arrange for copies of the document “Liturgy of the Word with Communion” to be made available.
• Storage of Chairs. Marian England advised the Council that, during an inspection, the Fire Brigade had expressed concern that the chairs and tables stored in the annex to the lobby were blocking access to the fire panel. A notice asking people to leave access clear is not having the desired effect and Council members are asked to bring ideas for alternative storage options to the next meeting. It is hoped that it will not be necessary to move all the chairs and tables downstairs permanently.
The Meeting closed with final prayers at 9:40 pm.
Next meeting: Thursday 12 August 2010.
|
MINUTES OF MEETING OF ST JOHN'S CHURCH, KIPPAX
PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
10 June 2010 7:30pm. |
Agenda Item 1 |
Opening and Welcome |
In Moira's absence the meeting was chaired by Tom Halloran. Tom welcomed all in attendance and in particular Bev Purnell who representing the Refugee Resettlement Committee will report on the Committee's activities.
Present: Fr. John Bosman, Marian England, Thomas Halloran, Sharon Loiterton,
Kevin McMahon, Meg Millband, Peter Polkinghorne, Matthew Toohey,
Sabina Van Rooy.
Apologies: Josette Allester, Michael Bannon, Toni Cox, Sally Cox, Helen Currie, John Drury Mike Kiley, Stephen Kiley, Moira Sutch.
Agenda Item 3 |
Opening Prayer |
Prayer was led by Tom Halloran.
Next meeting: Moira Sutch
Agenda item 4 |
Parish Groups addressing the Council |
Bev Purnell who is the Community Liaison Officer for the Refugee Resettlement Committee reported to the council the current situation and obstacles facing the RRC.
Bev informed the Council that the Refugee Resettlement Committee has a page on the parish web site and encouraged members of the Council to access it and familiarise themselves with what the RRC does. The link for their page is as follows: http://www.stjohnkippax.org.au/pastoral/refugee.htm
Bev reported that over the years the committee has had to adapt to the various changes in policy of both Government and Community organisations. He said that potential refugee clients may be referred to them by their current clients, women refuges and providers of emergency accommodation, such as the YWCA, as well as local settlement agencies including Companion House, Migrant and Refugee Settlement Services, and the St Vincent de Paul Society. One of the significant changes in recent times is that CatholicCare no longer refers clients to them. The RRC also liaises with the ACT and Federal Government Departments and Agencies including Centrelink and Medicare. Some of these organisations provide information, training and support for the volunteers.
Bev further reported that the RRC has a crisis with regard to membership and urged Council members to think about someone they may know who would have the gifts and talents for working with Refugees. The Annual General Meeting will be held in July and the Committee has asked for our support in both prayers and action.
Agenda Item 5 |
Minutes of Previous Meeting |
• Acceptance of Minutes
Minutes were accepted by Sabina Van Rooy and Peter Polkinghorne with the following changes:
1 . Item 2 include John Bosman as present at the meeting.
2 . Item 8 (4) change date from Friday 10 June to Friday 11 June.
3 . Item 10 (a) insert the words body of the in front of the word church to read: There was a healthy discussion on the merits of displaying the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Island, and Australian flags in the body of the church.
• Business arising from minutes
1. Opening spiel at mass
Matthew presented a proposed Commentary Sheet for discussion and consideration…..
[refer Attachment A]
It was proposed that at the beginning of the commentary we would insert the words “On behalf of the parish”.
There was a lengthy discussion on the merits of having a Commentator at each mass. No definitive decision was made on this role.
A decision on the final format of this opening statement was held over until the July meeting.
2. Flag Proposal
As only half the Council members were present at this meeting the discussion on this proposal was held over until next months meeting. A couple of points have been noted:
• The proposal is for flags to be displayed in the body of the church not a plaque placed at some other part of the building.
• The Council agreed to display the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Flags in the body of the church for NAIDOC week which commences Sunday 4 July. Sabina will locate the flags for us.
3. Money Appeals
In responding to a request for 2 appeals for the Canonisation of Mary MacKillop we have listed the money appeals for 2010 as follows noting that there is at least one appeal a month:
17 January 2010 |
Haiti Earthquake appeal $2979.70 |
21 February 2010 |
Fr Mark's farewell gift. $3030.00 |
4 April 2010 |
Project Compassion [during lent] $5798.25 |
4 April 2010 |
Good Friday [Holy Places] $1045.85 |
30 May 2010 |
St Vincent de Paul's [winter appeal] |
29 June 2010 |
Fr Michael's farewell gift |
11 July 2010 |
Propagation of the Faith |
8 August 2010 |
Canonisation of Mary MacKillop |
29 August 2010 |
Migrant & Refugee Sunday |
26 September 2010 |
Social Justice Sunday |
24 October 2010 |
MSC Missions |
28 November 2010 |
St Vincent de Paul [Christmas appeal] |
25 December 2010 |
Archbishop's Christmas appeal |
Agenda Item 6 |
Correspondence |
• Out Nil
In Nil
Agenda Item 7 |
Upcoming Calendar Events |
11 |
Guardians and Angels 10:30am |
25 |
Guardians and Angels 10:30am |
11 |
Feast of the Sacred Heart Mass 6:30pm
St John's got Talent 7:30pm |
27 |
13 th Sunday in Ordinary time |
13 |
11 th Sunday in Ordinary time |
29 |
Peter & Paul Apostles |
14 |
Queen's Birthday [Public Holiday] |
30 |
Over 45's 11:00am |
15 |
CWL meeting
First Eucharist Formation 7:00pm |
July 1
|
Footprints 7:30pm
|
17 |
Youth Group 7:00pm |
2 |
Stations of the Cross 5:30pm |
20 |
12 th Sunday in Ordinary time
Sunday Book Club 3:00pm
Finance Talk to the parish |
3 |
Mass of Anointing 11:00am |
22 |
Women's breakfast club 7:30am |
4 |
14 th Sunday in Ordinary time NAIDOC week commences
|
24 |
Birth of John the Baptist
Liturgy meeting |
|
|
Agenda Item 8 |
Discussion Groups |
“God of Surprises” Chapter 2. “Clearing the Approaches ”. A short discussion was held on this chapter. Next month chapter 3 “Inner chaos and false images of God”.
Agenda Item 9 |
Matter arising from Reports submitted |
- Adult Education. The next Heart to Heart session will be held on Tuesday 15 June, the topic being discussed will be on the letter by Archbishop Mark Coleridge, Seeing The Faces, Hearing The Voices: A Pentecost Letter On Sexual Abuse Of The Young In The Catholic Church.
As Michael Fallon is commencing a series of six lectures on “The Gospel of Luke” commencing 22 June, the Heart to Heart discussion group will take a break during that time.
- Finance Council
Refer Attachment B
- Parish School of Religion
Refer Attachment B
- Parish Sacramental Team
Refer Attachment B
- Social Justice Committee
Refer Attachment B
- Refugee Resettlement Committee
Refer Attachment B
Agenda Item 10 |
On going projects |
Feast of the Sacred Heart Mass - Friday 11 June
Nothing new to report.
- International Food Day – Sunday 22 August
Still being developed
- Changes to Mass times
The sub group of the Council who is looking at the issues of preparing the Parish for change with the first practical change being reducing the number of masses from four to three will survey parishioners during the month of July.
There was a suggestion that instead of only looking at amalgamating the two Sunday morning masses it may be beneficial to look also at the Vigil mass. With every parish in the Belconnen Region offering a 6:00pm Vigil mass it may make more sense to drop this mass. This would have benefits for the priests as a free Saturday afternoon would afford more opportunity for relaxation.
The sub-group will present a new survey to the Council at the July meeting.
Agenda Item 11 |
New business |
a. Solar Panels
As a result of the public meeting held on the 26 May the Parish Finance Council has decided it would apply to purchase a 6kW solar panel system . This will generate approximately $4000.00 of income per year.
• MSC Chapter
Every six years the MSC hold their Chapter meeting. One of the purposes of this meeting is to elect a new Provincial for a further six years. The Chapter will be held from 27 September to 5 October. The weekend of 2/3 October there will be no priests available to celebrate mass. That weekend the Parish will celebrate Liturgies of the Word with Communion. The Liturgy Committee has already been informed of this.
• Fr. Michael's Farewell
On the 29 June 2011 Fr Michael will celebrate the 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. We will combine this celebration with an official farewell from St John's. As that is still 12 months away there will be a leaving collection at all masses on 27 June 2010 as a thank you gift to Michael.
Meeting closed with final prayers at 10:00pm.
Next meeting 8 July 2010.
|
MINUTES OF MEETING OF ST JOHN 'S CHURCH, KIPPAX
PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
13 May 2010 8:00pm. |
Agenda Item 1 |
Opening and Welcome |
Moira Sutch welcomed all in attendance and thanked everyone for the meal just shared.
Present: Toni Cox, Sally Cox, Helen Currie, John Drury, Marian England, Thomas Halloran,
Mike Kiley, Stephen Kiley, Sharon Loiterton, Kevin McMahon, Peter Polkinghorne, Moira Sutch, Matthew Toohey, Sabina Van Rooy.
Apologies: Josette Allester, Michael Bannon, Michael Fallon, Meg Millband,
Agenda Item 3 |
Opening Prayer |
Prayer was led by Sharon Loiterton.
Next meeting: Tom Halloran
Agenda Item 4 |
Minutes of Previous Meeting |
• Acceptance of Minutes
Minutes were accepted with no changes by Sabina Van Rooy and Kevin McMahon.
• Business arising from minutes
1. Opening spiel at mass
Matthew will prepare a statement for the June Council meeting.
2. Parish Groups addressing the Council
Marian reported that the Refugee Resettlement Committee was the only group who is interested in addressing the Council. Marie McKie Chair of the RRC will arrange the date for later in the year. The St Vincent de Paul Conference did not feel the need at this time.
Agenda Item 5 |
Correspondence |
• Out Nil
• In 1. Di Bruce - Chair of the Liturgy Committee in regards to:-
• i. The microphones and sound system in the church.
• ii. Issues related to having only one Priest ministering in the parish.
2. Judy Kenny copy of letter was emailed to all PPC members.
In response to this letter a small group has been formed to look at areas of parish life that need to be reconfigured in view that the signs of the times are indicating that this parish will only be ministered to by one priest.
This group is: Fr John Bosman, Matthew Toohey, Moria Sutch, Helen Currie, Sabina Van Rooy, and Marian England. Marian will ring Judy Kenny and Wenda Blackwell and invite them to join the group.
Agenda Item 6 |
Upcoming Calendar Events |
SAT 15 May |
UN International day of families |
SUN 16 May |
The Ascension
Week of prayer for Christian Unity commences
Jubilee Sunday |
SUN 23 May |
Pentecost Sunday |
Mon 24 May |
Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians
Retreat day for Confirmation candidates
CWL mass for babies |
Tues 25 May |
Confirmation – St Christopher's Cathedral |
Wed 26 May |
National Sorry Day |
Sun 30 May |
Trinity Sunday |
Sun 6 June |
Corpus Christi |
Thur 10 June |
PPC Meeting |
Fri 11 June |
Feast of the Sacred Heart |
Agenda Item 7 |
Discussion Groups |
“God of Surprises” [ Chapter 2. “Clearing the Approaches ”] because of the dinner this
discussion was held over until the June meeting.
Agenda Item 8 |
Matter arising from Reports submitted |
- Adult Education. Tom reported that the topic on the Eucharist was well attended and received. The next discussion is an article written by Michael Trainor which was featured in a past COMPASS magazine titled “Towards a Parish Spirituality of the Word of God”.
Compass is at http://www.compassreview.org/
Tom was asked about the discussion on “Reforming the Liturgy” which is the first topic Heart to Heart discussed this year and what the implications were for the changes to the missal. Tom said that he would forward the URL's so that Council members could access sites that were detailing the changes.
Texts from new translations of the Missal
http://www.usccb.org/romanmissal/index.shtml
http://whatifwejustsaidwait.org/
http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2010/02/celebrant-propers-in-new-translation.html
- Footprints
Attached
- Liturgy Committee.
The Liturgy Committee has been meeting to plan the liturgies for Pentecost. After Pentecost things will be a little quieter as we move into Ordinary Time. The Committee would like the parish to give consideration to the following:
Have the sound system checked
Have a sound technician come and educate the parish on the use of microphones.
Look at the number and times of week-end masses in the Belconnen area with a view to cutting one mass and eliminating duplication of mass times.
- Social Life of the Parish Toni reported that the welcome Pot Luck dinner for Father John was well attended and was a great night. An observation was made that there were a lot of older women attended the night on their own so the need for social interaction in the parish may be greater then realised.
DATE |
EVENT |
Friday 10 June |
Feast of the Sacred Heart
Mass followed by St John's got Talent |
Sunday 22 August |
International Food Day |
A yearly calendar featuring all the social events is in the church foyer.
5. Belconnen/Gungahlin Regional Pastoral Council
Sabina reported that the BGRPC in celebrating the Year of the Priest hosted a lunch at St Francis Xavier College for the priests Belconnen and Gungahlin district. Ten Priests and ten lay people attended. Every priest received a certificate of appreciation on behalf of the people of Belconnen and Gungahlin. Sabina and Moira expressed their appreciation to Sue Sturgiss Acting Principal of St Francis Xavier College and Jen Madgwick School Secretary for the amazing lunch and their hospitality. The next meeting of the BGRPC will be held at St John the Apostle parish on 27 May 2010.
Agenda Item 9 |
On going projects |
Refer to Attachment A for the list of identified projects for 2010
a. Parenting Support Initiative.
b. Parish Prayer Groups
As a. & b. above are long term projects and there being nothing new to report any discussion was held over to future meetings.
• Feast of the Sacred Heart Mass - Friday 11 June
The Liturgy Committee will organise the liturgy for the mass. Toni reported that she had been speaking to Joan Breen who is happy for the Youth to do the music at the mass. Following the mass there will be a supper and then the St John's Got Talent.
• International Food Day – Sunday 22 August
Toni reported that she had been in contact with the Catholic Women's Leagues and Coffee Club and they will do a Devonshire Tea stall. The Youth will do a BBQ. More details to follow.
Agenda Item 10 |
New business |
• Flag Proposal
There was a healthy discussion on the merits of displaying the Aboriginal, Torres Strait island, and Australian flags in the church.
Some of the issues raised were:
• Display of the flags could be seen as a political statement [i.e. separation of church and state]
• We are a multicultural society how do we recognise all the other nationalities who are represented in our parish.
• The gesture may be interpreted ambiguously.
• What is the message we wish to convey?
• Ascetically the interior of the church was designed to be minimalist; we need to monitor careful the additions to the interior.
• Other churches acknowledge the traditional owners with a plaque.
A suggestion was made that perhaps the flag could be displayed on Sorry Day and during NAIDOC week.
• Money appeals for 2010
The parish had received correspondence during the week from the Josephite order asking us to do to appeals for the Canonization of Mary MacKillop. Marian will do up a schedule of all the appeals for this year so that we can determine what appeals we will do keeping in mind that we try to limit them to one per month.
• Public meeting 26 May Solar Panels
A flyer will be attached to Compact the week-end of 15/16 May giving detailed information on this meeting.
• Open Letter from Hans Küng to the Bishops
This article had been circulated to members of the Parish Pastoral Council on the 30 April for their opinion on making it available to the wider parish community. The meeting agreed to make it available on the table in the foyer without promoting it and if people were interested they could take a copy.
Meeting closed with final prayers at 10:00pm.
Next meeting 10 June 2010.
|
MINUTES OF MEETING OF ST JOHN 'S CHURCH, KIPPAX
PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
8 April 2010 7:30pm. |
Agenda Item 1 |
Opening and Welcome |
Moira Sutch welcomed all in attendance.
Present: Toni Cox, Sally Cox, John Drury, Marian England, Thomas Halloran,
Mike Kiley, Kevin McMahon, Meg Millband, Moira Sutch, Matthew Toohey,
Sabina Van Rooy.
Apologies: Michael Bannon, Michael Fallon, Stephen Kiley, Sharon Loiterton,
Peter Polkinghorne, Josette Allester, Helen Currie.
Agenda Item 3 |
Opening Prayer |
A Scripture reading and reflection on Easter was led by Sabina Van Rooy.
Next meeting: Sharon Loiterton
Agenda Item 4 |
Minutes of Previous Meeting |
• Acceptance of Minutes
Minutes were accepted with no changes by John Drury and Sabina Van Rooy.
• Business arising from minutes
1. Opening spiel at mass
There was a lengthy discussion on the content of the welcoming statement at the beginning of mass. There was a suggestion that the acknowledgement of the first inhabitants of the land would happen only once a month and the opening spiel would also include current events happening in our world. It was pointed out that it becomes an administrative issue with a spiel that changes each week and someone would need to be responsible for the changes. No definitive decision has been made on the content of the welcome.
2. Parish Groups addressing the Council
Marian will contact the following groups inviting them to address the Council bringing the Council up to date on their activities.
St Vincent de Paul Society, Refugee Resettlement Committee, Social Justice Committee
Catholic Women's League, Family Groups.
3. West Macgregor Doorknock
Matthew expressed some disappointment at the parishioner response to the doorknock on
Sunday 21 March saying that it is a struggle to get people interested.
During the doorknock they covered around sixty houses. It was suggested that there is value in doing the doorknock four times a year. Matthew said that he was unable to give time to it in the future and it would need someone else on the council to coordinate it. Moira thanked Matthew for all the work he has put into this initiative.
Agenda Item 5 |
Correspondence |
• Out Nil
• In Nil
Agenda Item 6 |
Upcoming Calendar Events |
Sat 10 April |
National Youth Week “Live it now” |
Sat 17 April |
International day of Peasant Struggle |
Sun 18 April |
3 rd Sunday of Easter. World Heritage Day |
Mon 19 April |
Pope Benedict XVI elected. 2005 |
Thur 22 April |
International Earth Day |
Sun 25 April |
4 th Sunday of Easter [ANZAC DAY] |
Sat 1 May |
St Joseph the Worker [International workers day] |
Sun 9 May |
Mothers day [ Coffee Club 10:00am mass] |
Thur 13 May |
PPC meeting
[International Conscientious Objectors Day] |
Agenda Item 7 |
Discussion Groups |
“God of Surprises” [ Chapter 1. “Where your Treasure Is ”] Tom led a healthy discussion on this chapter.
Agenda Item 8 |
Matter arising from Reports submitted |
- Adult Education. Tom reported that six regulars attended the five week series during lent. The next planned discussion is on Tuesday 13 April. The topic is the Eucharist and will be led by Brian Mahony.
- Footprints
3. Liturgy Committee. Were pleased with the Easter Liturgies. There was anecdotal reports that the Stations of the Cross were very moving however half of the Stations were done at the back of the church and people had their backs to them and didn't see the actions of the presenters.
4. School of Religion
Attached.
5. Parish Sacramental Team
Attached.
6. Social Justice Committee
Attached.
7. Social Life of the Parish
DATE |
EVENT |
Friday 30 April |
Welcome Pot Luck Dinner, Fr John |
Friday 10 June |
Feast of the Sacred Heart
Mass followed by St John's got Talent |
Sunday 22 August |
International Food Day |
Toni will develop a yearly calendar featuring all the social events.
Agenda Item 9 |
On going projects |
a. Refer to Attachment B
b. WYD Madrid 2011
The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart are hoping to offer a Heart Spirituality experience for World Youth Day. Marian will keep us up to date with this information.
Agenda Item 10 |
New business |
• Welcome to Fr John - Pot Luck Dinner
Parishioners will be invited to attend a Pot Luck Dinner on Friday 30 April to welcome Fr John.
b . May PPC meeting
With a view to the PPC members getting to know each other better in a relaxed atmosphere It was agreed that the May PPC meeting will start early at 6:30pm with a meal . Toni will contact everyone and organise what they will bring.
• Proposal for the Aboriginal Flag permanently installed within the church
As per attachment A
• Care of Children during mass
Marian was approached by a parishioner with pre-school children who is interested in some form of care for children during the mass. Sabina explained that Children's Liturgy is not child minding. The children's version of the Liturgy of the Word happens down stairs at the same time as the Liturgy of the Word is happening at mass. It was suggested that there may be some benefit in having a box of toys or books in the void area between the wooden pews and the sacristy to help entertain children during mass. Moira said that she would be happy to look after this.
Meeting closed with final prayers at 10:00pm.
Next meeting 13 May 2010 will commence with a dinner at 6.30pm.
ATTACHMENT A
A PROPORSAL FOR CONSIDERATION
Under the heading of General Business I wish to make a proposal for consideration by the Council.
As an example of Parish inclusiveness and in support of reconciliation I propose that the Council consider that the Aboriginal Flag [as presently designed and used] be permanently installed within the precincts of the Church i.e., not in the foyer the library or its surrounds.
While the flag is generally accepted by government authorities, and flown at specific events, it is not a State flag and therefore the Church would maintain the long held policy that the Church and State are separate.
Should the Council indicate support for the proposal I foresee the need, in the first instance, to obtain the approval of the following:
1. Father Fallon
2. The Parish Congregation
3. The Archbishop
4. The Ngunnawal Elders.
I ask that the proposal be given due consideration and any discussion be held over until the next meeting of the Council.
Kevin McMahon
08.04.2010
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MINUTES OF MEETING OF ST JOHN 'S CHURCH, KIPPAX
PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
11 March 2010 7:30pm. |
Agenda Item 1 |
Opening and Welcome |
Moira Sutch welcomed all in attendance and congratulated Sabina on being elected as Chair of the Belconnen/Gungahlin Regional Pastoral Council.
Present: Michael Bannon, Toni Cox, John Drury, Marian England, Thomas Halloran,
Mike Kiley, Sharon Loiterton, Meg Millband, Moira Sutch, Matthew Toohey,
Sabina Van Rooy.
Apologies: Michael Fallon, Stephen Kiley, Sally Cox, Kevin McMahon,
Peter Polkinghorne.
Absent: Josette Allester, Helen Currie.
Agenda Item 3 |
Opening Prayer |
The prayer was led by Matthew Toohey. We sang The Servant Song a-cappella and said Psalm 145 in choir concluding with a prayer to the Holy Spirit.
Next meeting: Sabina Van Rooy
Agenda Item 4 |
Minutes of Previous Meeting |
• Acceptance of Minutes
Minutes were accepted with no changes by Sabina Van Rooy and Tom Halloran.
• Business arising from minutes
Business arising from the minutes will be dealt with at Item 9 On Going Projects.
Agenda Item 5 |
Correspondence |
• Out Nil
• In Nil
Agenda Item 6 |
Upcoming Calendar Events |
17 March |
St Patrick |
19 March |
St Joseph |
21 March |
Harmony Day – Wear Orange |
25 March |
The Annunciation |
28 March |
Passion (Palm) Sunday |
1 April |
Holy Thursday Mass of the Last Supper 7pm |
2 April |
Good Friday [Stations 10am Passion 3pm] |
3 April |
Holy Saturday [Easter Vigil 7:30pm] |
4 April |
Easter Sunday |
10 April |
National Youth Week commences |
Sabina talked on Harmony Day and highlighted the following points of action which we can do to bring Harmony Day into focus for the parish.
• parishioners would be encouraged to wear something orange to mass on the week-end of 20/21 March.
• The compact will be printed on orange paper.
Agenda Item 7 |
Discussion Groups |
As not everybody had collected the book and read the first chapter the discussion was held over until the April meeting.
Agenda Item 8 |
Matter arising from Reports submitted |
- Adult Education. Tom reported that the Heart to Heart series of discussions on Reforming the Liturgy is going well.
2. Footprints: It is planned to have the first evening for the 16-21 youth group on Thursday 18 March. The Footprints group will minister to this new group. Sally was to talk to the years 11 and 12 at St Francis Xavier College however with the recent car accidents of two year 12 students Sally thought it might be best to delay the talk. For the new youth group to use the parish centre on a Thursday night means that the Charismatic group will have to move to the library every third Thursday this could prove inconvenient for them as they would have to carry their equipment up the stairs. We are still negotiating the swap of the use of these rooms.
3. Liturgy Committee There were nine responses to the recent appeal for volunteers to assist with the Easter Liturgies. Preparation for these liturgies are coming together quiet well.
4. School of Religion
Attached.
5. Parish Sacramental Team
Attached.
6. Social Justice Committee
Attached.
7. Belconnen Regional Pastoral Council The recent meeting was held at St Matthew's page with two representatives from each parish attending. The Executive team was elected as follows:
Chair: Sabina Van Rooy St John the Apostle Kippax
Deputy Chair: Michael Carberry St Thomas Aquinas Charnwood
Secretary: Roger Fitzgerald St Vincent de Paul Aranda
The council talked about what Adult Education was happening in the Belconnen area and was pleased to report that all parishes were doing a Lenten program but not necessarily the same program. Fr. Warwick Tonkin of St Monica's Evatt is giving lectures on Luke's Gospel.
All the parishes took along a copy of their Parish Bulletins so that the Regional Council could be made aware of what is happening in the Belconnen area.
2009/2010 has been designated by the Pope as the Year of the Priest and on the 1 May the BRPC will host a luncheon for all the Priests. At the luncheon they will be given a Certificate of Appreciation.
8. Social Life of the Parish Toni reported that the two functions organised to say farewell to Fr. Mark were well attended and very successful. From playing the game at the pot luck dinner of 20 things you know about Mark came the idea that this would be a great way to welcome Fr John Bosman and get to know him. So a pot luck dinner is proposed for Friday 30 April as a welcome for Fr John.
Feast of the Sacred Heart is Friday 10 June and will be celebrated with mass followed by supper and a St John's Got Talent night in the parish centre.
Toni will develop a yearly calendar featuring all the social events.
Agenda Item 9 |
On going projects |
a. International food day.
The proposed date to hold the International Food Day is the 22 August Toni will confirm this date with the Refugee Resettlement Committee. Refugee & Migrant Sunday is 29 August.
The 22 August is a fourth Sunday so there will be no Coffee Club that day.
b. West Macgregor Doorknock
After a brief discussion it was agreed that if the doorknock was going to happen before Easter then the best week-end would be Sunday 21 March. A notice will go in Compact this weekend inviting people to a training night on Wednesday 17 March. Matthew will organise a talk for the end of each mass this week-end. Moira and Sabina volunteered to talk at two of the masses.
c. Parish Assembly ~ Prayer Groups
A date for this assembly still hasn't been decided, it is envisaged that it will take place in the second half of the year. The Lectio Divina prayer during lent has been going well. There is an idea of continuing to offer a contemplative prayer experience once a week in the parish.
d. Parenting support initiative.
The program Tuning in to Kids which is currently being held in the parish centre is going well. There has been good anecdotal feed back on this program. There was a concern that the cost of $180 would be prohibitive for some families. Marian met with the facilitators Helen Connell and Marilyn Hatton who said that they are applying for a government grant which will allow them in the future to offer a number of free places in the course.
There had also been notices placed in Compact advertising two free courses being offered at the Canberra Institute of Technology [CIT]: Supporting your Anxious Child and Behaviour Matters.
We will continue to highlight any courses being offered that supports parents and parenting skills.
e. Welcoming Ministry & Identifying gifts.
Marian obtained the introductory spiel from Henley Beach . A brief discussion ensured with particular attention given to the acknowledgement of the traditional custodians of the land. It was thought that it would be better worded something like the following:
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people, the traditional custodians of the land on which we stand. We acknowledge and pay tribute to all the cultures that contribute to the life of our parish.
Matthew will look at the introduction and adjust it to be suitable for St John's .
f. Quarterly Newsletter
Sabina provided a copy of the Corpus Christi quarterly newsletter which is a glossy production. Matthew will continue to look at the logistics of setting up an editorial team with a view to the first newsletter coming out in May 2010.
g. PPC retreat Rosedale
The proposed Pastoral Council retreat for the weekend of 20/21 March has been cancelled. There was a brief discussion about the value of the week-end at Rosedale and the role it plays in community building. It was suggested that some thought should be given to having a set date early in the year for the PPC retreat and keeping approximately the same date each year. A suggestion was made that perhaps the first meeting of the year in February could be held at Rosedale . With a view to the PPC members getting to know each other better in a relaxed atmosphere It was agreed that the May PPC meeting will start early at 6:00pm with a Pot Luck Dinner.
Agenda Item 10 |
New business |
• Archbishop's Commission for Women
We had been contacted by Colin Griffiths who is a member of the Archbishop's Women's Commission asking who our parish contact was. Sabina is our parish contact and has been for a long time. Marian will let Colin know.
• Parish Groups addressing the PPC
A member of the Council was approached by a parishioner about the different Parish Groups addressing the PPC about their groups' particular activities. This is something that was done a few years ago. The Council agreed that any of the parish groups are welcomed to come at the beginning of the meeting and talk about their groups' activity.
• Parish representative on the St Francis Xavier College Board.
Mariana Rollgejser is the parish's new representative on the SFX College Board. She replaces John Hinchey who has completed his term. The first meeting for the year was held on Tuesday 9 th March. The board meets four times a year, once each term. Mariana will report to the PPC later in the year.
Agenda Item 11 |
Additional Business |
• The Shed
A parishioner approached Marian with an idea about building a shed in the parish grounds which would then be used for community projects and DIY workshops. The Council acknowledged the benefits that such a project can bring to the community but felt that the issues of Occupational Health and Safety would make this project to overwhelming to get off the ground. The Council would like to see plans and estimates of cost before any further consideration of this project.
b. WYD 2011
As a result of the MSC Parishes Conference at Henley Beach SA in November 2009 a proposal has been promulgated to the MSC Province that a youth network be established from among the MSC family. The following would be invited to participate in the Network:
• All parishes in MSC care
• MSC Colleges
• OLSH Colleges
• Young Lay MSC Association
• Other Young Adult ministries and initiatives having strong MSC / OLSH connections
• MSC Vocations Ministry
• OLSH Vocations Ministry
• MSC Initial Formation
• OLSH Initial Formation
The plan would be to offer pre-WYD11 formation and offer an immediate post-WYD11 Formation at Issoudun. Madrid is reasonably proximate to Issoudun (860km). A pre or post WYD11 Madrid experience at Issoudun would open young adult participants to the world and vision of Jules Chevalier,
Meeting closed with final prayers at 10:00pm.
Next meeting 8 April 2010 7.30pm.
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MINUTES OF MEETING OF ST JOHN 'S CHURCH, KIPPAX
PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
11 February 2010 7:30pm. |
Agenda Item 1 |
Opening and Welcome |
Moira Sutch welcomed all in attendance.
Present: Toni Cox, Sally Cox, Helen Currie, John Drury, Marian England, Michael Fallon, Thomas Halloran, Mike Kiley, Stephen Kiley, Sharon Loiterton, Kevin McMahon,
Meg Millband, Moira Sutch, Matthew Toohey, Sabina Van Rooy.
Apologies: Michael Bannon.
Absent: Josette Allester, Peter Polkinghorne.
Agenda Item 3 |
Opening Prayer |
The prayer was led by Moira Sutch. The 11 February is the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and is also recognised as World day of prayer for the sick. Moira gave us two beautiful prayers in honour of these two occasions.
Next meeting: Matthew Toohey
Agenda Item 4 |
Minutes of Previous Meeting |
• Acceptance of Minutes
Minutes were accepted with no changes by Sabina Van Rooy and Toni Cox.
• Business arising from previous minutes
This idea was first suggested at the 10 September 2009 meeting and the following people agreed to be on the Editorial Committee; Matthew Toohey, Stephen Kiley, Tom Halloran, Sabina Van Rooy. It was suggested at this meeting that in the process of developing an editorial policy we should look at models already developed. Matthew will give us an update on the format at the next meeting. Sabina will provide us with a copy of the Corpus Christi quarterly newsletter.
• See – Change ACT
See-Change is offering to assist all faith organisations in Canberra to be able to purchase photovoltaic panels at a discount rate through bringing together those faith communities who would like to form a consortium and use the power of group buying. The idea is to purchase and install photovoltaic panels to feed in electricity into the grid. There is also the opportunity for parishioners to take up this offer. There will be a presentation by Andy Brown of Pyramid Power to St John's parishioners on Monday, 12 April at 7.30pm.
Lenten Program
The Lenten Program has seen over forty people express an interest and formed groups. Veronica Brennan has organised the program and all groups are ready to commence at the start of lent.
Agenda Item 5 |
Correspondence |
• Out Nil
• In Nil
Agenda Item 6 |
Upcoming Calendar Events |
• World Refugee Day or Migrant Sunday
There was an idea expressed about recognising Refugees by holding an International Food day. This would be held after the 10:00am mass and different ethnic groups in the parish would be invited to host a food stall. The proposed date of 20 June will clash with our celebration of the Feast of the Sacred Heart on 11 June. We will need to set a new date.
Agenda Item 7 |
Discussion Groups |
Fr Michael has ordered ten copies of the book God of Surprises, however it will not be available for another three weeks . This will become the spiritual discussion topic for the council. Michael has asked us to read the text taking notice of how it affects us personally as opposed to critiquing the book.
In place of a discussion at this meeting Michael explained about the confidentiality of the Council and asked those who had not already done so to sign confidentiality agreements.
Agenda Item 8 |
Matter arising from Reports submitted |
1. Footprints:
Footprints started the year with a social event with ten of the members going out to dinner. Next Thursday will be a planning night with a view to having a broad plan of events for the year. One of Footprints focus for this year is getting the younger youth group up and running. Sally will contact Sue Sturgiss [Acting Principal at St Francis Xavier] with a request to speak to the students about the new youth group.
2. Liturgy Committee
Have started meeting for 2010 and are currently in the planning stage for lent and the Easter ceremonies. They have organised the music liturgy and prayers of the faithful for Mark's farewell mass on Sunday 14 February.
3. RCIA
Twelve people are currently journeying towards Easter. Of those twelve seven will be baptised and the other five received into the church. One of the candidates because of work commitments will not be here for Easter so he will receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist on Sunday 14 February.
4. School of Religion
Attached.
5. Parish Sacramental Team
Attached.
6. Social Justice Committee
Attached.
7. St John the Apostle Primary School
Attached.
Agenda Item 9 |
On going projects |
a. Adult Education/Heart to Heart: Growth in faith through discussion.
Tom has selected the text Reforming the Liturgy: A Response to the Critics John F. Baldovin, S.J.
The format will be very similar to the template of how the parish book club runs:
• Read the text
• Come prepared to share what you found helpful or what took your fancy as well as what you found difficult to either grasp or agree with.
• Be prepared to listen to other “takes” on the reading.
If and when appropriate and helpful, the sessions will be “enhanced” with PowerPoint presentations and/or handouts.
The program is as follows:
Sessions
Tuesday Evening 7:30 to 9:00 pm
Parish Library
23 February
Introduction & Chapter One: The Philosophical Critique. Pp 1- 35
2 March
Chapter Two: The Historical Basis Of The Reform.
pp 36 -64
9 March
Chapter Three: A Theological Critique.
pp 65 - 89
16 March
Chapter Four: Liturgy As Ritual: The Critique From Sociology And Anthropology.
pp 90 - 104
23 March
Chapter Five: Major Issues & Conclusion: A Way Forward.
pp 105 to 157
b. Parenting support Initiative
This initiative will become a focus project for 2010. At the Pastoral Council meeting of 10 September 2009 it was agreed that we would offer parenting sessions in the following format:
Who: Guest Speaker skilled in parenting training
Time: Sunday afternoons
Duration: 2 hours
Main Focus: Small group discussions
Facilities: Child minding
Cup of tea
Marian will contact Robert Pereira whose expertise is Parent Effectiveness Training (P.E.T) with a view to organising a workshop. PET skills are equally effective for parents with children of all ages; for step-parents, single parents, foster parents, parents of different ethnic background, and parents with different amounts of formal education. PET is a preventative program that works for parents of very young children - those who have not yet developed behavioural problems. PET skills also have proven to be unusually effective in helping older children change undesirable behaviours and overcome problems they're having at home or at school.
Helen Connell and Marilyn Hatton are offering a program on emotionally intelligent parenting titled Tuning in to Kids : The six session parenting program is targeted at parents of children aged 4-12 years. The first session commences Wednesday 24 Feb from 7:30-9:30pm. Program Cost: $180. There was some discussion that this cost may be prohibitive to some parents. Whilst this particular program was not devised by the parish it enhances our initiative in supporting parents and we are happy to endorse it.
c. West Macgregor Doorknock
Matthew will update us on this initiative at the March meeting. With the St Vincent de Paul doorknock happening during February it would be best to wait before embarking on the next stage. Perhaps with the doorknock we could incorporate delivering a flyer advertising the Easter ceremonies.
d. Parish Assembly ~ Prayer Groups
Establishment of Prayer Groups is one of the focus projects for this year. The parish has had a number of effective prayer groups for a long time and the focus this year is to give parishioners experience of different types of prayer with the invitation to people to form prayer groups hence making them available to everyone. During lent we will be offering Lectio Divina prayer on Tuesdays from 10:00am – 11:00am in the Parish Library, commencing 23 Feb – 30 March for 6 weeks.
e. Welcoming Ministry & Identifying gifts.
This is an area where we can't afford to drop the baton and where there is always room for improvement. Michael said that people visiting St John's often express that they feel welcomed and feel the warmth of the parish but we can always improve. It was identified that the Information Desk in the foyer is valuable in assisting parishioners and new parishioners. However it was identified that it is not always attended so there is a need to identify new people who can be on a roster once a month to attend the desk. Moira volunteered and Michael will personally approach people whom he thinks may be interested in this task.
It was also identified that the spiel at the beginning of mass is a time that we can welcome visitors and new parishioners. The idea is to uniform the spiel so that the same thing is said at each mass. Matthew said that Henley Beach parish has a good introduction which they have had for around fifteen years. Marian will contact John Rate and ask for a copy of their introduction and welcome.
Agenda Item 10 |
New business |
• Fr. Mark's Farewell
There have been two functions organised to officially farewell Mark on the week-end of 12-14 February. On Friday 12 February 6:30pm there will be a Pot Luck dinner in the Parish Centre. On Sunday 14 February after the celebration of 10:00am Mass there will be cake and tea & coffee at Coffee Club.
The parish has not purchased Mark a gift so it was agreed that there will be a leaving collection at each mass on the weekend of 20/21 February.
• Assistant Priest – Fr. John Bosman msc
Arrives to take up duties on 1 March, John will celebrate his fifty years of Profession as a Missionary of the Sacred Heart on 26 February 2010. Michael is unsure of John's exact duties as yet but is hoping that he will take up the ministry to the sick and housebound. John will celebrate his seventieth birthday on 6 April 2010.
• Time & Talent
Marian presented the Time and Talent sheet in the 2009 format for everyone's perusal and comments. Some minor changes were suggested to the wording and the following items were identified as needing to be included:
[ ] Guardians & Angels
[ ] __________________
Your suggestion
• PPC retreat Rosedale
Michael has made a tentative booking at the MSC Retreat house at Rosedale for the Pastoral Council for the weekend of 20/21 March. The cost is $25.00 per night per person and the practice in the past is that everyone put in money for food, with the total cost being approximately $100.00. Members of the Council are asked to let Marian know by the 28 February if they will be attending.
Agenda Item 11 |
Additional Business |
- Parish Office Staff
Matthew reminded us that in the future with no guarantees that we will have two priests there may be the need for the parish to employ more staff.
- World Youth Day
With the cost of one person going to World Youth Day Madrid blowing out to approximately $7000.00 it is unlikely that our parish will be sending a group. Anyone interested in going will be able to join the Archdiocesan group.
Meeting closed with final prayers at 9:45pm.
Next meeting 11 March 2010 7.30pm.
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