St John the Apostle ~ Kippax
 
CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA
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MINUTES OF MEETING OF
ST JOHN 'S CHURCH, KIPPAX
PASTORAL COUNCIL

11 May 2006
10 December 2009

Note: 1. The minutes are placed here after they have been approved by the Council. This means that they are a month behind.

Note 2. Reports from the various sub-committees of the Council are available on request from the parish office.

12 November 2009 7.30pm.

 

 

8 October 2009 7.30pm.

 

 

 

 

 


10 September 2009 7:30pm.

Agenda Item 1

Opening and Welcome

Joe Barr welcomed all in attendance.

Agenda Item 2

Attendance

Present:
Fr Michael Fallon msc, Joe Barr, Marian England, Matthew Toohey, Sabina Van Rooy,
Meg Millband, Helen Currie, Tom Halloran, Margaret Stanford, Stephen Kiley, Moira Sutch.
Apologies: Toni Cox, Peter Polkinghorne, Josette Allester.

Agenda Item 3

Opening Prayer

A meditative prayer led by Tom Halloran.             Next meeting Meg Millband

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 previous minutes
  • Music Liturgy Workshop

Michael had contacted Amanda McKenna and the workshop has been organised for Sunday afternoon 11 October from 2:00 – 4:00pm. The focus will be on using music in liturgy. We will extend an invitation to the Belconnen Gungahlin parishes.

  • Old Projector

A replacement globe at the cost of $383.55 has been purchased and donated by a parishioner. This projector will be used in the library and the parish centre.

  • Quarterly Newsletter

There was a lengthy discussion on the possibility of reviving the quarterly newsletter. It was agreed to go ahead on a trial basis. It was further agreed there would need to be an editorial policy overseeing the submission of articles. The following people have agreed to be on the Editorial Committee; Matthew Toohey, Stephen Kiley, Tom Halloran, Sabina Van Rooy.

  • Adult Education

In looking at the future of adult education in the parish it was suggested that there is value in discussion group type format. A starting point could be the season of Advent using the “Infancy Narratives”. Tom will follow this idea up.

Agenda Item 5

Correspondence

  • Out
  • In

 

Agenda Item 6

Upcoming Calendar Events

Social Justice Sunday: Ozanam Sunday
The Council approved a leaving collection at all masses on the week-end of 26/27 September for the Ozanam appeal. This is a St Vincent de Paul Archdiocesan appeal for twinned Conferences in other countries.

Agenda Item 7

Discussion Groups

Ideas on supporting parents in our community.
After brain storming ideas it was agreed to present a series of afternoons with a guest speaker with expertise in parenting courses. The sessions will model the following format:
Time:                        Sunday afternoons
Duration:            2 hours
Main Focus:            Small group discussions
Facilities:            Child minding
                        Cup of tea
It is anticipated that these sessions will commence early February 2010.


Agenda Item 8

Matter arising from Reports submitted

  • St John the Apostle School – Helen Currie

Attached.

  • Adult Education – Tom Halloran

    Attached.
  • Belconnen Regional Council

The annual Belconnen Regional Council dinner will be held at St Francis Xavier College on Wednesday 14 October. The guest speaker will be Sr. Noelene Quinnane. The cost for the evening is $25.00 per person. The following people will attend: Sabina, Joe, Moira, Margaret, Marian, Meg and Helen.

  • Liturgy Committee

The Liturgy Committee is looking for new members. If you know of anyone please let
Fr Michael know.

  • RCIA

Twelve possible candidates attended the enquiry night. The RCIA team now consists of Tony & Margaret Di Michiel, Alan & Elaine Laycock, and Marian Crowley.

Agenda Item 9

On going projects

  • Macgregor West Doorknock

Eight people attended the training night at which Fr Neville Drinkwater from Charnwood parish provided helpful tips for doorknocking. The door knock is Sunday 13 September. It is anticipated that there are over two hundred houses to visit.
c2011 WYD
Meeting will be held Sunday 20 September at 7:30pm
           

Agenda Item 10

New business

  • New Keyboard

A new keyboard has been purchased for the church at a cost of $3150.00. The old piano has been moved downstairs to the parish centre.
Meeting closed with final prayers at 9:50pm.
Next meeting 8 October 2009 7.30pm.

TO DO LIST:


TASK

PERSON RESPONSIBLE

Prayer

Meg Millband

Purchase Photo Album

Toni

Compile list of RCIA candidates since 2000

Marian

 

 

9th July 2009 7:30pm.

Agenda Item 1

Opening and Welcome

Joe Barr welcomed all in attendance.

Agenda Item 2

Attendance

Present:

Fr Michael Fallon msc, Joe Barr, Moira Sutch, Felicity Bate, Marian England, Matthew Toohey, Stephen Kiley, Robert Day, Peter Polkinghorne, Sabina Van Rooy, Meg Millband

Apologies:

Helen Currie, Tom Halloran, Toni Cox, Carmel Martin, Margaret Stanford, Josette Allester

Agenda Item 3

Opening Prayer

Led by Peter Polkinghorne. Next meeting Sabina Van Rooy.

Agenda Item 4

Minutes of Previous Meeting

  • Acceptance of Minutes

Minutes were accepted by Peter Polkinghorne and seconded by Meg Millband, with a slight change as Joe Barr was not present at the meeting.

  • Business arising from previous minutes
  • Youth & Music workshop

Joe Barr said it was an excellent workshop and that tremendous talks were given by the guest speakers. There were only 23 participants which was disappointing considering the effort undertaken by Marian England in organising the event. There was mention of approaching the guest speakers to come and speak in the Parish to the liturgy committee around ‘Music and liturgy’. The new ‘As One Voice’ should be available and the Parish have ordered the associated PowerPoint’s and music books.

  • Adult Education

Tom Halloran’s group provided positive feedback to his presentations. He will look further into Adult Education in the parish. Father Michael is due to recommence his lectures the first week of term.

  • RCIA – Photo Album

This is an idea to create an album with photos of the RCIA group to remember who is who. The Issue was raised again about retention of participants after the course is completed. It was suggested a social gathering be held to introduce people to various groups within the Parish with options of a gala day or dinner. Marian England and Toni Cox to discuss both these ideas further.

Agenda Item 5

Correspondence

  • Out

Joe Barr sent a letter to St Francis Xavier thanking them for hosting and catering the Youth and Music workshop.

  • In

Email regarding Olive Wood Devotional Carvings from Bethlehem (discussed in New Business).

Agenda Item 6

Upcoming Calendar Events

8th August – 100th anniversary of the death of Mary MacKillop

Agenda Item 7

D iscussion Groups

Next meeting ‘The Australasian Catholic Record’ article titled ‘An Education for Love’ will be discussed.

Agenda Item 8

Matter arising from Reports submitted

  • Parish Sacramental Preparation – Sabina Van Rooy

Sabina noted that the program was run again successfully and parents are starting to understand and appreciate the two preparation meetings. Father Michael received a majority of positive feedback for utilising the Cathedral, with only one negative comment. There has been an offer made to the families participating in this preparation course of forming home groups. It has been noted that offering crèche facilities at the Parish during the evenings has assisted parent’s greatly.

  • Social Justice Committee – Sabina Van Rooy

No report tabled.

  • St John the Apostle School – Helen Currie

No report tabled.

  • Refugee Resettlement Committee – Bev Purnell

Report tabled and available in the Parish Office

Agenda Item 9

On going projects

  • Macgregor West Doorknock

It was decided to postpone this doorknock until September when the warmer weather starts. The training session will be held around the 9th September for 90 minutes, with the doorknock following on the 13th September. Approximately 24 people will be needed.

  • 2011 WYD

All members present were in agreement that we should progress this project using the strategy put forward by Matthew Toohey.

The next steps in the progressing of this project are;

  • Matthew Toohey to;
    • Generate a flyer outlining the registration process and commitment required by those wanting to participate.
    • Present the proposal to Footprints group.
    • Contact Spanish Embassy regarding information on Spain (language etc).
    • Contact Spanish Restaurant seeking sponsorship
  • Joe Barr to speak to the Region council about the strategy and invite them to participate as a North Canberra group.

Agenda Item 10

New business

  • Youth weekend Douglas Park 8-9 August

A couple of places are still available for youth from Kippax, as part of a small formation group for youth with MSC. Marian will provide details at Footprints next Thursday.

  • Blessing of Senior Servers Sunday 19 July

Archbishop Mark Coleridge is coming to St John’s on the 19th July to Bless our new Senior Servers at the 10am Mass.

  • Olive Wood Devotional Carvings from Bethlehem.

An email arrived in the Parish Office asking if we would be willing to sell these carvings in the foyer of the Parish, but the PPC agreed that we wouldn’t.

This meeting was Robert Day’s last meeting and Joe Barr offered him sincere thanks for his participation on the Council and to have a wonderful time overseas.

Meeting closed with final prayers.

Next meeting 13th August 2009 7.30pm.

 


11th June 2009 7:30pm.

Agenda Item 1 - Opening and Welcome


Moira Sutch welcomed all in attendance and on behalf of the Council.

Agenda Item 2 - Attendance



Present:
Fr Michael Fallon msc, Moira Sutch, Marian England, Toni Cox, Matthew Toohey, Margaret Stanford, Peter Polkinghorne. Helen Currie, Tom Halloran, Joe Barr, Sabina Van Rooy, Meg Millband, Stephen Kiley.
Apologies: Felicity Bate, Joe Barr, Carmel Martin, Robert Day, Josette Allester.

Agenda Item 3 - Opening Prayer


Led by Marian England. Next meeting Peter Polkinghorne.

Agenda Item 4 - Minutes of Previous Meeting


a. Acceptance of Minutes
Minutes were accepted by Peter Polkinghorne and seconded by Toni Cox.
b. Business arising from previous minutes
• PPC representative on Regional Council
Margaret Stanford agreed to be our representative on the Regional Council.
• Doorknock of West Macgregor
100 Information and welcome packs are ready for the doorknock. It was decided that it would be better to do the doorknock after the July school holidays. Matthew will organise a training afternoon in July. There were two responses from parishioners interested in doing the doorknock.
• Youth & Music workshop
The response to the Music, Liturgy workshop has been poor.

Agenda Item 5 - Correspondence

a. Out

b. In

Agenda Item 6 - Calendar of Events: 11 June - 9 July

June 14
Body and Blood of Christ
Planned Giving – envelopes Talk to the parish
16
1st First Eucharist formation night.
19
Feast of the Sacred Heart [Friday]
20
World Refugee Day [RRC]
21
12th Sunday in Ordinary time
Refugee & Migrant Sunday
23
Second First Eucharist formation night.
24
Birth of John the Baptist
27
Youth, Music & Liturgy Workshop
28
13th Sunday in Ordinary time
28
New Senior Server formation afternoon
29
Peter & Paul Apostles
6-19 July
School Holidays

Agenda Item 7 - Discussion Groups


A lengthy and meaningful discussion was had on ‘The Tablet’ article titled ‘How to build a moral society’.

Agenda Item 8 - Matters Arising from Reports Submitted


a. Catholics Returning Home – Moira Sutch
b. Finance Committee – Josette Allester
c. Footprints – Matthew Toohey
d. Liturgy Committee – Matthew Toohey
e. Belconnen-Gunghalin Regional Pastoral Council
Regional dinner will be held at St Francis Xavier College 14 October 2009.
f. Regional Pastoral Council –
g. School of Religion – Sabina Van Rooy
attached
h. Parish Sacramental Preparation – Sabina Van Rooy
attached
i. Social Justice Committee – Sabina Van Rooy
attached
j. St John the Apostle School – Helen Currie
k. Refugee Resettlement Committee – Bev Purnell
attached

Agenda Item 9 - On Going Projects


a. Family Groups
b. Feast of the Sacred Heart
About ten acts have been registered for the ‘St John’s got talent’.
Agenda Item 10
New business
a. MSC Parishes Conference – 15 to 17 November
Matthew Toohey and Sally Cox will be youth representatives from Kippax.
b. Adult Education – formation of Group.
Tom Halloran has agreed to head up a parish group looking at Adult Education.
c. RCIA – Photo album
There was a suggestion that the parish have a photo album to remember significant occasions and people such as RCIA candidates. The parish purchased a digital camera in 2007 but it has hardly been used. We need to identify a person who will take photos at major events. Toni volunteered to look into the matter.
d. 2011 World Youth Day
Matthew Toohey presented a strategy for Gathering, Formation and fundraising for the next World Youth Day in Spain. The discussion of this item was deferred until the July meeting.

 

Meeting closed at 10:15pm with final prayers.
Next meeting 11th June 2009 7.30pm

14th May 2009 7:30pm.

Agenda Item 1

Opening and Welcome

Moira Sutch welcomed all in attendance and on behalf of the Council, congratulated Robert and Helen  on their marriage.

Agenda Item 2

Attendance

Present:

Fr Michael Fallon msc, Moira Sutch, Felicity Bate, Marian England, Toni Cox, Matthew Toohey, Margaret Stanford, Robert Day, Peter Polkinghorne.

Apologies:

Helen Currie, Tom Halloran, Joe Barr, Sabina Van Rooy, Meg Millband, Carmel Martin, Sharon Sams (sick), Stephen Kiley

Agenda Item 3

Opening Prayer

Led by Marian England. Next meeting Robert Day.

Agenda Item 4

Minutes of Previous Meeting

  • Acceptance of Minutes

Minutes were accepted by Marian England and seconded by Toni Cox.

  • Business arising from previous minutes
  • PPC representative on Regional Council

More information was requested on what this position is and what time commitment is required. Margaret Stanford will email Sabina Van Rooy to request this information.

  • Doorknock of West Macgregor

Norma and Clyde will continue with the letterbox drop in this area as more houses are built. Marian England is going to organise the information pack and let Matthew Toohey know when it’s ready. Matthew Toohey will organise a half hour training session to provide volunteers with some scripting on questions that may be asked. It is recommended that the teams are made up of one male and one female.  Father Michael will talk about the doorknocking at Mass and seek interest from the Parishioners and follow up with information in Compact.

Neville Drinkwater would be a good contact to consult about any rules regarding times that we can doorknock in the neighbourhood.

  • Youth & Music workshop

A flyer has been produced to advertise this event. It is estimated that we will need 100 people to participate at $20 head to recoup the cost of the event. Catering will be done by St Francis Xavier. Registration forms to go out shortly with responses needed by June 19th.

  • Feedback on changes to Communion

More feedback from Parishioners and PPC members has been received with some people still preferring the old way of doing things and feel that the new way is not as welcoming to Parishioners.

  • Parish Social Profile report

The Parish Social Profile is available and Michael has made a few comments about it on the Parish website. The full report is available on the web.

Agenda Item 5

Correspondence

  • Out

Joe Barr sent the letter to Corpus Christi thanking them for running the Called and Gifted Programme in the Parish.

  • In

PPC received a thank-you card from Robert and Helen Day for their wedding gift.

Agenda Item 6

Calendar Events - March

28th May – The Sacrament of Confirmation for the children will be held at the Cathedral. Parishioners will be invited to attend via the Compact.

31st May – St Vincent de Paul winter appeal will be held during each of the Masses.

Agenda Item 7

Discussion Groups

‘The Tablet’ article titled ‘How to build a moral society’ to be discussed at the next meeting.

Agenda Item 8

Matter arising from Reports submitted

  • Catholics Returning Home – Moira Sutch

New participants started the course this week.

  • Finance Committee – Josette Allester

Nil

  • Footprints – Matthew Toohey

Things are going well, there are 15-18 participants and some of the Antioch youth have started to come along. The group have started to settle into a routine.

WYD – only 826 days to go. Matthew is hoping to have participants indicating an interest in going at around the 750 day mark. At this point it is estimated that it will cost $6000 per person – that’s about $8/day. It was mentioned in regard to fundraising that perhaps two-thirds could be fundraised in the Parish and the rest of the cost met by the individual.

ACTION:  Matthew to send through some information to the PPC regarding fundraising ideas prior to the next meeting.

  • Liturgy Committee – Matthew Toohey

The committee is meeting next week and will start preparations for Pentecost. Feedback received from the Easter weekend was very good. However, the committee feel that Palm Sunday needs to be organised and the plan finalised earlier.

  • RCIA – Jock McLean

Nil

  • Regional Pastoral Council – Joe Barr

Nil

  • School of Religion – Sabina Van Rooy

Nil

  • Parish Sacramental Preparation – Sabina Van Rooy

Nil

  • Social Justice Committee – Sabina Van Rooy

Nil

  • St John the Apostle School – Helen Currie

Helen sent a report, available at the Parish Office.

  • Refugee Resettlement Committee – Bev Purnell

Bev supplied a report. Robert Day commented on the point about the number of families on the books and the inability to take more. He wondered if there is anything we can do.  It was mentioned that Refugee Week is 13-22 June and the committee may get a few more volunteers from this event.

Agenda Item 9

On going projects

  • Family Groups

Only around half a dozen people have approached Jenny and John Maher regarding becoming involved in Family Groups.

  • Feast of the Sacred Heart

Flyer to go out in the Compact regarding this evening 19th June (St John’s Got Talent).

ACTION: Matthew Toohey to ask liturgy committee to organise the liturgy for the evening.

Agenda Item 10

New business

  • MSC Parishes Conference – 15 to 17 November

This conference will commence at the 5pm Mass on the Sunday evening. The organisers are wanting to attract a youth presence at the conference.

PPC to think about who we should send as Delegates, Matthew Toohey has already been nominated but needs to confirm dates.
Marian England to keep us posted on further developments.

  • Robert Day Resignation

Robert Day is resigning from the PPC sooner than his term as he and his wife are heading overseas for 12 months from the 30th July this year.

Meeting closed with final prayers.

Next meeting 11th June 2009 7.30pm.

 

 

16th April 2009 7:30pm.

Agenda Item 1

Opening and Welcome

Joe Barr welcomed all in attendance

Agenda Item 2

Attendance

Present:

Fr Michael Fallon msc, Joe Barr, Moira Sutch, Felicity Bate, Sabina Van Rooy, Meg Millband, Marian England, Toni Cox, Stephen Kiley, Matthew Toohey.

Apologies:

Margaret Stanford, Helen Currie, Robert Day, Tom Halloran, Peter Polkinghorne.

Agenda Item 3

Opening Prayer

Led by Moira Sutch. Next meeting Marian England.

Agenda Item 4

Minutes of Previous Meeting

  • Acceptance of Minutes

Minutes were accepted with a minor change to Agenda Item 10 – New Initiatives.

  • Business arising from previous minutes
  • Called & Gifted program Corpus Christi Parish

There were 13 registered participants, with 9 of those from the Parish. The discussion that arose from the questionnaire was very interesting and thought provoking. If it is offered again next year, it was agreed that we would advertise it more than we did this year.

ACTION: Joe Barr to write a thank you letter to Corpus Christi Parish.

  • Taste of Harmony – Friday 20th March

Joe Barr presented a report to the committee refer to Appendix A. This event was successful and for next year more time will be given to the Refugee Resettlement Committee, so they can do more in advertise and event planning.

  • Feedback on changes to Communion

Members of the PPC have received some feedback on the changes recently made to the format of Communion presentation. This change may just take a while to get used to, and the decision could be revisited in a few months depending on feedback.

ACTION: PPC members to be aware of Parishioners feedback and advise the PPC.

  • Child Safety Audit

Joe Barr is still waiting for the booklet from the Archdiocese for further information to assist with this Audit.

Agenda Item 5

Correspondence

  • Out

Nil

  • In

Father Michael received an email from Gary and Margaret Richardson to congratulate the Footprints group on their presentation of Stations of the Cross over the Easter weekend. PPC members were also full of praise.

ACTION: Matthew Toohey to pass on congratulations to the group.

Agenda Item 6

Calendar Events - March

April 10th-27th

School Holidays

April 25th

ANZAC Day

May 14th

PPC meeting

Agenda Item 7

Discussion Groups

Chapters 16-17 of Jesus Today was discussed this is the end of the discussions around this book. For next meeting an article from ‘The Tablet’ titled ‘How to build a moral society’.

Agenda Item 8

Matter arising from Reports submitted

  • Catholics Returning Home – Moira Sutch

The next group starts on the 12th May and they are currently advertising for participants.

  • Finance Committee – Josette Allester

Nil

  • Footprints – Matthew Toohey

Matthew said that the group had met a few times and that it was really taking off. Members of the group have been coming up with ideas of other activities to pursue. Matthew is keen to start fundraising to send pilgrims to the next WYD in Spain.

No report provided.

ACTION: Matthew to provide some information about fundraising at the next PPC meeting.

  • Liturgy Committee – Carmel Martin

Nil

  • RCIA – Jock McLean

Father Michael said from last years group we had one baptism and two confirmations over the Easter weekend.

  • Regional Pastoral Council – Joe Barr

Joe provided a report to the PPC, which all members received a copy.  A question was raised regarding the Youth and Music Workshop and whether the format and subjects had been publicised. Joe’s response was that we can request whatever format and subjects we liked and that the event would be advertised according to our request.

ACTION: Matthew Toohey and Marian England to come up with the subjects/format and create a flyer to advertise.

ACTION: Next PPC meeting discuss Office Bearers on Regional Council represented by St John’s.

  • School of Religion – Sabina Van Rooy

Sabina provided a report to the PPC, which all members received a copy.

  • Parish Sacramental Preparation – Sabina Van Rooy

Sabina provided a report to the PPC, which all members received a copy. A couple of points were raised by the Council. Firstly, that some parents who’s children are participating may wish to form social support groups – the Parish has left this up to the parent’s to instigate. Secondly, we need to ensure that sufficient evaluation of this new preparation programme.

  • Social Justice Committee – Sabina Van Rooy

Sabina provided a report to the PPC, which all members received a copy. Sabina mentioned at the PPC meeting the Social Justice Sunday would be at the end of September and a workshop will be held two weeks before that to prepare.

  • St John the Apostle School – Helen Currie

Nil

Agenda Item 9

On going projects

  • West McGregor

Father Michael will talk again with Clyde and Norma and see if they will take on responsibility for the rest of the letter box drops in the next area. Meg Millband and Toni Cox are happy to assist with letterbox drops.

An idea was raised for the PPC to undertake doorknocking together, Sabina mentioned that she and the Social Justice committee would be keen to assist. Moira Sutch and Matthew Toohey would also be available to assist.

ACTION: Meg Millband, Toni Cox and Marian England will work together on developing a pack to leave with people during the doorknocking.

ACTION: Father Michael to talk with Clyde and Norma.

Agenda Item 10

New business

  • Family Groups

Jenny and John Maher had a discussion with Father Michael regarding family groups and whether new ones need to be established in the Parish i.e. if the interest was there. As a result of this meeting a few people involved in the Family Groups will talk at Mass on the 9/10 May about the groups and the impact on their lives. They will encourage members of the Parish to come and talk to them if they would like to get involved. The amount of interest generated will determine if some new groups should be formed in the Parish.

  • Mother’s Day

PPC agreed the coffee club would not operate on Mother’s Day as not enough members of the PPC would be available to run it.

  • Parish Website

A suggestion was made by the PPC that the Mass times for special services should be placed in a prominent position on the Parish Website, as a few people heard that times couldn’t be found when searching.

  • Mums & Bubs Group

Meg Millband and Toni Cox are going to look into setting up the Mums & Bubs group again.

  • Lenten Prayer Groups

Feedback was received that the programme we followed this year in the Parish lacked a little direction in its content. It was mentioned that a preference exists for utilising the Brisbane programme again next year.

  • Working Bee

A need for a working bee around the Parish was raised. Marian England mentioned that they are scheduled but keep getting cancelled as they clash with events within the Parish.

ACTION: Marian to ask about arranging a workable date ASAP.

It was noted that Joe Barr will be away for the next two meeting and he gives his apologies. Moira Sutch will be chairing the meetings in his absence.

Meeting closed with final prayers.

Next meeting 14th May 2009

 

12th March 2009 7:30pm.

Agenda Item 1

Opening and Welcome

Joe Barr welcomed all in attendance

Agenda Item 2

Attendance

Present:

Fr Michael Fallon msc, Joe Barr, Margaret Stanford, Felicity Bate, Sabina Van Rooy, Robert Day, Tom Halloran, Peter Polkinghorne, Meg Millband

Apologies:

Moira Sutch, Helen Currie, Marian England, Stephen Kiley, Toni Cox, Matthew Toohey.

Agenda Item 3

Opening Prayer

Led by Sabina Van Rooy. Next meeting Moira Sutch.

Agenda Item 4

Minutes of Previous Meeting

  • Acceptance of Minutes

Minutes were accepted with a minor change to Robert Day’s comments regarding the Youth group. Accepted by Tom Halloran, seconded by Peter Polkinghorne.

  • Business arising from previous minutes
  • Called & Gifted program Corpus Christi Parish

This will be advertised in the upcoming weekends Compact.

  • Taste of Harmony – Friday 20th March

This will also be advertised in the weekends Compact.

  • Time & Talent

Marian has had a good response so far to the Time & Talent, work is underway to coordinate the various rosters.

  • Lenten groups

Two groups were formed out of the people who were interested and the books were ordered for them.  There has been some feedback on the books, and further feedback will be sought from those who are working through the books individually.

A comment was made that we should undertake organising these groups sooner than we did this year, perhaps in November or at least appoint a coordinator before we break for the summer break.

  • Footprints group

Father Michael cooked a fabulous BBQ for the groups initial meeting. There were 13 people in attendance, and it was a promising start to the new youth group.  The first formal meeting is on the Thursday 19th March.

  • Child Safety Audit

Joe Barr is still waiting for the booklet from the Archdiocese for further information to assist with this Audit in the next few weeks.

Agenda Item 5

Correspondence

  • Out
    • A response has been sent to Tim Guilfoyle regarding his letter to Father Michael on how ‘One day can make a difference’.
    • Response was sent regarding a letter we received to support Karen Baron, advising that we were unable to assist with this financial support.
  • In
  • Nil

Agenda Item 6

Calendar Events - March

March 15th

Finance report to Parish

March 11th & 26th

Confirmation meeting with parents

March 22nd

Preparation & commissioning of Ministers of the Word 3.30pm concluding with Mass

March 26th

Second rite of reconciliation (Kaleen)

March 29th

Preparation & Commissioning of Ministers of the Eucharist 3.30pm concluding with Mass

April 2nd

Second rite of reconciliation (St John’s)

April 3rd-4th

Called and Gifted program

April 5th

Palm Sunday

April 9th

Holy Thursday

April 10th-12th

Easter weekend

April 16th

PPC meeting

Agenda Item 7

Discussion Groups

This discussion will be held over until the next meeting, chapters 16-17.

Agenda Item 8

Matter arising from Reports submitted

Joe Barr attended the Regional Council Meeting, he will provide a report for next months meeting. He specifically mentioned the Men’s Shed idea and this has been advertised in the Compact this weekend.

Agenda Item 9

On going projects

  • West McGregor

Clyde and Norma Sloan have received the postcards for delivery to the new houses in West McGregor when they go walking. This card lists the service times for St Johns as well as the Uniting and Anglican churches in the area.

There is a further list of volunteers for when we follow up with our door knock.

  • Refer Pg8. Parish Pastoral Council 2009 handout

We began discussions on the priorities of the issues that came out of the ideas forum.

Agenda Item 10

New business

a.         New initiatives in the Parish Sacramental Program

Fr Michael spoke about the new initiatives and referred to the Compact of 8th March in which the initiatives are detailed in the ppdesk column. (Note. For further details see Compact of 15th March).

b.         Adult Education

Tom Halloran is preparing a program to present at the Yarra Theological Union in Melbourne, the outline of his course was presented to the members of the PPC, and Tom will be offering a five week series on Monday nights from May 11 2009. (Note. See the ppdesk column in Compact of 5th April for full details.)

c.            Mother’s Day

A request has been received regarding members of the PPC running the coffee morning on Mother’s Day this year. Tom volunteered. It will be discussed further at April’s meeting.

Meeting closed with final prayers.

Next meeting 16th April 2009 7.30pm.

 

12th February 2009 7:30pm.

Agenda Item 1

Opening and Welcome

Joe Barr welcomed all in attendance

Agenda Item 2

Attendance

Present:

Joe Barr, Marian England, Fr Michael Fallon msc, Felicity Bate, Moira Sutch, Matthew Toohey, Robert Day, Tom Halloran, Josette Allester, Peter Polkinghorne, Meg Millband.

Apologies:

Toni Cox, Stephen Kylie, Sabina Van Rooy, Helen Currie

Agenda Item 3

Opening Prayer

Led by Joe Barr. Next meeting Moira Sutch.

Agenda Item 4

Minutes of Previous Meeting

  • Acceptance of Minutes

Minutes were accepted. Moved by Marian England and seconded Robert Day.

  • Business arising from previous minutes
  • Called & Gifted program Corpus Christi Parish

This program has been confirmed to run in our Parish; 7-9pm 3rd April and 9.30-4.30pm 4th April 2009.

  • Child Safety Audit

Joe Barr, Felicity Bate and Sabina Van Rooy still to work on this Audit. Joe spoke with the Archdiocese and they are producing a booklet with further information to assist with this Audit in the next few weeks.

Agenda Item 5

Correspondence

  • Out

Nil

  • In
    • Karinya House would like to arrange a convenient time to present a certificate of appreciation to the Parish for the funds raised last year to support them.
      'Joe Barr to reply suggesting that the 10.00 am Mass on a date suitable to them would be preferred"
    • Harmony Day organisers have sent a letter with suggestions on how to celebrate this day. Bev Purnell has also made similar suggestions for celebrating the day. The theme is ‘a taste of harmony’. Marian will discuss this with Toni Cox to organise a multicultural event for the Parish on Friday the 20th March.
    • St Matthews at Page have suggested a Regional Event on the 28th May for the week of Christian Unity. Joe will find out what will be required of our Parish to assist with the event.
    • The Archbishop sent a letter to the Parish regarding the Victorian Bushfires.  Father Michael Fallon has written to the Parish via the Newsletter to explain how we as a Parish have responded to this tragedy.

COMPACT 15 February 2009.
“The PPC has judged that you would want us to make some financial response as a parish community. Rather than have a leaving collection (which would add to the many calls to which people are already responding), we have decided to make an offering on your behalf from our parish revenue of $2000.00 and to offer it to the Diocese of Sale in the Gippsland, as one of the areas most affected.”  

    • ‘One day can make a difference’ was a letter received from a Parishioner asking for Father Michael’s support to encourage people to volunteer a day of their time to help others in the community.  Tom Halloran will prepare a letter for Fr Michael seeking more information on the idea.

Agenda Item 6

Calendar Events - March

  • Lenten Prayer Groups

Lenten books titled ‘Towards a new day’ have arrived from the Archdiocese.  We will advertise that these have arrived to the Parish this weekend and sheets will be in the foyer for parishioners to express interest in which time would suit them to meet.  Robert Day has volunteered to organise these sheets. He will contact parishioners with Moira Sutch’s help to let them know which groups they are part of.

  • March PPC Meeting 12th
  • St Patrick’s Feast Day 17th
  • Harmony Day(RRC)  21st

As mentioned in Agenda Item 6 b ii, Marian and Toni will organise this event.

  • Parish Working Bee 28th

Agenda Item 7

Discussion Groups

This discussion will be held over until the next meeting, chapters 13-15.

Agenda Item 8

Matter arising from Reports submitted

The following reports were submitted and any issues raised are noted below;

  • Refugee Resettlement – Rob Sharf
  • Finance Committee – Josette Allester

The finance committee will be making a presentation to the Parish on the weekend of 14-15/3 regarding the finances of the Parish.

  • Young Adults Group – Robert Day

Robert advised that the committee formed to breathe life into a youth ministry in the Parish, has progressed and that the first group meeting for 18-35’s will be held on Wednesday 4th March.

The format of the Youth meetings was presented to the PPC and Robert thought the Youth Pastoral Council (YPC) would meet quarterly.

Agenda Item 9

On going projects

  • Ideas Night – Robert Day

Robert will provide a full report on the Ideas Forum.

  • Refer Pg8. Parish Pastoral Council 2009 handout

This item relates to the summary paper that Father Michael provided to the PPC members at the meeting in December.

Joe Barr asked that we have a look at the items on this page so that we can discuss priorities next meeting.

  • Social Life in the Parish

As Toni Cox was not at the meeting, Marian will meet with her to discuss up coming events in the Parish.  A suggestion was made for a men’s evening in the format of a dinner with a guest speaker. This event would need a volunteer to organise it.

Agenda Item 10

New business

  • Lenten Program – Sabina Van Rooy

As discussed in Agenda Item 6 a.

  • Time & Talent

Please review the flyer for Marian and let her know if there are any errors. Robert to provide Marian with some words regarding the Youth Group.

  • Tithing & Appeals

The four main commitments of the Parish are St Vincent de Paul, MSC missions, Easter – Holy Places, Christmas – Archbishop’s appeal. The PPC will consider other appeals as they are presented to us throughout the year.

  • West Macgregor

This new development comes within the parish boundaries. It was suggested that we undertake a letterbox drop to advise the residents of the church’s location, Mass times, etc.

This suggestion was taken one step further and it was suggested that we provide a community flyer which listed local services as well the Uniting and Anglican Church in the area.

Joe and Meg will start to organise the flyer, Moira Sutch volunteered to help doorknock.

Father Michael will contact the other churches.

Meeting closed with final prayers.

Next meeting 12th March 2009 7.30pm.

 

13 November 2008 7:30pm.

Agenda Item 1

Opening and Welcome

Joe Barr welcomed all in attendance

Agenda Item 2

Attendance

Present:

Joe Barr, Marian England, Fr Michael Fallon msc, Felicity Bate, Michael Horan, Margaret Stanford, Sabina Van Rooy, Moira Sutch, Carmel Toohey, Matthew Toohey, Jock McLean, Robert Day, Helen Currie, Carmel Martin

Apologies:

Tom Halloran, Josette Allester

Agenda Item 3

Opening Prayer

Led by Joe Barr. Next meeting Father Michael Fallon.

Agenda Item 4

Minutes of Previous Meeting

  • Acceptance of Minutes

Minutes were accepted without changes.

  • Business arising from previous minutes
  • Called & Gifted program Corpus Christi Parish

It still wasn’t clear if the Parish would like to proceed with this program. It was briefly discussed and agreed to run the program. Marian will notify them of our interest.

  • Child Safety Audit

Joe Barr, Felicity Bate and Sabina Van Rooy still to work on this Audit.

  • New PPC members

Toni Cox, Meg Millband, Stephen Kiley, Peter Polkinghorne and Tom Halloran will be returning.

Agenda Item 5

Correspondence

  • Out
    • Certificates of appreciation from Parish for Pauline and Maureen.
  • In
    • Letter received and discussed from Marina Philips regarding the Ideas Forum.

Agenda Item 6

Discussion Groups

This discussion will be held over til next year, chapters 13-15 for February.

Agenda Item 7

Matter arising from Reports submitted

The following reports were submitted and any issues raised are noted below;

  • Refugee Resettlement – Kathryn Kerr

Appendix A

  • Caring Connections – Carmel Toohey

There is a remembrance mass on the 29th November at 10am.

They will be taking on the idea of a putting up a tribute with a photo to members of the parish who have passed away. Carmel Toohey and Father Michael to discuss further.

  • Catholics Returning Home – Moira Sutch

Appendix B

  • Finance Committee – Josette Allester

They have approved in principle the budget for next year. Both the giving and the spending have been slightly below the predicted budget so far this year.

A memo to be sent to each committee advising them of their budget for next year shortly.

  • Liturgy Committee – Carmel Martin

Di Bruce is doing an audit of the banners to see how many require replacement.

  • RCIA – Jock McLean

RCIA is going along well, currently there are 4 participants, 3 mentors and 5 lay facilitators.

  • School of Religion & Social Justice – Sabina Van Rooy

Appendix C
Discussions stemming from Sabina’s report raised a point about the new Super School in Holt and whether or not there would be any interest from Parishioners about volunteering for Religious Education.

They are being proactive in advising the school about the commencement of School of Religion.

Father Michael and Sabina to discuss these points further.

  • St John the Apostle School – Helen Currie

Appendix D

Agenda Item 8

On going projects

  • Ideas Night – Robert Day

Robert will provide a full report on the Ideas Forum for our meeting in February.

  • Projects for 2009

We reviewed again the Report from our discussion on the Ideas Forum from last months meeting. Stemming from this report a number of items have been identified to investigate further in 2009, these include;

  1. Sunday Masses
    • All the points covered in the report are being done or the idea proposed was accepted.
  1. Prayer Groups
    • An open meeting to help identify those in the parish who are seeking a prayer group.
    • Need to identify what groups are already in existence and if there is capacity to take new members or from this to form some new groups.
  1. Sick and Housebound Parishioners
    • A letter will be sent to the leaders of the home communities regarding contacting the office to advise us of those who are sick, in hospital or housebound to ensure they are being cared for spiritually.
    • Caring connections to take on the role of placing a photo and tribute in the foyer when a parishioner passes away.
    • The remembrance area idea needs to be developed Carmel Toohey and Marian England to discuss this further – a committee may be formed.
  1. Further discussion is needed around the logistics of the children of the parish taking on the various roles during the 10am Mass once a month.
  2. Social Life in the Parish
    • New member of the PPC specifically taking on this role.
  1. Ministries
    • Organise retreat days for those in the various ministries – this idea to be further discussed in February – some money to be set aside in the budget for next year to help support parishioners in the ministry.
  1. Youth Parish Council
    • Possibility of forming a YPC, with the idea that they work towards WYD fund raising, planning and preparation.

Agenda Item 9

Other business

  • St John the Apostle Youth Group

Currently there is a Regional Group meeting fortnightly.  There are a few ideas currently in the mill such as YCW and ReWired.  The idea of the Youth Parish Council was discussed a little further as this type of forum may help to revive the Youth Group based on what the Youth need.  More discussion is required on this topic including leadership.

  • Social life of Parish

A new member of the PPC has specifically been appointed to take on this role within the Parish. Further developments in February.

Meeting closed with final prayers.

Next meeting 11th December at 7.30pm for Christmas Celebration.

 

 

9 October 2008 7:30pm.

Agenda Item 1

Opening and Welcome

Joe Barr welcomed all in attendance

Agenda Item 2

Attendance

Present:

Joe Barr, Marian England, Fr Michael Fallon msc, Felicity Bate, Michael Horan, Margaret Stanford, Sabina Van Rooy, Moira Sutch, Carmel Toohey, Matthew Toohey, Jock McLean

Guests:

Fr John Armstrong, Lorraine Barker, Brian Mahony

Apologies:

 Robert Day, Tom Halloran, Helen Currie, Josette Allester

Agenda Item 3

Opening Prayer

Led by Moira Sutch. Next meeting Joe Barr.

Agenda Item 4

Corpus Christi Parish – Called and Gifted Program

Fr John Armstrong and Lorraine Barker from the Corpus Christi Parish attended the PPC meeting to provide further information about the Called and Gifted Program, which they are offering to run at St John’s 3-4 April 2009.

The Program is designed to help members of the Parish and Community to discover their charisms and find ways to put those gifts into action in both the Parish and Community. The program consists of 1½ days of presentations with a one-on-one interview with the participant within two weeks of the program and completion of the program workbook.

The cost is per family as there are several resource materials used in the program, currently the cost is $65.

PPC to advise Fr Armstrong whether or not the program can be run at St John’s.

Agenda Item 5

Youth – Brian and Sian Mahony

Brian and Sian Mahony attended a presentation on a couple of programs for Youth from the National Office of Evangelism.  These programs were Reconnect and Rewired. Reconnect is a program aimed at youth who are not currently practising their faith and would like to return to it. The second Rewired is a program for Evangelising youth and is used in places like Parishes, Schools and Universities.

Some resources given to the PPC by Brian would be useful tools to perhaps incorporate into our Catholics Returning Home or RCIA programs.

Agenda Item 6

Minutes of Previous Meeting

  • Acceptance of Minutes

Minutes were accepted without changes.

  • Business arising from previous minutes
  • East Timor Coffee

Some confusion arose around when the sampling would occur at Coffee Club for the East Timor Coffee. As a result we were unable to encourage people to sample the coffee or support the sales.

  • Child Safety Audit

Both Joe Barr, Sabina Van Rooy and Felicity Bate will be working on this project early November.

Agenda Item 7

Correspondence

  • Out
  • In
    • Email received from Catholic Life regarding Youth Framework.
    • Email received from Karinya House regarding appeal money.
    • Fax received reminding us about World Mission Day.
    • Sabina Van Rooy received a request from the Commission for Women requesting some statistics of our Parish. Marian to assist with this request.
    • Letter received regarding the possibility of placing a plaque of remembrance at the Church for family members who have passed away and were members of the Parish.  Marian to discuss with a few parishioners to see if they would be willing to meet and co-ordinate this idea.

Agenda Item 8

Discussion Groups

This discussion will be held over til next meeting, chapters 10-12.

Agenda Item 9

Matter arising from Reports submitted

The following reports were submitted and any issues raised are noted below;

  • Refugee Resettlement Committee

Appendix A

  • Care & Connections

Appendix B

  • Finance Committee

Appendix C

Agenda Item 10

On going projects

  • Ideas Night – Robert Day

The Parish ideas forum on 28 September went well.

Each small discussion group was asked to provide a written summary of their discussions and 3 key suggested actions. Some of these actions are practical suggestions which we could look at implementing if we're able to find volunteers to do the work and others will require further thought and discussion. We do also have details of the members of each group we could perhaps call on in the first instance when we need volunteers.

Copies of these reports were available at the PPC meeting

A summary document is to be put together for distribution to the Parish. Robert Day is happy to put together this document.

Fr Michael Fallon provided a summary of some ideas which the PPC discussed ways to implement, further action is to be taken on these items.

  • Music Ministry – Matthew Toohey

Combined meeting for the Music Ministry planned for Sunday 16th November.

Agenda Item 11

Other business

Parish Pastoral Council Nominations.

Meeting closed with final prayers.

Next meeting 13th November at 7.30pm.

 

 

11 September 2008 7:30pm.

Agenda Item 1

Opening and Welcome

Joe Barr welcomed all in attendance

Agenda Item 2

Attendance

Present:

Joe Barr, Marian England, Fr Michael Fallon msc, Felicity Bate, Tom Halloran, Margaret Stanford, Sabina Van Rooy, Helen Currie, Moira Sutch, Carmel Toohey

Apologies:

 Robert Day, Matthew Toohey, Xavier Munoz

Agenda Item 3

Opening Prayer

Led by Sabina Van Rooy. Next meeting Tom Halloran

Agenda Item 4

Minutes of Previous Meeting

  • Acceptance of Minutes

Minutes were accepted without changes.

  • Business arising from previous minutes
  • Karinya House

Representatives will come from Karinya House and speak briefly after communion at each mass. The appeal will take place on the same weekend 20/21 September 2008.

  • Stations of the Cross

The first station has been replaced in accordance with the feedback the Council received from parishioners. A certificate of appreciation has been created Shelia Wigham to be given to Bert for his time and talents spent on designing and creating the stations.

Agenda Item 5

Correspondence

  • Out
    • Thank you letters were sent to John Drury and Sarah Sams for all their hard work and dedication to organising WYD on behalf of the parish.
    • A letter has been sent to the Scholarships students and Father Paul in PNG in response to their thank you letter. Joe has asked for photos of the school and students to be placed on a board in the Foyer.
  • In
    • Letter received from Greta Grybaitis with some interesting points regarding the music in the Parish.
    • Invitation received from Monsignor John Woods to attend a workshop for Funeral Directors. Joe Barr attended this workshop on behalf of the Parish.
    • Corpus Christi Parish would like to run a program in the Parish over the weekend of the 3-4 April 2009; it is a development program for Lay Apostolate. They would like to visit the PPC to discuss.
    • Audit of Parish Team for the National Committee for Professional Standards regarding child protection. Felicity has volunteered to be the co-ordinator of this process. Father Mark is speaking at each Mass.

Agenda Item 6

Discussion Groups

A healthy discussion was had around chapters 8 & 9 of Albert Nolan’s book ‘Jesus Today’.  Next meeting chapters 10-12 will be discussed.

Agenda Item 7

Matter arising from Reports submitted

The following reports were submitted and any issues raised are noted below;

  • St Johns School

No change to report

  • Belconnen-Gungahlin Regional Council

No change to report

  • School of Religion

No change to report

  • Social Justice Committee

No change to report

  • RCIA

No change to report

  • Refugee Resettlement Committee

No change to report

  • Catholics Returning Home

No change to report

Agenda Item 8

On going projects

  • Church Life Survey

Matthew away this week, but had advised that he is still waiting for a response by the organisers of the Survey.

  • Ideas Night – Robert Day

Robert away this week but has provided the program for discussion. Marian put together a flyer advertising the event. PPC discussed and a few suggestions were made. Session to run 1-5pm.

  • Ministry to Youth

Marian went to a meeting at St Matthews Page. There was discussion with the youth, particularly about;

            The regularity of the meetings

            Format of the meetings

            Direction of the groups

A question raised at the PPC was around how we get the information back to the Parish once decided.

  • Music Ministry

Matthew was away this week, but is planning to have a combined meeting for the Music Ministry on Sunday at the end of October.

  • East Timor Coffee

The Social Justice Committee have been provided with sample of coffee from East Timor. Sabina will provide details of where the coffee can be purchased. Coffee Club will use the coffee after Mass so that Parishioners can sample it.

  • Ministry of Communion to the Sick

Question was raised about a more formal process. PPC advised that there are already community groups in the Parish to fulfil this task. However, there needs to be a more formal process in place to collect the information on who is sick AND who is able to go and give the communion.

Letter to be sent to community groups to advise a formal process is being put into place to cater for this need in the Parish.

  • PPC member nominations

Nominations will be sought for new members of the PPC for next year.

  • Parish Library

The Catholic Bookshop will bring a range of books on the 26th October for parishioners to buy a book to donate to the Parish Library.

Meeting closed with final prayers.

Next meeting 9th October at 7.30pm.

 

14 August 2008

Agenda Item 1

Opening and Welcome

 

 

Joe Barr welcomed all in attendance

Agenda Item 2

Attendance

 

 

Present: Joe Barr, Marian England, Xavier Munoz, Fr Michael Fallon msc, Felicity Bate, Jock McLean, Michael Horan, Tom Halloran, Margaret Stanford, Matthew Toohey, Sabina Van Rooy, Helen Currie

Apologies: Josette Allester, Robert Day, Moira Sutch, Carmel Toohey

Agenda Item 3

Opening Prayer

Led by Marian England, provided by Moira Sutch. Next meeting Sabina Van Rooy

Agenda Item 4

Minutes of Previous Meeting

  • Acceptance of Minutes

Minutes were accepted without changes.

  • Business arising from previous minutes

Stations of the Cross

General feedback is positive, some comments have been taken around the first station. Fr Michael Fallon to discuss with artist and advise PPC of decision/outcome.

Certificate of Thanks to be created and given to artist by Jock McLean.

Agenda Item 5

Correspondence

 

  • Out
    Nil
  • In
    • Elspeth McMillan – Thank You card relating to some assistance the parish provided to her for completion of her studies.  Donation to the parish enclosed for the purpose of assistance someone else in a similar way.
    • Liturgical Committee – response to the PPC letter
    • PNG scholarship recipients – sent a letter of thanks to the parish for financial assistance for the completion of their year 11 & 12 studies.  Copies of the letters to be placed in foyer for Parishioners to read.  PPC to request photos of the students to accompany letters.
    • Belconnen Regional Council – open invitation for PPC to attend the meeting held in the Parish library on 28th August at 7.30pm.

Agenda Item 6

Discussion Groups

A healthy discussion was had around chapters 6 & 7 of Albert Nolan’s book ‘Jesus Today’.  Next meeting chapters 8 & 9 will be discussed.

Agenda Item 7

Matter arising from Reports submitted

The following reports were submitted and any issues raised are noted below;

  • Refugee Resettlement Committee – Bevil Purnell

See Appendix A

  • Principal’s Report St John’s School – Helen Currie

See Appendix B

  • Parish School of Religion – Sabina Van Rooy

See Appendix C

Agenda Item 8

On going projects

  • Church Life Survey

Matthew Toohey is constructing a letter to the producers of the survey to ascertain a few more details as to how the data was interpreted.  Further discussions will be had when he has this information and can do further analysis.

  • Ideas Night – Robert Day

The planning for this is ongoing, date has been set 28 Sept 2008.

  • Ministry to Youth

Liturgy Committee letter mentioned waiting to progress this until after the WYD follow up meetings.  PPC agreed this was a good idea.

Agenda Item 9

Other business

  • Retreat weekend at Rosedale 9/10 August

Thanks to Marian England and Fr Michael Fallon for organisation.

  • Music Ministry
A healthy discussion was had on this topic, some scepticism on paying someone to take a lead role. Suggestion was made to have a combined meeting of the music ministry and open it to new members – this may inspire someone to volunteer to take a lead role.

Matthew Toohey happy to organise a meeting. Felicity Bate will help as needed.

  • Operation Christmas Child

This cause was discussed. The parish supports a similar program with St Vincent de Paul around the Christmas period already and so it was decided not to participate.  Sabina Van Rooy will take the information kit to some of her groups and encourage the children to participate.

  • Karinya House

Marian has tried to contact them with no success regarding our bucket collection on Sept 6.

  • Pamphlets from Wollongong Diocese

These two pamphlets explain changes to communion and Mass. These will be put on display in the foyer for the information of the Parishioners.

  • Fr Jim’s Memorial Plaque
This plaque will be placed near the rose garden in the very near future.
  • Thank you to John Drury and Sarah Sams re WYD

PPC will organise a thank you card for both John and Sarah in appreciation of all their hardwork.

Meeting closed with final prayers.

Next meeting 11th September at 7.30pm.

17 July 2008

Agenda Item 1

Opening and Welcome

Joe Barr welcomed all in attendance

Agenda Item 2

Attendance

Present:

Joe Barr, Marian England, Xavier Munoz, Fr Michael Fallon msc, Robert Day, Moira Sutch, Felicity Bate

Apologies:

Josette Allester, Jock McLean, Michael Horan, Tom Halloran, Margaret Stanford, Matthew Toohey, Sabina Van Rooy, Helen Currie

Agenda Item 3

Opening Prayer

Led by Marian England. Next meeting Moira Sutch

Agenda Item 4

Minutes of Previous Meeting

  • Acceptance of Minutes

Minutes were accepted without changes.

  • Business arising from previous minutes

New microphone

Marian will follow up with Ben at St Francis Xavier College the status of the microphone. School is currently on holidays. Will advise next meeting

Stations of the Cross

Discussed numbers attending on Fridays. PPC members will be present at each Mass for any comments from Parishioners on 2/3 August. So far feedback has been positive.

Agenda Item 5

Correspondence

  • Out
  • Response to Jim Jones’ letter regarding sending our youth to Hillsong Conference on music liturgy.
  • Liturgy Committee regarding the idea from the previous meeting of a separate liturgy (not a mass) for the youth on a Sunday night.
  • In

Agenda Item 6

Discussion Groups

Chapters 4 & 5 were discussed of Albert Nolan’s Jesus Today.  Next meeting chapters 6 & 7 will be discussed.

Agenda Item 7

Matter Arising from Reports Submitted

The following reports were submitted and any issues raised are noted below;

  • Refugee Resettlement Committee – Bevil Purnell

See Appendix A

  • Final report on World Youth Day – John Drury

See Appendix B

Agenda Item 8

On going projects

  • Church Life Survey

Matthew Toohey was not present so this item was deferred to next meeting.

  • Ideas Night – Robert Day

The planning for this is ongoing.

  • Ministry to Youth

How to keep the spirit of WYD08 alive? Let’s share some suggestions – the list below draws on ‘Faith & Life’ of the Wollongong Diocese;

  • Have a special gathering to celebrate the return of pilgrims – let the pilgrims organise it as they are the ones who know the colour, music and joy of WYD – invite pilgrims from other parishes to be part of this event.
  • Invite pilgrims to share their story at the end of Mass and at school events.
  • Take time to listen to pilgrims – so we can all respond to this opportunity for the renewal of our faith.
  • Display photos and comments re pilgrims’ experiences in the church of school foyer.
  • Create spaces which young people can call theirs – both in the parish and in the region bringing together other WYD08 pilgrims
  • If it does not already exist, encourage the YD08 participants to set up a Scripture/prayer/action group.
  • Set up a young people’s ‘parish council’ – it does not have to meet every month – they will have lots of ideas.

Agenda Item 9

Other business

  • Retreat weekend at Rosedale 9/10 August

The ‘agenda’ and arrangements for the weekend were discussed. Marian to send a follow-up email on Monday to confirm numbers.

  • Fundraising for Burma

A healthy discussion was had on this topic, as a result the PPC discussed the commitments the Parish has identified over a 12 month period in the Liturgical Calendar for 2009.

Meeting closed with final prayers.

Next meeting 14th August at 7.30pm.


 

12 June 2008

 

 

Agenda Item 1

Opening and Welcome

Joe Barr welcomed all in attendance

Agenda Item 2

Attendance

Present:

Joe Barr, Helen Currie, Marian England, Fr Michael Fallon msc, Tom Halloran, Margaret Stanford, Moira Sutch, Michael Horan,

Apologies:

Josette Allester, Felicity Bate, Di Bruce, Robert Day, Jock McLean, Xavier Munoz, Matthew Toohey, Sabina Van Rooy,

Agenda Item 3

Opening Prayer

Was led by Margaret Stanford. Next meeting ?| Marian England

Agenda Item 4

World Youth Day

John Drury reported to the Council ?| reported attached.

 

Agenda Item 5

Minutes of Previous Meeting

•  Acceptance of Minutes

Minutes were accepted without changes.

•  Business arising from previous minutes

7. New microphone

Marian will follow up with Ben at St Francis Xavier College the status of the microphone. Will advise next meeting

9k. Stations of the Cross

The stations will be hung in the Church the week commencing 23 June. Praying the Stations will commence on Friday 27 June at 3:30pm

 

Agenda Item 5

Correspondence

•  Out

None

•  In

•  St Francis Xavier College concerning ?| Community Service year 10 students.

•  Jim Jones ?| Re sending our youth to a Hillsong Conference on music liturgy.

A lengthy and healthy discussion ensured regarding the music liturgy at mass and what we can do to encourage the youth to be more involved. Out of the discussion came an idea that a separate liturgy [not a mass] could be offered for the youth on a Sunday night at 7:30pm. This idea will be passed to the liturgy committee for further development.

 

Agenda Item 6

Discussion Groups

Chapters 4 & 5 were held over for the next meeting

Agenda Item 7

Matters arising from Reports submitted

The following reports were submitted and any issues raised are noted below;

•  St John the Apostle School : Helen Currie

 

•  Refugee Resettlement Committee ?| Bevil Purnell

 

•  Catholics Returning Home ?| Moira Sutch

•  Belconnen-Gunghalin Pastoral Council

 

Agenda Item 8

On going projects

•  Church Life Survey

Matthew Toohey was not present so this item was deferred to next meeting.

•  Fundraising for WYD

The Trivia night is set down for 27 June 2008.

•  Ideas Night ?| Robert Day

The planning for this is ongoing.

 

Agenda Item 9

Other business

 

•  Bringing your baby home:

This is a program that is offered by Centacare Melbourne. Bringing Your Baby Home is a program for couples expecting their first baby or who have a baby under 12 months of age.

International research shows that approximately 67% of couples report a decline in relationship satisfaction after the birth of a baby and that 33% report an increase in satisfaction or no change in relationship satisfaction.

As a result of these findings, well known researchers, Drs John and Julie Gottman developed a program for couples who are pregnant with their first child or who have a new baby. The program aims to assist couples to gain the knowledge and skills needed to manage the many changes brought about by the birth of a child. The Gottman research says that couples have to do 2 things well:

•  Deepen friendship

•  Manage conflict.

The program will run twice this year Saturday 14 June and Saturday 25 October. In the same way that we developed the Catholics Returning Home program the PPC could send someone to the October session with a view to introducing the program as a Ministry in the parish.

 

•  New Parishioner's:

It had been mentioned by a person attending to the Information Desk that new parishioners had not been marked off in the New Parishioner book has having been contacted. It was agreed that this contact would be made by the Neighbourhood Community leaders.

 

•  July Meeting:

As the scheduled July meeting falls due during WYD Days in the Diocese [DiD] it was agreed that it would be held a week later on the 17 July 2008.

 

Meeting closed AT 9:45pm with final prayers.

Next meeting 17 July at 7.30pm.


8 May 2008

MINUTES OF MEETING OF ST JOHN 'S CHURCH, KIPPAX

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

8 May 2008 7:30pm.

Agenda Item 1

Opening and Welcome

Joe Barr welcomed all in attendance

Agenda Item 2

Attendance

Present:

Joe Barr, Di Bruce, Helen Currie, Robert Day, Marian England, Fr Michael Fallon msc, Josette Allester, Tom Halloran, Margaret Stanford, Moira Sutch, Michael Horan, Mark Hanns, Felicity Bate (Minutes)

Apologies:

Xavier Munoz, Carmel Toohey, Matthew Toohey, Sabina Van Rooy, Jock McLean

Agenda Item 3

Opening Prayer

We all said ?eOur Father' as opening prayer. Margaret Stanford next meeting.

Agenda Item 4

Minutes of Previous Meeting

•  Acceptance of Minutes

No other changes required, Tom and Moira accepted the minutes.

•  Business arising from previous minutes

4b.iii Days in the Diocese Coordinator

John Drury accepted the position.

7. New microphone

Mark Hanns has been talking to Ben at the School to get some pricing for us. Will advise next meeting

9f. Coffee club ?| Mother's day

PPC members still available to help with this. Joe knows what to do and a couple of regular participants will be bringing plates.

9g. Feast of Sacred Heart

This will be celebrated at the 7pm Mass on the Friday evening followed by Supper.

 

9j. Pastoral Council Retreat 9-10 August

The Retreat is booked for the Friday evening through to the Sunday lunchtime. Questions were posed to the Council as to what they would like the weekend to contain. Several ideas were mentioned including further discussions on Youth, what we need to do as or for the Parish, maybe something out of the Ideas night, Fr Michael to present a topic to us for discussion etc.

Meals will be discussed later.

9k. Stations of the Cross

Fr Michael reminded us of the history of the topic and then the PPC members viewed the sample in the auditorium. The PPC decided to trial the new Stations for a period of 6 weeks. It was raised that we would gauge the opinion of Parishioners and then decide whether to keep them permanently.

A question was raised about whether the tile could be made in terracotta.

Agenda Item 5

Correspondence

•  Out

None

•  In

•  Please see attached a note from Mgr John Woods concerning volunteers for World Youth Day Archdiocesan EPIC Festival.

•  Fr Michael handed out an Email from Barry Kearney for reading in our own time.

Agenda Item 6

Discussion Groups

Chapters 2 & 3 were discussed for some time, PPC members raised points from the book that were important to them.

For next meeting Chapters 4 & 5

Agenda Item 7

Matter arising from Reports submitted

The following reports were submitted and any issues raised are noted below;

•  St John the Apostle School : Helen Currie

•  Refugee Resettlement Committee ?| Bevil Purnell

•  Caring Connections ?| Carmel Toohey

•  Finance Committee ?| Josette Allester

WYD Co-ordinator ?| John Drury

 

Agenda Item 8

On going projects

•  Church Life Survey

Matthew Toohey was not present so this item was deferred to next meeting.

•  Fundraising for WYD

The Trivia Night can go ahead in June.

•  Ideas Night ?| Robert Day

Dates are still being discussed for this event. Sister Jan Barnett would be a great person to come and talk to us about communities, she is currently overseas and so we'd have to wait until she comes back.

In regards to Youth, there was a questionnaire several years ago but the results are stored at the Church. This may be a useful tool to help with discussions. It was suggested that it would be a good idea to have the Ideas Night soon after WYD to capture the enthusiasm of the youth.

Robert will need some assistance in the co-ordination of this, an ad in the Compact will be forthcoming.

•  World Youth Day

In addition to John Drury's report, the plan for the Days in the Diocese was handed to each member of the PPC for consideration and discussion. There were no issues raised with the content of the plan.

 

Agenda Item 9

Other business

 

•  Michael Fallon's 3 yearly review 28-29 June

Fr Michael advised that his 3 yearly review was due on the 28-29 June and that he had nominated 12 people for the Reviewers to contact. He would advise the outcome of the review process.

Meeting closed with final prayers.

Next meeting 12 June at 7.30pm.

 

10 April 2008

MINUTES OF MEETING OF ST JOHN 'S CHURCH, KIPPAX

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

10 April 2008 7:30pm.

Agenda Item 1

Opening and Welcome

Joe Barr welcomed all in attendance

Agenda Item 2

Attendance

Present:

Joe Barr, Di Bruce, Robert Day, Marian England, Fr Michael Fallon msc, Tom Halloran, Carmel Toohey, Matthew Toohey, Margaret Stanford, Moira Sutch, Sabina Van Rooy, Jock McLean, Felicity Bate (Minutes)

Apologies:

Helen Currie, Xavier Munoz

Agenda Item 3

Opening Prayer

Moira Sutch led the opening prayer. Margaret Stanford next meeting.

Agenda Item 4

Minutes of Previous Meeting

•  Acceptance of Minutes

Robert Day commented that in the Audio Visual section (4.b.iv) it was Fr Michael who advised that the songs were available in PowerPoint form.

No other changes required, Sabina and Tom accepted the minutes with this minor change.

•  Business arising from previous minutes

• i. Catholic Schools at the Crossroads

PPC were asked to formulate a response to this document. Moira Sutch, Di Bruce, and Helen Currie met to discuss the document on the PPC's behalf. A copy of the document was issued to each member of the Council and Moira walked us through the main points captured in the response.

The PPC all agreed that the response was excellent and thanked Moira, Di and Helen for their efforts. For the information of Parishioners the document discussed ?eCatholic Schools at the Crossroads' was to be made available in the library and copies of the response were on the Information Desk. Also available on the web at https://www.ceo.syd.catholic.edu.au/cms/Jahia/pid/2769

• ii. Church Life Survey

Matthew Toohey to provide an update on his analysis of the Survey at the next meeting.

 

• iii. Fundraising for WYD

Fr Michael attended the WYD Clergy Briefing on 9/4/2008. He handing out the briefing documents supplied to the Clergy for background information but also gave copies of a summarised version to the members of the PPC for discussion.

The main points of the discussion were these;

•  Parishes are to accommodate and provide a program for the Pilgrims from the evening of Wednesday July 9th until Friday 11th.

•  Program to consist of four dimensions, Spiritual, Cultural, Nature-Wilderness and Service.

•  The Archdiocese will be hosting some events at Exhibition Park from Friday evening until Sunday 13th.

•  The Pilgrims from Archdiocese outside the Canberra area will come to Canberra and stay at Exhibition Park , then make their way to Sydney on Sunday. International Pilgrims will head to Sydney on Monday 14th.

•  Fundraising ?| this is to support the cost for our Parish Pilgrims and sponsor a few Pilgrims to come from PNG.

•  It is expected that the Parish will be able to accommodate 150 international Pilgrims at this time; so far we have billets for 90.

•  There is an important meeting for the WYD co-ordinators on the 3rd May.

Fr Michael suggested that we ask another member of the Parish to assist Sarah Sams in the co-ordination of all aspects of WYD. The PPC agreed that this was a good idea, Fr Michael to make some phone calls.

It was also suggested that some of the committees such as the Refugee Resettlement Committee might like to come and give a presentation to the International Pilgrims on what they do as part of the Service Dimension.

Robert Day mentioned that the Young Christian Workers Movement (YCWM) had been interested in organising an event for the Pilgrims. He would email them to find out what they had in mind.

Felicity Bate advised for fundraising that a Trivia Night and a Sponsorship program were the two activities currently being organised, both were enthusiastically received by the PPC.

• iv. Ideas Night

Robert Day presented his thoughts on what the Ideas Night would involve. He mentioned that this would be a time where Parishioners could meet with the PPC and each other to talk about their ideas.

It should be a structured evening with a guest speaker to come and talk to us about being a community; this would compliment the results from the Church Life Survey. We would break up into small groups to discuss topics; the immediate ones would be Welcoming and Inclusive Community, Spiritual Growth and Service.

The ideas that arise from these discussions would be fed to committees that are already running and would perhaps inspire others to get involved.

The Church would be utilised for these discussions, some dates discussed were 18th May or 1st June. It was suggested that a brochure with registration be distributed to all parishioners.

• v. Report on Regional Pastoral Council

Joe Barr delivered the actual report after the last PPC meeting, even though the main points were discussed at last meeting.

Particular mention was made of the invitation for all Parishioners to attend the meeting at St Thomas ' Parish in Charnwood to discuss the new Missal at 7.30pm on Thursday May 15th.

Agenda Item 5

Correspondence

•  Out

None

•  In

None

Agenda Item 6

Discussion Groups

Postponed til next meeting

Agenda Item 7

Matter arising from Reports submitted

The following reports were submitted and any issues raised are noted below;

•  Liturgy Committee: Di Bruce

•  School of Religion & Social Justice: Sabina Van Rooy

•  St John the Apostle School : Helen Currie

•  Refugee Resettlement Committee ?| Bevil Purnell

 

All reports were accepted. When discussing the Liturgy report, Fr Michael mentioned that another microphone was to be purchased and place around from the musicians and singers for readings to be done.

Agenda Item 8

On going projects

•  World Youth Day.

Nothing further was added to this project as it was discussed earlier.

Agenda Item 9

Other business

•  Coffee Club ?| Mothers day 11/5/2008

Group 2 won't be available that day to run the coffee club. PPC members volunteered to run it ?| thanks to Mike, Margaret, Moira, Joe and Felicity. Don't forget to bring a plate!!!

•  Feast of the Sacred Heart 30/5/2008

It was discussed if the celebration would follow the same format as last years. A decision will be made at the next meeting.

•  RCIA 2008/2009

Jock McLean would like to speak during the Masses about this program in June/July. This program is to commence in August and the PPC members are to think about people they know who could be invited to participate.

•  Catholics Returning Home

Tom Halloran provided a copy of the Catholics Returning Home flyer to each member of the council. Moira advised that members of the committee would speak at each Sunday mass about the upcoming program.

•  Retreat for Pastoral Council

The question was raised are people interested. There was a resounding YES and the date of 9/10th August was agreed.

•  Other matters raised

•  Photos will be taken of the PPC members to put up on the noticeboard in the foyer next meeting ?| be prepared. J

•  Promulgation of church member's phone numbers on the website was discussed. It was decided that anyone who wanted their number removed was to contact Marian or Maureen in the Church Office.

Meeting closed with final prayers.

Next meeting 8 May at 7.30pm.


 

13 March 2008

MINUTES OF MEETING OF ST JOHN 'S CHURCH, KIPPAX

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

13 March 2008 7:30pm.

Agenda Item 1

Opening and Welcome

Joe Barr welcomed all in attendance

Agenda Item 2

Attendance

Present:

Joe Barr, Di Bruce, Helen Currie, Robert Day, Marian England, Fr Michael Fallon msc, Tom Halloran, Margaret Stanford, Moira Sutch, Sabina Van Rooy, Felicity Bate (Minutes), Sarah Sams (WYD)

Apologies:

Carmel Toohey. Matthew Toohey, Xavier Munoz, Jock McLean, Josette Allester

Agenda Item 3

Opening Prayer

Helen Currie led the opening prayer, next meeting Moira Sutch

Agenda Item 4

Minutes of Previous Meeting

•  Acceptance of Minutes

The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted with some minor changes.

•  Business arising from previous minutes

• i. World Youth Day ?| Sarah Sams

The Cross and Icon arrangements and ceremonies went really well with lots of support from parishioners on the north of Canberra .

Sarah mentioned that organisation for the event was slow, but constant and the coordinators were working hard to bring it all together. They were having a meeting to finalise the plans for the event in the Diocese.

Several questions were raised by the Council members;

•  Billet registrations and numbers for St John's

Sarah advised that registrations can either be done electronically via the website or via a paper form that she has.

She also advised that she had told the organisers that St John's would only be able to accommodate 150 pilgrims in billets and no extra pilgrims over the weekend prior to the event in Sydney .

The Archdiocese are still finalising the numbers to be billeted and will advise when this is done, however no timeframe has been given yet.

 

•  What is happening with Fundraising?

Felicity advised that an initial meeting had been arranged to discuss the ideas that had already been discussed with Sarah. Assistance is still required though.

Council offered assistance as needed, just to let them know what is required.

•  How many registered from St John's ?

Registration has been extended til May. Currently there are only 7 registered pilgrims, Sarah anticipates 30 from St Johns . An additional 20 are estimated from the other parishes and schools such as St Francis' and Charnwood.

Sabina Van Rooy advised that WYD reps were being invited to the Belconnen Regional Council meeting in May. She applauded Sarah for all her efforts as other northside parishes had not had much from their co-ordinators.

• ii. Catholic Schools at a Crossroads ?| Helen Currie

Helen advised no progress at this stage as the first meeting of the group was not until 19 March.

• iii. Church Life Survey ?| Matthew Toohey

As Matthew was unable to make this meeting this item will be held over til next meeting.

• iv. Audio Visual ?| Fr Michael Fallon msc

Fr Michael has spoken to the man in Sydney who was responsible for Randwick . Unfortunately that project was for a rear projection system and St John's requires a front projection system. They are still developing this type of system, but will get back to Fr Michael when it's available.

Generally the comments made in the parish are that the marble is ok. Discussion from this point led to the availability of the songs for projection during Mass. Robert Day and Fr Michael advised that the songs were available in PowerPoint form.

Agenda Item 5

Correspondence

•  Out

• i. Parish Committees regarding reporting to PPC ?| Joe Barr

Joe advised that he had written to all committees requesting a report be sent to the PPC.

• ii. Letter to a parishioner ?| Fr Michael Fallon

A request was received that parishioners be free to come to the meetings of the Parish Pastoral Council as observers. Councillors agreed that it is important to build confidence and trust among the Councillors such that all will feel free to contribute their opinions in a frank and open way, and that this kind of environment is helped by the knowledge that what is said stays within the confidentiality of the Council.

The results of Parish Pastoral Council meetings are published in the minutes, which, once they have been approved at the following meeting, are published on the parish website and will be available in hard copy at the Church Office for anyone who might want a copy. However, it was agreed that Council meetings are best served by staying with the present practice.

Some ideas raised from the discussion;

•  Council members wear their badges at Mass to identify themselves to Parishioners.

•  Reminder to Parishioners that we are open to contact from them regarding any issues and our numbers are on the Parish website or a letter could be sent to the Church Office.

•  An ideas session to be organised for Parishioners to attend and present ideas to the Council. Robert Day will present some ideas to the next meeting around this meeting.

•  In

Karinya House - the support group for mothers and babies contacted us regarding their Mother's Day Appeal on Sunday May 11th. While we agreed in principle to support this cause, we would schedule it for a later stage due to celebration already occurring in the Parish on Mother's Day.

From this discussion, Marian England to provide a list of previously supported causes and when they occurred, so that we can decide which ones we would support yearly and at what time they occurred in the year?

Agenda Item 6

Discussion Groups

In the previous meeting, Fr Michael distributed ?gJesus today?h by Albert Nolan O.P. requesting study to Page 14 for this meeting. This question was posed to the Council, ?eWhat can we apply to the Parish, the Council and ourselves?'

The Council discussed this for some time, the main points being raised;

•  Are we in danger of turning to the past and not being in the now?

•  Why are people looking away from the Church for answers?

•  Do we as a people spend too much time focusing on the economy and not the society in which we live?

•  People are searching for the good news, but is part of their need the search itself?

•  What does the author mean by the term Spirituality?

•  What are the values at the centre of our heart, are these Jesus' values ?| are these what people are really searching for?

Margaret Stanford to provide a copy of the talks given by John Rate msc and Michael Fallon msc at the 2006 MSC Parishes Conference.

For next meeting, read two more chapters up to page 35.

Agenda Item 7

Matter arising from Reports submitted

The following reports were submitted and any issues raised are noted below;

• i. Liturgy Committee: Di Bruce

• ii. RCIA: John Hogan

John advised that the program was rapidly drawing to a close, it had been an interesting and rewarding experience with the 3 catechumens. On Holy Saturday evening these 3 souls will be Baptised, Confirmed and receive for the first time the Blessed Eucharist.

He paid tribute to the work, support and dedication of the members of the RCIA, as he hands the program over now to Jock and Margaret McLean.

• iii. School of Religion : Sabina Van Rooy

• iv. St John the Apostle School : Helen Currie

• v. Refugee Resettlement Committee ?| Bevil Purnell

Agenda Item 8

On going projects

• i. World Youth Day.

Nothing further was adding to this project as it was discussed earlier.

Agenda Item 9

Other business

An invitation has been extended to the priests, the chair people of the PPC, the principal to attend the Belconnen Deanery's Regional Dinner for PPC's on the 15th October. Contact Sabina Van Rooy if interested.

There are development courses in progress for all Regions, with each Parish to offer a course. Joe Barr is following up on the detail, if any at this stage.

Next meeting 10 April.

Meeting closed with final prayers.

 

14 February 2008

MINUTES OF MEETING OF ST JOHN 'S CHURCH, KIPPAX

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
14 FEBRUARY 2008 7:30pm.

Present: Joe Barr, Di Bruce, Helen Currie, Robert Day, Marian England, Fr Michael Fallon msc, Tom Halloran, Mike Horan, Xavier Munoz, Jock McLean, Margaret Stanford, Moira Sutch, Matthew Toohey, Sabina Van Rooy, {Felicity Bate, Eric French} (Minutes). Sarah Sams (WYD),

2. Apologies: Josette Allester, Carmel Toohey.

Opening Prayer: Joe Barr opened meeting with a welcome to new members and to Sarah Sams (WYD rep) and Fr Michael led the opening prayer.

3. Office-bearers: Fr Michael requested nominations. Joe Barr (Chairperson) and Moira Sutch (Vice-Chairperson) were chosen.

4. World Youth Day ?| Sydney ?| July .

Sarah Sams addressed the PPC. Until July, a major interest will be the spiritual emotional formation of pilgrims to Sydney for W.Y.D. Forty to fifty are expected from Kippax parish, some neighbouring parishes and St Francis Xavier school. In the week before Sydney , 200 international visitors will be billeted in the Kippax area. Their stay will include three days of events showing Australian faith and culture styles with tourist elements. The Archdiocese will bring a further 200 people from country areas for that program.

Fund raising is needed to support the costs of international visitors and to help locals who cannot manage fares/expenses to Sydney . The whole cost may be $15,000 to $20,000 hopefully we will be able to attract support from other parishes in the Belconnen region.

The Cross and Icon will be on the north of Canberra for 24 hours arriving in Kippax on 23rd February. A 9.00pm Mass will be followed by all-night vigil.

Financial arrangements were discussed. Insufficient funds may limit number of pilgrims. The program is similar throughout Australia . Sarah advised that several committees are working on the various needs of W.Y.D. The Archdiocese had asked that some pilgrims from PNG (Fr Jim's parish) be brought with costs met. Concerns about funding were discussed at some length. Margaret Stanford felt a levy from each parish should be required. Sabina Van Rooy will raise this at the Regional meeting on 25th February. Joe Barr suggested a letter to other parishes. Helen Currie pointed out that some SFX students going were from other parishes.

Earlier points raised were:-

•  Further clarification is needed regarding the food requirements for pilgrims.

•  The idea of Corporate Sponsorship was raised.

Sarah will give a further report at the next PPC meeting and was thanked with applause.

5. The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed with a small amendment.

•  Business arising:

•  Catholic Schools at a Crossroads.

Following the Archdiocesan's request for feedback on this document, Jock McLean noted that on the segment considered earlier, the PPC had concurred with the bishops' views. Helen Currie, Jock McLean, Moira Sutch and Margaret Stanford formed a committee to prepare a response ?| ideally by next meeting.

(b) Carpet: Sabina Van Rooy enquired about carpet cleaning and was advised that the Finance Committee will be seeking quotes to have the carpet cleaned in the church and the parish centre.

•  Correspondence : Nil.

•  Discussion Group: Fr Michael distributed ?gJesus today?h by Albert Nolan O.P. requesting study to Page 14 by next meeting with insight relevant to this parish to be brought forward.

•  Matters arising:

Reports procedure:

Joe Barr spoke of difficulty experienced in dealing with reports. In future reports should be e-mailed to the minutes secretary [Felicity Bate] a week before the meeting for inclusion with agenda. Sabina Van Rooy suggested reports be submitted in alternate months. PPC agreed that reports be forwarded only when action has occurred.

Eric French was thanked for his minute keeping.

The new procedure is as follows:-

•  Minutes from previous meeting available for Agenda meeting. [Felicity will email to Marian].

•  Agenda meeting held a fortnight before PPC meeting.

•  Agenda will be emailed to Felicity for distribution with minutes.

•  Any committee giving a report for the coming meeting will email report to Felicity a week before the meeting for general distribution with the Agenda and minutes.

•  Matters arising from the reports will be discussed at the meeting.

11 . Reports:

•  Caring Connections: Held over.

•  Catholics Returning Home. Moira Sutch gave a summary of proceedings. Three attendees had responded well to the last course ?| one becoming a member of the team. The next program starts in May.

•  Finance Committee: Marian England (Report attached).

•  Liturgy Committee: Di Bruce (Report attached). Fr Michael suggested consideration of proposed models for new Stations of the Cross should await the artist's presentation. Fr Michael spoke of ?gEye-glass?h presentation available in some parishes. It requires rear projection not available in Kippax but possibilities to be explored further.

•  RCIA: Jock McLean reported that the program is progressing well. Three new candidates had joined others at Enrolment Mass at St Christopher's. Di Bruce suggested method of reception of Candidates at Easter might be reviewed.

•  School of Religion : Sabina Van Rooy. Enrolment for the Sacramental program to occur this week-end. The committee had discussed the structure of home groups and how parents might be better drawn into parish community. Next meeting 28th February.

•  Social Justice Committee: Will meet on first Sunday of every second month. East Timor coffee may be available at coffee mornings. Further assistance to Cootamundra was being examined.

•  St John's School : Helen Currie (Report attached).

•  Confirmation: In the absence of Archbishop Coleridge this year, Fr Michael suggested that the MSC Provincial be invited to confer the sacrament. PPC agreed.

12. World Youth Day.

There was general discussion of parish involvement with detail of the progress of the Cross and Icon and arrangements for their veneration in Kippax.

13. Projects for 2008

Joe Barr suggested that WYD be the parishes' major project until July. He asked PPC members to bring forward suggestion for projects to be developed later in the year. Joe Barr asked PPC members to bring forward suggestions. Fr Michael gave his impressions on the Church (Life Profile, distributing a list (attached)).

Tom Halloran led discussion of welcoming in St John's . The need for PPC members to wear name badges at mass and other parish events was re-emphasised. Matthew Toohey undertook to examine the survey's findings and will report back to the PPC. Jock McLean and Helen Currie spoke to the matter.

14. Acolytes:

Fr Michael saw the benefit of a mix of male acolytes and female senior servers at Mass. He listed a number of women who had agreed to serve, giving numerical equivalence to men. Acolyte dress was discussed.

 

Next meeting 13 March.

 

Meeting closed with final prayers.

 

8 November 2007

MINUTES OF MEETING OF ST JOHN 'S CHURCH, KIPPAX

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL HELD 7.30PM
8 NOVEMBER 2007.

Present: Andrew Kiley (Chair), Sabina Van Rooy, Jock McLean, Sarah Harris, Fr Peter Wood msc, Joe Barr, Veronica Brennan, Tom Halloran, Carmel Toohey, Di Bruce, Eric French (Minutes).

 

2. Apologies: Marian England, Jim Jones.

 

Opening Prayer: Following Andrew Kiley's welcome, Jock McLean led the opening prayer.

4. Minutes: The Minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed with Andrew Kiley's amendment that the Michael Morwood DVDs would be available in the library but not more widely presented to the parish. Also Fr Peter's drawing attention to the incorrect recording of the Caring Connections Group as Care and Connections.

Sabina Van Rooy queried the minutes' reference to use of the screen at Mass. This was explained.

 

5. Business Arising:

(a) Nominations for PPC. Four were received. Moira Sutch, Margaret Stanford, Matthew Toohey, Robert Day will join the PPC in 2008. They will be invited to the December party. Sabina Van Rooy requested need for one more member to be placed in Compact. Joe Barr met this initiative by agreeing to serve a further term.

(b) Catholic Schools at a Crossroads.

This publication had been discussed at a previous meeting. A co-ordinator was sought to prepare a response to the document for presentation to the February meeting. Helen Currie and Marian England and possibly others will discuss as a first step.

 

6. Introduced matters

(i) Pot-Luck Dinner. Jock McLean congratulated Father Peter on the success of this function to mark the anniversary of Jules Chevalier. Sabina Van Rooy suggested that the downstairs carpet could need steam-cleaning - its odour is unpleasant. Similar action in the church foyer might be required.

(ii) Recognition of parish help. Fr Peter spoke of the many people who help with parish work suggesting that a card on behalf of the priests and the PPC might be sent to recognise and record thanks for their contributions.

Carmel Toohey proposed to thank Bert Broekhuyse especially for his work.

Di Bruce noted the importance that none should be overlooked.

7. Correspondence ?| Nil.

 

8 . Discussion Groups

PPC Groups discussed the article ?gAutumn Song?h by Daniel O'Leary from the Tablet with report back to meeting.

 

9 . Reports

(a) Caring Connections: Carmel Toohey (Report attached).

Fr Peter suggested that the Liturgy Committee be informed of the Group's

Christmas plans.

(b) Finance Committee: Held over.

 

 

 

 

(c) Liturgy Committee: Di Bruce (Report attached). Jock McLean queried proposal re traditional land owners to ascertain if any liturgical problem might arise in, say, Canon Law. Tom Halloran was concerned about the location of such a segment in the liturgy with regard to its smooth flow.

Andrew Kiley queried the procedure for informing the Liturgy Committee of PPC action.

(d) School of Religion : Sabina Van Rooy (Report attached).

(e) Social Justice: Fr Peter reported that the group meets regularly, despite its president's absence, and, conscious of relationship with the local aboriginal people, has plans to meet elders still in mind.

Contact with the parish window-breaker is being pursued.

The prison visitation ministry is to be promoted with ecumenical links. Consideration is being given to making contact with parishioners who may be isolated in new areas of the parish.

Sabina Van Rooy expressed concern at recent media comments re Sudanese migrants. She had raised the issue of prison visitation at a Diocesan meeting. Again an ecumenical approach is planned. A bulletin from the Women's Committee re the Bishops' Statement on the Federal Election is available if required.

The Group had provided Social Justice Sunday speakers and display in foyer.

In reply to Carmel Toohey's query re aboriginal connection with St John's ,

Sarah Harris spoke of one or two families who may have association.

(f) X-Treme: Sarah Harris (Report attached).

 

10. On-going Projects

(i) World Youth Day: Meeting next Monday. Joe Barr queried billeting.

This will be the subject of immediate action.

(ii) 2008 Projects:

World Youth Day

Grief and Bereavement

Constitution

CAFÉ

Catholic Schools at a Crossroads.

 

•  Other Business

(a) Cootamundra Contact: Marian England will talk to Monsignor Barry-Cotter

re our best support.

Sabina Van Rooy spoke of a tank of water which had been greatly

appreciated in an earlier situation.

?gVoice?h has an article re publicity for drought problems.

•  Fr Jim Memorial: Fr Peter advised that a further gift of $2,000 had been sent to Kensington pending a decision on its use. PPC decided on one more scholarship with any surplus to be at Headmaster's discretion.

Sabina Van Rooy queried possible memorial for Fr Jim at St John's . A plaque from Fr Jim's grave will be installed in the parish with Mass after

Fr Michael's return.

•  Bishop's re Inactive Catholics: Tom Halloran had e-mailed an article on the topic to Andrew Kiley and Fr Peter. Maybe consider a meeting re this in 2008.

•  Christmas Cheer: Fr Peter spoke of Fr Mark's proposal that Christmas Lunch might be provided at St John's for any parishioners who would otherwise be alone. Carmel Toohey will pursue.

•  PPC Christmas Gathering: Banquet at 7.00pm for 7.30pm 13th December

Charge $5. New PPC members to be invited by letter.

 

Meeting closed with final prayer.

 

 

11 October 2007

MINUTES OF MEETING OF ST JOHN 'S CHURCH, KIPPAX

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
HELD 7.30PM 11TH OCTOBER 2007.

•  Present: Andrew Kiley (Chair), Fr Peter Wood msc, Marian England, Joe Barr, Jim Jones, Veronica Brennan, Sarah Harris, Di Bruce, Jock McLean, Tom Halloran, Eric French (Minutes).

2. Apologies: Helen Currie, Carmel Toohey, Sabina Van Rooy, Daryl Smeaton, Josette Allester.

Opening Prayer: Joe Barr led with ?gIdeas?h from Michael Leunig's ?gThe Prayer Tree?h. Margaret Van Halderen and Frank Kenny (Judy Kenny's brother), both recently deceased, were remembered.

Next meeting: Jock McLean .

4. Minutes: The Minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed. Xavier Munoz's resignation has not been formally received. Di Bruce was advised re donation to MGL.

5. Business Arising:

(a) Floriade Day: Fr Peter reported that the trip to Floriade had been a highly successful day. Five cars had conveyed the participants and there was ample food. A very well received venture.

(b) Book Club: Marian England advised that ten people had attended the first gathering. There had been stimulating discussion over an hour and a half which time seems ideal. To continue on 3rd Sundays.

6. Correspondence:

(i) Letters of thanks had been sent to Josette Allester and Anne Ots for their service as PPC members.

(ii) Cootamundra and Jules Chevalier recognition.

Marian England reported a discussion with Monsignor Barry-Cotter who expressed disappointment that the visit of Cootamundra people to Canberra had not been possible, but crop failure had produced a desperate situation. To be pursued at a better time. The PPC considered other means of support for our twin. Jock McLean suggested a Mass and/or prayers for Cootamundra parish. A leaving collection may be appropriate. In choosing a day, Fr Peter pointed out that the Jules Chevalier anniversary called for some celebratory recognition. Andrew Kiley proposed that a presentation on his life might be given by Daramalan priests who would be invited to St John's on 21st October. Tom Halloran advocated a foyer display re MSC's .

The likely outcome in time terms would be Mission Appeal 14th October, then Jules Chevalier celebration and later the Cootamundra Appeal.

(iii) Projector Screen: A letter from Margaret McMahon had objected to the projector screen being hung in the church. She felt that the screen was aesthetically displeasing and spoiled the marble wall without compensating benefit. Jim Jones suggested a reply that the screen was on trial. Marian England had taken this approach to others who had complained and will advise Margaret McMahon that the screen will appear as required for a trial period.

7. Michael Morwood ?| DVD

The PPC had viewed the first of Michael Morwood's DVDs over a meal before the meeting and discussed their views of it.

It was decided to make the DVD available in the library for members to borrow and decide whether it should be more widely presented to parishioners in 2008.

 

8 . Reports

(a) Care and Connections . Fr Peter reported. Space for display in foyer is required. A narrow, mobile Notice Board would suffice and was approved by the PPC. A morning and an evening meeting with a representative from Carers ACT had both been attended by a dozen or so people.

(b) Catholics Returning Home .

Tom Halloran advised that John O'Heir will act in Tom's absence in Wagga. Fr Peter's fine public encouragement had not so far attracted any response.

A letter box drop by Family Groups did not proceed. Tom alluded to the Bishops' Statement in this field which the PPC may find worth considering. He will e-mail a copy to Fr Peter and Andrew Kiley for distribution with the members.

This activity in other parishes was discussed.

(c) Liturgy Committee: Di Bruce (Report attached).

(d) RCIA: Jock McLean . In recess for 2 weeks during school holidays.

Due to start again this week with just one candidate.

(e) School of Religion : Held over.

(f)) S t John's School : Held over.

(g) X-Treme: On holidays.

 

9 . On-going Projects:

(i) Ideas Night : Marian England reported that after several meetings, pressures in 2007 had indicated deferment to 2008.

(ii) Grief and Bereavement: Andrew Kiley advised similarly that 2007 pressures, especially WYD preparation, suggested 2008 action.

(iii) World Youth Day: Andrew Kiley and Marian England reported progress with emphasis on need to finalise billeting and funds-raising. Marian is working on a WYD pilgrim preparation letter.

 

10. Other business:

(a) PPC Nominations : Requests will be repeated in Compact this week.

Two have been received.

(b) Marian England on the blessing of the changed candle area which, after discussion with Fr Mark could take place before a First Saturday Healing Mass.

(c) Fr Peter raised possibility of Pot Luck dinner on 20th October after evening Mass to celebrate Jules Chevalier Centenary. Preparation by PPC members at 2.00pm that day would help.

(d) Marian England detailed maintenance work to be done on parish buildings.

(e) Di Bruce has information on 2008 Lenten programmes which need to be ordered now. Marian will organize.

(f) Possibility of united letter ?| box flyer from all local churches re Christmas services. Sarah Harris suggested provision of meals for disadvantaged might be considered for the festive season. She will raise with Carmel Toohey. Tom Halloran indicated possible interest of SVDP in this connection.

(g)The PPC meeting on 13th December will be a Christmas celebration with a meal to welcome and farewell members.

Next meeting 7.30pm 8th November.

 

Meeting closed with final prayer.

13 September 2007

MINUTES OF MEETING OF ST JOHN 'S CHURCH, KIPPAX

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
HELD 7.30PM 13TH SEPTEMBER 2007.

 

1 . Present: Andrew Kiley (Chair), Fr Peter Wood msc, Tom Halloran, Jim Jones, Veronica Brennan, Carmel Toohey. Helen Currie, Mike Horan, Sarah Harris, Joe Barr, Marian England, Sabina Van Rooy, Jock McLean, Eric French (Minutes).

2. Apologies: Di Bruce, Daryl Smeaton, Xavier Munoz. Fr Peter reported Xavier Munoz likely to resign from PPC.

•  Opening Prayer: Led by Tom Halloran with reading from St John's Gospel followed by consideration of pastoral planning in the Townsville diocese. (see attached).

Next meeting: Joe Barr.

4. Minutes: The Minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed.

 

5. Business Arising:

(a) Michael Morwood:

Helen Currie reported playing part of this DVD which she found provocative relative to new understandings of creation. There are six parts which would be better viewed on a bigger screen. Following discussion, it was decided to meet at 6.30pm before the October meeting to watch the first part.

(b) St Francis Xavier Community Service: Tom Halloran had raised with SVde P the possibility of Christmas Hamper preparation. Helen Currie had not been able to contact SFX rep. Carmel Toohey saw prospect of assistance needed by Kirra day-care centre. She may pursue with SFX

(c) Cootamundra/Floriade:

No action possible at this stage as Fr Peter has had no response to message left. Bringing young people to Canberra for WYD. Cross and Icon was suggested. Helen Currie suggested St John's School might organize a bus to which Joe Barr added information to his earlier report on bus fares.

A bus for a visit of the elderly to Floriade was discussed. Fr Peter thought this might be co-ordinated by the Catholic Women's League. This will be raised at their next meeting. Veronica Brennan thought Over 45's could be interested. Sabina Van Rooy spoke of Daramalan bus which might be available mid-week, the best time for such an undertaking. Carmel Toohey recommended early start to avoid crowds at Floriade.

(d) Book Club: Will meet at 3.00pm on 16 September. Tom Halloran made suggestion of books for future reading.

 

6. Correspondence:

(i) Greta Grybaitis had written to the PPC concerned about attitude of a parishioner to the Charismatic Group's arrangement. Andrew Kiley read the letter and his conciliatory reply which the PPC endorsed with little amendment.

(ii) E-mail from Michael Cassidy re Bishops' Social Justice Statement. 30 expected copies not yet arrived at St John's .
(iii) Letter of thanks from MGL re $1,000 donation.

 

7. Discussion Groups: Section 6 and 8 of Catholic Schools at a Crossroads was considered by trios of PPC members with report back to meeting. A nominee to prepare a response to the document was sought. Sabina Van Rooy felt that CCD and the Finance Committee with others might be involved here.

 

8 . Reports

•  Caring Connections : Carmel Toohey (Report attached)

•  Catholics Returning Home: Tom Halloran (Report attached)

•  Diocesan Assembly: Tom Halloran (Report attached).

Sabina Van Rooy also attended commenting that proposed changes to the Missal are minimal.

(d) Liturgy Committee: Held over but Fr Peter assured meeting that liturgy matters were fully under control.

(f) RCIA: Jock McLean . One participant only so dynamics are somewhat acking. Jock thought extension of the scheme to people generally interested in learning more about the faith might be the way to go. CAFÉ might provide this. Jim Jones advised that in Yass many others attended for faith education.

(g) School of Religion : Sabina Van Rooy (Report attached).

(h) St John's School : Helen Currie (Report attached).

(i) Xtreme: Sarah Harris reported. The group is going well with its range extended to include younger members from Antioch . Good integration had marked the first such meeting. Two activities simultaneously may encourage continuing support.

 

9 . On-going Projects:

(i) Ideas Night : Marian England advised this to be still on Schedule for 30th October.

(ii) Grief and Development: No further movement at this stage.

(iii) World Youth Day: A trivia night had raised $600. A debate was proposed for November. 5,000 visitors were expected in Canberra with each parish to billet 200 ?| 2 per residence.

10. Other business:

(a) PPC Nominations : Now due. Ads to be placed in Compact.

(b) Petition to widen priestly eligibility: The petition with 270 signatures has been despatched for consideration by the Australian bishops.

(c) GodStart Programme: Marian England reported that as a follow-up to Baptism, Anniversaries will be recognised by greeting card and prayer book. Examples of cards were circulated to PPC members. Neighbourhood Groups to be involved in their distribution. There will be a barbecue for Neighbourhood Group leaders on 2nd November.

(d) Social Justice Committee: Sabina Van Rooy spoke of regular entry of activities to be made in Compact. Display to be mounted in foyer with Social Justice prayer. Attention was drawn to a talk on 2nd October at Rheinberger Centre to discuss Bishop's Statement ?gWho is my neighbour??h

 

Next meeting 6.30pm 11 October.

Meeting closed with final prayer.

 

9 August 2007

1. Present: Andrew Kiley (Chair), Jock McLean, Daryl Smeaton, Fr Peter Wood msc, Marian England, Veronica Brennan, Tom Halloran, Mike Horan, Sabina Van Rooy, Helen Currie, Sarah Harris, Di Bruce, Eric French (Minutes).

2. Apologies: Carmel Toohey, Jim Jones, Joe Barr, Xavier Munoz.

3. Opening Prayer: Andrew Kiley welcomed members and Marian England led opening prayer with reading of a letter of Mary MacKillop, music and meditation.

Next meeting: Tom Halloran. The Mission Statement was addressed.

4. Minutes: The Minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed with the addition of an apology from Carmel Toohey.

5. Business Arising:

(a) Michael Morwood presentations: Held over.

(b) St Francis Xavier Year 9 Community Service Programme:

Tom Halloran had raised this initiative with the St Vincent de Paul Conference where it was well received. Helen Currie had raised the matter at St John's .

Helen and Tom will pursue the matter with St Francis Xavier's.

Sabina Van Rooy suggested parish garden maintenance as an activity.

(c) Fr Jim's Memorial: Fr Peter had discussed with Fr Paul Jennings.

Three scholarships for two years with possible repeat would be acceptable.

Funds can be channelled through Sydney MSC Office.

(d) Cootamundra Co-operation: Nothing further from Cootamundra.

(e) Rites on the Road: Joe Barr had sent details of costs to PPC Committee (See attached). In response to a query from Sabina Van Rooy, Fr Peter outlined particulars of the scheme. Tom Halloran reported SVdeP support.

6. Correspondence:

(i) Catholics Returning Home: Tom Halloran will follow up a letter from John O'Heir.

(ii) Catholic Education: Fr Peter distributed copies of the NSW Bishops' Statement on Catholic Education. (?gCatholic Schools at a Crossroads?h) Articles on Pages 6 and 8 to be subjects for discussion next meeting.

(iii) Liturgy: For September 8 and 9 Archbishop Coleridge has convened a meeting to discuss Liturgy development. Di Bruce, Andrew Kiley and possibly some others may attend.

•  Discussion Group: PPC broke into groups to discuss David Lacey's paper

?gReligion versus Spirituality as a Spiritual Problem?h with report back to meeting.

•  Reports

•  Caring Connections : Filing cabinet has been purchased ($50).

Fr Peter reported plan for tea/coffee in Library post the 9.30am Mass on Wednesdays.

•  Liturgy Committee: Held over

•  School of Religion : Held over•  St John's School : Helen Currie (Report attached).

Samantha Carlisle is now Secretary Finance.

•  X-Treme Group : Sarah Harris reported activities continue with emphasis on increasing numbers.

 

9. On-going Projects:

(i) Ideas Night : Di Bruce reported meeting of sub-committee with parish meeting 7.00pm ?| 9.00pm on 30th October proposed. Parishioners to be asked what direction PPC might follow. Marian England spoke of similar meeting some years back which approx 100 attended. Church Life Survey findings might be brought up at the meeting.

(ii) Grief and Bereavement: Andrew Kiley advised that the group will convene to organize a September meeting night. Mike Horan suggested literature on this and other activities might be displayed as appropriate in parish foyer.

(iii) World Youth Day: Andrew Kiley and Sarah Harris reported a Mass and Trivia night planned for 31st August will be supported by Canberra-wide advertising. Catholic School of Action is setting up soon with a wide programme leading to World Youth Day. Plans for the cross and icon's itinerary in this area are being considered including concert and display in Canberra city.

 

10. Other business:

(a) Canberra Gaol: Fr Peter spoke of this matter with reference to the mentally- disturbed young man who broke the windows at St John's . The Parish had not been able to make contact with him but it raised the question of pastoral outreach to people in gaol. The Social Justice Committee is asking interested parishioners to be active in an ecumenical venture to be involved and undertake training in prison visitation before the gaol opens. So far the Remand Centre has not been included in these proposed activities.

(b) New Estate - Brindabilla: Sabina Van Rooy reported that this development had been raised at the Social Justice Meeting. New residents will probably be in this parish and we need to welcome them in the early stages. Schooling will also require attention. Catholic attendance at the new ?gSuper?h school in the parish will have to be monitored.

(c) Youth Group: Marian England reported Antioch is no longer viable due to fewness of numbers. The parish needs to replace with a group for young people. Marian and Fr Mark have been considering this and perhaps a stronger social element should be incorporated. PPC attention here is called for immediately. Comparison with Y.C.S. is encouraging. Ideas from earlier youth gatherings might be considered in this connection. Music was a significant element although commitment to action is difficult to achieve.

Jock McLean spoke of experiences with young people which had had considerable success.

(d) Book Club: Marian England raised the prospect of a monthly Book Club meeting in the parish. 3.00pm on the third Sunday might be a suitable.

(e) Church cleaning: Marian England will report to the Finance Committee, Veronica Brennan's request for a new type of vacuum cleaner in the church.

(f) MSC Parishes meeting: Fr Peter spoke of this meeting in Sydney attended by 31 MSC's from 18 parishes. Views on the role of the priest at Mass were aired and the future parish work of the MSC's with diminishing resources was canvassed.

Asked to prioritize parishes, three categories were identified:-

•  Parish to continue with MSC presence.

•  Parish involvement of MSC to terminate.

•  Maybe 1 or 2.

 

A number were seen as having to be let go but Kippax was well supported. There is to be one new MSC parish in Sydney and one in Melbourne associated with special activities. A presence in every Capital city was seen as desirable.

Meeting closed with final prayer.

 

Next meeting 13 September.

 

12 July 2007

 

•  Present: Andrew Kiley (Chair), Fr Peter Wood msc, Jim Jones, Mike Horan, Tom Halloran, Veronica Brennan, Jock McLean, Xavier Munoz, Marian England, Joe Barr, Sarah Harris, Helen Currie, Di Bruce, John Hinchey (SFX College Board), Eric French (Minutes).

2. Apologies: Sabina Van Rooy, Daryl Smeaton.

3. Opening Prayer: Andrew Kiley welcomed members and opened the meeting with music and scriptural reading on the commissioning of the disciples .

Next meeting : Marian England.

4. St Francis Xavier College: John Hinchey, parish representative on the College board distributed the 2006 Annual Report and spoke on its salient points. The importance of Catholic faith was fully recognised and pursued. Protection from vandalism was an issue requiring attention. A boundary fence may have to be erected. Finances are sound. The policy concerning collection of fees has led to a 95% success rate. A late fee penalty is being considered. Some questions on amount of financial assistance to some pupils and numbers of indigenous students were referred to John for later advice. Enrolments are strong and growing. For 2008 there are 100 more applicants than places available. Helen Currie spoke of co-operation between St Francis Xavier and St John's school on fee-paying issues. A tougher line is taken with families who are not prepared to negotiate when a fees problem arises.

Papers relating to the Prime Minister's visit to SFX and Mr Tully's (Principal) address were tabled. Mike Horan's query re counsellors at the College is to be followed up. One incident of improper approach to a student by a teacher is being investigated.

Pupils are being made aware of World Youth Day. A representative attended the local launch at St Edmund's. In thanking John for his report, Andrew Kiley learned that John would be prepared to accept an extension to his term as parish member of the College Board.

5. Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed.

. Business Arising:

(a) Living in Harmony: Veronica Brennan had seen Bev Purnell who looks to strong support for the programme from many groups. Over 45's were a likely target body. Bev is currently absent from Canberra but happy to speak later to the PPC or other group.

(b) Fr Jim's Memorial: Fr Peter reported a parish collection of $9,000+ which was insufficient for a permanent scholarship. In view of uncertainty about the future of the Hagita school three options were presented to the PPC (see paper attached). Jim Jones spoke in favour of Option B and this was approved by the PPC.

(c) Cootamundra Co-operation: Marian England had heard from Monsignor Barry-Cotter. His PPC had been touched by St John's approach. Two communities might be recognised in Cootamundra ?| town and agricultural. The second group, which is the prime target for support from Canberra , is in the process of raising crops. There is general enthusiasm about visiting Canberra but some patience in determining the mix is required.

(d) Feast of the Sacred Heart: Andrew Kiley reported the programme's great success. Veronica Brennan spoke of strong acceptance and satisfaction with the proceedings. Some last minute withdrawals had been replaced by others resulting in a full house. A very well-received day.

(e) Refugee Committee: Andrew Kiley reported that the information night had gone very well with young refugees speaking of their experiences and aspirations in an open sharing environment.

 

•  Correspondence:

(i) From St Francis Xavier College (see attached) re Year 9 Community Service

Programme in understanding responsibility to help others. The PPC is invited to

consider how this might operate in the parish

 

•  Discussion Group: considered ?gRites on the Road?h a paper on parish social and recreational activities. Fr Peter suggested the reason for choosing this topic arose from the success of the Feast of the Sacred Heart. His emphasis was on housebound, handicapped, vulnerable or disadvantaged parishioners.

Suggestions for activities included

•  Concert during the day.

•  School choir to entertain at a ?ggarden?h party

•  Bus hire to transport people.

Late Spring may be a suitable time. Xavier Munoz felt relevance to World Youth Day activities might be considered later with a Mass/celebration involving the disadvantaged. Joe Barr suggested refugee families be involved. PPC members McLean, Harris, Brennan with Fr Peter will pursue these matters.

 

•  Reports.

1. Caring Connections:

Fr Peter spoke of progress with contacts and referrals.

2. Liturgy: No recent meeting. Fr Peter has written a piece for Compact on sexual abuse. The Liturgy Committee will consider a proposal to have prayer before the Blessed Sacrament especially for those who have suffered in this way. Counselling will be available if required.

A programme for the Feast of Christ the King is also in mind.

Latin Mass implications were discussed. Tom Halloran spoke of his sister, a nun

visiting from USA in August who might address the Committee.

  1. School of Religion : Held over.
  2. St John's School : ?| Helen Currie (Report attached).
  3. Xtreme: On holidays ?| no meeting.
  4. Finance : Marian England reported Anthony Jayawardena will report to the parish this weekend on the 2006 financial year with reference to planned giving. Some drop-off in contributions will be addressed by emphasis on new participants.
  5. Antioch : Marian England advised that the group was struggling with just six active members. A meeting proposed for 29 th July will be critical. Attention to youth activity in the parish, if a changed approach is necessary, will be significant. There is awareness of possible need for other models.

10. On Going Business:

1.World Youth Day: Sarah Harris reported action progressing and could lead to the emergence of another parish group. Concentration on the 23 rd February presence of the cross and icon in Canberra is main focus. Harris outlined the itinerary. St John's connection will include an all-night vigil here. There has been good support from government agencies. Nathan Kensey had given an inspiring address at 6.00pm Mass last Sunday. Marian England spoke of the importance of parish billeting. St John's will look to raising funds to bring youth from PNG and Cootamundra. A series of educational nights will be presented from August.

2. Ideas week-end: A report at the PPC August meeting will cover the planned 9 September gathering.

3. Grief and Bereavement: Proposed meeting has been held over to September erhaps.

11. Other Business :

•  Michael Morwood: Recorded presentations of Michael Morwood were put forward by Fr Peter as possible topics for PPC discussion. Helen Currie will examine.

•  Coffee Club: Marian England advised that Anne Ots cannot continue her association with 4 th Sunday. An assistance roster co-ordinated by Veronica Brennan will be drawn up. A call for helpers via Compact may be useful with notice of the Coffee Club's gatherings.

•  Bishop's Statement: Marian England drew attention to the Bishops' Conference Social Justice Statement supplies of which will be available in September.

•  CAFÉ: Jim Jones advised that he had examined the pack and DVD with favourable findings. Jim will liase with Rob Caskie regarding the implementation of the program.

•  Catholics Returning Home: Tom Halloran advised action here held over.

Next meeting August 9th.

 

Meeting closed with final prayer.

 

14 June 2007


1 . Present: Andrew Kiley (Chair), Fr Peter Wood msc, Sabina Van Rooy, Daryl Smeaton, Mike Horan, Carmel Toohey, Sharon Sams, Veronica Brennan, Jim Jones, Marian England, Eric French (Minutes)

2. Apologies: Joe Barr, Tom Halloran, Di Bruce, Jock McLean, Sarah Harris, Helen Currie, Xavier Munoz.

3. Opening Prayer: Andrew Kiley welcomed members and Eric French led the opening prayers with selected readings and music from his Requiem Mass and meditation.

Next meeting : Andrew Kiley.

4. Minutes : The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed.

 

•  Business Arising:

(a) Living in Harmony . Andrew Kiley and Sabina Van Rooy gave details of this project still in its exploratory and ideas stage. Bev Purnell, now OAM, is seeking PPC assistance with a liaison officer to work with him.

Veronica Brennan will pursue.

(b) Tribute to Fr Jim. Marian England reported that over $9,000 had been received. Fr Peter had e-mailed details of amount raised with options of scholarships. No response yet. Marian England spoke of a parishioner's financial projection taken to the Finance Committee. It was felt that a scholarship in perpetuity could not be managed from St John's administration. Another parish view had been submitted that pupils assisted with scholarships might be helped in other ways. Marian reported that a plaque from Douglas Park commemorating Fr Jim was to be located at St John's . The question of some form of remembrance of Bro Bernie was discussed.

(c) Susan Sullivan from Calvary Hospital will be invited to speak at Masses in August.

 

•  Correspondence.

(i) From Bev Purnell inviting parishioners to a Refugee Committee Meeting 7.30pm Monday 18 th June.

(ii) Letter to Monsignor Barry-Cotter (See attached) re visit of Cootamundra parishioners to St John's and a possible return visit. Fr Peter had learned that the proposal was welcomed.

(iii) A letter from Catholic Health (Aust) re a Dementia Care Workshop was passed to Carmel Toohey for attention.

 

7. Discussion

Members discussed the article ?gUnder Pressure?h in groups then came together for comment.

 

•  Reports .

(a) Care and Connections : Carmel Toohey (Report attached). Other matters included the possible provision in the parish of accommodation and facilities for travellers and public transport to church services. A letter had been sent to ACTION. Private transport to Mass has been offered. Storage for the group's records and papers is still required. Carmel is exploring non-entry accommodation for the aged and counselling in the pre-operative stage. Contact with local facilities' chaplains is being pursued. The information box will remain in the foyer.

(b) Liturgy . Fr Peter reported on the committee's decision to use this quiet time in the Church's Liturgy to update themselves on liturgical matters e.g. through guest speakers. Sabina Van Rooy presented ?gPowerful Points for Liturgical Ministries?h from Brisbane which may be useful.

(c) School of Religion : Sabina Van Rooy (report attached).

(d) St John's School : Sharon Sams (report attached).

Archbishop Coleridge had been impressed by his visit to the school and by the attitude and preparation of candidates for Confirmation. Sabina Van Rooy requested figures of non-Catholic children in kindergarten. This was not available . Sharon spoke of the use of the interview process with parents to explain clearly the purpose and basis of Catholic education.

(e) X-Treme. Andrew Kiley that a substantial mail-out had not had great success.

6-7 attendees are showing great vigour. A sleep over is planned in a month or two. Activities for harnessing energy are being pursued.

(f) Finance Committee: Marian England reported the Committee had not met for four months. Parish income has dropped by 5% in the recent period. This is usual and has been countered in the past by a talk to the parish on planned giving. This might be done this year around the end of June. Some maintenance items for the church area had been approved e.g amendment to the car park light.

 

•  On- going business.

(i) Ideas week-end: Held over.

(ii) Grief and Bereavement. Andrew Kiley reported the aim to meet again on 26th June with an address by Judy Netting and light supper. Discussion group format will again be followed. Marian England reported that Russell Oldmeadow, retired Anglican priest, speaks on this subject at Christ Church to a group of 6-7 people who discuss, listen and share as an essential part of development in the field. Mike Horan is setting up some information packs in this area.

(iii) Feast of the Sacred Heart . Andrew Kiley drew attention to the significance of the day and preparations for its celebration. He acknowledged the work done by Frs Peter and Mark and Marian England. Fr Peter also spoke of Marian's contribution in this connection.

 

•  Other Business

(a) St Francis Xavier School . Earlier in the meeting, Daryl Smeaton had drawn attention to the school's being one of three finalists in the Drug and Alcohol Awareness program to be decided in Sydney . John Hinchey will attend the July meeting.

(b) CAFÉ Marian England reported two meetings had been held. Letters had been sent to Neighbourhood Group co-ordinators inviting them to look at the CAFÉ programme and to spearhead its implementation in St John's . At the first meeting the neighbourhood groups generally had felt that the whole parish should be informed with opportunity to show interest. PPC agreed to proceed on this basis in the warmer months. Rob Caskie is seeking a co-ordinator and a small team.

(c) Parish maintenance. Marian England returned to church maintenance with advice that frosted glass doors were planned for the library to ensure limited privacy. Also a new candle holder matching St John's style and colour. PPC agreed.

(d) World Youth Day. Andrew Kiley reported meeting with Nathan Kensey, Diocesan Co-ordinator. He will speak at Sunday evening Mass on 1 st July and in the library later. Billeting in the parish will be sought. Visits to neighbouring countries to sponsor visitors may occur. Andrew and Sarah Harris had discussed the journey of the cross and icon due in Belconnen on 23 February 2008 with liturgical back-up. There will be a training day next Saturday.

(e) Belconnen Regional Council. Sabina Van Rooy reported activities at St John's at the meeting on 24th May. The area has been quiet during winter but Charnwood will host a regional gathering in Spring. The Diocesan Pastoral Meeting 8th-9th September will consider World Youth Day and the New Missal Liturgy.

(f) Fr Peter sought advice concerning clash of addresses to the parish at Mass this Sunday by St Vincent de Paul and Refugee Resettlement Committee. It was decided to proceed with both after a short homily.

(g) Daryl Smeaton drew attention to the unveiling of portraits of Canberra 's bishops with a plan to refurbish the Archbishop's house.

The John Hoare foundation is also to be established.

Next meeting 12 July.

 

Meeting closed with final prayer.

 

 

10 May 2007

1 . Present: Andrew Kiley (Chair), Fr Peter Wood msc, Carmel Toohey, Veronica Brennan, Jim Jones, Xavier Munoz, Sabina Van Rooy, Di Bruce, Joe Barr,

Jock McLean, Eric French (Minutes).

2. Apologies: Marian England, Helen Currie, Tom Halloran, Sarah Harris,

Mike Horan.

3. Opening Prayer: Andrew Kiley welcomed members and Jim Jones led the opening prayer.

Next meeting : Eric French.

4. Minutes : With Andrew Kiley's amendment that items (vi) and (vii) under Reports should have appeared as On-going Business, the minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed.

 

•  Business Arising:

•  Calvary Hospital Support.

Andrew Kiley advised that Susan Sullivan from Calvary Hospital would be invited to speak at week-end Masses.

•  Belconnen Regional Council

Following Sabina Van Rooy's outline of the Council's activities, Joe Barr was appointed her successor as St John's representative on the Belconnen Regional Council

•  Tribute to Fr Jim. Fr Peter had contacted the headmaster at a Milne Bay school associated with Fr Jim. In reply the attached e-mail was received from Paul Jennings. PPC members decided to fund a scholarship following an appeal to the parish.

•  Living in Harmony Project.

Andrew Kiley will pursue this matter with Bev Purnell.

•  National Church Life Survey.

Attention was drawn to meeting in Canberra analysing its results.

 

•  Correspondence.

•  World Youth Day . Nathan Kensey had contacted Fr Mark re our parish activity for

World Youth Day. Andrew Kiley, Sarah Sams, Sarah Harris and Marian England will meet and report to PPC. Sabina Van Rooy enquired if St John's had been asked to provide a parish representative for WYD preparatory work.

•  Easter assistance . A letter from Narooma parish thanked the PPC for his assistance at Easter with expression of condolences on Fr Jim's passing.

(See attached).

•  Aboriginal Sites: An e-mail from Tom Halloran re pilgrimage to aboriginal sites by young people from the parish. Andrew Kiley will pursue.

 

7. Discussion Topic.

Members discussed ?gDivinely Human?h from ?gThe Tablet?h.

Sabina Van Rooy will make copies available for parishioners.

 

 

 

 

- 2 -

 

•  Reports .

•  Caring Connections: Carmel Toohey (Report Attached). A filing cabinet for the group's books, tapes, papers etc would be a considerable asset. Other measures to assist e.g. DVD, TV might be sought from funds parish has provided. PPC approved Carmel 's pursuing these objectives.

•  Liturgy Committee Di Bruce reported no developments since last meeting.

•  School of Religion . Sabina Van Rooy (Report Attached).

It was agreed that Andrew Kiley (20 th June) and Marian England (19 th June) would assist with presentation of candidates for Confirmation.

•  Social Justice Committee. Sabina Van Rooy (Report Attached).

•  St Francis Xavier School . The visit of the Prime Minister to St Francis Xavier School was noted. St John's representative on the SFX School Board may be asked to report to the PPC . Andrew Kiley will follow up.

•  X-Treme Group- Andrew Kiley. Mail-outs have not produced the hoped for response. Further action along those lines including pamphlet drop may boost numbers.

 

9. On- going business.

(i) National Church Life Survey.

Di Bruce suggested 3.00pm Sunday 9 th September as a suitable date for parishioners to discuss and present ideas re NCLS. The booklet with the survey's findings will be made available on request through the Library or Information Desk.

•  Grief and Bereavement . Andrew Kiley advised that May was still possible for the next meeting. Joe Barr drew attention to parishioners' concerns about the need for good organization here.

(iii) Feast of the Sacred Heart. Fr Peter detailed arrangements for 15 th June. Two Masses in the parish at 11.00am and 7.00pm. The first, for infirm parishioners who cannot attend regularly, will be followed by lunch. Names of such parishioners will be sought in Compact with offers of assistance with transport and cooking. Co-ordination will be needed.

Light supper will follow the evening Mass. There will also be Masses at

St John's school. Carmel Toohey spoke of the importance of connecting with Kalparrin and Villagio San Antonio to contact former parishioners there.

(iv) Youth Forum Mass. Andrew Kiley advised no change.

(v) Social Justice Committee. Fr Peter spoke of a proposal to host Cootamundra families for a week-end 21/22 nd September. St John's might provide a bus. Billeting of visitors to be offered. The Social Justice Committee will discuss with Monsignor Barry Cotter after their next meeting.

(vi) Charismatic Mass. Xavier Munoz was advised details of the 7.30pm Charismatic Mass ?| Saturday.

Next meeting 14 June.

 

Meeting closed with final prayer.

 

19 April 2007

1. Present: Andrew Kiley (Chair), Jock McLean, Daryl Smeaton, Veronica Brennan, Tom Halloran, Xavier Munoz, Jim Jones, Marian England, Di Bruce, Fr Peter Wood msc, Sarah Harris, Joe Barr, Eric French (Minutes).

2. Apologies: Helen Currie, Sabina Van Rooy.

3. Opening Prayer: Andrew Kiley welcomed members with an apology for deferment of the meeting from 12 April and Di Bruce led the opening prayer with a reading from St John's Gospel and a contemplation ?gPeter's Testimony?h.

Next meeting: Jim Jones.

•  Father Jim: Andrew Kiley spoke of our giving thanks for the life of Fr Jim Fallon msc following his recent passing. Fr Peter responded with prayer and spoke of Fr Jim (and of Fr Michael).

5. Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed.

Business Arising:

(a) Rosedale Weekend. The May dates chosen were not suitable and there was too little time to arrange a second choice in the immediate future (unlikely that the residence would be available). A possible visit early in 2008 will be discussed with Fr Baker msc.

7. Easter for Fr Peter: Fr Peter spoke of his visit to Narooma to provide Easter services there and at Cobargo and Bermagui. He was well received in the parish but declined the offer of a stipend.

8. Correspondence:

(a) Marian England advised that expressions of sympathy had been sent to the Murphy, Wilson, Dawson and Reynolds families in their recent bereavements.

(b) A letter from Calvary Hospital seeking an opportunity for Susan Sullivan, Director of Mission, Calvary Healthcare to visit St John's to encourage parish assistance. It was agreed she speak at week-end Masses.

(c) E-Mail from Cathedral Secretary re a free workshop on the National Church Life Survey on Saturday 12 th May 10.00 ?| 12.30pm. There will be a planning meeting on Friday 11 th May at the Rheinberger Centre. Several PPC members expressed interest in attending. They should apply directly.

(d) A letter from Bev Purnell re involvement in the Living in Harmony project. Andrew Kiley will consider and raise at the next meeting.

•  National Church Life Survey. Following Andrew Kiley's introduction, PPC members broke into groups to discuss questions 3 and 9 with report back to meeting. Andrew requested Di Bruce to prepare an assessment of the findings for submission to the Ideas week-end.

10. Reports.

(i) Ageing and Disability. Fr Peter reported that the group is to canvass the parish to identify perceived needs in this area ?| immediate and long term. Some sense of present omissions is sought.

•  Liturgy. Di Bruce (Report attached), Andrew Kiley led thanks to the Committee for their work at Easter.

•  School of Religion . (Report attached).

•  X-Treme. Sarah Harris (Report attached). Sarah pointed out that public schools also are seen as recruiting grounds for the group.

•  Ideas week-end. Parishioners ideas on what parish needs to be doing will be sought as a guide to the Pastoral Council.

•  Grief and Bereavement. Andrew Kiley reported that following the first meeting, responses had indicated future activity. A further assembly will be more reflective and rather less planned on 15 th or 22 nd May. Some questions maybe in the areas of needs, counselling and funeral arrangements but not too formal. Judy Netting will be present as advisor. An information night will be set up for those who had expressed interest in the group's future.

•  Feast of the Sacred Heart. Fr Peter summarised the likely form of activity on the day. A Mass in the late morning will be for physically limited members of the community with a meal to follow. Also an evening Mass (7.30?) will precede tea/coffee and biscuits.

11. Other business.

(a) CAFÉ Program: Marian England advised that Rob Caskie will be making a presentation to neighbouring communities. She is still to hear from him.

(b) World Youth Day: Marian England reported consideration being given to prayer preparation for WYD. A diocesan rep for WYD has approached St John's re speaking at Sunday Masses on 6 or 13May. He/she may be available for other meetings. Marian will pursue

(c) Youth Forum: A planned meeting with SFX teacher Erica Drewson aims to arrange a Mass for years 7 and 8 to tap into a faith path with an Australian flavour they will find relevant. Students will be asked to contribute to the liturgy. The projector will be set up to present issues they can relate to.

(d) Belconnen Regional Council : Marian England reported that Sabina Van Rooy had moved from her association with this body and a PPC rep to replace her is sought.

(e) RCIA : Joe Barr (Report attached). He had found ?gDaring to be Christian?h of some value but rather scattered in format.

(f) Tribute to Fr Jim: Joe Barr proposed that as a Memorial to Fr Jim, the parish support an MSC project in New Guinea perhaps through a bucket collection. Joe to follow up.

Next meeting: 10 May.

Meeting closed with final prayer.

 

8 March 2007

 

1 . Present: Andrew Kiley (Chair), Josette Allester, Daryl Smeaton, Veronica Brennan, Joe Barr, Marian England, Mike Horan, Tom Halloran,

Fr Peter Wood msc, Di Bruce, Jim Jones. Eric French (Minutes).

2. Apologies: Sabina Van Rooy, Helen Currie, Sarah Harris, Jock McLean, Carmel Toohey.

3. Opening Prayer: Following Andrew Kiley's welcome to members, Joe Barr led the opening prayer with his theme ?gLord, I have time?h.

4•  Minutes: The Minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed.

5. Business Arising:

Rosedale week-end : Andrew Kiley requested Marian England to e-mail all members re possible attendance in first week-end in May. Marian explored the objective of the gathering. Tom Halloran would welcome an indication of the agenda. Di Bruce felt consideration of the role of a pastoral councillor would be valuable.

6. Correspondence: Results of the National Church Life Survey were distributed to members. Andrew Kiley spoke of several items of interest in the survey relating to Kippax parish and requested members look closely at the Church Life Profile for discussion at the next meeting. Tom Halloran suggested the document could be a topic for discussion at a Rosedale week-end.

7. Discussion Topic: A paper ?gHidden Battlers in the ACT?h was discussed by members in small groups with report back to meeting.

8. Reports:

(i) Ageing and Disability: Fr Peter reported in absence of Carmel Toohey. A parish group, all with experience with the aged and disabled, had met. An outcome was an approach to be made to parishioners seeking their views of needs in this field and how they might be met. Fr Peter and Marian England will design a survey.

(ii) Liturgy: The Liturgy Committee will meet to consider the liturgy for Easter. To this stage the New Music Projection System has worked well. A spare globe would be welcome. Marian England told of a similar system in another parish involving an operator who was not a singer.

(iii) St John's School (Report attached).

(iv) School of Religion (Report attached).

(v) X-Treme: Andrew Kiley reported, in absence of Sarah Harris, About 10 members had participated in a well supervised sleep-over recently. 8.30am Mass then breakfast. Membership numbers have fallen due to departure of Year 10's. Recruitment is planned. The haunted house at St John's fete is being worked on. Fr Peter spoke of Bev Purnell's approach re 2 Sudanese boys for whom Xtreme may be of interest.

(vi) Ideas week-end held over . (Di Bruce).

(vii) Grief and Bereavement. Andrew Kiley reported on the gathering at which Fr Peter's address had been well supported. Andrew and Sarah Harris had been impressed by the gains on a personal level recorded by some attending. Similar opportunities to meet and talk would be welcome.

Mike Horan spoke of demand for activity in this field which he had experienced in Melbourne . Different ways of helping people through their grief need to be explored. Attention was drawn to work of some parish groups which may already impinge on this field.

9. Other Business:

(a) Feast of the Sacred Heart 15 June.

Recent years have seen a barbecue and park gathering but a new approach might be indicated this year. Poorman's Mass might be the way to go. The three priests will consider.

(b) World Youth Day.

Andrew Kiley reported that Sarah Harris, Marian England and he will consider how people 18-25 might be involved. St Francis Xavier's school had been approached. Some form of monthly celebration to focus attention on World Youth Day might be useful. Daryl Smeaton spoke of the Archdiocesan steering group which could provide input. A special connection between Antioch and Hungary may need action.

(c) Easter outreach .

The PPC gave enthusiastic support to Fr Peter's intention to go to a country parish at Easter where no priest is available. Marian England suggested a gift go with Fr Peter perhaps from a church collection here.

(d) Income Target.

Fr Peter drew attention to the arrival of a Filipino nun in the parish who aims to organize an income. PPC members to consider. Villagio San Antonio or Kalparrin could be of help.

(e) Charismatic Group.

Fr Peter reported a request for a Charismatic Mass at St John's for the Belconnen area at 7.30pm on the first Saturday of each month. Mass at 10.00am on the fifth Saturday and another on the fourth Thursday are already in place.

(f) ?gDaring to be Christian?h. Jim Jones had found this rather disappointing. With an uninviting cover and repetitive, its meditation methods were difficult to follow.

(g) Parish recognition.

Acknowledging that letters of appreciation had been sent to parishioners who had provided outstanding service, Tom Halloran raised the desirability of issuing certificates in special circumstances. It was felt that the selection of recipients may be too great a problem.

(h) Church damage.

Fr Peter spoke of damage done last Saturday night when church windows were smashed. Police had come quickly and a suspect arrested. Insurance will cover most repairs but motifs on doors will take some weeks to replace. Fr Mark's work in cleaning up glass fragments was noteworthy.

Next meeting 12 April .

 

Meeting closed with final prayers.

8 February 2007

1 . Present: Andrew Kiley (Chair), Di Bruce, Fr Peter Wood msc, Joe Barr, Jock McLean, Daryl Smeaton, Jim Jones, Veronica Brennan, Sarah Harris, Marian England, Carmel Toohey, Michael Horan, Thomas Halloran, Sabina Van Rooy, Eric French (Minutes)

2. Apologies: Josette Allester, Xavier Munoz.

3. Introduction: Andrew Kiley opened the meeting with a welcome to new members with particular reference to Fr Peter and also to Carmel Toohey who had been at an earlier meeting. He thanked the Minutes Clerk.

•  Opening Prayer: Fr Peter led the opening prayer and the Mission Statement was addressed:

Next Meeting: Joe Barr.

 

•  PPC Offices :

•  Chairman: The sole nominee, Andrew Kiley, was appointed (nominated Marian England, Sec. Di Bruce).

•  Vice ?|Chairman: The sole nominee, Joe Barr, was appointed (nominated Marian England, Sec. Andrew Kiley).

6. Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed.

•  Business Arising:

(i) Music at Mass.

Andrew Kiley spoke of the difficulty of securing sufficient presenters of music at Sunday evening Mass. A rotation of four guitarists and flautists with singers is being implemented quite successfully.

St Francis Xavier School may be able to provide music once a month.

The new projector seems to be working well although screening at a higher level is being examined. Training is necessary for projector users. Sarah Harris felt that extension of the stand by timing would be an improvement.

(ii) Catechists: Sabina Van Rooy reported the despatch of letters to priests and

catechists throughout the Archdiocese concerning the shortage of catechists.

She provided a summary of the Catechists' role when requested by Sarah

Harris. No response to the letters had been received.

 

8. Correspondence:

Lenten Program: Marian England tabled three programs and gave a brief summary of each. There is too little time this year for a local program to be developed but Jim Jones suggested a group look into this for 2008.

Veronica Brennan agreed to coordinate in setting up the Brisbane program. Some people have already expressed interest but the schedule is tight.

9. Discussion Topic.

Members broke into groups to discuss the article ?gLazarus at the Door?h with report back to meeting. Carmel Toohey told of her experience with the homeless in Canberra .

Reports:

•  Ageing and Disability: Carmel Toohey reported that four people had responded to ?gCompact?h Notice to help in this work with plan to join CAPS. Carmel sees them as co-ordinators of response to the various needs to arise in this area.

•  Finance: Josette Allester (report attached).

Jock McLean offered to assist with painting. Fr Peter suggested a letter of thanks to Bert Broekhuyse (Marian England to implement).

•  Liturgy Committee: Di Bruce (Report attached).

•  School of Religion : Sabina Van Rooy (Report attached).

Jock McLean was advised that 30-40 children from Government and Independent schools was the average attendance at the sacramental program.

•  Social Justice: Sabina Van Rooy has proposed a collection for Cootaumundra (twinned) parish to assist drought problems. A talk on reconciliation with indigenous people in March was foreshadowed with invitations to be sent to other churches and parishes. (Report attached).

Co-operation with the Liturgy Committee for Pentecost Sunday will proceed.

Fr Peter enquired if PPC approval were required for Committees' decisions. Normally not, but PPC could demur in any chosen instance. The parish priest has overall direction, of course.

•  St John's School - Held over.

•  X-Treme: Sarah Harris reported the Group has resumed. A sleep-over is

planned to farewell long-term members. Marian England and Sharon

Sams will assist with supervision. Another fund raising for parish work will

be investigated. Jock McLean was informed that of the 35 on X-treme's

books, 15-20 normally attend meetings. More boys than girls.

•  RCIA: Joe Barr (Report attached).

•  Time and Talent: Marian England presented forms to the meeting for

consideration.

 

11. Rosedale projects: Andrew Kiley reported progress.

No 1. Ideas Week-end: Di Bruce, Marian England and Helen Currie are pursuing. Michael Horan may help.

No. 2. Adult Education : Continuing on track.

No. 3 Ageing and Disabled: Carmel Toohey has covered (See above).

No. 4 Grief Counselling: Sarah Harris spoke on this with particular reference to those people who have made contact with the Church after they have experienced the death of a loved one. Basic support with food, travel or transport may be indicated. Also counselling in the short or long term. Assistance with funeral arrangements could include persons other than priests officiating at the graveside. Jock McLean had had experience in this area. Fr Peter will give a talk on grief and its necessary response. Tom Halloran pointed out the importance of liturgy in grief situations. Di Bruce drew attention to published funeral liturgies and treatment of grief after death.

No.5 School/Parish connections.

The dinners are to be continued, perhaps with 6 rather than 8 participants.

No. 6 Children in Government Schools.

Marian England spoke of contact with Wenda Blackwell to develop connection with Catholic parents of Government School children.

Other business:

(i) Further on the music front: Andrew Kiley told of Fr Michael's contact with Paul McCormack msc re a Music Workshop.

A suitable week-end to learn what might be done is to be explored.

•  Rosedale: Andrew Kiley suggested 1 st Week-end in May for a further PPC gathering at Rosedale . Marian England has made tentative booking. PPC members to consider their availability.

•  Belconnen Regional Council : Sabina Van Rooy advised Council meets on 22 February with its picnic on 11 March.

Next meeting: 8 March, 2007.

Meeting closed with final prayers.

 

19 October 2006

 

1.            Present:  Terry Martin (Chair), Daryl Smeaton, Veronica Brennan, Andrew Kiley, John Bannon, Marian England, Jim Jones, Fr Michael Fallon msc, Sarah Harris, Maryanne Ferguson, Anne Ots, Eric French (Minutes).

2.            Apologies:            Josette Allester, Di Bruce, Joe Barr, Sabina Van Rooy, Helen Currie.

3.            Opening Prayer:   Terry Martin welcomed members and Marian England provided a meditation on the prayer of St Francis with music.

            The Mission Statement was addressed.

Next meeting – Eric French.

           

4.            Carmel Toohey:  Her presentation held over to next meeting.

  • Minutes:  The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed following amendment to Item 8 (vii) i.e. that Jacques Clementine, not Sarah Harris, would be leaving X-Treme for a time.  Jim Jones queried use of the word “warned” in

Di Bruce’s Liturgy Report.

6.            Parish Vocations Awareness Committee:  Fr Michael advised John Drury had accepted the position of Co-ordinator.

7.         PPC Nominations:  Four.  Xavier Munoz, Michael Horan, Thomas Halloran and Jock McLean were received and endorsed.  They will be advised and invited to the December meeting.  A note will be placed in Compact.

  • Youth Forum:  Andrew Kiley advised.

(a)  A meeting will be held with Erica Drewsen in November.

(b)  Andrew and Andrew Mowle will co-ordinate Sunday 6pm Mass Music for the moment and aim to recruit others by Christmas with a view to their handling a Sunday each thereafter.

  • Correspondence:
    • Fr Michael on a letter from Sabina Van Rooy re more catechists.  Notice Board may not be appropriate vehicle for this.  Discernment may be better.  To be discussed with Sabina before further action.  Daryl Smeaton commented on shortage of catechists in the Archdiocese if not in St John’s.  Young people are especially valuable.  Wenda Blackwell also will be consulted.
    • Notification of the Eucharistic and Marian Procession from Narrabundah on

12th November. (Notice Board).

    • From Australian Catholic University re scholarship to mark retirement of Archbishop Carroll.  $43,000 subscribed.  Further $7,000 sought.
  • Catholicism in The Post Modern World:  The PPC broke into discussion groups with report back to meeting.
  • Reports:
  • Catholics Returning Home: Anne Ots (Report attached).
  • Finance Committee:  Meeting delayed until 23rd October.
  • Liturgy Committee:  Fr Michael advised projector could be operating in

2 weeks.

  • School of Religion:  Held over.
  • St John’s School – Held over.
  • X-Treme:  Sarah Harris (Report attached).

Francis Carroll Scholarship may be of interest.  Maryanne Ferguson suggested Cootamundra parish may have activities relevant to the group.  Contact had been made but will be re-examined.

  • Rosedale Projects.

No. 1.  Awaiting results of National Life Survey.

No. 2            No advance.

No. 3            Joe Barr to report in November.

No. 4            Done.

No. 5            Carmel Toohey in November.

No. 6            As for No. 5.

No. 7            Sarah Harris pursuing. 

Some people in need of assistance have been identified.

                        No. 8            Four dinners held.

                        No. 9            Daryl Smeaton defined Catechist connection here.

                        No.10            Youth Forum held 6th September.  Project is on-going.

  • Poverty week at Uniting Church Kippax:  Anne Ots reported on this emphasising difficulty of feeding a family with low income and limited resources.  The ABC had focussed well on this. 
  • Good Morning, Good People:  This 2 hour presentation had been an excellent spiritual and lovely musical experience. 

Fr Michael reported.  About 70 people attended.

  • Other Business.
    • The December meeting (14th) will be a catered end-of-year celebration.

Cost $5.  New members free.

    • Fr Michael congratulated Jim Jones on his engagement.
    • Daryl Smeaton drew attention to the retirement of Geoff Joy.  He requested prayers that an excellent replacement would emerge from interviews next week.

Next meeting 9th November.

Meeting closed with final prayers.

 

7th September 2006

1.            Present:  Andrew Kiley (Chair), John Bannon, Fr Michael Fallon msc, Veronica Brennan, Joe Barr, Helen Currie, Maryanne Ferguson, Marian England, Anne Ots, Josette Allester, Di Bruce, Eric French (Minutes).

2.            Apologies:            Sabina Van Rooy, Terry Martin, Sarah Harris.

3.            Opening Prayer:   Following Andrew Kiley’s welcome of members, John Bannon led the opening prayer (youth-oriented) with Play Song Everyday.

Next meeting – Marian England.

           

The Mission Statement was addressed.

4.            Minutes:  The Minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed.

5.            Business Arising

(i)  Youth Forum 6th September:  John Bannon reported (See Report attached) 61 people attended.  Congratulations were due to the organizers (Andrew Kiley, Sarah Harris, Jacques Clementine and (from Andrew Kiley) John Bannon.  Much preliminary work had been done.  Some modernisation of music in the church was looked for.  Andrew Kiley advised that tradition had received much attention from the 700 respondents to forum documents.  It seems that better explanation of church tradition would be useful. 

Welcoming in the church and assistance to others not in contact with the church, maybe through sporting means among others, should be considered.  Further meetings of the organizers will analyse the forum’s findings to determine future action.  

Fr Michael distributed a Compact note to PPC members.  He, too, congratulated the organizers.  Michael spoke of progress with the provision of a number of groups to present music about once a month.  (Matthew Argy is involved here).  Some guidance to them will be necessary.  There had been two other offers of musical assistance from the forum. Andrew Kiley will follow up.

(ii)  Young Parents:  Marian England reported that three dinners for eight had taken place, another tomorrow night.  They are going well, breaking down barriers, including talking with priests, and being enthusiastically received by participants.  Helen Currie thought involvement of some single people may be desirable.  More canvassing will be conducted before 2007.

  • Belconnen – Gungahlin Regional Council.  Andrew Kiley advised that

Fr Michael had sent a letter confirming Sabina Van Rooy and Brian Mahony as delegates.

(iv)  Grief Counselling:  Sarah Harris is pursuing with Cootamundra and will report next meeting.

(v) Cultural Masses:  A couple of groups have been approached.  No decision yet.

  • Correspondence
    • A letter from Bishop David Walker re the establishment of a group in every parish to monitor vocations.
    • Fr John Rate’s discussion and report on the MSC Conference. 

To be distributed at next meeting.

7.               Discussion Group:  Fr John Rate’s review of the MSC Conference (2nd part) was considered by groups with report back to meeting.

8.            Reports:

  •      Catholics Returning Home.  Anne Ots (Report attached).
  • Finance – Josette Allester (Report attached).
  • Liturgy – Di Bruce (Report attached)
  • RCIA – Joe Barr (Report attached)
  • School of Religion – Held over
  • St John’s School – Helen Currie (Report attached).
  • X-Treme – Andrew Kiley advised that Sarah Harris and Sarah Kietman are leaving, at least for a time.  So some further assistance will be needed in the group which meets for a couple of hours on Wednesday. 

Nominations would be welcome.

  • On-going Projects
    • Ideas week-end for Parish will occur after Church Life Survey completed.
    • Cultural Celebrations:  See 5 (v) above.
    • Adult Education:  Joe Barr spoke to this and passed round a list of relevant sources (see attached).
    • Outreach to the Poor:  Information about the SVdeP Society had produced at least one new member.
    • Elderly of the Parish:  Carmel Toohey will report after Conference attendance. 

Terry Martin will pursue.

    • Spirituality of the Ageing:  As for (e) above
    • Grief Counselling: See 5 (iv) above.
    • School Parish Connections:  See 5 (ii) above
    • Connection with Catholic Parents in Public Schools – held over.
    • Connecting with Youth:  Youth Forum and on-going work cover this.

(See 5 (i) above.

  • PPC Nominations.

Andrew Kiley spoke of the structure and roles of the PPC which had been discussed by the Agenda Committee.  Finance, Liturgy, X-Treme, School of Religion and St John’s School were key areas to be represented and report to meetings.  Other groups could send representatives as necessary.  Each parish group would be asked to submit a monthly report on their activities with the Agenda body to bring to the PPC’s attention as appropriate.  All such reports would be tabled at PPC meetings.  Nominations for the PPC to proceed immediately. 

Fr Michael presented to the meeting a copy of his Parish Priest’s column in Compact (see attached).  Di Bruce advised that commitments would preclude Michael Blyth’s joining the PPC as Liturgy  representative.  Fr Michael distributed to the meeting an article from “The Tablet” re  PPC’s.

  • Christmas Hamper Raffle:  Veronica Brennan advised that this project is under way.
  • Fr Jim:  Marian England drew attention to Fr Jim’s 80th Birthday to be celebrated with a cake at the next Coffee morning.

Next meeting 19th October

Meeting closed with final prayer.

 

3rd August 2006

1.            Present:  Terry Martin (Chair), Joe Barr, Anne Ots, Maryanne Ferguson,

Fr Michael Fallon msc, John Bannon, Sabina Van Rooy, Helen Currie,

Marian England, Josette Allester, Andrew Kiley, Sarah Harris,

Eric French (Minutes).

2.            Apologies:            Veronica Brennan, Jim Jones, Daryl Smeaton, Di Bruce.

3.            Opening Prayer:   Terry Martin welcomed members and Joe Barr led the opening prayer.

            Next meeting – John Bannon

            The Mission Statement was addressed.

4.            Retirements:  Lyn Duck and Caleb Garvie have retired from the PPC.

5.            Minutes:  July minutes – Item 10 amended to “one of the authors”.

                June minutes: Anne Ots corrected Catholics Returning Home entry to       …..”ensuring that prospective candidates are appropriate to the programme”.

John Bannon queried the wisdom of this approach feeling that all should be welcome.  Discussion followed and the need for care in this area was recognised.

Otherwise minutes confirmed.

The PPC list 2006 should indicate Anne Ots’ association with Catholics Returning Home.

  1. On-going matters:
    • Youth Forum:  Andrew Kiley reported 7-10pm on 6th September had been booked in the church.  The format might be:

Talk by Fr Michael.

Two young people to be involved in question and answer segment (one active in the Church, one more distant) to determine young persons’ views.

Grades 8-12 at St Francis Xavier school will be surveyed to ascertain their ideas about the Church.  On the night, discussion groups will be formed.  Hopefully ideas will emerge for consideration by Sarah Harris, Andrew Kiley and Jacques Clementine for future action.  The advertising programme was discussed.  All people are welcome to attend on the night.

    • Young Parents:  Helen Currie advised one group is meeting tomorrow

     night.        Baby-sitting is a factor requiring attention. 

Future dates will need to be set in good time.

    • Elderly of parish:  Marian England reported that this enterprise was moving

slowly.  Identification of parishioners is proceeding.  Terry Martin advised that Mary Moran was involved with the need for voluntary work at Calvary Hospital.  Perhaps these two areas could be linked.  A Speaker from Calvary may be of interest to the PPC.  It was decided to await Carmel Toohey’s availability after her course to determine relevance. 

Terry Martin will keep under notice.

    • Music:  Marian England advised nothing further to report. 

The Youth Forum may have an input here.

    • Belconnen and Gungahlin Regional Council:  Fr Michael advised that Brian Mahony was acting as substitute delegate to the Council.  A requested response to the Council was considered by the PPC.  Sabina Van Rooy read a Statement of Purpose and Operations (see attachment) which attracted the PPC endorsement and congratulations on the work of the Council.  Fr Michael will write a response.
  1. Correspondence:  Nil.
  1. Discussion Topic:  The PPC broke into groups to discuss Fr John Rate’s paper on Postmodernism with extensive report back to meeting.
  1. Reports:  
  •       Antioch – Marian England (report attached).
  • Liturgy – No meeting – Held over.
  • Emmaus Journey -  Joe Barr (report attached).
  • School of Religion – Sabina Van Rooy (report attached).
  • St John’s School – Helen Currie (report attached);
  • X-Treme -  Sleep over last Friday supported by Sleepers Marian England and Sharon Sams.  Fewer attendees than last year due to sporting commitments.  It was a good night with more coming to meetings as a result.  A Trivia Night for the parish is planned.  Fr Michael spoke of the excellent Mass in the Library.
  1. Other Business:
    • Challenges:  Marian England spoke of the challenge from the MSC Parishes Conference to go away and start to re-imagine what our parishes could look like. Antioch have started this re-imagining process with their group. 
    • Rosedale week-end:  (See attached Mission Statement).  Some of the ten Mission points from the Rosedale week-end are being implemented e.g.

No 10.  Fr Michael spoke of problems associated with No. 9.  Approximately half the children of Catholic parents go to non-catholic schools. 

Terry Martin saw No 1 as readily achievable.  Its timing needs to be determined. 

No 2 was discussed with emphasis on better merging of ethnic groups into the parish.  They might play a major role in the liturgy on feast days or on Sundays of special interest to them.  Sarah Harris suggested a cultural presentation in some form by each ethnic group.  Marian England suggested reference to the Liturgy Committee. 

In reference to Adult Education Marian England spoke of the difficulty of young parents in their thirty’s attending gatherings due to the busyness of life and other pressures.  Internet communication may be helpful.  Discussion groups rather than lectures were seen to be attractive to some people.

No 4 – under way.

No 5 – in process

No 6 -  in process

No 7 -  in process.  Sarah Harris to contact Cootamundra.

No 8 -  in process

No 9 – See above.

No 10   See above.

Anne Ots read a Mission Statement she had encountered in Bribie Island. 

Also one from Gunnedah had ideas similar to St John’s.

The Discussion Paper for the next meeting was circulated and is to be sent to tonight’s apologies.

Next meeting 7th September.

Meeting closed with final prayers.

 

 13TH JULY 2006.

1.            Present:  Terry Martin (Chair), Jim Jones, Veronica Brennan, Michael Fallon msc, Sabina Van Rooy, Marian England, Andrew Kiley, Sarah Harris, David Lowe,

Joe Barr, Maryanne Ferguson, Daryl Smeaton, Eric French (Minutes).

2.            Apologies:            John Bannon, Di Bruce, Caleb Garvie, Anne Ots, Helen Currie.

3.            Opening Prayer:   Sarah Harris presented with music – The Power of the Gospel followed by the Mission Statement.

            Next meeting – Joe Barr.

4.            Minutes:  The minutes of th e previous meeting were confirmed.

5.            Matters arising:  The Information Sign in the church foyer has been positioned.   

6.         On-going business

(a)  Youth Forum:  Andrew Kiley reported a meeting next week to consider progress done and action required.

(b)  Young Parents:  Marian England reported that a group of kindergarten parents had been organized for Friday 4th August.

(c)   Elderly in Parish:  David Lowe, who was to co-ordinate this activity, will be moving to Bathurst shortly.  Carmel Toohey will represent the parish at a conference of the Centre for Aging and Pastoral Studies from 26-29 September.  Following Fr Michael’s homily, sixteen parishioners had been identified.  David Lowe suggested  liaison with family groups could be useful.  Maryanne Ferguson felt keeping the register under parish notice would help and Joe Barr recommended a board notice in the foyer.  Carmel Toohey has agreed to maintain the register with Marian England.  Sabina Van Rooy suggested that Carmel be invited to address the PPC at a later stage.  

(d)  Music:  Marian England advised that five Antiochers had gone to Hillsong last Sunday.  They enjoyed the concert and exposure to other music presentations which will be incorporated into a music workshop covering all Masses later in the year.  There is a particular need to focus on music at the 6.00pm Mass on Sunday which at this time has its limitations.  Sabina Van Rooy pointed out the importance of this formation in the celebration of the Eucharist.  Booklets are available. 

Fr Michael spoke of difficulties at the 8.30am Mass.  Hymn books needed to join in CD’s playing are not being handed out.  The Overhead could solve this and other problems.  Sabina Van Rooy will distribute hymn books at the 8.30am Mass as necessary  (1st & 2nd Sundays only).

  1. Rosedale Mission Statement:  This document (see attached) was presented to the PPC with Fr Michael explaining a couple of amendments made. 

Daryl Smeaton commended the ten members involved in its preparation.  

            Individual areas were then considered.

            Maryanne Ferguson suggested that priority be determined among the areas.

            Re Item 6:  Sabina Van Rooy drew attention to work done in the Cootamundra Parish which may be relevant here.

Re Item 9, Marian England told of an Adult Research Team which had met to establish a Y.C.S. branch in St Francis Xavier School.  Sixteen had shown interest so the situation is promising. 

Daryl Smeaton suggested Item 1, and 6 received priority attention.

  • Correspondence:  A procedural record of the Belconnen and Gungahlin Regional Forum (attached) was circulated.  Sabina Van Rooy spoke of the background of the preparation of the document and of the group’s future plans.  Sabina Van Rooy will be St John’s representative on the Forum if a suitable alternative is available.  Sabina and

Fr Michael will pursue.

  • Reports:
    • Antioch:  Marian England reported a busy week.  Six young people had gone to St Christopher’s for a rally organized by the Youth Rally Team.  A guest speaker on spirituality and discussion had been followed by Adoration and confession.  Later comment indicated that the participants had welcomed the experience.  It may be musically relevant here.

Leaders for the Renewal week-end have been chosen 19-20th August.  Rosedale is a possible venue if numbers are small.  The Youth Ministry Team may participate in the week-end.  Sabina Van Rooy indicated a possible venue in Goulburn.  An Antioch representative on the PPC (vice Caleb Garvie) may be valuable.

    • Catholics Returning Home.  Veronica Brennan (Report attached).
    • Liturgy Committee – Held over.
    • RCIA.  Joe Barr (Report attached).
    • School of Religion:  Sabina Van Rooy (Report attached).
    • X-Treme Group:  Sarah Harris.
    • St John’s School:  Report held over but Marian England reported that Helen Connell has retired as REC.  Ben Kelly will act for the rest of 2006 and the position will be advertised.
  • Other Business
  •      CWL Hamper.  Veronica Brennan reported goods required by end July.
  • Jim Jones suggested that one of the authors of “Catholic Voices” could give a wise perspective on Aboriginal Affairs to St John’s.  Jim distributed tickets for a concert in which he is performing.
  • MSC Parishes Conference.  Marian England reported receiving

“Challenge to Re-Image our Church”.  The Rosedale Mission Statement has gone, at least some way, to responding.  These matters will receive ongoing PPC consideration during 2006.

  • David Lowe Move.  Fr Michael thanked David Lowe and Marie for their work in the parish and was supported by Terry Martin who wished the couple well.
  • Daryl Smeaton asked for prayers on the passing of Monsignor John Hoare and Fr Joseph Rheinberger. 

Next meeting 3rd August (changed after meeting).

Meeting closed with final prayers.

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8TH JUNE 2006.

1.            Present:  Terry Martin (Chair), Marian England, David Lowe, Sabina Van Rooy, Daryl Smeaton, Fr Michael Fallon msc, Maryanne Ferguson, Anne Ots, Sarah Harris, Veronica Brennan, Helen Currie, Di Bruce, Eric French (Minutes).

2.            Apologies:            Joe Barr, Jim Jones, Josette Allester, Jacques Clementine, Lyn Duck, Andrew Kiley, John Bannon.

3.            Opening Prayer:   Terry Martin welcomed members and Anne Ots led the opening prayer with music “This Ancient Love”.

            Next meeting:   Sarah Harris.

  • On going Matters:

(i)  Youth Forum: Marian England advised the meeting to move this forward was imminent.

(ii)   Young Parents:  Helen Currie had received support from some parents she had approached.  Dates and arrangements need to be determined.  Di Bruce suggested a dinner for eight parents to be pot-luck in the library with Frs Michael and  Mark and Marian England.  Helen Currie will pursue when a date is set.

(iii)   Housebound of the Parish:  David Lowe is preparing a modus operandi and Marian England is drawing up a list of such parishioners.

(iv)  Feast of the Sacred Heart:  Sarah Harris reported that last year’s procedure would be followed.  Dodgers have been sent to Neighbourhood Groups for distribution.  They will also be stapled to Compact and circulated beyond St John’s parish bounds.

(v)  Good morning Good People:  Peter Kearney has sent advertising material for  8th October presentation.  This will be spread through the Belconnen area and beyond.

  •     Correspondence:

Fr Michael reported on a draft from the Belconnen and Gungahlin Regional Committee concerning future organization in the area.  This is not to be circulated at this stage but a lay representative and deputy from each parish are sought. 

Sabina Van Rooy may be available.  Sabina spoke of a small team established to examine responses to proposals for the Regional Committee with report to parishes. (See Attachment “A)      

6.            Reports: 

(a)  Antioch- Marian England,  Average attendance on Sunday nights is 8-9

       with 3-4 from the recent introductory week-end.  Busy lives compete. 

Leaders for the Renewal week-end later this year need to be found.

  • Catholics returning home -  Anne Ots (Report attached).  Fr Michael stressed the importance of ensuring that prospective candidates are appropriate to the programme: that is to say, that they are Catholics who are seeking to return home.
  • School of Religion- Sabina Van Rooy reported steady numbers of good quality young people.  Twelve had been confirmed by Bishop Power.  Preparation for Reconciliation later this year is in hand.  A team meeting in May had examined enrolments for week-ends now to be timed for March in lieu February.

- 2 -

Children’s Liturgy of the Word is going well with 35-40 with some parents involved last week-end.  Fr Michael advised that 20 parents, whose children had not attended a week-end, had contacted him.  These interviews were valuable and included revelation of the difficulties some parents face.  Daryl Smeaton pointed out the problem of deciding on an approach to these situations which were widespread throughout the Archdiocese.  Fr Michael confirmed that  the circumstances of the Sacrament’s Administration were excellent.

  • St John’s School – Helen Currie (Report attached).
  • X-Treme Group – Sarah Harris (Report attached).
  • Liturgy Committee – Di Bruce (Report attached).

7.         Other Business

(i)              Rosedale:  The program for the PPC week-end at Rosedale was distributed (See attached).  Those attending were identified and food and transport arrangements made.  Di Bruce will devise a liturgy.

(ii)              Father Michael advised that an anonymous donor will provide a Data Projector and Overhead for St. John’s.

  • Marian England will pursue a suggestion that the Information Desk in the church foyer be better identified.

Next meeting 13th July.

Meeting closed with final prayer.

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 11TH MAY 2006.

1.            Present:              Terry             Martin (Chair), Veronica Brennan, Fr Michael Fallon msc, Sarah Harris, Andrew Kiley, Jacques Clementine, Anne Ots, Maryanne Ferguson, Joe Barr, Sabina Van Rooy, David Lowe, Marian England, Helen Currie, John Bannon, Eric French. 

2.            Apologies:            Caleb Garvie, Jim Jones, Di Bruce, Josette Allester, Lyn Duck.

3.            Opening Prayer:   Terry Martin welcomed members noting that it was a busy time for many at present.  Sabina Van Rooy led the opening prayer with shared reading from the Sermon on the Mount with music background.

            Next meeting:  Anne Ots.

            The Mission Statement was said.

4.            Minutes:  The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed. 

Some reports from the April meeting are attached.

  • On going Business:
    • Peter Kearney suggested a presentation on Sunday afternoon 8th October.  This would be appropriate to the feast of St Francis about that time.  The Third Order of St Francis may promote and other material will come from Peter Kearney.  A colourful poster is available.  Marian England will email other parishes.
    • Youth Forum:  Jacques Clementine reported.  This may go ahead in October with possible duration of two hours.  Vincent Clementine will seek details of previous such enterprises elsewhere with CYM in Tuggeranong a possible contact point. Topics for consideration need to be determined.  Youth themselves may have input into the agenda.  Helen Currie suggested some pre-planned framework would be desirable to indicate a possible range of matters to be discussed.  Marian England told of previous activities which may be useful.  Jacques Clementine, Andrew Kiley and Sarah Harris will continue to explore.  Fr Michael raised the importance of the forum being run by our organizers.  Advice but not speakers from elsewhere.
    • Young Parents:  School holidays have hindered progress here but Helen Currie will proceed to pursue names.
    • Elderly of the Parish:  Marian England spoke of house-bound parishioners who are visited from St John’s.  Identification of these people would be useful with view to maintaining contact in absence of visitors.  In response to Fr Michael’s proposal, David Lowe agreed to act as co-ordinator of this area.  Anne Ots suggested absences of “carers” be drawn to David’s notice.
    • Feast of the Sacred Heart:  Andrew Kiley reported. 

10.00am Mass on 25th June on which Liturgy Committee is working.  The Coffee Club, barbeque, and gathering at Kippax Oval with games and races.  In the event of rain only games under cover will proceed.  The events will be advertised.

  • Correspondence:
  • Marian England drew attention to a request from Beginning Experience for assistance in meeting the heavy costs of their week-end gatherings - the usual

practice.  Notice of these is given in Compact.  It was agreed to provide $245 p.a. (one person/weekend) to this cause as requested.

(ii)   Fr Michael read a copy of Archbishop Carroll’s reply to Ray Storier.  A meeting at St Matthew’s on 18th May will pursue the establishment of a Regional Council for Belconnen and Gungahlin.  Normal representative, Sabina Van Rooy, is not available.  Jim Jones, Daryl Smeaton or David Lowe may be able to substitute.  Sabina Van Rooy has appropriate background papers.      

  • Reports: 

(i)            Antioch:  Jacques Clementine (Report attached).  Marian England commented favourably on the quality of the Antioch Group.  Sarah Harris told of the number of young people keen to be associated with Antioch when eligible – maybe next year.

(ii)              Catholics returning home:  Anne Ots (Report attached).  Fr Michael raised        questions of the reliability of our links in this area.

  • Coffee Club:  Going well.  Plungers to be replaced.
  • Liturgy Committee:  Fr Michael reported.
    • Mothers’ Day Liturgy has been planned.
    • The projection of hymns in the church should be operating in a month or two.  The Good Friday trial seemed satisfactory and Maroubra parish had provided much valuable material.
    • Following discussion, the Charismatic Group has decided to discontinue its singing at Mass on the second Sunday of the month.  If the Group agrees, the PPC would welcome a charismatic Mass on the fifth Sunday of each month.  Following extensive discussion by the PPC, continued use of the keyboard was supported.
  • School of Religion:  Sabina Van Rooy (Report attached).

Helen Currie suggested that the date of Preparation Day had been changed.  Sabina to pursue.

  • St John’s School.  Helen Currie (Report attached).
  • Xtreme Group:  Sarah Harris (Report attached).
  • Other business:
    • PPC week-end at Rosedale 17-18th June confirmed.
    • MSC Conference:  Terry Martin congratulated those responsible for the excellent presentation of its proceedings to the parish (see below).
    • National Life Survey:  Sabina Van Rooy had forwarded information from the Bishops’ Conference to Fr Michael.
    • Over 45’s:  Veronica Brennan advised that Centacare would be sending three people to talk about home help.  Veronica will notify in at least two issues of Compact.
    • RCIA:  Joe Barr told of the final meeting of the RCIA Candidates recently.  Their well-based responses indicated the balance and value of the programme.
    • MSC Conference:  Further to the report above, Fr Michael commended Marian England for her magnificent work leading to the success of the conference.  Helen Currie and Sharon Sams had also contributed superbly.  Those attending had been enthusiastic in their appreciation of the staging and presentation.

Next meeting:   8th June.

Meeting closed with final prayer.

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 6TH APRIL 2006.

1.            Present:              Terry             Martin (Chair), Marian England, Fr Michael Fallon msc, Jacques Clementine, Andrew Kiley, Helen Currie, Veronica Brennan, Lyn Duck, Anne Ots, Jim Jones, Sabina Van Rooy, Joe Barr, Di Bruce, Josette Allester, Caleb Garvie, Eric French (Minutes).

2.            Apologies:            Sarah Harris, Maryanne Ferguson, David Lowe, Daryl Smeaton.

3.            Opening Prayer:   Following Terry Martin’s welcome, the sung opening prayer was presented by Jim Jones.

            Next Meeting:   Sabina Van Rooy.

4.            Minutes:  The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed. 

Marian England’s report is to be filed rather than being attached.

  • Correspondence:   

(a)  From National Church Life Survey re sampling parishes on a variety of issues.  Subject to financial resources, the PPC agreed to proceed.     

  • Other Business: 
  • MSC Conference 1-4th May.  England, Currie, Bruce, Jones, Brennan and Sams were available as full or part attendees.  Also Kiley, Clementine and Ots.  Bev Purnell has been invited and may be present for some part.  Identification badges will be issued.  The Conference Programme was available.  Arrangements were discussed with transport from the airport a significant requirement.
  • Feast of the Sacred Heart.  Marian England related celebrations to an earlier Randwick experience.  The picnic here after the 10.00am Mass on Sunday was a success last year.  It was agreed to proceed on similar lines this year with Andrew Kiley and Jacques Clementine to organize.  If raining, only the Mass will be held.           
  • Peter Kearney’s “Good Morning, Good People”.  This journey in song with a Franciscan emphasis is offered for presentation at St John’s in July. 

$10 admission for adults.  It was agreed to proceed. 

Sabina Van Rooy suggested other parishes be invited.

  • E-Mail from Ray Storier.  Presented by Sabina Van Rooy who had attended the launch of the Inter-Parish Committee report on future parish organization with reduced numbers of priests.  This report had been sent to Archbishop Carroll and its availability on request is to be announced at Mass.
  • Youth Forum- Spring.   Fr Michael spoke of a considered outreach to the youth of the parish to ascertain their thoughts, views and expectations of the Church.  Jacques Clementine will pursue this activity which may be in operation in Tuggeranong.  The MSC Parishes Committee was pursuing a demographic on 16-35 year olds which could be useful in this context.  Sabina Van Rooy, Jacques Clementine , Andrew Kiley and Sarah Harris will co-ordinate further action in this regard.

6.            Young Parents.  Di Bruce spoke of the idea of having new parents at

St John’s School (possibly groups of eight) meet, perhaps dine, to get to know each other.  School of Religion parents to be included. 

Pot luck seems the best way to go.  Helen Currie will get the statistics and contact the parents.  Fr Michael and maybe Fr Mark would aim to attend.  Also Marian England.  It was hoped to start in June-July.  Lyn Duck had expressed interest and PPC members might wait at table and clean up. The Library was to be the venue in the cooler months with the deck used in Spring/Summer.

  • Elderly of the parish – Held over.

Attention was drawn to the final Heart Spirituality Assembly  on Sunday.

Next meeting 7.30pm 11th May.

Meeting closed with final prayer.

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9TH MARCH 2006.

1.            Present:  Andrew Kiley (Chair), Di Bruce, Anne Ots, Veronica Brennan, Lynn Duck, Fr Michael Fallon msc, Jim Jones, John Bannon, Marian England, Daryl Smeaton, David Lowe, Sabina Van Rooy, Maryanne Ferguson, Caleb Garvie, Josette Allester, Jacques Clementine, Eric French (Minutes).

2.            Apologies:            Terry Martin, Sarah Murdoch, Joe Barr, Helen Currie.

3.            Opening Prayer:   Andrew Kiley thanked members for their attendance and led the opening prayer with distribution of MSC Association for consideration. 

The Mission Statement was addressed.

            Next meeting:  Jim Jones. 

4.            Minutes:  The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed.

  • Matters Arising:   

(a)  Parish Organization:

No further action necessary at this stage regarding approach to Archbishop Carroll concerning future organization of parishes. 

  • Rosedale:  Fr Michael gave a suggested outline of the form of a week-end there  

for PPC members.  Sufficient attendance was indicated to warrant confirmation   of the booking made for 17/18thJune.  

(c)  Gaudium et Spes:  Fr Michael detailed the purpose of this segment for                        discussion.  PPC members broke into groups to consider their contribution to the life of St John’s with report back to meeting.  Suggested areas for innovation or developmental activity included:

1.            Youth:  Organise a youth (18-25) get together in Spring to talk about

            what they want from the Church.

2.            Young Parents:  Invite parents of Kindergarten children at St Johns to a

meal here (deck or library).  Go through Helen Currie.  Invite a group of 8 parents (couples or single).  Once a month till we get through the parents?

Just an invitation.  We would like to meet them.  Bring a plate.  We organise people to serve (adults.  Maybe young).

Organise their own babysitters.  Maybe we could assist.

Maybe after the meeting here, invite them to meet again (Teams?)

  • The elderly

Get a list of them, and check that their needs are being met.  Visit them.

  • New Parishioners

Find a better way of welcoming them.  Perhaps a notice to draw their attention to the information desk where details could be taken and they could be given information as to what is going on.

Check whether we could put names of new parishioners in Compact once a month.

  • Keep exploring MSC Spirituality
  • Keep up Catholics Returning Home program
  • Improve hospitality/welcoming ministry

PPC members wear badges

From the pulpit suggest people make and wear their own badges

  • RCIA
  • Neighbourhood Groups
  • Music
  • Reports:      

(i)  Antioch :  Caleb Garvie (Report attached)

(ii) Finance:  Josette Allester (Report attached).  Marian England outlined action taken to correct failure of external church lighting at times – a fault raised by Sabina Van Rooy.  Fr Michael noted that all external lighting was under review.

(iii)  Heart Spirituality:  Marian England advised that the penultimate presentation of the current programme is due next Sunday.

(iv) Liturgy Committee:  Di Bruce (Report attached)

(v)  School of Religion – Sabina Van Rooy (Report attached).  A letter to parents re the Sacramental Programme was tabled.

(vi) St John’s School – Report held over.  Fete next Saturday.

(vii) X-Treme Group –  Group is arranging Haunted House for

St John’s fete.  Good attendance is being experienced. 

Further sleep-overs are being contemplated.

(viii) Welcoming Ministry -  Marian England (Report attached).

Anne Ots suggested School enrolments may be a good means of identifying new parishioners.  Jacques Clementine spoke of welcoming activity in Antioch.  Fr Michael repeated suggestion that parishioners might wear name tags at Mass if encouraged to do so.  PPC members agreed that the Information Desk be highlighted from the pulpit.  John Bannon suggested new parishioners could record their presence on forms left on seats at Mass and placed in the collection plate for later contact.

(ix) MSC Conference:  Marian England outlined programme. 

6.30pm Registration on first evening.  St John’s delegates are to be determined.  Jim Jones is willing.  Others available to let Marian England know.  PPC members would be welcome at the Conference at any time but Fr Michael pointed out that not all parishioners could be accommodated.  In response to Di Bruce, Marian England agreed that a follow-up report to each MSC parish was desirable.

(x)Ecumenism:  Fr Michael presented a DVD of an ecumenical programme which the parish had been invited to join.  David Lowe had reviewed the DVD.  Following media advertising, a barbecue would be held at Westfield to which passers by would be invited and introduced to church elements.  As recommended by David,

Fr Michael felt that our energies would be better exercised elsewhere.  Jacques Clementine’s suggestion that brochures be available in the church foyer was accepted.

(xi) Catholics Returning Home.  Josette Allester spoke of the difficulty of banner failure and of a proposal to establish a more substantial sign on the St John’s corner site.  Marian England noted that the existing St John’s “billboard” had been under review for some time with the possibility of more parish information being added.

For Catholic’s Returning Home, signs like that for St John’s Fete might be the answer in the short term.

Next meeting 6.15 pm on 6th April.

Meeting closed with final prayer.`

REPORT ON LITURGY COMMITTEE

We are in the midst of forming groups to plan the Easter

Liturgies.

We are also planning the liturgy for the MSC Parishes Conference in May.

The 2nd rite of Reconciliation will be held here at

St John’s on 6th April.

ANTIOCH REPORT

Last weekend Antioch had it’s annual Recruitment Weekend, a special time was had by most. 

It was well lead by Jess Hallams, Jacque Clementine with Ben Miller helping as music leader.  We had around 7 recruits attend.

We would like to thank St John’s School for the use of the school

                               As always.  We would also like to thank Janet Olsen for her generous support over the past two years.

We would also like to welcome Marian as part of the parent team.

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9TH FEBRUARY 2006.

1.            Present:  Terry Martin ( Chair), Joe Barr, David Lowe, Anne Ots, Maryanne Ferguson, Veronica Brennan, Fr Michael Fallon msc, Jim Jones, Jacques Clementine, Andrew Kiley, Sarah Murdoch, Daryl Smeaton, Sabina Van Rooy, Marian England, Helen Currie, Eric French (Minutes).

2.            Apologies:            Lyn Duck, Caleb Garvie, John Bannon, Di Bruce, Josette Allester.

3.            Opening Prayer:   Terry Martin welcomed all to the meeting especially those attending for the first time.  Fr Michael led the opening prayer with distribution of material on the Beatitudes.  Shared reading and prayer followed.

            Next meeting:  Andrew Kiley.

            The Mission Statement was addressed.

4.         Vice-President:  Being the sole nomination, Andrew Kiley was duly appointed with applause.

  • Minutes:   With the addition that Sabina Van Rooy had submitted an apology for her absence from the last meeting, the minutes were confirmed.

  • Matters Arising

Welcoming Committee:  Marian England reported that an earlier approach for fifty people to assist had produced four responses.  An Information Desk had been set up in the foyer and a roster was in place.  A sign, telling the desk’s purpose, is to be made.  A further meeting of the committee is planned.  All are welcome to join this activity. 

Maryanne Ferguson suggested PPC members wear name tags at Mass.

Marian England felt that a pre-Mass introduction would be useful to identify the person at the Information Desk.

Fr Michael spoke of the value of the Information Desk as a communication medium.  This might be a field suitable for young people after some skill training.  To have someone, familiar with the activity, address a parish meeting might be the best procedure.  Sabina Van Rooy may bring relevant information from the hospitality ministry to the next meeting.

  • Correspondence

Drawing attention to earlier correspondence concerning co-operation between parishes in view of the likely shortage of priests, Fr Michael read the following inward mail.

    • Email from Judy Netting with her views on Fr Michael’s presentation at Mass and suggestions for organization in Belconnen.  Fr Michael read his reply.  Terry Martin wishes the matter to be kept under notice and Maryanne Ferguson feels it important that the parish be kept informed.
    • Fr Michael read his letter to Archbishop Carroll outlining a response to the meeting concerning Belconnen arrangements and Ray Storrier’s approach.  The Archbishop had replied with thanks, but deferred the matter for consideration by his successor.

(c)  Fr Michael read his letter to Ray Storrier setting out St John’s response to his original approach.  Ray Storrier had acknowledged with thanks.  Sabina Van Rooy read a submission from Ray Storrier to the Archbishop on behalf of the Belconnen Region on this matter.  Considerable documentation including recommendations for future action was attached.  It was agreed that this material would be made available to PPC members but not more generally.

Sabina Van Rooy recorded that she had learned much from her involvement in these considerations with special reference to our good fortune at St John’s and her recognition of difficulties in other parishes.

(d) Fr Michael read a letter from Bishop Eugene Hurley concerning disability       problems.  Sarah Murdoch will pursue and report.

(e)  From Rod Corrigan of NSW Ecumenical Council talking of our relationship with

      other churches.  Fr Michael spoke of his offer of assistance to Kippax Uniting

      Church after their fire.

(f)  From John Emmet of the Uniting Church.  From this Fr Michael tabled papers for

     consideration that a PPC member would take on board Ecumenical matters on

     behalf of the PPC.

8.            Parish Objectives:            Fr Michael spoke of a visit to St John’s School which had led him to consider this parish’s Mission and the vision of the PPC.  A week-end at Rosedale could be a valuable exercise for the PPC to give thought to these matters.  Fr Michael would check available dates – maybe 8th -9th April.

  • Gaudium et Spes:  PPC members broke into Groups for discussion of an extract   from Gaudium et Spes which Fr Michael had prepared.  Their reports back to the meeting were to be co-ordinated for email to members by Fr Michael.

10.            Reports

            (i)            Antioch:  Jacques Clementine (Report Attached).

            (ii)            Catholics Returning Home – Anne Ots (Report attached)

  • Coffee Club – Veronica Brennan/Andrew Kiley.  Recommences

12th February.  Assistance is always welcome.

  • Finance:  Fr Michael presented a statement showing all the information made available to the parish recently (See attached).  As a result of this appeal an additional $661.27 weekly is being received.
  • Gala Day 20th November:  Marian England reported a successful venture with organizers well pleased.  $3,000 raised for parish funds.
  • Heart Spirituality:  Seventh of nine sessions scheduled for 12th February.  There was improved attendance in January with good feedback from participants.
  • Liturgy Committee:  Held over.
  • RCIA:  Joe Barr reported there are three candidates.  5th March is enrolment day at the Cathedral with later introduction to the parish to be advised in Compact.  Last night had been a valuable session with talks on married and single life by Joe Barr and Sabina Van Rooy respectively.
  • School of Religion:  Sabina Van Rooy (Report attached).
  • X-Treme Group:  Sarah Murdoch (Report attached).
  • St John’s School: – Helen Currie (Report attached).
  • Other Business:    
    • As requested by Anne Ots, a list of PPC members was distributed.
    • Compact:  Sabina Van Rooy advised that some older people had requested Compact be produced in larger print.  A number of such issues will be placed on Information Desk.
    • Neighbourhood Group:  Fr Michael advised that John and Pat McGee had replaced Elizabeth McDonald (moved to Sydney) as contacts for Neighbourhood Group Holt No. 2.
    • Lenten Groups:  Veronica Brennan reported 34 people had been allocated to groups.  Booklets and Cd’s will be available after Mass on 18th-19th February.
    • Time and Talent Sheets:  Maryanne Ferguson felt that some omissions from the sheets will need to be added.

Next meeting 9th March.

Meeting closed with final prayers

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8th December 2005

This was an informal meeting. We farewelled and thanked Gary Potts for his contribution to the Council. We welcomed Veronica Brennan, Jim Jones and Andrew Kiley who are continuing for a second term, and Joe Barr, David Lowe and Daryl Smeaton who are new to the Council. We then celebrated the year with a party.

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10th  NOVEMBER 2005  

Present:  Andrew Kiley (Chair), Marian England, Gary Potts, Jim Jones, Josette Allester, Maryanne Ferguson, Veronica Brennan, Anne Ots, John Bannon, Sarah Murdoch, Fr Michael Fallon msc, Di Bruce, Helen Currie, John Hinchey, Eric French (Minutes).

2.            Apologies:            Terry Martin, Lyn Duck, Sabina Van Rooy

3.            Opening Prayer:   Following Andrew Kiley’s welcome to members, Helen Currie led contemplation of the Beatitudes with circular prayer.

            Next meeting Fr Michael.

  1. Guest Speaker:  John Hinchey of the St Francis Xavier School Board addressed the meeting.  The attached notes were supported by tabled plans of new buildings.  Salient points included:

(a)  IT teaching fees will be introduced in 2006.

(b)  Security cameras are to be installed.

            (c)   A drug education plan will be established.

            (d)  There will be participation in the Message Stick relay in 2006.

Questions followed.  Helen Currie raised the matter of equitable fee payments between the primary and secondary schools, sometimes where relief is supplied to parents.

  • Minutes:

The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed.

  • Matters Arising
  • Name Tags have been provided for the Welcoming Group.

(ii)  Gala Day:  Shaping up well with Band, Dance Troop, Kenny Koala, St Vincent de Paul night patrol and more lined up.  Further assistance is always welcome.

  • Correspondence
    • Letter sent to Belconnen Community Health Centre.
    • E-mail from Therese Dawson re PPC Minutes on web-site.  Andrew Kiley explained procedure for this.
    • Letter from Ray Storrier.  Fr Michael has varied our letter to Archbishop Carroll following approaches from some members.  Other parishes have presented the letter to their communities arousing not a great deal of enthusiasm. 

Not appropriate, Fr Michael feels for submission to St John’s.

Following further amendments PPC members agreed to sign the letter to the Archbishop and to put it before the parish with the opportunity for all to sign.

  • What makes us Catholic?

Group discussion with report to meeting.

  • Reports

1. Antioch – held over

2. Catholics Returning Home – Anne Ots (Report attached).

3. Coffee Group.  Going well.  Crockery now better sited.

4. Finance Committee.  Josette Allester reporte d cash situation to be tight – running over budget in fact.  Budget for 2006 is being prepared with Eddie Roots to plan capital expenditure for next 18 months.  Some re-financing of the loan may be explored later.  A call for greater parishioner generosity may be necessary.

5.  Heart Spirituality:  4th week on next Sunday at 3.30pm –“Heart of the Universe”

6.  Liturgy:  Di Bruce (Report attached)

7.  RCIA:  Fr Michael.  Three candidates now with several other expressions of interest.

8.  School of Religion:  Held over.

9.  St John’s School:  Helen Currie (Report attached).  Fr Michael commended the excellent work done by the teachers at both schools.  A letter of appreciation to be sent.  Helen Currie suggested that this approach be widened to include other contributors to parish life.

10.  X-Treme Group – Sarah Murdoch (Report attached).

  • Other Business:
  • Marian England spoke of email from Herbie O’Flynn re Guidelines for Finance Committees with suggestion that a member of the Parish Finance Committee should be on the School Board.
  • Di Bruce raised the concern of the Liturgy Committee about overheads quality at St John’s.  Various means of raising funds for improvement were discussed.  Parishioners could be asked to contribute.  Many are not involved in planned giving.  Perhaps businesses could be contacted.

The MSC Conference here called for a proper standard.

  • December meeting: 

This will be an informed pot-luck dinner at 7.30pm on 8th December.

Meeting closed with final prayers

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13th OCTOBER 2005  

Present:  Terry Martin (Chair), Fr Michael Fallon msc, Anne Ots, John Bannon, Andrew Kiley, Helen Currie, Marian England, Jim Jones, Di Bruce,

Eric French (Minutes).

2.            Apologies:            Veronica Brennan, Josette Allester, Maryanne Ferguson, Gary Potts, Sabina Van Rooy..

3.            Opening Prayer:   Following Terry Martin’s welcome the opening prayer was conducted by Anne Ots with musical introduction.

            Next meeting:  Helen Currie.

Terry expressed the condolences of the PPC on the recent passing of Lyn Duck’s mother. 

4.            Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed with two amendments.

            (i)   An out-dated Liturgy report had been attached in error.

            (ii)  $2,000 was the estimated value of the CWL Christmas hamper, not the value of  

                 tickets so far sold.

             

  • Matters Arising:
    • Welcoming Committee:  Fr Michael reported that twenty people had been rostered to staff the welcoming desk.  Name tags were being provided.  The operation is up and running.  A more suitable desk is to be purchased.  The welcoming Committee of the PPC to continue to meet, monitor and develop policy.
    • Community Gala Day:  Marian England advised that a display had been set up in the church foyer.  A good deal of interest is emerging.  Distribution of any monies generated by the gala day will be determined by the PPC in light of community needs.
    • MSC Conference:  No action necessary at this stage.
    • Proposed Health Centre:  Jim Jones had discussed with a member of the Centre Committee.  Already there had been widespread support from the community and Government.  Jim suggested a letter of support be sent in view of the many benefits likely to emerge.  Marian England will prepare this. 

Fr Michael queried the possible impact on local medicos.  This was thought to be minimal as most had full books of patients.

    • PPC nominations:  The six received will be appointed for two years.  Notification to be placed in Compact  with a letter to each nominee from Fr Michael.
    • National Council of Priests:  The ordination of single, widowed (or maybe other men) to celebrate the Eucharist had attraction.  A variety of roles of priests was canvassed.  Fr Michael spoke of the number (one third) who had left the priesthood after Vatican II.  Ordination for an optional term was discussed as a possible course.  Fr Michael will prepare a draft encompassing the views of the PPC for later submission to higher church authority.

6.            Reports.

            (i)              Antioch -  held over.

            (ii)              Catholics returning home:   Anne Ots (Report attached).

            (iii)              Coffee Group :  Anne Ots reported some difficulty in movement of heavier

                        items.  Marian England will explore storage re-arrangement.

(iv)            Heart Spirituality:   Marian England reported third session last Sunday. 

Six to go.  Average attendance has been 25.  Terry Martin thought presentation and catering to be of high standard.

            (v)            Liturgy Committee:  Di Bruce (Report attached).

            (vi)            R.C.I.A:  Fr Michael reported two participants.

            (vii)            School of Religion: Fr Michael for Sabina Van Rooy (Report attached).

            (viii)            St John’s School:  Helen Currie (Report attached).

            (ix)            Diocesan Assembly:  Fr Michael (Report attached).

  • X-Treme Group:  Sleep-over this coming weekend. 

Marian England and Sharon Sams will be present.

  1. Other Business:
    • PPC Christmas celebration will coincide with meeting 8th December.
    • Marian England will approach John Hinchey St John’s School rep to speak to the PPC November meeting.
    • Andrew Kiley spoke of a developing group for post-teenagers for spiritual/social exchanges.  Small in number at present. 
    • Andrew Kiley will attend, with others, a service at Kensington next Thursday to mark the passing of Karl Schubert’s father.
    • Jim Jones suggested general consultation of the laity concerning the appointment of the new Archbishop.  Fr Michael suggested individuals write if so inclined.  Present method of consultation was outlined.
    • The Welcoming sign is ready for installation in the church.  

Cost was $80.

    • Fr Michael advised that Sabina Van Rooy had attended the inter-parish meeting and will report later.
    • Fr Michael reported installation of two new heaters in church downstairs area.
    • Child-protection declarations were distributed to members for signature and return.

Next meeting:   Thursday 10th November.

Meeting closed with final prayers.

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8TH SEPTEMBER 2005  

Present:  Terry Martin (Chair), Marian England, John Bannon, Gary Potts, Anne Ots, Caleb Garvie, Andrew Kiley, Di Bruce, Fr Michael Fallon msc, Veronica Brennan, Jim Jones, Helen Currie, Maryanne Ferguson, Sarah Murdoch,

Josette Allester, Eric French (Minutes).

2.            Apologies:            Sabina Van Rooy.

3.            Opening Prayer:   Following Terry Martin’s welcome the opening prayer was conducted by Caleb Garvie. 

            Next meeting:  Anne Ots.

4.            Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed. 

5.            Matters Arising:

            (a)  Diocesan Assembly.  Fr Michael has written a report for Compact.  Andrew Kiley spoke of Archbishop Carroll’s address focussing on the need to move forward in the Church.  Caleb Garvie commented on the views of those that attended the World Youth Day and the associated travels had been uplifting experiences.

            Di Bruce’s report (attached) was discussed by PPC members with identification of individual gifts seen to be a valuable process.

  • National Council of Priests.  This item elicited extensive discussion of the paper

circulated earlier with particular reference to married priests.

  • Welcoming Committee.   This group had met and identified three fields of special interest 
    • New Parishioners
    • Welcoming and Greeting
    • Follow-up of early contact.

The New Parishioners Book is being used but a better plan involves a manned desk at Mass to provide information primarily for the new parishioners.  Three people at each Mass would be the ideal welcoming set-up.  Four people had responded to a Compact request for welcoming assistance.  A further entry in Compact concerning new parishioners is proposed.  Andrew Kiley displayed a design of a welcoming hanging at St John’s.  The cost could be $700 with Mariana Rollgejser doing the installation.  Identification of new parishioners is a continuing problem.  Leaders of Neighbourhood Groups could, perhaps, follow-up new parishioners with parish information.

Concerning greeting, an allowance of some time before Mass might foster community and encourage a better feeling of belonging.

  • Gala Day.  Marian England reported that plans are moving nicely and will pick up momentum as necessary.  Some groups have fine ideas already.
  • MSC Conference May 2006.  Items for the Agenda to be considered.

6.            Correspondence  

(i)  West Belconnen Community Health Committee wrote requesting PPC support for a local bulk-billing health centre.  Generally supported but Jim Jones will pursue more information.

7.         What makes us Catholic?  Held over to next meeting.  Terry Martin suggested that reflections at the end of the chapter be the subject of discussion.

8.            Reports

1.  Antioch.  Caleb Garvie reported an excellent recruitment week-end.  Harmony in the group is generally well-developed.

2. Catholics Returning Home.  Anne Ots (Report attached). 

Veronica Brennan reported one instance when follow-up had been beneficial.

3.  Coffee Club.  As usual, went well on the previous occasion.

4. R.C.I.A.  Rather disappointing that only two candidates had presented. 

Fr Michael wondered if a stronger parish effort is indicated.

5.  Liturgy Report.  Held over.

6.  School of Religion.  Report attached.

7.  St John’s School.  Referred to next meeting.

8.  X-Treme Group.  Sarah Murdoch advised good progress all-in-all.  Good support is being received but several other teenage supervisors would be welcome. 

The sleep-over is now scheduled for 14th October.

9.         Other Business

  • PPC members Gary Potts, Jim Jones, Andrew Kiley and Veronica Brennan are due to retire but may be re-nominated.  A request for nominations will be placed in Compact with forms in the church and speakers will address the matter at Mass.  The aim is to have all nominations by the October meeting.
  • Veronica Brennan advised that hamper ticket sales had raised over $2,000.
  • Fr Michael commented on his entry in the last Compact concerning levies and parish finances.

Next meeting 13th October.

The meeting closed with final prayer.

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11TH AUGUST 2005  

  1. Present:  Terry Martin (Chair), Veronica Brennan, Maryanne Ferguson, Di Bruce, Helen Currie, Josette Allester, Andrew Kiley, John Bannon, Anne Ots,

Fr Michael Fallon msc, Caleb Garvie, Marian England, Sabina Van Rooy, Lyn Duck,

Eric French (Minutes).    

2.            Apologies:            Sarah Murdoch, Jim Jones, Gary Potts.

3.            Opening Prayer:   Following Terry Martin’s welcome to members and his thanks to Andrew Kiley for acting as Chair, John Bannon conducted the opening prayer recited after musical meditation.

4.            Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed. 

5.            Business Arising:

(i)            Gala Day:  The organizing committee had met twice.  Letters have gone to volunteers.  Further planning to proceed in gathering on 22nd August.

            (II)            Aurora TV advice was in Compact.

  • Café.  Action to be taken when appropriate.
  • Bereavement Ministry.  There are two programs available.  Information will be given at the Diocesan Assembly.
  • Pentecostal Aspects.  This matter thrown open to the meeting for discussion.  Much to be learned from Pentecostal churches.  The view that they do not retain members was debunked.  Welcoming was seen as a key element and the development of this ministry at St John’s the best course.  Various methods of doing this will be considered by a committee comprising Caleb Garvie, Helen Currie, Maryanne Ferguson and Andrew Kiley.
  • National Council of Priests.  Di Bruce distributed an extract to PPC members for consideration and report back to meeting.

6            Correspondence  

(a)              Drought Assistance.   Fr Michael read letter of thanks from Fr Barry-Cotter of Cootamundra giving planned use of funds. 

Copies of letter to go on Notice Board and Web.

(b)              Diocesan Assembly.  Fr Michael gave details of his answers to a questionnaire concerning post-Synod activities at St John’s.   Di Bruce, Andrew Kiley, John Bannon, Veronica Brennan and Maryanne Ferguson will attend at least part of the Diocesan Assembly to be held at Merici College, Fri-Sat 2nd – 3rd September.

(c)              Inter-Parish Co-operation.   Marian England spoke of meeting to be held at Evatt on 17th September following preliminary meeting on 18th August.  Marian and Josette Allester will be parish reps.

7.         What makes us Catholic?  Members divided into groups to discuss and report back to meeting.

8.            Reports

            (a)              Antioch – Caleb Garvie (Report attached)

            (b)              Coffee Group- Lyn Duck reported going well.

(c)             Liturgy – Di Bruce (Report attached).  A recent Wollongong Conference included  an excellent address on the Eucharist by Fr Ed Foley of Chicago.

(d)              School of Religion - Sabina Van Rooy (Report attached).

(e)             X-Treme – Difficulties for Marian England and Sharon Sams to attend the sleep-  over 17-18th September may necessitate choosing another weekend.

(f)              Heart Spirituality  Marian England reported brochures had been distributed at

Mass last weekend.  The program, more contemplative this year, will commence at 3.30pm on 21st August.

(g)             St John’s School – Helen Currie (Report attached).

9.         Other Business

           

  • Fr Michael reported a letter from Fr Chris Murphy advising Kippax as the venue for the MSC Conference 1st – 4th May 2006. 

The agenda will be decided in October.

  • Terry Martin raised question of replacement of PPC members reaching retirement.  To be considered at the next Agenda Meeting.
  • Fr Michael reported on responses to submission of signatures to Embassies relevant to Group 8 meeting.  Details will be left in Parish Office.
  • RCIA starts next Wednesday.
  • Fr Michael advised that the Social Justice Committee will study the “Compendium of Social Justice of the Church”.

Next meeting 8th September.

The meeting closed with final prayer.

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14th July 2005   

1.            Present:              Andrew Kiley (Chair), Gary Potts, Anne Ots, Jim Jones, Veronica Brennan, Fr Michael Fallon msc, Marian England, Maryanne Ferguson, Sarah Murdoch, John Bannon, Di Bruce, Sabina Van Rooy, Eric French (Minutes)

2.            Apologies:            Terry Martin, Josette Allester, Helen Currie.

3.            Opening Prayer:   Andrew Kiley welcomed members and presented the opening prayer with a read reflection and music. 

Next meeting – John Bannon.

The Mission Statement was read.

4.            Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed. 

5.            Ongoing Business:

            (a) CAFE no further movement at this stage.

            (b) Bereavement Ministry.   Judy Kenny was suggested  as a possible candidate in this field.  In response to Fr Michael’s request, Sabina Van Rooy advised that Centacare was providing a training service in this area.  Di Bruce suggested that a diocesan plan may be operating.

            (c)  Gala Day.  A further meeting to pursue the arrangements will take place when committee members have returned from absence.  More assistance with this project would be welcome.

            (d)  Drought Assistance.  $1,000 from the parish plus $500 from X-treme had been sent to Cootamundra parish with our best wishes.

6            Diocesan Pastoral Council.        

Sabina Van Rooy advised that she would attend the D.P.C. on 13, 14 August and

2, 3 September in absence of Kathy O’Keeffe.

7.            Correspondence. 

(i)  Fr Michael presented a letter from the Jesuits re Aurora TV relaying Catholic affairs.  Parishioners are to be informed of the programme.  Information that footage would include daily activities of the Pope and the Vatican was greeted with some derision.

(ii)  From Archbishop Carroll  presenting five questions arising from the Diocesan Synod.  Answers which Fr Michael had prepared in consultation with Marian England were distributed to the meeting, discussed and endorsed.

(iii)  Fr Michael distributed also an article by Jim Quillinan of the Sale Education Office re attendance at Pentecostal churches and what might be learned from them for the better operation of the parish.  PPC members to consider the document and report back to the meeting.

(iv)  From the Cursillo Movement  requesting a more formal association with the PPC.  A representative there would be welcome.  Gary Potts outlined the aims and procedures of a cursillo.  The council nominated Gary as our representative. 

Gary accepted.

8.         What makes us Catholic?

Chapter 5 was discussed with Groups reporting back to the meeting.  Fr Michael drew attention to a book by Michael Casey “The Art of Sacred Reading” which some may find helpful.  The balance between the Magisterium Scholarship and the Laity was seen to be of vital importance. 

9.            Reports.

(a)  Antioch:  Andrew Kiley drew attention to a  barbecue to be staged on July 24th  in conjunction with the Coffee Club – Report attached.

(b)  Coffee Club:  Maryanne Ferguson advised that further assistance with the morning would be welcome.  Personal contact is best.

(c)  Liturgy Committee:  No special features. 

Di Bruce will attend the Wollongong Liturgy Conference next week.

(d)  X-Treme Group: Sarah Murdoch (Report attached). 

Fr Michael suggested contact with Bev Purnell of the Refugee Resettlement Group as a field where X-Treme could be of assistance.

(e)  National Council of Priests:  A paper of May 2005 included several aspects for discussion at future PPC meetings.

(f)  School of Religion:  Sabina Van Rooy (Report attached).

  • Other business:

(i)  Fr Michael asked if there were views contrary to the way the parish was operating under his leadership.  A regular Saturday morning Mass and screening of the high windows in the church to permit full use of seats in summer were suggested.

(ii) Veronica Brennan advised that a collection box for the CWL Christmas Hamper was provided in the church foyer. 

(iii) Veronica spoke also of the need for care in locking the entry to the church downstairs.

Next meeting 11th August.

Meeting closed with final prayer.

On-going business

  • CAFÉ Program.
  • Bereavement Ministry
  • Gala Day
  • Aurora TV advice
  • Pentecostal aspects
  • National Council of Priests paper
  • [back to top]

9th JUNE 2005   

1.            Present:              Andrew Kiley (Chair), Sabina Van Rooy, Marian England, Caleb Garvie, Di Bruce, Jim Jones, Maryanne Ferguson, Veronica Brennan, Josette Allester, Fr Michael Fallon msc, Sharon Sams, Eric French (Minutes).

2.            Apologies:            Gary Potts, Sarah Murdoch, Anne Ots, Terry Martin, John Bannon, Helen Currie.

3.            Opening Prayer:   After Andrew Kiley’s welcome, Di Bruce led with distributed prayer and accompanying music.  The Opening Prayer roster was discontinued.  Next meeting Andrew Kiley.

4.            Minutes: The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed.  Sabina Van Rooy queried distribution of the Minutes and will collect her copy in future. 

Maryanne Ferguson was advised about the church welcoming procedure.

5.            Business arising:

(1)              X-treme sleep-over.  Following explanation of the proposal by Andrew Kiley, it was agreed to proceed given that Marian England and Sharon Sams will be present throughout.  Fr Michael will take up the matter with X-treme team.

6.            Correspondence:

            (1)        E-mail from St Monica’s re Synod follow-up meeting 9.30am Saturday

17th September.  Marian England will pursue agenda.

(2)             Letter from Archbishop Carroll to Sabina Van Rooy appointing her alternative to Kath O’Keeffe on Diocesan Pastoral Council.

  • What makes us Catholic?

Chapter 4 was discussed by groups with report back to meeting. 

8.            Reports:

(a)  Antioch – Caleb Garvie (Report attached)

(b)  Liturgy – Di Bruce (Report attached).  Andrew Kiley commended the parish picnic and barbecue presentation.  The excellent Pentecost Mass had been well received.

(c) School of Religion  Sabina Van Rooy (Report attached).  Problems with children’s liturgy of the word and children’s participation in Masses were raised by Sharon Sams.  The Liturgy Committee and the School of Religion Group will pursue.

(d)  St John the Apostle School – Sharon Sams (Report attached).

(e) Feast of the Sacred Heart.  Di Bruce reported further on the parish picnic attended by approx 100 people which was marked by much activity and a great atmosphere.  The 10.00am Mass had been packed.  Sharon Sams wondered if

St John’s School might be a suitable venue for picnics.  More frequent such gatherings might be considered. 

  • 2 –Other business:
  • Clergy Assembly.  Fr Michael reported on theme of collaborative ministry with laity.  Bishop Geoffrey Robinson and Lyn Lee Rogers had presented material.  The welfare of priests (including spiritual and physical) was an important consideration.  Development of the role of the laity was also discussed.  At a subsequent Deanery meeting the ordination of married men and the fast-tracking of mature single men to the priesthood was put to the Archbishop for consideration.
  • CaFE program:  Fr Michael reported on its success at Charnwood.  Basically this is an Adult Education program using videos and DVD’s.  Costs of presentation would be covered by an available resource.  Fr Michael planned to proceed through Neighbourhood Groups.  He also proposed a program to take people through the Catholic Catechism next year to which the PPC agreed.
  • Bereavment Ministry:  Fr Michael spoke of the gift which some people have in this area.  It would be good to have names of such persons with a view to providing training for participation in funeral services and related visiting. Members might consider suitable nominees.
  • Catholics Returning Home:  Fr Michael advised that 6th July (7.30pm) had been set aside as Information Evening where Catholics Returning Home will present their experiences to member of other parishes.  Priests had been advised of this at the Deanery Meeting.  Catholics Returning Home Group will organize.
  • Gala Day:  Marian England reported a good response from groups and other parishioners to stall establishment.  The wider community will be informed after a meeting of the committee next week.  A roving Chilean music and craft group may be available.
  • Drought:  Marian England reported request to assist in plight of country people affected by drought.  It was decided to re-activate contact with Cootamundra Parish.  Sabina Van Rooy spoke of value of payment for water in parched areas and suggested contact with Herbie O’Flynn which Marian will pursue.  A leaving collection and interaction as with a twinned parish is expected to follow.

Next meeting 14th July.  Meeting closed with final prayer.

On-going business

  • CaFE program.
  • Bereavement Ministry.
  • Gala Day.
  • Drought and Cootamundra assistance.

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12TH MAY 2005

1.            Present:              Andrew Kiley (Chair), Fr Michael Fallon msc, Marian England, Helen Currie, Sarah Murdoch, Gary Potts, Jim Jones, Anne Ots, Veronica Brennan, Di Bruce, Sabina Van Rooy, Eric French (Minutes).

2.            Apologies:            Lyn Duck, Josette Allester, John Bannon, Maryanne Ferguson, Terry Martin.

3.            Opening Prayer:  Conducted by Marian England with music “Bless the Lord”, story “The Rainmaker” and prayer.

Next meeting:  Di Bruce. Thereafter a roster.

4.            Minutes: were confirmed with two minor amendments and will be posted on the Web site and Notice Board.

5.            Welcoming procedure:  Following an explanation of Sarah Murdoch’s presence, Andrew Kiley detailed the procedure for welcoming at Mass which had fallen away somewhat.  The allocation of PPC members to  Masses was generally settled.  An approach to others who might be involved was discussed.  Jim Jones suggested that name tags be used and made available to non-PPC members.  Marian England to be advised of any new participants.

  1. Feast of the Sacred Heart:  Marian England reported on the Committee’s discussions of arrangements after the 10.00am Mass on 5th June.  A barbecue will occur at Kippax Oval (booked 12.30 to 3.30pm).  Supplies for the barbecue will be provided by the parish.  BYO drinks.  Games will be played.  A letter box drop via Neighbourhood Groups will be undertaken.  Emergency plans are in hand in the event of rain. Sabina Van Rooy clarified the question of readings at that Sunday Mass.
  1. St John’s Community Day November 20th.

Marian England detailed committee deliberations.  A mail-out to the parish has been carried out.  The plan is to bring the St John’s community together with parish groups having the opportunity to show their work and maybe raise funds.  Other stalls could be organised.

  1. Correspondence: 
    • Letter from the Archdiocese requesting advice re members attending Mass on next three week-ends.  Acolytes will implement the counting.
    • E-mail from St Thomas Aquinas parish wishing to know of St John’s follow-up of the Regional Assembly. 

To be advised nothing determined at this stage.

  1. What makes us Catholic?

Chapter 3 was discussed in groups with report back to meeting.

  1. Reports:
    • St john’s School:  Helen Currie (Report attached).  Helen was wished well for her imminent break.  Fr Michael expressed delight at the atmosphere during a recent visit to the school.
    • Catholics Returning Home:  Anne Ots (Report attached).  A full coverage will be presented in Compact.  A participant may speak at Mass.  Jim Jones suggested further use of the “A” Frame at Kippax to advertise parish action in view of its value to Catholics Returning Home.  If asked, the team would let other parishes know of their success.
    • Liturgy Committee:  Di Bruce (Report attached)
    • School of Religion:  Sabina Van Rooy (Report attached).
    • X-Treme: Sarah Murdoch (Report attached).  Fr Michael raised possibility of a sleep-over for the X-Treme Group to be followed by social activity on the next day.  After quite extensive discussion the matter was held over for further consideration.
    • Fr Michael detailed planned changes to church parking.
    • Fr Michael produced result of recent voting. Of the 843 votes cast, 749 favoured retention of the central church aisle.
    • Andrew Kiley reported that names of parents of school children had been included in Neighbourhood Groups lists.

General Business:

    • In response to a point raised by Gary Potts, Father Michael explained that Neighbourhood Groups covered persons resident in the parish and is additional to other services available to those who attend Mass here from elsewhere.
    • Gary Potts raised the question of hymn book availability to learn that the problem of shortage of books had been corrected.
    • Gary Potts was advised that names on the new parishioners register had been referred to the Neighbourhood Groups.
    • A coffee club problem raised by Gary Potts had been resolved.

Next meeting 9th June.

Meeting closed with final prayers.

On-going business.

1.            X-Treme sleep-over.

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14TH APRIL 2005

1. Present:    Andrew Kiley (Chair), Helen Currie, Fr Michael Fallon msc, Di Bruce, Sabina Van Rooy, Marian England, Sarah Murdoch, Eric French (Minutes).

2 Apologies:       Caleb Garvie, Veronica Brennan, Josette Allester, John Bannon, Lyn Duck, Jim Jones, Gary Potts, Terry Martin, Maryanne Ferguson, Anne Ots.

3. Opening Prayer:    Sabina Van Rooy led with reading from Corinthians and reflection on members’ perception of their purpose in being on the PPC.  Musical accompaniment followed.

Next meeting:  Marian England.

 4.   Matters Arising:

      • Sabina Van Rooy reported that the Regional Synod Assembly had short-listed five names as possible Synod representatives for Belconnen.
      • Fr Michael reported on church door safety (See report attached).
      • Andrew Kiley advised that an Information Brochure detailing parish groups and their activities was available.

            5.     Correspondence:

(a) Letter sent to Archdiocese nominating Mary Moran as representative on the Women’s    Commission.

  • What makes us Catholic?  Chapter Two discussed by the PPC as a whole with presentation of views and highlighting of particular impacts.  Next meeting Chapter 3.
  •   Reports: 
      • Marian England advised that John Hinchey had accepted the position of parish representative at St John’s School Board.
      • Catholics Returning Home – Anne Ots (Report attached).
      • Coffee Club:  Running well.  The build-up of casual support has been a feature.  Fr Michael re-iterated need for action on isolated attendees.
      • Liturgy Committee:  Di Bruce (Report attached).  Andrew Kiley commented on the excellence of the Easter ceremonies.
      • School of Religion – Sabina Van Rooy (Report attached).  The availability of tables for the children’s Sunday liturgy needs to be addressed.  The need for borrowing tables will be met from another source.
      • St John’s School – Helen Currie (Report attached).
      • Sarah Murdoch, attending her first meeting as the Xtreme rep, [replacement for Daniel Sanguineti] gave details of her background and interests.

   

  • Other Business :  Mass arrangements:  

Andrew Kiley raised the matter of welcoming at week-end Masses which had fallen away.  Marian England read the ideal situation as seen by Anne Ots   (Report attached).  No roster needed at this stage – spread of PPC members over the Masses should ensure full coverage.  Folding of Compact may not be necessary but a welcoming demeanour is very desirable.  Others who are seen to possess this quality may be invited to participate.

The question of service at Mass generally emphasised the importance of adherence to rosters, with replacement arrangements to be made in the event of absence.  Fr Michael may convene a meeting or speak from the pulpit about this.  Acolytes to be kept aware.

  • Feast of the Sacred Heart:  Friday 3rd June.

Andrew Kiley canvassed the celebration possibilities. 

Decision was for a barbecue at John Knight Park on Sunday 5th June at 12.00 noon.

  • Community Day:  A gathering at the church where each parish group could have a stall to advertise its activities and perhaps raise funds was suggested for next November.
  • Web Minutes:  Minutes will be posted on the website after they have been approved by the PPC.

Meeting closed with prayer.

Next meeting 12th May.

Ongoing business:

  • Feast of the Sacred Heart Mass & Barbecue 5th June
  • St John the Apostle Community day – 20 November 2005.

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10TH MARCH 2005  

Present:   Terry Martin (Chair), Fr Michael Fallon msc, Sabina Van Rooy, Di Bruce, Lynn Duck, Maryanne Ferguson, Veronica Brennan, Helen Currie, Jim Jones, Josette Allester, Anne Ots, Caleb Garvie, Marian England, Andrew Kiley, Eric French (Minutes).

  • Apologies:   John Bannon, Gary Potts.
  • Opening Prayer:  After Terry Martin’s welcome to members, Jim Jones led prayer with selected writing and meditation.

Next meeting:  Sabina Van Rooy.

  • Minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed.
  • Business arising.
  • Attention was drawn to Saturday’s (March 12th) Synod Regional Assembly at St Monica’s.  Several PPC members will attend, with two assisting in the liturgy for the day.  Two names had been suggested for the Women’s Commission, one of whom, Mary Moran had accepted.  Judy Kenny had declined.  Marian England had placed Assembly information in Compact.

(ii)  Fr Michael distributed folders showing parish areas and contact leaders for Neighbourhood Communities.

  • Di Bruce advised that Sabina Van Rooy, not Marian England, will fill role as

   Parish contact point for women’s matters.

(iv)The liturgy arrangements for celebration of our priests’ anniversaries proceeded smoothly as had the recent Antioch barbecue.

  • Correspondence:  A letter from St Francis Xavier College seeking a parent to be nominated as St John’s representative on the School Board in succession to Darryl Smeaton who is no longer eligible.  Marian England read the required criteria.  Marian England and Lynn Duck will explore possibilities.

7.     What makes us Catholic:  PPC members broke into groups to discuss Chapter 1 and report to       the meeting.  Chapter 2 is topic for next meeting.

8.      Reports:

    • Antioch – Caleb Garvie (See attached).
    • Catholics returning home – Anne Ots (See attached)
    • Lynn Duck advised that the Coffee Group was going well after 2005 resumption with an excellent gathering for the priests’ Anniversary celebration.
    • Heart Spirituality – Marian England (See attached).
    • Neighbourhood Communities – See above.
    • School of Religion – Sabina Van Rooy (See attached)
    • Liturgy Committee – Di Bruce (See attached). 

Maryanne Ferguson suggested entry in Compact to explain the operation of the Liturgy Committee.  Terry Martin suggested pulpit review.

    • St John’s School – Helen Currie (See attached)
    • Web Page:  Marian England advised that Christine Mathers had come to the parish to assist her and Fr Michael with its operation.     

(j)  X-Treme Group:  Andrew Kiley will endeavour to provide a full report and will explore the prospect of X-Treme representation on the PPC. 

Daniel Sanguineti is fully busy with a variety of activities.

9.   Other Business:

       (i)    Safety:  Marian England spoke of plans having been drawn up to consider possible obstruction and inadequate fire protection of the church doors.  Fr Michael explained three possible courses of action and tabled plans which the Finance Committee would consider. 

Andrew Kiley suggested that a representative from each parish group could address the PPC from time to time.  Fr Michael thought that Marian England, as parish co-ordinator, might be the liaison to ascertain groups’ needs with later report to PPC.

                             

      (ii)    Parish Review:  Maryanne Ferguson drew attention to the “flagship” image of St John’s parish with the attendant need for constant evaluation of its various operations and programmes.  Future PPC business might include an on-going review of the range of parish activities.

  • Unused Equipment:  In response to Jim Jones’ query, Fr Michael advised that church organ use was likely to be resumed after examination by musicians.  Action on obsolete equipment in the parish was proceeding.

Next meeting 14th April.

Meeting closed with prayer.

On-going business

  • Synod Assembly Report
  • Safety of church doors.
  • Review of parish groups.

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3RD FEBRUARY 2005  

1. Present: Terry Martin (Chair), Fr Michael Fallon msc, Gary Potts, Anne Ots, Andrew Kiley,         John Bannon, Helen Currie, Marian England, Di Bruce, Maryanne Ferguson, Jim Jones,  Eric French (Minutes).

2.Apologies: Veronica Brennan, Caleb Garvie, Josette Allester, Ashley Carl, Daniel Sanguineti, Sabina Van Rooy.

3.Opening Prayer:

  • Terry Martin welcomed members to the meeting, especially Fr Michael at his first meeting as parish priest, and thanked them for their adjustment to the change of meeting night. Fr Michael led participation reflection and prayer on the presence of God’s spirit with us.  The Mission Statement was presented . Jim Jones will prepare the opening prayer for the next meeting.

4.The Minutes : of the previous meeting were confirmed

5.Business arising

Fr Michael spoke of the Regional Assembly on Saturday March 12th (a prior meeting at St John’s had not been possible).  Matters arising from the Synod and the Archbishop’s response appeared to be up and running in this parish.  Fr Michael distributed his prepared report of St John’s response in each of eight areas.  Several suggested variations were put forward.

• Fr Michael asked PPC members to consider nominees for the Diocesan Pastoral Council.  He  would approach Sabina Van Rooy but other names could be put forward. 

• Marian England advised that more information about the Regional Assembly would be circulated to PPC members.  Maximum attendance is targeted.  Marian also suggested that St John’s may be able to assist other parishes in area where we are well-resourced.

• Concerning the Commission for Women, three nominees from each parish were requested by 18th March.  Mary Moran and Judy Kenny were suggested. 

6.Correspondence

•  Letter from the Archdiocese concerning the Belconnen-Gungahlin Regional Assembly.

• Letter from the Archdiocese conjcerning the Commission for Women.

7. What Makes us Catholic

Fr Michael presented “What makes us Catholic” by Thomas Groome to members for use as a basis for PPC sharing and discussion.

8.Reports

  • Antioch – John Bannon (See attached).
  • BEC’s  -  Fr Michael circulated the attached documents and spoke of development of Neighbourhood Communities.  Matter left for PPC consideration.                      `
  • Catholics Returning Home.  Anne Ots (see attached).  PPC members discussed its plan of operation.
  • Heart Spirituality.  Marian England reported on the five enjoyable sessions last year after which she had discussed the future with Fr Brian Gallagher msc.  She, Di Bruce and Helen Currie will go on retreat in Melbourne to determine its development at St John’s.
  • Liturgy Committee:  Di Bruce (See attached).
  • St John’s School – Helen Currie (See attached).
  • St Vincent de Paul.   Held over.  Caleb Garvie may report later.
  • Web Page.  Held over in absence of Daniel Sanguineti.  Fr Michael advised some structural up-dating will be necessary.  Andrew Mowle may be able to assist.
  • Xtreme. Held over in absence of Daniel Sanguineti

9.Other Business

10.Next meeting Thursday 10 th March.

Meeting closed with final prayer.

11.Ongoing business

  • Synod Regional Assembly and Associated nominations.
  • Circulation of Regional Assembly information (M. England).
  • Neighbourhood Communities document for consideration.
  • Antioch barbecue (John Bannon).
  • Liturgy Committee.  10.00am Mass (Anniversaries).
  • Neighbourhood Communities.

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