PRESENT: Fr Peter Raj, Richard McGreevy (St Helen’s), (Chair), John Bolger (Parish Pastoral Assistant), Antonia Martinez (Sacred Heart), Becky Walker (Sacred Heart), Peter Rylands (St Helen’s), Georgiana Rylands (St Helen’s), Catherine Watkins (Secretary)
1. The meeting welcomed Fr Peter Raj, our new Parish Priest.
2. APOLOGIES: Ann Gibbs, Keith Copperwheat, Ginny Keane.
Fr Peter opened the meeting with a prayer.
3. It was agreed to try and finish the meeting by 8.45pm.
4. MINUTES OF THE MEETING: on 14 June 2022 were agreed and signed.
5. MATTERS ARISING:
a. Health & Safety Update. TheFire Safety training session was attended by 14 parishioners and each church has now been issued with a certificate. Becky reported that the Sacred Heart church and hall had had a fire safety inspection today and Peter Brander is being sent a report of the findings. The main issues were the emergency exits and toilets for the disabled in the hall.
b. Covid Update. Since the last meeting, the numbers of parishioners attending Mass has increased in all three churches and levels are almost back to normal. Restrictions are being relaxed and it was agreed this could be removed from the agenda as a standing item.
c. Elections of PPC representatives. James Ellis had been nominated to be the third representative of St John of the Cross and had agreed. He was welcomed to the meeting. Becky was coming to the end of her second term of office so nominations would be required for the Sacred Heart church. Nomination forms were handed to Antonia for placing at the back of the Sacred Heart church. [Later addition – Elaine Haughton from St Helen’s had only served one year of her term of office, so Georgiana as her replacement should serve 2 years initial term; she will therefore need to be re-elected, if willing. Nomination forms were emailed to Richard for the church of St Helen].
Action – Representatives from the churches of St Helen and the Sacred Heart
d. Faithful Stewards of God’s Gifts – Time, Talent & Treasure. Cathy had drawn up a list of those who had responded. She commented that many of those who completed the questionnaires already gave their time, but that there were a few people volunteering to carry out new tasks. She agreed to pass on their names to Fr Peter, or the appropriate organisers. It was agreed that Fr Peter would continue to remind parishioners of the need for more volunteers.
Action – Cathy
e. Updating of Parish Directory. This had now been updated with the necessary changes and with Fr Peter’s details, and printing could proceed.
Action – Cathy
f. Trees in the Sacred Heart Grounds. John explained that it was many years since any new trees had been planted in the church grounds, and that several mature trees had had to be cut down recently. Mike Baker had been reluctant to advise. John said that he would investigate sources of free trees and would ask Ginny whether the young people would be interested in becoming involved in the project.
Action – John
6. PARISH PRIEST’S REPORT TO THE PPC:
Fr Peter thanked Bishop Alan for appointing him as Parish Priest, and also thanked the church communities for their warm welcome. Bishop Alan would be visiting the Sacred Heart church for Fr Peter’s installation on 9 October.
7. PARISH PASTORAL COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS:
St John of the Cross. James reported that liturgy meetings were being organised. Volunteers were needed to lead the Rosary before Mass during October. Antonia suggested making a prominent sign-up sheet for leaders. It was agreed that Pauline Andrews should be asked to prepare a report on the Parish twinning with St Francis Xavier in Cambodia for the next meeting. James also reported that the church sign was being replaced. It would need to be signed off by someone.
Action – James
St Helen. Richard reported that three monthly social events were taking place at the church, and two weekly ones. The food bank is well supported. Last week’s concert was a great success, raising over £150 for charity. He asked whether Fr Peter would be happy to resume the celebration of house Masses, which Fr Peter agreed. The necessary amendment would be made to the Directory and the word Stalham would be removed.
Action – Cathy
Sacred Heart. Antonia reported that the hall floor has been repaired and the main hall decorated. With the increase in numbers at Sunday Masses, a Eucharistic Minister is assisting with communion. Fr Peter has appealed for new altar servers.
8. 2023 SYNOD OF BISHOPS: There was a meeting of the Bishops at the end of July. John reported that a “National Synthesis Document” has been published, and can be viewed on our website.
9. SACRED HEART MEMORIAL GARDEN: The compost heap by the vehicle entrance to the Memorial Garden is being removed as requested. It was agreed that general accessibility would need to be considered.
10. CONFIRMATIONS: There were 6 confirmees. Ginny, as Catechist, was thanked. It was agreed that more publicity would be given to the service next time and consideration given to whether the service could be held at Sunday Mass rather than in the evening, when a lot of parishioners are reluctant to come out at this time of the year.
11. SACRED HEART CHURCH CAR PARK: There were two aspects to this issue; unauthorised parking and the poor state of the surface. John handed out information about a company which installs facilities for the control of parking – Creative Car Park. For this and any work done to repair the surface, Historic Churches would need to be consulted.
12. PARISH AGM FEEDBACK: It was agreed that it was a splendid evening, much enjoyed.
13. ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
a. It was asked whether evening confessions could be held once a month. Fr Peter said the best time would be before or after Masses at each of the churches. Fr Peter would announce.
b. It was asked whether we could resume Advent reflections? Fr Peter said that he would consider the request.
Action – Fr Peter
c. It was agreed that there should be a review of Presbytery keyholders. Antonia to draw up a list.
Action – Antonia
d. It was agreed that there was a need for a fresh rota of counters at the Sacred Heart, and a reminder of what they should observe.
e. The St Helen representatives said that the Churches Together group in Hoveton would like Fr Peter to be involved.
14. DATE OF NEXT MEETING:
Tuesday 6 December 2022, 7.15pm for 7.30 at the Church of St Helen, Hoveton
Fr Peter concluded the meeting with a prayer.
