OLEM Parish Forum – notes of meeting held on 13th October 2011

The chair, David Livesey, welcomed everyone to the meeting which began with a prayer. Fr Peter introduced Fr Benedict Jonak OP, who will be a member of the OLEM team for the next two years.

Peter’s Points Fr Peter led reflections on the new text of the Mass. There was general agreement about the need for all to be able to hear and to be able to reflect upon the Liturgy of The Word. Consideration will be given to the extent to which the existing supply of large text and foreign language copies of the readings need to be augmented to meet the needs of those for whom the old mass books were an important source of their reflections and hearing of The Word.  Some concern was expressed about the new translation, its use of non-vernacular English language, and the difficulties some have experienced in reading and praying with it in parts. Those who had attended the Diocesan Learning Together day on the new translation, expressed appreciation for the insights shared.

Catholics in the wider community Julia Dale led reflections on what had been learnt about what we can do to help people in need at the evening organised at OLEM by the Cambridge Justice and Peace Group on 30th September (see below). The event had been a success and thought would be given to holding a similar event in the future as a way of raising awareness at OLEM not only of the opportunities to advance the cause of social justice through volunteering but also of the extent of the problems faced by and needs for support and advice of many in the local community.  It was noted that there were some procedural and publicity difficulties met in arranging for the day, and there was assurance that this would be reviewed and improved.

Diocesan Council of Laity Ronald Haynes reported further on the matters covered in his written report (see below). He invited thoughts and comments on the next Council's theme of "Trust and Transparency.

Parish Centre update of recent developments The report (see below) from Richard Peroni, the Parish Centre Manager, who had sent his apologies for absence was discussed. It was noted that the use of temporary signage pending the arrival of the new permanent solution would be very helpful. Everyone was invited to sign up to be a Friend of the Parish Centre and to receive a monthly e-mail alert listing the forthcoming events being held in the Parish Centre. Thanks were expressed to Richard Peroni for his effective management of the Centre.

Soulfood Prayer Group In the absence of Sandy Hobson, Charles Wilson used his own experience to illustrate the benefits of the “Life in the Spirit Seminar” (see below) and “Celebrate” which will be key parts of the group’s forthcoming activities.

Thanks were given to all those who had taken part and attended the meeting.

 

Information from groups:

Justice and Peace report from Clare Enright clareenright@btinternet.com

Our main event since the last Forum was the organizing of the Volunteers Fair on Friday 30th September. Discussion of this forms an item on the Forum agenda. We invited groups who use volunteers to help their work ministering to people in need within Cambridge; the groups had either a Christian basis or active parishioner involvement. Nine (Hospice chaplaincy team, Street Pastors, SVP, Life, Foodbank, Cyrenians, Money Advice Centre, Credit Union, Citizens Advice Bureau) accepted the invitation with enthusiasm, brought displays and gave short talks about their work. Over twenty people attended and at least some groups gained new volunteers. A single page directory summarizing the groups’ needs is in preparation. In addition to the need for individual volunteers Life are very keen to start a Cambridge group and Cambridge Credit Union (in which St Laurence’s is very involved) would appreciate the parish’s help in expanding to this area of the city. We continued to support the monthly Food Bank collection at OLEM and hold a monthly Traidcraft stall. Generally this is on the second Sunday of each month after 9.30 and 10.45 Masses but has been moved this month to 16th October.

Chaplaincy to students  report from Roberta Canning, chaplain, angliacatholic@aol.com

The chaplaincy at the church thrived last year, and two young English students have taken the initiative in setting up an Anglia Ruskin Catholic Society to help our ministry on campus. I was active in the ecumenical chaplaincy on campus, which apart from being a service to the whole university community, is a good way to get to know resting Catholics among staff and students. The students support one another in the practice of their faith and in dealing with all the challenges of student life. It is a privilege to work with them. I know that the students are hugely appreciative of the hospitality of the parish. International students can feel very lonely and isolated and can be shy of coming to the meal or our bible study. There are parishioners who go out of their way to make them welcome and make sure they know where we are and when. This is a tremendous help - please everyone help them to find us, and indeed the welcome and acceptance they can find in the wider parish.

Parish Centre  report from Richard Peroni, centre manager, olempcm@yahoo.co.uk

Following the very poor turn-out to the Parish Centre Quiz Night, many people have said that they did not know about it. One of the ways to increase the advertising of our events will be to develop the Friends of the Parish Centre email database. Could anyone who would like to hear about Parish Centre events by email, please put their name and email address on one of the forms available on the night. Could anyone involved with other Parish groups, please take a form and pass it round their membership, so that as many people as possible hear about our activities?

HCPT – The Pilgrimage Trust report from Fabio Galantini fabio@hcptmail.org.uk

The Cambridge HCPT group is gearing up for its next pilgrimage to Lourdes, which will take place during Easter Week, 2012. Anyone interested in helping on the trip, which involves working one to one for a week with a disabled child from the Cambridge area, or any parents of a disabled child who might benefit from the experience, should contact Fabio Galantini on 01223 214871 or fabio@hcptmail.org.uk.

10.45 Coffee report from Phil & Betty Hardy philip.hardy@btinternet.com

The number of volunteers is holding up, and every one is doing a sterling job. The number attending is also encouraging. Our thanks to everyone.

Soulfood Prayer Group report from Sandy Hobson johnandsandyhobson@yahoo.co.uk

A “Life in the Spirit Seminar” starting this time in St Laurence’s Church on Thursday 27th October at 7.30pm will run for six weeks.  We ran it successfully last year at OLEM and feel that we should offer it again for the benefit of our parishes and for those who didn’t have the opportunity of attending last time. A Life in the Spirit Seminar is a retreat which centers on God the Holy Spirit and is intended for anyone who desires a new awareness and deeper relationship with God. Accepting the Baptism in the Holy Spirit means embracing the fullness of our Christian initiation. It can touch anyone and everyone. It has an effect on every part of the life of the Church, because it equips us to serve God and one another in love and power, and sends us out to participate in the Church's ministry in the world. It revitalizes every program in our parish because it revitalizes every person who is involved in the programs. Living in the Spirit means participating fully in the Body of Christ, and It can make our parishes real communities of love, from which we take the challenge of the Gospel into our social and work environment. Our mission is the mission of the Church – to transform society.

Diocesan Council of Laity report from Ronald Haynes ronaldhaynes@yahoo.com

At the last Council meeting, on 7th May, the topic was “Evangelisation” ('It's what the Church is for'), as reported at the last Forum.  The Justice & Peace group's volunteer and community service event on 30th September was one response to that challenging topic.  If you know of other events or activities related to evangelisation which might benefit from further publicity, please get in touch. One simple way to help share the Good News is to be sure that you have an updated entry for the planned OLEM-OLOL Parish Groups and Activities directory.  To better share your ministries and activities, please get in contact or enter the relevant details at: http://www.thesecretnote.com/olem-olol/groups/. At the 7th May meeting, we also discussed future topics with the Bishop (R.I.P.) and settled on the theme for the next meeting (5th November) to be “Trust & Transparency”.  Some initial, related article links are available from the Council of Laity section at: http://www.thesecretnote.com/olem-olol/ … and please share any thoughts or comments you might have on the subject, either at the Forum or by getting in contact directly (see above).  These thoughts will help inform the discussion on 5th November.

 

 

 

Our Lady and the English Martyrs Cambridge and Our Lady of Lourdes, Sawston

Parish Forum Minutes: Thursday May 20th 2010

 

Present: Parish clergy and parishioners representing many groups and communities of worship in the parish.

 

Apologies:  Andrew Neate, Jane Burton, Peter Biggs, Bernard and Hanna Townshend, Chris Burton

 

 Financial Report:  Rosemary Parker took questions about the financial report, which was presented to the parish on May 9th. The way the accounts are presented has been changed with the rent from No 2 Hills Road recorded separately as ideally it will be retained to replenish the reserves after the expense of renovating the parish centre. If parishioners put 10% more in the offertory collection and more people gift aided their contribution, the shortfall would be made up and the reserves rebuilt to be available for future capital expenditure.

The car park at No 2 is now let on Sunday and parishioners who park there risk being clamped.

 

 Fundraising: The 300 club only reached around 200 members and will only continue if at least 100 people wish to contribute for another year. The money is coming in from the talents, people have been very creative.

Rosemary was thanked for coming to the meeting and answering questions so fully.

 

Parish Centre Report: with the appointment of a Centre manager and a management committee, current activity is focused on attracting potential users to the Centre to ensure it becomes the heart of parish activity. The parish centre comprises a Hall with kitchen, Music Room with kitchenette, and two Meeting Rooms, also with small kitchen. We want to make sure that as many Church and parish groups as possible use these spaces, so have equipped the hall with projection equipment and stage lighting rig.

The centre manager, Richard Peroni is available at the centre on Monday and Thursday afternoons, 1.30-5.30 or by appointment. He can be contacted at any time by e-mail: olempcm@yahoo.co.uk  The Centre management Committee meets once a month. Its chairman, Neil Emery can be contacted on nemery500@hotmail.com. Other committee members are: Rae Byrne, Mike Keohane and Mary Nathan. With the diary filling up, it is important that anyone who wants to use the centre at any time discusses their plans with Richard or a committee member. All users need to complete a booking form, either in person or on line, and send it to Richard or leave it at the office.

Richard took questions. His role is housekeeping, fixing snags, seeing to repairs, stocking up on consumables, and handling bookings. He is working on signage.  Commercial bookings to cover centre costs are part of his role. There is no caretaker, so no setting up before bookings – people have to set up themselves. Where an event is not a parish event, there will be charges for using the hall, the kitchen, the Music Room and small meeting room. A brochure will be produced to promote bookings.  Parish groups will not be charged unless they are raising funds, when a small contribution would be welcome. There is a “what’s on at the centre” notice in the lobby. This can also go in the church porch. It was agreed that signage needs to be improved across the whole site. Parking is very limited so when groups are using the centre during the day, people need to try to come by bike or bus or use the Queen Anne car park.

The Hall takes 100 people, 80 sitting, and 60 at tables.

 

Ministry of Welcome: There were two welcome sessions on May 10th. Those who came and others consulted agree that the welcome rotas established after the parish mission in 2000 needs to be revived. It has continues to work well at the 8am Sunday Mass, because of Annemarie’s work as commitment as co-ordinator. She has offered to help set up a 9.30 Mass rota, Mark and Nanny Brett have volunteered for the 10.45 and Roberta Canning for the 5pm Mass. Ideally, parishioners will commit to one Sunday a month and swap with others on the rota if they can’t make it. Handing out hymn sheets and Mass books with a smile and hello is important.  OLEM has many visitors, but also many newcomers, and some who have been coming for some time (years even) but do not feel part of the parish. Some who live alone may not speak to anyone else on a Sunday, so it’s important that all are welcomed. Suggestions include, wearing OLEM welcome badges, welcome at both doors, returning to the back of the church after Mass to be available, help put Mass books back again and trying to make sure newcomers at coffee in the hall are noticed and made welcome.

A committee to look at various aspects of welcome was proposed.

We think we do some things well: the variety is Mass styles means most can find a niche, the priests are welcoming at and after Mass, there is a note on some of the service sheets about making your self known.  The chaplaincy to students has gone well and they are grateful for the support of the parish.  However, moving to a new parish can be very challenging and the size of the OLEM parish can be intimidating. It can take a long time to feel recognised, so we need to work on our welcome.

 

Food Bank:  Urszula reported that the food collection had gone well and the store is filling up. They plan a pre-launch at the end of August and a launch at the end of September. She also received some cash donations. The team needs food, volunteers and prayers. It was agreed to go ahead with a monthly collection on the first Sunday of the month. Sawston has agreed to a collection in June.

 

Birzeit: Sally Livesey reported that 3 teachers from Birzeit are coming to St Bede’s and St Alban’s and it would be good to put them up in the parish. It was suggested that some of the money in the regular fund, could be used to help with air fares, as this visit is professional development for the teachers at the school.

Comments: as well as supporting our parish link, parishioners may be interested in FOBZU – the Friends of Birzeit University.

It would be good to have Birzeit in the bidding prayers regularly.

 

Sawston: Sawston now has its premises licence for the church hall. It was not easy. Fr Raf has run an excellent series of Pastoral Lectures, with a good contingent from Sawston attending but not well supported from OLEM.

Forthcoming events include: Summer barbecue on 26 June – 6.30pm open to all, and a summer outing to Wicksteed Park on July 10th – 9am start, cost subsidised.

Could the bulletin be changed? Page 3 – the week in the parish never includes activity in Sawston or Cambourne. Could it include all activities with a column indicating location?

Comments: it was agreed that the newsletter design needs to be looked at again. However the advertisements pay for the newsletter so can’t be reduced. It was agreed that a weekly “What’s on in the parish” notice in the porch would be very helpful.

 

Cambourne: the Catholic community is growing rapidly, liturgy is developing.

 

Haslingfield has a house Mass every other month.

 

St Alban’s News: The chairman of the governors explained the work that has to be done on the drains and will be done to improve the school entrance. These matters are determined at diocesan level and communication of plans by the Diocesan Buildings Officer. Mary Meakin has kindly agreed to act as a link between the school and governors and the parish and parish forum. This should aid communications.

 

Soul Food: Sandy Hobson reported on the Life in the Spirit seminar and on Soul Food, the parish based charismatic group. They have a Day of Renewal planned for November 27, with speakers, Mass and Reconciliation. They are also linked to Cambridge Street pastors.   

 

Diocesan Council of the Laity:  Bishop Michael’s report on the May meeting to discuss vocations and related materials are available at http://www.thesecretnote.com/olem-olol . More information on Council of the Laity from: Ronald Haynes at  ronaldhaynes@yahoo.com or  Nick Ash at nick.ash@ntlworld.com . The Council of the Laity topic for November will be “The New Role of the Laity”.

The compendium of material circulated in advance of the meeting with reports from many parish groups is available at http://www.thesecretnote.com/olem-olol

AOB: can there be labels on second collection bags, or notices to explain the second collection.

The forum will return to parking issues

Large print copies of the readings are available.

 

Next Meeting:  Thursday 14th October at 7.30 in the parish hall.

 

Our Lady and the English Martyrs, Cambridge and Our Lady of Lourdes, Sawston

Minutes of Parish Forum Thursday, 11th February 2010

Present: David Livesey in the chair, clergy and parishioners.

Apologies: Andrew Neate, Fr Raf (leaving early) Malcolm Underwood

 

The Parish Centre – report from Andrew Neate

The Parish centre reopened as scheduled on the 3rd January.  Some outside stonework is on going but should be finished with scaffolding down by the end of February.   There is a further disabled ramp to be built up to the Music Room and some tidying up to be completed of the outside area.  It is hoped that garden furniture will be installed in due course so that in the better weather this area may be more widely used. A security outer gate to the area will be installed allowing adults access at all time whilst retaining the area as secure for children. Internally, snagging of the building is taking place, which is helpful in the light of the already regular use of all facilities.

There is interim management of the building via an Action Group that has been set up by the Parish Priest. The Group’s members are Andrew Neate, Michael Keohane, Rosemary Parker and Phil Hardy. The group was tasked to:

  1. Make arrangements for the opening of the Centre
  2. Make interim arrangements for the running of the hall
  3. Appoint a Hall Manager
  4. Make arrangements for the setting up of a permanent Parish Centre Committee  to whom the Centre Manager will be accountable, at which time the interim action group will be dissolved

In respect of interim arrangements, a cleaning contract has been set up and an interim bookings policy set.  The early appointment of a Hall Manager is of utmost importance to provide continuity and to lay down proper systems for various aspects of use.  A job description is now being prepared.

The Project has come in within budgeted cost.  Fund raising is the responsibility of the Finance Committee.  £20,000 has so far been raised towards the Parish contribution of £100,000.

 

Comments:  the chairman commented on the dramatic improvement in the centre; the forum generally were impressed by the work done and our gratitude to Andrew and the rest of the group was expressed.  Inevitably, there are teething problems, which have given further work to Andrew and Rosemary Parker in particular. Everything is getting sorted out, but it will take time. The hall manager will take responsibility once they are appointed. Resources such as tea and coffee will be shared parish resources, rather than each group storing their own supplies. The proposed tech group will help people use the equipment in the centre.

 

Fundraising: a major fundraising event is planned – a ball with an auction of promises.

The £20,000 in Andrew’s report does not include money raised in January, including the Epiphany dinner and the SVP wine tasting. £1600 was given out for multiplication of the talents on February 6/7.

Comments: it would be helpful to co-ordinate fund raising activity so it does not all come at once. A donation box and or wall box would allow parishioners and visitors to donate spontaneously.

 

Co-operation with organisations beyond the parish: Catholics are involved in many kinds of community action beyond the Catholic community. David Livesey proposed a parish celebration of this involvement. He suggested a Sunday when there could be information about some of these community organisations at the back of the church and in the parish hall, after all the Masses. He suggested forming a group to plan the day.

Offers: Phil Hardy, Chris Burton

 

Street pastors was mentioned as one example of ecumenical action which is beginning in Cambridge and which needs volunteers.  More information on www.streetpastors.org.uk.

 

Food Bank: the finance committee agreed initial funding; legalities for creation of a branch trust under the Trussell Trust are being clarified. Collaboration is with S Paul’s, Emmanuel Church, Cambridge Community Church. Volunteers to solicit donations and for collection and distribution will be needed. There’s a need for volunteers with skills. Better support for families would reduce family breakdown and homelessness. A Food Bank weekend was proposed.

 

Birzeit – report from Sally Livesey

Since the parish was first twinned with the parish of Our Lady of Guadeloupe in Birzeit about 5 years, our parish group has made two ‘official’ visits to Birzeit and some other individual parishioners have also visited whilst on other pilgrimages to the Holy Land.

In November 2009 15 parishioners made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with a day spent in Birzeit as its focus.  We met the new parish priest, Fr Rafiq Kouri and many of his parishioners of all ages.  It was a very successful visit and gave us a greater understanding of each other.  We were told about many of their parish activities and the needs they have – some of which are similar to our own and some are different. 

Birzeit is a fairly typical town of the area, with streets of flat roofed stone and block houses and is a bit down at heel.  This is a reflection of the difficult economic situation of the West Bank in general and the restrictions and problems with which people have to cope with on an everyday basis.  For example, they are not allowed to visit Jerusalem without a special permit, even though they have family members living there and it is not far by road.  Getting through the many barriers manned by Israeli guards can take hours and make getting to work a major hurdle of the day.

Since we have started this twinning arrangement, OLEM has sent a total of £21,950 to the parish in Birzeit.  This is a fantastic sum of money and a tribute to the generosity of our parish.  After the initial appeal in which we received some substantial one off sums, we currently receive £2,695 per annum from regular donations.  This money has been used to support the school attached to the church in the following ways:

·        bursaries for students (there is no state support for the school)

·        the salary of a music teacher

·        part pay for musical instruments

·        the salary of a part time teacher of special needs

·        installation of a more up to date IT system

Needless to say, the parish and school are most grateful for this support. The students of St Bede’s school have also raised funds to support the school.

One of the activities which we heard about on our recent visit was the day care centre for the elderly, which is run by the parish Women’s Group.  There are many older residents who are lonely and in need of care and support.  In many cases the younger members of the family have left for better prospects abroad and are not in a position to help the older generation in the traditional way.  It would be much appreciated if OLEM could help this group and we are considering doing a one off appeal to our parish which would specifically raise funds to support the older people of Birzeit.

Comments: Fr Tony stated his hope that Fr Rafique and a group of parishioners could visit the parish. The whole group were impressed by the parishioners we met in Birzeit, and their approach to getting on with trying to make life better in spite of the very difficult circumstances of life on the West Bank.

 

CCTV system – report from Rosemary Parker

 

Following the spate of thefts from inside the church and from cars, and the damage to the church windows last summer, the Finance Committee approved the installation of CCTV both inside and outside the church. This has been installed and is now operational. The digital cameras are motion-sensitive and record only when activated. There are cameras covering the ante-chapel, all the exits from the church and both car parks. Cameras also cover the entrances to the new Parish Centre. There is no camera coverage of St Alban’s school buildings and play areas.

At present, the recordings can be viewed on only one PC in the parish office, and only by clergy and authorised members of staff. All recordings are kept for 14 days and then the data is rewritten. If we are alerted by a parishioner or a user of the Parish Centre of any suspicious behaviour, then the recordings can be reviewed and a copy made of any sections required. The recording can be made in the format required by the Police, so that it can be used in any investigation undertaken.

 

Welcome – the size of the church and the number of Masses make it difficult to identify newcomers. The welcome rota at Mass works well at 8am – to help to extend this and make our welcome more effective, Antoinette Askin and others involved in welcome will offer a session based on the Ministry of Welcome resource produced by the Bishops’ Conference for everybody who would like to help to make ours a more welcoming community. It was suggested that there be a regular note on the newsletter inviting newcomers to get in touch by filling in the form or introducing themselves ( there is a note on the hymn sheets which Nigel Kerry produces). An e-mail contact – welcome-to-olem@ etc was suggested.

The problem of inappropriate behaviour in church when the church is nearly empty was raised. Parishioners are cautioned not to challenge people if they themselves are alone, but to get help. There is no one right answer.

 

Commemoration plaque:  Fr Tony will take careful soundings about Eamonn Duffy’s proposal.

 

Bereavement Mass – the first Mass for those recently bereaved took place in November and was greatly appreciated. There will be another in Eastertide.

 

Church Floor – the problem is much smaller than originally stated and it can be dealt with on a block by block basis. The question was raised whether the quinquennial review of the fabric is adequate.

 

Diocesan Council of Laity – report from Ronald Haynes

 

Last year everyone was invited to participate in the Diocesan Pastoral Plan review, and our questionnaire contributions helped inform the discussions in the May and November meetings of the Diocesan Council of Laity, as well as in other diocesan discussions.  The Bishop was grateful for all the contributions, which complemented his Parish Visitation Reports in providing an ‘overall sense of the life of the diocese and where we are going together’.  These also proved most helpful when he was completing the much larger questionnaire and compiling our diocesan Ad Limina report to Rome for his visit in January.

At the end of the review process, there was overwhelming support to continue implementing and building on the Diocesan Pastoral Plan for another five years, issuing supplementary documents and revisions as needed, such as with the proposals for clustering and merging parishes at the end of the Plan.  While each parish is different, and while there are mandatory policies connected with the Plan (e.g. involving evangelisation, making welcome, caring for those in need, justice & peace, involving lay people in decision-making, finance – see the printed Diocesan Directory, or the Diocesan Website), flexibility is built into the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, which is not meant to be ‘one shape fits all’ but which has helped to draw together and share examples of good practices from across the diocese.

Bishop Michael's report, and other materials related to the Five Year review of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, is available at: http://www.thesecretnote.com/olem-olol/

Keeping in mind the uniqueness of our local community, our Forum meetings are part of how we participate in and help to develop our parish pastoral life and planning, including by reflecting on and discussing the topics for the Council of Laity.  The topic for early May's meeting is “Vocations” and for November it will be “The New Role of the Laity”.  It is likely that the issue of the planned changes to the text we use for Mass will also come up in the discussions.  If you have any thoughts, queries or suggestions on any of these or related areas, please do get in contact and make them known.

Council of Laity Reports, Minutes, Constitution, plus the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, are online at http://www.catholiceastanglia.org/ – Contact Ronald Haynes (01223 690089 / ronaldhaynes@yahoo.com – OLEM) or Nick Ash (nick.ash@ntlworld.com - OLOL) for questions or further details.

 

Sound system – there are still problems in some places in the church and though the readers meetings were helpful, not all readers took part. Some readers have difficulty with the height of the lectern and the angle of the light.

 

Poor lighting at the back of the church: this will be fixed when the bulbs are next changed.

 

AOB

Life in the Spirit Seminars will start on April 26 and continue till May 24th. A Day of renewal is planned for 27th November from 10am to 4pm.

Parish Magazine – this would be a useful way to improve communication. Does anyone know an editor?

Forum Meetings this year: Thursday May 20th and Thursday 14th October

 

 

Parish Forum:

Our Lady and the English Martyrs, Cambridge and Our Lady of Lourdes Sawston

Thursday 15th October 2009 in St Alban’s School Hall

 

Present:           Frs Tony, Dick and Rafael and parishioners.

Apologies:        Catherine Green, Antoinette Askin

 

Minutes of the last meeting: the minutes from the meeting on May 21st were approved. There were no matters arising which were not on the agenda.

 

Parish Hall: Andrew Neate reported that the work is going well and on schedule for the hall to re-open during the Christmas season. No remedial work on the exterior was needed but, while the scaffolding was up, it had been possible to do some betterment work, which was desirable because of the age of the hall. Work on the interior was going well and there will be new furniture and crockery.

Fundraising: £10,000 has been raised and the council has made a grant for disabled access (and toilet?) Some shares have been sold for the 300 club but to raise £15,000 we need to sell all of them.

Comments and suggestions:

1)     Parishioners need to be reminded of the need to raise money for the hall and invited to consider whether they can give more. [It is understood that many cannot give more.] It was suggested that it could be more productive for parishioners to increase their giving and gift aid it, than to organise events. 

2)     Encourage people to join 300 Club.

3)     Multiplication of talents: money can be given to parishioners for them to try to multiply the stake. This has worked before.

4)     Seeking grants – Newtown town forum, the Catenians.

 

Church Floor: there is a problem with part of the floor. Initial estimates had been that this was serious and would cost a large sum (up to £500,000) to put right, but later, more expert advice is that the problem is local and the floor can be repaired within normal maintenance costs.

 

Sound System: the sound system is a great improvement but it is not perfect. It is easier to hear male voices and children and it can be difficult to hear female voices.  There can be feedback between the microphones. There are black spots (behind the lectern, under the organ loft and at the back of the church). Readers’ meetings to help readers use the system properly will be helpful, and there is a need for education in the practicalities of the system.

Actions:

·        The provider is responsible for fine tuning and will be informed of the points made.  It was suggested that a group to address technical matters be formed in the parish.

·        Fr Tony will arrange some readers’ meetings to help people use the system; these have been held.

 

Poverty and Homelessness Action: Urszula Chojnacka reported that these are increasing problems in Cambridge, with repossessions increasing and some people not qualifying for benefits. She has discussed the problem with Jimmy’s, Winter Comfort and Emmaus.

 

Food Bank: Newtown Forum is willing to make a grant for people within Newtown. St Paul’s Church have offered to be the distribution centre.  The food bank gives short term support while people in need are helped to access services. It could be organised through the Trussell Trust, an umbrella organisation for food banks, which covers insurance. To get going it would be necessary to raise £3-5,000 for the first year.

Credit Union: this would be complex to set up, but is a valuable support for people in poverty.

The meeting was very supportive of the aims and the enterprises reported on.  Cambridge does have serious problems and it is good to work with other churches and organisations. It was agreed that it must be clear whether this is an OLEM initiative or an independent initiative supported by OLEM parishioners. It was agreed to refer the ideas to the finance committee.  The finance committee agreed to support the project; details will be given in due course.

 

Sawston news: the hall refurbishment is finished apart from the roof and the following Sunday, parishioners were celebrating with a “bring and share” lunch.

 

Cambourne: the new church was to be ready in 6-8 weeks.

 

Ronald Haynes reported that the Directory of Groups and Activities is nearing completion.

Diocesan Pastoral Plan: there was to be a discussion on May 22nd in the Prince Regent.

It was agreed to stick with three forum meetings a year.

 

AOB

·        Training of Altar Servers (this is in hand)

·        Better Lighting is needed at the back of the church

·        The possibility of organising a rota of welcomers at all Sunday Masses was mentioned.

·       Next meeting: Thursday 11th February 2010  

 

 

Our Lady and the English Martyrs, Cambridge and Our Lady of Lourdes, Sawston: Parish Forum

In the Parish Hall, Thursday 21st May, 2009

 

Andrew Neate in the chair, Fathers Tony, Dick and Rafael attending with parishioners from OLEM, OLOL, Cambourne.  Apologies: Antoinette Askin, Nonie Hawke, Mo Tsentides

 

Andrew Neate opened the meeting with a prayer and welcomed everyone.

 

Minutes of 12th February: corrections –

1)     matters arising had been moved to the end of the agenda and the meeting ran out of time to discuss them.

2)     ISA should read ISACN and stands for International Social Affairs Christian Network.

3)     Julia Dale had reported for the J&P group.

4)     COL: Ron Haynes had reported on the previous meeting which addressed Prayer and Spirituality in Parishes, and the planned May meeting which would consider the Diocesan Pastoral Plan Review. The Diocesan Yearbook contains more information about policies related to the DPP.

5)   DPP the final paragraph should add that Ron would consult further and organise consultation in time for the response deadline of Palm Sunday.

 

Matters Arising: Roberta had brought copies of the paper on possible improved support for 20/30 young people which she and Antoinette had sent to Frs Tony and Dick.

 

The J&P group Care for Creation Day in April was well received by the few who attended – it had deserved wider support.

 

Diocesan Pastoral Plan;

David Livesey gave a personal perspective on the DPP. The plan speaks of the gifts within the Catholic community and encouraging all to offer their skills but it has or implies a “top down” approach and our parish communities also need a “self-empowering communitarian approach”. He asked how we can use the diversity of our congregations to build up the church and make sure that when we take the initiative (for instance at Mass on Sunday), we draw others in. It was decided that all parishioners should have the opportunity to read David’s ideas.

Points:

*We need to be good listeners and attentive to others

*We can make sure others’ gifts are known

*The importance of taking personal responsibility

*More opportunities for welcome

*Importance of welcome ministry

*More and more accessible notice boards at the back of the church to celebrate the diversity of activity in the parish communities

* OLEM can be compared to a collage of networks, or a montage of experiences

*People are different and have different needs when they come to the church

Evening Prayer: there had been a proposal for community EP in the church in Advent, and then in Lent but it had not been discussed in February.

When Morning Prayer was attempted, a faithful few attended and numbers dwindled.

*MP is quite popular in Sawston.

* There is EP one Sunday a month in Bottisham, preceded by a glass of wine. Would this work?

*Are there too many daily Masses at OLEM? Some congregations are very small   

*EP does not have to be led by a priest.

*It’s not part of our experience – but communal MP and EP common in Milan where it is rooted in the tradition.

*Andrew asked for those wiling to try EP experimentally to see him after the meeting.

Parish Hall: Plans were on view. Andrew reported on progress. The work is necessary for pastoral outreach. Fund raising will be necessary. We have a grant for the disabled toilet. Fr Tony expressed the parish’s gratitude to Andrew and Philip Barnes for all their work to get us so far.

Points:

*A screen

* Access problems: using the door onto Union Road? A gate from the car park at No 2 Hills Road?

*Damp in the small meeting room

 

Council of the Laity:  Ron Haynes reported that there was discussion of the DPP Review. This will continue in November. There had been a hybrid approach to the consultation with small meetings at OLEM and OLOL and a few online responses (results so far are available at:http://www.secretnote.com/olem-olol/ The questionnaire is 28 pages which is rather daunting, but all are encouraged to provide additional feedback, and there will be additional opportunities to do so.

Parish Communities:

Cambourne: Mel’s report describes the growth of the Catholic community at Cambourne and how everyone has learned to use gifts they did not know they had! There is a real buzz in being part of growing a new Catholic community. Cambourne needs the prayers and support of the whole parish.

Sawston: parishioners are working on making the old church into a good meeting hall. Car parking is improved. Now that the merger has been achieved, Sawston has a community pastoral council instead of a parish council, and a fabric committee instead of a finance committee. Thought needs to be given to structures for autonomous communities within the parish.

Fen Ditton: remains a strong and faithful community.

 

We still need to create one parish consisting of our diverse communities.

 

AOB: the finance statement did not show the reserves.

 

The meeting closed with a prayer

The next meeting of the Forum will be on Thursday 15th October at 7.30pm.

 

Our Lady and the English Martyrs Parish Forum Meeting held in the Parish Hall on Thursday 12th February 2009

 

 

Present: Frs. Tony, Dick, Raf, Andrew Neate and parishioners

 

The Minutes of the meeting held on 25th September were circulated.  There were no matters arising which were not covered by the agenda.

 

Pastoral Plan

 

Andrew Neate reported first on the Pastoral Plan and observed that there was no policy relating to interfaith groups or to other churches.  This was thought to be regrettable and he observed that OLEM and its outlying parishes had considerable involvement with other church groups.

 

Chris Burton asked how the Pastoral Plan related to other groups in our society and pointed out the need for training for all roles where parishioners undertook work such as that of the SVP.

 

·       Comments from the floor were as follows:

·       The J & P group have joined ISA which is rewarding

·       Some work which happens in the Parish does not get effectively communicated

·       Central Churches together is not a very effective group in Cambridge

·       OLEM should aim for one initiative per year

·       Working with other local churches could be a very effective way of meeting a variety of social needs

·       ‘Chaplaincies for people at work’ is being set up locally

·       Each Mass can be its own community

·       The parishes in the early stages of setting up a group for the 20s- 30s (Roberta Canning and Antoinette Askin)

·       Consider a Mass for volunteers

·       There is a wealth of talent in the parish, but opportunities are not that well communicated

·       The bulletin needs to have more information

 

Diocesan Theme

RH reported for the J&P group on Stewardship. Their work has recently focussed on, among other things, connecting environmental issues with the life of the Church and linking with CAFOD, carbon footprint interfaith group with practical advice on reducing this and general social issues.  They are planning events in Lent related to care and creation.

 

Diocesan Council of Laity

 

Ron Haynes reported on this and drew attention to the Diocesan Yearbook  which contains more information.

The discussion focussed on the questionnaire provided by the Bishop, the best way to get feedback from parishioners and how to co-ordinate it.  The questionnaire was passed round and many comments related to its length and the need to be very clear about what it was hoping to achieve.

 

Options on how to manage this process were suggested as follows:

 

·       Make the questionnaire available on line on the parish website for people to answer

·       Have a special meeting to discuss a parish response

·       Have it available at the back of church for people to fill in

 

It was not clear how these anticipated responses would be coordinated and analysed.

 

Parish Hall

 

Andrew Neate reported that professionals have been brought on board to manage the process which it is hoped will start on site in July/August of this year.  The costings will be available in March and the funds in hand are currently £90,000. Fund raising will be necessary.  The plans will be available at the back of Church once approval has been given.  No new building will take place – the improvements will make use of existing spaces.

 

The question of changing space for disabled adults was raised and Andrew agreed to look into this.

 

Diocesan Learning Disability Initiative

 

Fr Tony reported that this initiative had started with considerable enthusiasm and a well attended Mass. It was hoped that those interested would then take the lead and move it forward, but this had not happened.  It was noted that carers in this situation had very little spare time to undertake  the organising.   It was suggested  that a speaker from a disabled inclusion conference be invited to come and address members of the parish, which would help to revive this group.

 

A discussion took place on the need to have support groups for carers and in particular, the problems arising for carers when their young people reached the age of 21 and no longer fitted into the education and care services in the same way as when younger.

 

 

Dates of Next Meetings

 

21 May and 15 October 2009

 

Our Lady and the English Martyrs Church, Cambridge Parish Forum

Record of Meeting, Thursday 25th September 2008 at 7.30 in the Parish Hall.

 

Present were Frs. Tony, Dick and Raf, Robert Joyce and Andrew Neate and parishioners, including members of most parish groups.

 

There were 3 information sheets: a note from Fr Tony about the parish hall and the sound system, a report from the latest meeting of the Diocesan Council of the Laity and a paper on the diocesan theme for the coming year.

The forum opened with a prayer.

 

Diocesan Council of the Laity had discussed how the diocese can support marriage and family life. Bishop Michael mentioned the Bishops’ Conference Celebrating Family  intiative,  Everybody’s Welcome on welcoming and inclusive parishes, and Home is a Holy Place on seeing knowing and responding to God’s presence at home in our family life. Much is being done but there is a need for parishes to implement this fully.

Points: Marriage Preparation: couples will usually see one of the priests three times and attend a Marriage Care day in Newmarket, which they appreciate. Couples married in the previous year could be invited to a Mass of celebration followed by a social event. Family Ministry includes many ways of supporting family life – including the Mother and Toddler Group.

 

Prayer and Spirituality is the next theme for the Council of the Laity. Parish representatives will recount their parish experience. Parishioners commented that prayer was part of all groups and that a division would be artificial but for clarity groups whose primary function is prayer will be listed separately and then other parish groups.

 

Prayer Groups: Monday prayer group, rosary group, Eucharistic adoration, Soul Food

 

Parish Groups: SVP, ABC, 7Up, J&P, 5Alive, Flowers, CAFOD, Jesus and the Gospels, Cross Talk, Mother and Toddler.

 

Merger of Sawston ad OLEM: Fr Raf was to speak at all Masses in OLEM on Sunday 25th September and would appeal for money for new chairs for the new church at Sawston.  Sawston lost two Sunday Masses as a result of losing their resident priest. The church was therefore too small and the parishioners had worked very hard to transform the hall into a beautiful church. The merger on January 1st 2009 will create a new entity – it is not a takeover. All of us need to understand the implications of the declining number of clergy.

Suggestions: go to Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes. A “come and see” event.

 

Parish Hall: Fr Tony spoke briefly to the paper circulated. It was necessary to do a more thorough renovation of the hall. He is grateful to Andrew Neate for his offer to project-manage the work. The specification is being modified for the more far-reaching renovation.

The Hall is a valuable pastoral resource and will be more valuable once renovated.

 

Sound System: There are still hopes that this can be replaced by Christmas. The go-ahead has been given and we are awaiting the manufacture of the speakers in China.

 

Update on School Development: the chair of St Alban’s governors explained the secure extension the school playground. It is a legal requirement that a full class foundation year children (30 children) have a secure all-weather outside play area. The new play area will have an awning for wet and very hot weather. There was only one suitable place. It has been confirmed that emergency service access is fine and has not been compromised in any way.

Comments: The play area is delightful. The school is part of the parish community. It had not been judged a significant matter to bring to the forum.

 

Diocesan Theme from Advent 2008 to Christ the King 2009:

 

Stewards of God in Caring for Creation

A paper was circulated listing the aim and the projects for the year, and a list of key scripture texts on Creation.

The J&P group planned a vigil for September 30th and an event at St Philip Howard later in the year.

Diocesan Study days are planned. Talks in the parish on Christian understanding of creation were proposed.

Recyclables can’t be collected from the hall so users need to be encouraged to take their recyclables home.

 

Date of Future Meetings: to facilitate adequate preparation for Forum meetings it was proposed and agreed that meetings take place well into term time – thus: mid-February, mid-May and mid-October.

 

Date of the Next Meeting: Thursday 12th February 2009 at 7.30

 

OLEM Parish Forum:

Record of the meeting on Thursday 26th June 2008

 

Present:           Frs Tony, Dick and Raf, representatives of parish groups and other

parishioners. Andrew Neate in the chair.

 

Andrew explained the structure of the parish forum.

 

Financial report: this had been distributed to parishioners in printed form and spoken to at all Masses. There were no questions.

 

OLEM/Sawston merger: Fr Raf reported on progress and showed photos of the new church. The merger has meant the loss of 4 Sunday Masses. Sawston now has just 2 Sunday Masses and no Mass centre. As the Hall was a third larger than the old church, it has been refurbished and converted into the church. Heating, wiring and windows were replaced by firms but the rest of the work was done by parishioners. New chairs are needed. It has been agreed that OLEM will contribute half the cost remaining after an appeal for the chairs in the autumn. So far work has been completed well within the budget. The old church now needs to be made into a parish centre. It has an asbestos roof but it is still likely than renovating the old building is the most practical course. All these changes have been necessary so that Sawston can continue to thrive as a community within the parish. Parishioners have raised £50.000. Bishop Michael’s report on visitation at Sawston would be available on Sunday 29th June.

 

There is a memorandum of co-operation between the finance committees of the two parishes to meet the anxieties of both bodies. Accounts will be merged on 1 St January 2009. Different communities within the parish support each other; for instance Sawston had collected for Cambourne.

 

OLEM sound system: Fr Tony reported that the Historic Churches Commission have approved a particular design for the speakers; the delay has been caused by the fact that these are no longer manufactured, but a firm to make them has been found and they should be installed in October.

 

Parish Hall: the finance committee are seeking estimates for the work. It involves the kitchen, toilets and fire safety improvements and needs to be completed as one job.

 

Schedule of services: It is likely that in 5-6 years there will only be two priests in the parish and the number of Sunday and weekday Masses will have to reflect this. Priests should not be saying more than one Mass on a weekday. Bishop Michael had noted that Sawston may have to move to one Mass on a Sunday. Points raised:

 

We parishioners have a duty of care for our clergy.

 

Some rationalisation is inevitable. The city has over 20 Sunday Masses while Norwich has 8 or 9. On some weekdays, OLEM can only have one Mass. Mass on Saturday at 10 o’clock is best attended, but on weekdays, 8am has a higher attendance than

Mass during the day.

 

Parishioners raised the question of services of Word and Communion, led by deacons or lay people, when there could not be Mass on weekdays. Fr Tony said that this is not sound theologically, as the Eucharist (Mass) is primarily an action — a celebration not a product and the Church flourishes when it is the central celebration.

 

Morning and Evening Prayer of the Church would be a more appropriate way forward for communal prayer when there cannot be Mass. The forum discussed possible timings and suggested that Advent could be a good time to introduce one or other, after preparing the ground. These would be scheduled services led by lay people.

 

Cambourne: Fr Tony said that Mass began there in December 2002 with a few people in a portacabin. All other churches were together and we risked appearing standoffish. There are now 65-70 at Mass on Saturdays at 5pm reflecting at least 100 practising Catholics in Cambourne. They have a first Communion group and an active congregation. It now looks as if the scheme for an ecumenical church building will be able to go ahead and it is important that Catholics are part of this. Cambourne Catholics collect for this at every Mass when there is not a second collection. OLEM collected close to £3.000. It is important that we support them. The Cambourne and around section in the bulletin reflects a lively community.

 

Cycle parking: there is now an enlarged cycle parking area in the courtyard, just beyond the gate to the parish centre.

 

Cars: The possibility of restricting parking in the Lensfield Road car park to cars for disabled and elderly parishioners was raised. This is not practicable.

 

A visitor who came to coffee after Mass, has donated some teaspoons!

The steering group will come to the next meeting with dates for the coming year.

 

Next Meeting: Thursday 25th September at 7.30