Looking to the future
We must all by now be aware that the Church in this country is facing an increasing shortage of priests. This has implications for all parishes, because those which have taken thought for the future before possibly losing their resident priest, or having to share him in a twinning arrangement, will be those best able to continue as a viable community. This will necessitate lay people taking on much more responsibility for the day-to-day running of the parish and for decision-making in various areas, and with this in mind, the most recent meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council mainly concerned itself with what its future development might be, and how it might formalise links with other existing parish bodies such as the Finance and Fundraising committees. The current PPC is advisory and consultative. The suggestion is that it will continue in this role, but that three sub-committees would feed into it as appropriate. These sub-committees would cover Finance and Property, Liturgy, and Social Events. The current Fundraising Committee has fulfilled the three-year remit undertaken in Fr Terry’s time, and would like to develop further the social side of its activity. As regards Finance and Property, it is seen to be important to keep the parish informed both of how money is spent and of what projects are in the pipeline. One suggestion is to provide regular updates on the parish website, with a paper report once or twice a year. The Liturgy committee would be a new body, and is in part a response to an earlier suggestion. None of this is set in stone, but is an indication of how things might develop.
Other matters
There were no suggestions in the Suggestion Box this time. Previous suggestions have been acted upon: fifty extra Easter missalettes have been ordered, Mass cards are now available at the back of church, and Fairtrade cards and other items are for sale on the piety stall. The new organ is now up and running. This was paid for by several donations in addition to Andrew Dunsire’s underwriting of the whole purchase. We have some very generous parishioners among us! Fr Dominique points out that the halls are a wonderful resource, not just for us but for the wider community, and he would like to encourage their greater use on a commercial basis, so that they can bring in some income to the parish. The problem of hearing in church was raised. It seems that people at the back of church find the acoustics are poor. In addition the loop system does not work satisfactorily. Enquiries will be made as to how best to address this.
Upcoming events
Summer holidays are upon us, but there is already a fine array of events planned for the autumn. There will be a Race Night in September, a play by our resident thespians and an Italian Evening in October, a ceilidh in November. and, after Christmas, another pantomime. There are also plans for a Fairtrade event, with a speaker, stalls and refreshments. All dates will be announced later.