St. Laurence’s Parishioners’ Open Meeting (Forum)

Recent and upcoming meetings

For the moment, online Open Meetings will be held approximately monthly, using Zoom.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 23rd February at 7.30pm

Zoom details for this meeting: https://zoom.us/j/98121452077?pwd=akllcUVoS0tYd2o4YVJrUVhSNTVuUT09

ID: 981 2145 2077

Passcode: 7jL9ni

The Zoom link for all meetings should be published in advance in the newsletter and sent to the Keep in Touch email list.

Instructions for using Zoom with Open Meetings (PDF)

Agenda for next meeting

Apologies and minutes of last meeting
Mass and private prayer arrangements now and looking forward to Easter
Reports from Parish groups
Dates for future meetings
Any other business - please email openmeetings@saintlaurence.org.uk to add items to the agenda

The minutes of the recent meetings and the latest documents on re-opening the church are available here:

Please see below for the archive of all meeting minutes.

Future meetings

Saint Laurence’s Parishioners’ Open Meetings are normally held in January, April, July, and October. However, while social distancing measures prevent in-person meetings, we have agreed to switch to monthly online meetings. Changes will be announced in the Newsletter and here.

Next meeting:

Tuesday 23rd February, 7.30pm
Thursday 25th March, 7.30pm

All parishioners are warmly invited and encouraged to attend all meetings.

Sanctuary plans

Thank you to all who contributed to the extensive discussion on ideas for re-ordering the Sanctuary at the January 2020 Open Meeting. Given the impact of Covid-19, these ideas will not be taken further until we can ensure that everyone can participate fully in discussions, and until any changes in the financial situation are clear. However, a survey form has been created (as agreed at the meeting) and, if you have views on the ideas, you are very welcome to submit those views using that form − your comments will be included in any future planning.

Download the feedback form (as a PDF) and submit feedback by putting your answers to the questions on the form in an email to openmeetings@saintlaurence.org.uk.

What is the Parishioners’ Open Meeting?

In normal times, we aim to hold the meeting four times per year as a venue to share news and to discuss ideas for Parish life.

The Open Meeting was originally called “The Parish Forum” but has been renamed to clarify its purpose. Its Constitution is here.

Current chair of the Open Meetings is Stephen Warde. If you would like something added to an agenda, please email Stephen at openmeetings@saintlaurence.org.uk.

The Facilitation Group is a team of parishioners that makes sure actions agreed at meetings are carried out and the agenda for the next meeting is prepared. We’re always looking for volunteers to join the group!

The Diocesan Council of Laity is the forum for discussing issues of importance regarding pastoral planning which affect the whole diocese. We are represented on the Council by Jim O’Sullivan.

Typical agenda

Meetings include some or all of the following items, with additional special topics added as appropriate:

Apologies
Minutes of last meeting and matters arising
Feature presentation or discussion topic
Liturgy
Finance
Social life
Catechesis
Buildings and grounds
School
Reports from parish groups
Any other business
Date of future meetings

St. Laurence’s Roman Catholic Church