Present: 22 parishioners
Apologies: Virginia Bird
Lynda Mclntyre was instrumental in getting Mr. Hamish McQueen, the Diocesan Youth Co-ordinator, to speak to a small group interested in the reestablishing a Youth Group in the parish. There was a suggestion that it could join with the 7-up Group from OLEM. Fr. Pat did not preclude a younger group as well. David Holmes volunteered to monitor this for which he was thanked.
Mary Watkins had some 'initial thoughts' on this and produced a chart of ‘circles' representing different aspects of Life, Community and Parish drawn up by Teresa Campbell and Sr. Pat. These 'suggestions' and activities could be incorporated into the various seasons of the Church's year e.g. in Advent we could ask ourselves 'do I give God time in our life, contributing to parish life, using talents etc.? or Lent - ? Day of Recollection, prayer and fasting with wider circle etc. Maybe at Easter there could be more participation in the Liturgy e.g. Bidding Prayers. Could we volunteer in our neighbourhood? Maybe invite our Church neighbours in Milton Road. All these suggestions could culminate in a Parish Day with Mass in the Church followed by a party at School with ? a high profile speaker. Paul Simmons suggested we could call it a 'Parish Year'. Rosina Abudulai wanted to extend our volunteers. Could be have a food collection for Food Bank twice a year? Mary, Teresa and Sr. Pat were thanked for all their hard work.
With regard to the new translation of the Mass, Fr. Pat said that we would 'go with the flow'. Cards will be distributed later to help parishioners to become familiar with these changes. It was suggested that anyone who found useful information regarding the new translation, eg publications or websites, should share this information with the parish. Paul Simmons agreed to collate any resources found. Referring to the Holy Week and Christmas Liturgies, Fr. Pat was happy with these and apart from 'tweaking' them a bit next year felt they needed little change. He would have more 'Night Prayers' printed for the Vigil at the Altar of Repose on Maundy Thursday evening. Mass for the Sick proved popular and next year there would be a list for names of anyone who was unable to be present or who wished to be remembered. Sunday 17th July is our annual 'International' Mass.
This is in good shape
Irial McGinley is negotiating with 3 contractors re the repair and re-painting of lines of the church car park. One quote so far has been for £20.000. Fr. Pat suggested asking parishioners if they would like to give a donation towards the cost. The Sacristry is to be re-organized and the Office to be painted and to undergo minor amendments. Thanks were given to Michael S. for his untiring work especially in the front garden and thanks to Virginia Bird who has volunteered to co-ordinate the work.
Our Patronal Feast of St. Laurence is on August 10th. Fr. Pat suggested evening Mass followed by a Wine & Cheese party.
Sue Price and Lynda Mclntyre were thanked for their input into the First Communion Programme which was a great success. Fr. Pat commented on the cooperation between the School and Parish in using the same material but said that next year instead of the 3.00 p.m. Mass on the Sunday afternoon, this would probably be transferred to the 6.00 p.m. Vigil Mass on the Saturday evening. With regard to Confirmation, Mary Watkins felt there were not enough candidates as yet to make a viable start in October. There will be a 'push' for recruits in the Newsletter over the coming weeks.
Our Primary School has received permission to extend thus creating a one and a half form intake. A new wardrobe has been built for school vestments. Three teachers are leaving - two on maternity leave and one to go abroad. For the first time there is 100% Catholic Staff.
Mary Watkins thanked those who supported the recent Garden Party in Pamela Sephton's garden in aid of CAFOD. Over £500 was raised. She also thanked everyone for their continued support of this charity. Fr. Pat was pleased to welcome a new Prayer Group which meets on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays from 7.30 p.m. - 8.00 p.m.
Thanks to Angela Crush who after 4 sterling years has relinquished the job of co-ordinating the publication of our Parish Magazine 'The Pilgrim'. Michael Wood has kindly agreed to take on this job.
Karen Rogers noticed there was no Catholic input into the Folk Museum. Could there be a 'Catholic Display' in different events? Richard Birkett suggested a 'Catholic Cambridge Screen' for Strawberry Fair.
Paul Edwards would like an increased amount of ecumenical activity.Deacon Geoff pointed out that at present we have no lay representative on the North Cambridge Council of Churches.
Eileen McEwan queried why the consecrated Hosts used at Mass sometimes had to be supplemented by those in the Tabernacle It was also suggested that any visiting priests be advised by the MC to pour enough wine for a lot of people.
The next Facilitation Group will meet on July 13th.
The next meeting of the Forum will be Monday 10th October 2011.
The meeting ended at 9.30 p.m.