DIVINE INFANT OF PRAGUE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
MEETING HELD 9th MARCH 2013 ---- SUMMARY OF MINUTES
MATTERS ARISING:
The meeting was informed that Churches Together lunches at the Methodist centre and the
week of Christian Unity had raised £400 + for LOROS; more than last year. But there was
poor attendance for the Lent Courses.
YOU ARE THE LIVING STONES:
Father Anthony informed the meeting that the Deanery Consultation at De Lisle was quite
memorable, coinciding with the election of Pope Francis. The result of the consultation will
be that this side of the M1 there will be no change, other than in Loughborough were there
will be closer links between St. Mary’s and Sacred Heart. The other side of the M1, five
Parishes could be run by three Priests. Ashby and Measham are already one parish.
Whitwick and Coalville will be linked, also Melbourne and Shepshead. The Syston /Sileby
cooperation was held up as a great example. The question is could there be closer links with
Sileby without becoming one parish. Spiritual unity could be maintained between parishes
by resting Travelling Mary over the winter then restarting Her travels again next year,
starting with a Marian procession in one of the parishes. The two parish finance committees
could meet together to produce their annual accounts so that like for like comparisons could
be made between the parishes. There is also a questionnaire from the Bishop to be
considered and should be on the agenda for the next meeting.
REVIEW OF PARISH STRUCTURE;
The report arose because of the concern that some group leaders could not be fully
conversant with all roles within their group.
It was proposed that there should be coordinators within the groups as well as leaders. The
next step is for each leader to decide on a structure for their group. The Liturgy Group has a
problem with lack of communication regarding who is reading etc. when Baptisms occur.
They need someone to communicate with regard to the Baptismal Mass. There should be a
list of future Baptisms available.
Anne Skevington is prepared to take on responsibility for Baptism preparation and is
prepared to work with Cath Jackson (Sileby ) until a partner for her can be found. The
report on the review of the Parish Structure was unanimously accepted by the Council.
DO WE NEED A PARISH PLAN:
If we have a Parish Pastoral Plan it must have meaning and must come from the groups. To
go through the process of drawing up a plan and not making it live is fruitless. Unless there
is commitment there is no point in flogging through drawing up a plan. A Parish Pastoral
Plan is not a Diocesan necessity. Father would like each department or group to report to
the Council once or twice per year. The next meeting agenda should have two groups
reporting. The groups should confirm or review their commitments, list their activities and
unfulfilled actions, set a target programme and its financial implications. Liturgy and Finance
Groups are to report at the next meeting. The Parish Pastoral Plan is to be left in abeyance
for now.
PARISH HALL REPORT:
The Hall remains busy with multiple bookings including the Blood Donors again.The wall
lights and emergency lights have been replaced, the gutters and drains cleaned out
together with those of the Church and Presbytery. The fence at the back of the Playgroup is
being replaced and 2 or 3 replacement GOPAK tables are on order. There are plans to
change the Hall heating system this summer, so the new floor covering for the kitchen is on
hold. A storage cabinet for the meeting room is being considered. The cooker oven is no
longer to be used by hirers of the hall as some users have experienced problems with its
use. The financial report is not ready yet.
ANY OTHER BUSINESS:
The Flower Festival at the Methodist Church is being supported by the Children’s Liturgy
with their quilt and by Gayle Shell’s flower group with a large entrance display, with a Parish
contribution to the cost of the flowers. The date of the Shroud of Turin exhibition in the
Methodist Church is to be fixed at the next Churches Together meeting. Publicity can then
be arranged. Christian Aid week will be 18th to 20th May and the coffee Morning on 20th
May.
Father David Tobin will hold a prayer afternoon at the Rosmini Centre on 20th May.
The large Van/bus on the car park is causing major problems particularly on Baptismal
Sundays. This is to be investigated further.
After discussion it was agreed that a few Councillors would rotate in the role of Chair.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Father Anthony
DATE AND TIME OF MEETING:
Tuesday 11th June 7.00pm in the Meeting Room.