2015 was about re-establishing the parish team which had not met since the sad passing of Peter Hogan, who had been chairman for many years. 2015 was a year of exploration and renewal.
Our first task was to consider the nature of the parish team and why it existed.
We:
• looked at examples of Parish Teams and Parish Councils.
• considered the name: Parish Council, Parish Pastoral Council, Parish Pastoral Team or simply Parish Team. After discussion, we opted to retain the simple title: Parish Team.
• explored the nature and purpose of the Parish Team and clarified our role.
Our next task was to inform the parish.
We:
• informed the parish that the Parish Team had reconvened.
• published a definition of the Parish Team and explained what we are called to do. (Click link above to see publication)
In 2015 we:
• held five meetings - and one extraordinary meeting to consider the “Refugee Crisis” and published our response to that crisis. (Click link above for report);
• updated the “Parish Team” notice board;
• published articles about parish life, together with photographs, on the notice board, in the newsletter and the Parish Magazine, including “news from the parish team” in the magazine;
• we have published articles in the local press and the diocesan newspaper - the A & B News;
• worked with the Finance Committee to plan an open parish meeting on finance. This was held on Sunday 18 October, when the Finance committee presented a summary of the financial state of the parish, including a final financial statement on the cost of moving to the “new” site and the sources of finance for the move;
• placed a financial statement on the notice board;
• founded an “Estate Management team” to oversee the maintenance and possible development of the estate; and
• considered Safeguarding (protection of the vulnerable) and how we need to publicise our policy on this.
In 2016, we will continue discussions about the parish with particular emphasis on:
• a “Vision Statement” for the Parish Team;
• how we should enhance the Parish Team;
• further articles in the local press and the diocesan newspaper - the A & B News;
• how we can promote documents from Pope Francis and Bishop Richard;
• how we can promote “The Year of Mercy” ;
• how we can communicate more effectively with parishioners - and with the community beyond;
• holding “open meetings” similar to an AGM but with the emphasis on a “celebration of parish life” –we plan to hold the first event on the weekend of 21/22 May 2016;
• having a competition for a parish prayer;
• having a census of the parish and a review of all parish activities;
• how we could support such groups and individuals and how we might encourage more to become involved;
• Health and Safety Policy, including: Safeguarding - training and clearly publicising our policy.
We hope that 2016 will be a year of consolidation, further development, planning and action.
Suggestions welcome.
John Sexton
Chairman
13 October 2015 (updated 11 February 2016)
