ALTRINCHAM PASTORAL AREA (APA) HELD ON

Transcription

1 ALTRINCHAM PASTORAL AREA (APA) HELD ON 7 December 2017 PRESENT: Canon John Rafferty Fr Pat Munroe Fr Martin Onuoha Fr Humphrey Agbim Deacon John Penny Eddie Drozdziak Christine Simpson Ruth Holland Tom Scanlon Georgie Marlow APOLOGIES Ann Campion Lisa Kelly Canon John led us in prayer to start the meeting. Review of the Previous Minutes and Matters Arising. The minutes were approved as being correct. Formation Reflection on Fr Michael Cupit s Autumn talks; the numbers attending were good and the feedback was positive. Father imparted some real gems for thought, we are grateful to have such a learned and good communicator. It was suggested and agreed that each parish would take turns in arranging and hosting on-going talks on behalf of the APA. Fr Martin offered to take responsibility for the Spring 2018 talks; 3 sessions, to be held between Christmas and Easter and based on The Eucharist. (Adoramus, Eucharistic Congress) 21 st Century Parish Communication There was a good discussion and sharing of knowledge with regard to Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat; administration and Diocesan policies. It was agreed that there is a need and interest in having an expert come to advise/educate the group; this should be considered by the Local Missionary Area Committee see next agenda item. Review of Local Pastoral Areas Canon John distributed a paper from the Bishop regarding Local Missionary Area Councils replacing Local Pastoral Area Teams. The paper should be distributed with the meeting minutes to parishioners. There was a robust discussion and it was agreed that it should be discussed at Parish Councils/Pastoral Committees and a strategy for moving to become a Local Missionary Area Council at our next meeting. The Council will comprise of a Priest from each Parish (3), a Youth representative (rep), a Caritas rep, a Marriage & Family rep, a lay rep from each parish (ideally from a Parish Council member), a Catechist rep, a Deacon, a Catholic Education rep and possibly a secretary. It was agreed; that the appointment of a parish lay rep should be discussed at individual Parish Council meetings Time served by reps should be strictly adhered to. The paper will be circulated to APA members (by Canon John). Members will digest the contents in preparation for formulating a strategy at the next meeting. It was agreed that we should encourage Parish Catechists from across our three churches to meet together, to aid networking and encourage support. AOB A LIFE IN THE SPIRIT SEMINAR is being planned for 2018 at Holy Angels. An invitation will be extended to the APA. A MARIAN PILGRIMAGE TO FATIMA, is being planned for 2018 by Holy Angels. An invitation will be extended to the APA. Holy Angels have introduced a Sunday evening Mass at 6pm. The time was chosen to not directly clash with other Masses in the APA. Fathers Martin and Humphrey are pleased with the attendance thus far. TOM SCANLON, our lay chairperson has resigned. Canon John thanked Tom for his pro-active, successful and loyal service, he will be missed. Tom responded saying it had been a privilege and how he had enjoyed being part of this effective team. Ruth Holland was unanimously welcomed as our new lay chairperson

2 DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS Sunday 21 January 2018 social at the Stamford Arms, Bowdon 7:30 for 8pm (Tom Scanlon and Father Tony Myers to be invited) Thursday 1 March 2018 at St Hugh and St John s 7:30pm AGENDA 1. Apologies 2. Review of the minutes 3. Matters Arising 4. Formation Spring Talks at Holy Angels 5. Local Missionary Areas 6. Dates of future meetings 7. AOB Actions 1. Canon John to the Bishop s paper on Local Missionary Areas to APA members. 2. Ruth to book Stamford Arms meal. PROCEDURES The minutes should be accompanied by an action plan and a provisional agenda. A copy of these will be sent to Bishop Mark once the group has approved them. Three days will be allowed after receipt of the minutes for alterations to be made. Ann to the group once the minutes have been sent to Bishop Mark. This will give the signal for them to be made available in our parishes. Minutes should be made available to parishioners (e.g. a note in the newsletter indicating that copies are available at the back of church). The agenda for the next meeting should be published two weeks beforehand in parish newsletters or by other appropriate means.

3 ALTRINCHAM PASTORAL AREA (APA) HELD ON 13 MARCH 2017 PRESENT: Canon John Rafferty Father Tony Myers Father Martin Deacon Deacon John Penny Christine Simpson Georgie Marlow Lisa Kelly Ruth Holland Tom Scanlon Eddie Drozdziak Ann Campion APOLOGIES None full house! Deacon John led us in prayer as we started our meeting. REVIEW OF THE PREVIOUS MINUTES and MATTERS ARISING. The minutes were approved as being correct. Formation Father Michael Cupit s talks on What is Lent have been much enjoyed by an audience of people. Those attending have requested that he comes to talk to us again. It was agreed that we should invite him to come in the summer term. It was also suggested that in this Year of Mercy we should try and find a speaker to address us on this subject. A suggestion was made and agreed upon that each parish should take it in turn to host future series of talks, St Hugh s and St John s in the summer term and Holy Angels in the autumn term. A Penitential Service will be held for our three parishes on Monday 10 April at 7.30 pm at St Vincent s Church Review of Local Pastoral Areas Although we are still awaiting further information from the Diocese on this subject, it was agreed at the recent Deanery meeting of priests that parishes should be invited to discuss this matter. Father John, Father Tony and Father Martin shared their plans. These are some questions that could be used to promote discussion: What will be needed to effectively resource the development of new missionary parishes based on the configuration of the parishes in your own LPA? In terms of lay employment and the development of lay ministries and apostolate, what might be requires? What changes can we anticipate in the way priests and deacons work? If priests of the future work across increasingly wider areas how can we best prepare and support such a development? What changes will this require for the ministry of the Permanent Diaconate? Where Local Pastoral Area bodies presently exist, how might we reconstitute and re-envisage them as serving this development of Missionary Parishes? How could the LPA bodies help in developing the areas of mission, the maintenance and administration of parishes and of church buildings across the wide area of the LPA configurations? What sort of membership would be required? In addressing all these practical and structural questions how can we keep at the forefront the clear perspective: Nihil Sine Christo apart from me you can do nothing (John 15:5)? For it is only by an increase of faith that we can meet the challenges of the present and the future. The results of these discussions will be taken to the next Deanery Meeting which will be held after Easter. AOB St Hugh s Justice and Peace Group asked us to consider the Government s Community Sponsorship Scheme which has promised to accept 20,000 refugees from Syria. Two families, one in the Archdiocese of Cardiff and the other in the Salford Diocese have provided housing for a refugee family and are supporting the family as they settle into their new life here in the UK. Our parishes are presently involved in the Revive

4 Project in Salford which is also supported by Spiritan Group. Sister Eileen from St Vincent s supports on a weekly basis and a group from Holy Angels have also giving support. There is a Facebook group called Altrincham Friends of Refugees where Sister Eileen will appeal for help e.g. an iron or a bed and she has been very grateful for the response she gets. It was agreed to discuss this further at our next meeting having looked at the possibility of being more involved. Actions PROCEDURES The minutes should be accompanied by an action plan and a provisional agenda. A copy of these will be sent to Bishop Mark once the group has approved them. Three days will be allowed after receipt of the minutes for alterations to be made. Ann to the group once the minutes have been sent to Bishop Mark. This will give the signal for them to be made available in our parishes. Minutes should be made available to parishioners (e.g. a note in the newsletter indicating that copies are available at the back of church). The agenda for the next meeting should be published two weeks beforehand in parish newsletters or by other appropriate means. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS Tuesday 16 May pm at St Hugh s AGENDA Apologies Review of the minutes Matters Arising Review of Local Pastoral Areas document Formation Refugee Initiative Dates of future meetings AOB

5 ALTRINCHAM PASTORAL AREA (APA) HELD ON 09 FEBRUARY 2017 PRESENT: Canon John Rafferty Father Tony Myers Deacon John Penny Christine Simpson Georgie Marlow Lisa Kelly Ruth Holland Ann Campion APOLOGIES Father Martin Tom Scanlon Eddie Drozdziak Fr John led us in prayer as we started our meeting. REVIEW OF THE PREVIOUS MINUTES and MATTERS ARISING. The minutes were approved as being correct. Formation Lenten Talks Father Michael Cupit will speak on the topic What is Lent on the following dates. Thursday 2 March, Thursday 9 March Thursday 16 March at 7.30 pm in Westleigh Penitential Service Monday 10 April at 7.30 pm at St Vincent s Church Review of Local Pastoral Areas Awaiting further information from the Diocese. AOB The meeting was closed with a prayer. Actions PROCEDURES The minutes should be accompanied by an action plan and a provisional agenda. A copy of these will be sent to Bishop Mark once the group has approved them. Three days will be allowed after receipt of the minutes for alterations to be made. Ann to the group once the minutes have been sent to Bishop Mark. This will give the signal for them to be made available in our parishes. Minutes should be made available to parishioners (e.g. a note in the newsletter indicating that copies are available at the back of church). The agenda for the next meeting should be published two weeks beforehand in parish newsletters or by other appropriate means. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS Wednesday 13 March pm at St Vincent s Presbytery AGENDA Apologies Review of the minutes Matters Arising Review of Local Pastoral Areas document Formation Dates of future meetings AOB

6 ALTRINCHAM PASTORAL AREA (APA) HELD ON 09 NOVEMBER 2016 PRESENT: Canon John Rafferty Father Tony Myers Father Martin Onuoha Deacon John Penny Christine Simpson Georgie Marlow Eddie Drozdziak Tom Scanlon Ann Campion APOLOGIES Lisa Kelly Fr John led us in prayer as we started our meeting. REVIEW OF THE PREVIOUS MINUTES and MATTERS ARISING. The minutes were approved as being correct. Retreat The retreat given by the Rev. Dom Brendan Thomas was enjoyed by all who attended. Numbers were slightly lower than last year ( ). A short discussion took place as to whether this was because it was held in a different venue each evening; another suggestion was that the publicity for the retreat had been a little late in being passed around the parishes. Holy Angels and St Hugh s had had good representation at the talks and were grateful for the opportunity to join in. Father John suggested that we think about 2017 and make an appropriate booking as soon as possible. Formation Autumn Talks What is Advent given by Father Michael Cupit and to be held at Westleigh on Thursday 24 November, Thursday 1 December, Thursday 8 December at 7.30 pm Review of Local Pastoral Areas Our experience of our Pastoral Area - has been very positive. As a group we have worked well together. Many opportunities for our parishes to worship together and to attend a large variety of talks to help with formation have been arranged. We are aware however that this has not been the experience of all LPA s. The Development of LPA s A long discussion took place on this topic, here are some of the points discussed: To be a more evangelical church, reaching out. Should we be where the people are? How do we help promote tolerance between different cultures. The last three popes have urged us to have a more personal relationship with Jesus how do we promote this? We have been given the gifts of the sacraments, how do we make them more relevant to today? We have walking clubs, bridge clubs and art classes, to mention a few, should we be providing more of this type of activity for our parishes? We have excellent schools within our parish boundaries, our parish priests and deacon are regular visitors and are well known to our children can we use this resource in more ways? The number of priests in the Diocese at present is 66; in ten years time it is estimated to be down to 36 priests. Priests under 60 years of age is estimated to be 20. This is a cause for concern in any future planning. No direct way forward was decided upon but it is hoped that some practical proposal might be decided upon after a period of reflection. AOB The group were told about the Holy Angel s Christmas Market and asked to promote it among their parishioners. It will be held on 10 and 11 of December at both Holy Angels and St Ambrose Prep Hall. Posters will be made available. The meeting was closed with a prayer. Actions All to reflect on our discussion re the future and to try to come up with a positive suggestion as to a course of action in which we could be involved.

7 PROCEDURES The minutes should be accompanied by an action plan and a provisional agenda. A copy of these will be sent to Bishop Mark once the group has approved them. Three days will be allowed after receipt of the minutes for alterations to be made. Ann to the group once the minutes have been sent to Bishop Mark. This will give the signal for them to be made available in our parishes. Minutes should be made available to parishioners (e.g. a note in the newsletter indicating that copies are available at the back of church). The agenda for the next meeting should be published two weeks beforehand in parish newsletters or by other appropriate means. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS Wednesday 1 February pm at St Vincent s Presbytery AGENDA Apologies Review of the minutes Matters Arising Review of Local Pastoral Areas document Formation Dates of future meetings AOB

8 ALTRINCHAM PASTORAL AREA (APA) HELD ON 22 September 2016 PRESENT: Canon John Rafferty Father Tony Myers Father Martin Onuoha Deacon John Penny Christine Simpson Georgie Marlow Eddie Drozdziak Ann Campion APOLOGIES Tom Scanlon Lisa Kelly Fr John led us in prayer as we started our meeting. REVIEW OF THE PREVIOUS MINUTES and MATTERS ARISING. The minutes were approved as being correct. Youth Group Father John informed us that Kate Wilkinson, our Youth Leader, has now left Blessed Thomas Holford and taken up her new appointment. She has agreed to remain with the IBelieve group until Christmas. A discussion took place as to the future. Father John and Father Martin both reported that there were possibilities of music groups, which are at the moment in an embryonic stage, emerging from St Vincent s and Holy Angels. Father Martin also reported that there was a young parishioner in his parish who is presently working in a missionary capacity in Ireland who might consider working in our Diocese in The possibility of a quarterly Youth Mass was also put forward. Retreat The retreat will be given by the Rev. Dom Brendan Thomas. The venues for the three nights of the Retreat are: 18 October St Vincent s 19 October Holy Angels 20 October St Hugh s They will commence at 8.00 pm and finish at 9.30 pm; Posters will be produced and circulated very soon. Formation 18, 19, 20 October 2016 Retreat given by Rev Dom Brendan Thomas Venues as above Autumn talks by Father Michael Cupit Dates to be announced Website and Photographs Deacon John and Chris Simpson agreed to liaise to update both content and photographs. Review of Local Pastoral Areas Father John distributed a discussion paper for us to read and reflect on. It was agreed we would discuss its contents at our next meeting. Membership In view of the above discussion paper it was agreed that at present the membership of our group should remain as is. AOB Our Mission Together Eddie asked was there an action we should take? A discussion took place re this Diocesan project. Some parishes have, after consultation with parish councils, decided not to take part in this project at present, as it was felt that the method of raising funds to support the aims of Our Mission Together adversely altered the dynamics between priest and parishioner. The meeting was closed with a prayer.

9 Actions Deacon John to produce posters for the Retreat and circulate Father John and Father Tony to give the document Review of Local Pastoral Areas to Tom Scanlon and Lisa Kelly Chris and Deacon John to liaise re the Website Fr. John to confirm the dates of the talks to be given by Father Michael Cupit PROCEDURES The minutes should be accompanied by an action plan and a provisional agenda. A copy of these will be sent to Bishop Mark once the group has approved them. Three days will be allowed after receipt of the minutes for alterations to be made. Ann to the group once the minutes have been sent to Bishop Mark. This will give the signal for them to be made available in our parishes. Minutes should be made available to parishioners (e.g. a note in the newsletter indicating that copies are available at the back of church). The agenda for the next meeting should be published two weeks beforehand in parish newsletters or by other appropriate means. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS Wednesday 9 November pm at Holy Angels AGENDA Apologies Review of the minutes Matters Arising Review of Local Pastoral Areas document Formation Dates of future meetings AOB

10 ALTRINCHAM PASTORAL AREA (APA) HELD ON 28 June 2016 PRESENT: Canon John Rafferty Father Tony Myers Tom Scanlon Christine Simpson Georgie Marlow Eddie Drozdziak Ann Campion APOLOGIES Father Martin Onuoha Deacon John Penny Tom Scanlon chaired the meeting and invited Fr John to lead us in prayer as we started. REVIEW OF THE PREVIOUS MINUTES and MATTERS ARISING. Two alterations to the minutes were made: It had been agreed that the three parishes would host the retreat for one night each. Father Martin had been invited by Mr Keulemans, the Head of St Ambrose College, to come into school once a week as of the beginning of the last term. Youth Group Father John informed the meeting that there is to be a CONFIRMATION REUNION AND IBELIEVE 1ST BIRTHDAY BASH! on Sunday 10 July. All young people from Year 8+ who have been confirmed or are of confirmation age are invited to join in for fun, games, pizza and cake to celebrate. There is a special welcome to those young people who were confirmed this year as a chance to meet up once again. The celebration starts at 5:30pm at Westleigh with games and activities, Mass will then be celebrated together at 6:30pm, followed by the pizza party. This is hoped to be a real celebration of youth in the parishes. Adult helpers are needed to come and help with the event and celebrate with our young people. If you know of anyone who could help please Kate at: katewilkinson@bthcc.org. Fr. John agreed to all the particulars to Holy Angels and St Hugh s so that it could be put in their Newsletter this week and next. Novena Cards Eddie sourced and organised the distribution of these cards which were made available to all three Parishes over Easter. Service for Peace Ann reported that all is in hand for this service. Readings would be ed over to St Vincent s and St Hugh s once the booklet is finalised. An invitation to Eddie to join in the music group was extended. Refreshments would be served at the back of church. Tom agreed to give an overview of the group s activities for the past year and to invite suggestions for further events. Retreat The venues for the three nights of the Retreat are: 18 October St Vincent s 19 October Holy Angels 20 October St Hugh s Formation 7 July 2016 Service for Peace Holy Angels 18, 19, 20 October 2016 Retreat given by Rev Dom Brendan Thomas Venues as above Father John reported that he was in conversation with a priest of the Diocese who he thought would be able to provide three talks in the autumn term. Confirmation of this will be given as soon as possible. Review of Mission A discussion took place as to what we thought our mission was, the following points were made, and we existed to: enhance communication between parishes and parishioners share resources provide opportunities for further formation, talks, retreats, services. for mutual support

11 It was suggested and agreed to send out a questionnaire to all our parishioners in September asking them to determine what they would like us to do. A suggestion to have a yearly open meeting was also agreed. The need to update our photographs in each church. The possibility of a yearly calendar was also mentioned. Membership The inclusion of All Saints, Our Lady s, Holy Family and St Joseph s into our group was discussed and it was agreed by all that this would be a good idea. Fr. John will talk to the Bishop at the next Dean s meeting re this matter. Individual membership We have been a very successful pastoral group, getting on well together, working together and hopefully providing opportunities for our fellow parishioners to join in talks and services. It was agreed that at the moment, unless any individual wished to resign, it would be beneficial to stay as we were to provide some stability if the group was to expand with the inclusion of the other parishes in our area. AOB The meeting was closed with a prayer. Actions Ann to send readings for the Peace Service to St Vincent s and St Hugh s Ann to liaise with Tom re the APA activities over the last 12 months Fr. John to talk to the Bishop re the inclusion of other parishes in our Pastoral Group Chris to talk to Deacon john re the Website Ann to book St Ambrose Prep School for the retreat on 19 October Fr. John to confirm the autumn talks PROCEDURES The minutes should be accompanied by an action plan and a provisional agenda. A copy of these will be sent to Bishop Mark once the group has approved them. Three days will be allowed after receipt of the minutes for alterations to be made. Ann to the group once the minutes have been sent to Bishop Mark. This will give the signal for them to be made available in our parishes. Minutes should be made available to parishioners (e.g. a note in the newsletter indicating that copies are available at the back of church). The agenda for the next meeting should be published two weeks beforehand in parish newsletters or by other appropriate means. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS Tuesday 22 September pm at St Vincent s AGENDA 1. Apologies 2. Review of the minutes 3. Matters Arising 4. Membership of our group 5. Formation 6. Dates of future meetings 7. AOB

12 MINUTES OF THE MEETING 0F ALTRINCHAM PASTORAL AREA (APA) HELD ON 20 APRIL 2016 PRESENT: Canon John Rafferty Father Tony Myers Father Martin Onuoha Deacon John Penny Tom Scanlon Christine Simpson Lisa Kelly Georgie Marlow Eddie Drozdziak Ann Campion APOLOGIES Ruth Holland Tom Scanlon chaired the meeting and invited Fr John to lead us in prayer as we started. REVIEW OF THE PREVIOUS MINUTES and MATTERS ARISING. Youth Group Father John informed the meeting that Kate Wilkinson, the Lay Chaplain at Blessed Thomas Holford, was moving to another position in September out of our area. She has agreed to support the Youth Group, which is called ibelieve, until Christmas. A discussion took place regarding a possible successor. Recently the Youth Group had had a visit from the Young Christian Workers (YCW), and the possibility of the young people becoming affiliated to an Impact Group, an YCW Junior Group, was an option. Our three churches would be willing to look at the possibility of contributing to the salary of a Youth Worker positioned in one of our Secondary Schools. We have contacts with Blessed Thomas Holford College and Loreto Grammar School but not St Ambrose College. It was agreed that Father John, Father Tony and Father Martin would seek an appointment with the new Head at the College. The Youth Group meets on the second Sunday of the month after 6.30 pm Mass at St Vincent s Church and afterwards in Westleigh. All young people between the ages of from our three parishes are welcome to attend. Lenten Reconciliation Service This service was very well attended, five priests were administering the Sacrament of Reconciliation, it was felt that we could have had more priests if possible. Formation 7 July 2016 Service for Peace Holy Angels 18, 19, 20 October 2016 Retreat given by Rev Dom Brendan Thomas Venues to be announced Review of our direction A short discussion took place as to what this should be. It was agreed that through the Newsletter we should inform parishioners of: what we have done as an APA why we have chosen that path ask what they would like us to do. It was decided to use our next meeting to discuss this topic alone. AOB Eddie put before us a café project The Big Picture, a 12 week course for our consideration. It was agreed that this might be considered at our next meeting when we will be looking at the direction we want to take. Eddie also suggested inviting our parishes to make a 9 day Novena prior to Pentecost. He agreed to contact Prayer Trust re obtaining Prayer Cards for all our churches. The meeting was closed with a prayer.

13 Actions Eddie to source the Novena Cards and liaise with each church re purchase. Father John, Father Tony and Father Martin to request a meeting with St Ambrose Headteacher Ann to book St Ambrose Prep School for the 7 July. Venues for the three evenings of the Retreat to be decided PROCEDURES The minutes should be accompanied by an action plan and a provisional agenda. A copy of these will be sent to Bishop Mark once the group has approved them. Three days will be allowed after receipt of the minutes for alterations to be made. Ann to the group once the minutes have been sent to Bishop Mark. This will give the signal for them to be made available in our parishes. Minutes should be made available to parishioners (e.g. a note in the newsletter indicating that copies are available at the back of church). The agenda for the next meeting should be published two weeks beforehand in parish newsletters or by other appropriate means. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS Tuesday 28 June pm at St Hugh s 8. Apologies 9. Review of the minutes 10. Matters Arising 11. Review of our direction 12. Dates of future meetings 13. AOB AGENDA

14 MINUTES OF THE MEETING 0F ALTRINCHAM PASTORAL AREA (APA) HELD ON 28 January 2016 PRESENT: Father John Rafferty (Team Leader) Father Tony Myers Father Jonathan Brandon Ruth Holland Christine Simpson Eddie Drozdziak Lisa Kelly Ann Campion APOLOGIES Deacon John Penny Georgie Marlow Tom Scanlon Father John opened the meeting with a prayer. REVIEW OF THE PREVIOUS MINUTES and MATTERS ARISING. LENTEN ACTIVITIES A date for the Reconciliation Serv9ice was decided upon and the date for the Deanery reconciliation Service was also noted. Youth Group Kate Wilkinson, the Lay Chaplain at Blessed Thomas Holford, has set up a Youth Group, which is called ibelieve. They meet on the second Sunday of the month after 6.30 pm Mass at St Vincent s Church and afterwards in Westleigh. All young people between the ages of from our three parishes are welcome to attend. Formation A discussion took place about future speakers. Some of the suggestions made were speakers from different faith backgrounds and someone to talk to us on the Year of Mercy. Saturday 05 March Deanery Reconciliation Service St Joseph s Hope Road Friday 18 March Reconciliation Service St Vincent s Church 7.30 pm 2016 Retreat given by Rev Dom Brendan Thomas St Vincent s Church Refugee Crisis A young person from the Youth Group ibelieve spoke at all the Masses at St Vincent s about the plight of the refugees, who they were and how we could help. Following on from that talk there was an evening in Westleigh were the young people served coffee and cakes and parishioners brought in items for the refugees. At Holy Angels a group has formed named Revive to look at his difficult problem, warm men s clothes have been collected and the Lenten Appeal will be to donate money, toiletries and food. AOB The meeting closed at 7.15 pm. Actions To continue with arrangements for talks for Formation Kate Wilkinson s details to be given to Father Martin at Holy Angels Ann/Chris PROCEDURES The minutes should be accompanied by an action plan and a provisional agenda. A copy of these will be sent to Bishop Mark once the group has approved them. Three days will be allowed after receipt of the minutes for alterations to be made. Ann to the group once the minutes have been sent to Bishop Mark. This will give the signal for them to be made available in our parishes. Minutes should be made available to parishioners (e.g. a note in the newsletter indicating that copies are available at the back of church). The agenda for the next meeting should be published two weeks beforehand in parish newsletters or by other appropriate means. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS Thursday 3 March 2016 at 7.30 pm at Holy Angels

15 AGENDA 14. Apologies 15. Review of the minutes 16. Matters Arising 17. Formation (Review and Update on further talks 18. Dates of future meetings 19. AOB

16 MINUTES OF THE MEETING 0F ALTRINCHAM PASTORAL AREA (APA) HELD ON 24 SEPTEMBER 2015 PRESENT: Father John Rafferty (Team Leader) Father Tony Myers Father Jonathan Brandon Ruth Holland Christine Simpson Georgie Marlow Ann Campion APOLOGIES Deacon John Penny Eddie Drozdziak Lisa Kelly Tom Scanlon Father John opened the meeting with a prayer. REVIEW OF THE PREVIOUS MINUTES and MATTERS ARISING. LENTEN ACTIVITIES The Synod on Family Life and Marriage is due to take place In Rome between 4 25 October. Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Bishop Peter Doyle will be our representatives at this Synod. The need for prayers and a hope for the success of these talks were expressed. We would also hope to keep our parish communities informed of the outcome of these talks as and when possible. Youth Group Kate Wilkinson, the Lay Chaplain at Blessed Thomas Holford, has set up a Youth Group (12 16 year olds) that will meet on the second Sunday of the month after 6.30 pm Mass at St Vincent s Church and afterwards in Westleigh. Following on from the discussions held at the meeting in June it is hoped to set up a Social Justice Awareness Group.All young people between the ages of from our three parishes are welcome to attend Formation Speakers have been approached and have agreed to come and speak to us. The final dates have yet to be arranged. Sunday 11 October Youth Group Meeting after Mass 6.30 pm at St Vincent s then in Westleigh Tuesday 10 November Daniel O Leary St Ambrose Prep pm Tuesday 01 December Service for Peace St Vincent s Church 7.30 pm 2016 Retreat given by Rev Dom Brendan Thomas St Vincent s Church Publication for Father Daniel O Leary s talk should begin as soon as possible. Ann Campion agreed to liaise with Eddie Drozdziak to ascertain the title of the talk to be given in November Refugee Crisis A discussion took place about the Refugee crisis, how could we help? It was reported that St Vincent s Catholic Primary School have collected clothes, footwear, dried goods and tinned food liaising with the Revive Asylum Seekers Centre in Salford. AOB Father John informed us that the Diocese had appointed a company to help with fundraising. A short discussion took place following this information. The meeting closed at 9.30 pm. Actions Deacon John Penny and Ann Campion to continue with arrangements for talks for Formation St Vincent s to prepare for the Mass for Peace PROCEDURES The minutes should be accompanied by an action plan and a provisional agenda. A copy of these will be sent to Bishop Mark once the group has approved them. Three days will be allowed after receipt of the minutes for alterations to be made. Ann to the group once the minutes have been sent to Bishop Mark. This will give the signal for them to be made available in our parishes. Minutes should be made available to parishioners (e.g. a note in the newsletter indicating that copies are available at the back of church). The agenda for the next meeting should be published two weeks beforehand in parish newsletters or by other appropriate means.

17 DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS 28 January 2016 at 7.00 pm at St Vincent s AGENDA 20. Apologies 21. Review of the minutes 22. Matters Arising 23. Formation (Review and Update on further talks Deacon John/Ann Campion) 24. Dates of future meetings 25. AOB

18 MINUTES OF THE MEETING 0F ALTRINCHAM PASTORAL AREA HELD ON 19 SEPTEMBER 2013 PRESENT: Tom Scanlon, Father John Rafferty, Father Tony Myers, Deacon John Penny Ruth Holland, Georgie Marlow APOLOGIES Ann Campion, Chris Simpson, Eddie Drozdiak, Lisa Kelly, Father Jonathan Brandon The meeting opened with a prayer Review of previous minutes and matters arising. Correction to minutes - Eddie Drozdziak to contact Father Denis McBride not Deacon John Penny. Matters Arising The LPA Mass on 3 July had a disappointing attendance but was enjoyed by those who attended. Website - LPA members photographs to be put on website. APA Mission - Year of Faith Eddie sent information to members of the LPA with a 4 options, this led the group to question what the LPA is looking for: Fr John noted that a retreat could be more effective than a mission. Making contact with those people who do not come to church anymore (is this our remit?) Bringing us together as a community. The formation on Ministries. Trying to look outward into the community rather than looking inward - the group recognised the success of the local food banks; four have been opened; Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College provide their students with saving and budgeting skills. Thanks were given to Eddie for his contribution; the group will bear these thoughts in mind. Programmes to reach out to resting Catholics will be investigated. Fr Tony spoke with Chris Walsh who will be providing two talks on Thursday 28 November and Thursday 5 December at 7.30 pm at Westleigh. The topic will be Subversive Sacraments. Eddie has not yet spoken with Fr O Leary. Eddie suggested that Paul Vallely who wrote untying the knot would be willing to speak, he has written for many years on Africa and development/ethics. It was suggested that he was booked after Christmas. Youth Ann and Georgina met with other Confirmation Catechists from the LPA to discuss the possibility of a joint post Confirmation party. A plan of action was agreed. Ged Ford was to approach the youth worker at the local C of E Church in Bowdon who have a successful youth group. Due to the amount of time elapsed between the meeting, responses and Ann s circumstances, it was agreed that there was not enough time to arrange a party for candidates of It was agreed that it would be planned for the future. It was also discussed that the possibility of a day/half day being run by an outside youth worker. Deacon John has been in discussion with Ged Ford who has access to funds for work with Youth. Those clergy present agreed that they would be willing to cooperate in employing a Youth worker. The above is to be an Item for agenda at the next meeting.

19 AOB Fr John to receive the chair at the next meeting. DATES Talks by Fr Chris Walsh: Thursday 28 November 7.30 pm Westleigh Thursday 5 December 7.30 pm Westleigh PROCEDURES The minutes should be accompanied by an action plan and a provisional agenda. A copy of these will be sent to Bishop Mark once the group has approved them. Three days will be allowed after receipt of the minutes for alterations to be made. Ann to the group once the minutes have been sent to Bishop Mark. This will give the signal for them to be made available in our parishes. Minutes should be made available to parishioners (e.g. a note in the newsletter indicating that copies are available at the back of church). The agenda for the next meeting should be published two weeks beforehand in parish newsletters or by other appropriate means. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS 19 November LPA Meeting St Hugh & St John s ACTION PLAN Investigate programmes for Resting Catholics Fr John to contact Fr Jerome and the Vicar General of Hexham & Newcastle regarding their Youth Village Eddie to invite Paul Vallely to come to speak in Spring 2014 Deacon John to follow up Ged Ford Georgina to liaise with Confirmation groups from each LPA regarding a party. AGENDA for the above date Apologies 2. Review of the minutes 3. APA Mission 6. Formation Update 7. Dates of future meetings 8. AOB

20 MINUTES OF THE MEETING 0F ALTRINCHAM PASTORAL AREA (APA) HELD ON 19 MAY 2015 PRESENT: Father Tony Myers Father John Rafferty (Team Leader) Deacon John Penny Ruth Holland Christine Simpson Georgie Marlow Eddie Drozdziak Ann Campion APOLOGIES Father Jonathan Brandon Tom Scanlon Lisa Kelly Father John opened the meeting with a prayer. REVIEW OF THE PREVIOUS MINUTES and MATTERS ARISING. LENTEN ACTIVITIES Family Life and Marriage An opportunity to reflect and discuss subjects surrounding Family Life and Marriage, facilitated by Deacon John Penny, took place on 4, 11, and 18 March. The number of people attending was somewhat disappointing but those that did attend entered into lively discussions on the subject. Deacon John will report on the sessions to the relevant people. As individuals we are all at liberty to send in any comments we might want to be included for consideration in the second phase of the Family Synod discussions taking place in the Vatican between 4 25 October. Lenten Walk Around twenty six people took part in a Palm Sunday walk around the parishes. The weather could have been kinder, but those that took part enjoyed the occasion and the camaraderie. They were very grateful to the kind people in each parish who provided very welcome refreshments. Consideration will be given to doing something similar next year. Palm Sunday Musical Presentation Via Crucis This was performed on Palm Sunday in Holy Angels to a full church. It was a magnificently moving piece of music and was a wonderful way to start Holy Week. A Service of Reconciliation was held at Holy Angels Church on 23 March. It was attended by a good number of parishioners. For the future it was decided that the service would end with people receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation and after a quiet time they would be free to disperse. Youth Worker Kate Wilkinson, the Lay Chaplain at Blessed Thomas Holford, has been in touch with each parish. There is going to be a Youth Mass, (12 16 year olds) on 14 June at 6.30 pm at St Vincent s Church and afterwards refreshments will be served in Westleigh. Formation Speakers have been approached and have agreed to come and speak to us. The final dates have yet to be arranged. Sunday 14 June Youth Mass Refreshments in Westleigh St Vincent s Church 6.30 pm Wednesday 15 July APA Mass for Peace St Vincent s Church 7.30 pm Tuesday 10 November 2015 Daniel O Leary St Ambrose Prep pm AOB None The meeting closed at 9.30 pm. Actions Deacon John to send off the report on Family Life and Marriage. Deacon John Penny to continue with arrangements for talks for Formation St Vincent s to prepare for the Mass for Peace

21 PROCEDURES The minutes should be accompanied by an action plan and a provisional agenda. A copy of these will be sent to Bishop Mark once the group has approved them. Three days will be allowed after receipt of the minutes for alterations to be made. Ann to the group once the minutes have been sent to Bishop Mark. This will give the signal for them to be made available in our parishes. Minutes should be made available to parishioners (e.g. a note in the newsletter indicating that copies are available at the back of church). The agenda for the next meeting should be published two weeks beforehand in parish newsletters or by other appropriate means. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS 23 September 2015 at 8.00 pm at Holy Angels AGENDA for 26. Apologies 27. Review of the minutes 28. Matters Arising 29. Formation (Review and Update on further talks Deacon John) 30. Dates of future meetings 31. AOB

22 MINUTES OF THE MEETING 0F ALTRINCHAM PASTORAL AREA (APA) HELD ON 7 JANUARY 2015 PRESENT: Father Tony Myers (Team Leader) Father John Rafferty (Team Leader) Father Jonathan Brandon Deacon John Penny Ruth Holland Christine Simpson Tom Scanlon Eddie Drozdziak Georgie Marlow Ann Campion APOLOGIES Lisa Kelly Father John opened the meeting with a prayer. REVIEW OF THE PREVIOUS MINUTES and MATTERS ARISING. APA FORMATION The Person of Jesus Christ - Deacon John Penny reported that the first two talks, to be given by Cecelia Allen from Limex, will take place at Westleigh on 22 January 2015 and 12 February pm. The format for the evening would be: Registration by Eddie Input from Cecelia, Divide in to groups Café style for discussion, Feedback. A chapter from Jose Pergola s book Jesus would be chosen for us and we would be asked to study this and respond to a couple of set questions for the second session. It was agreed where possible to the chosen chapter to the attendees. Deacon John will produce a leaflet describing the course in general. A suggestion to RCIA candidates from 2013 and 2014 to invite them to these talks was thought to be a good idea. The fee for speakers and the possibility of a collection basket being available for donations from participants was discussed. The next two sessions are planned for April and June, our aim being to try and run two sessions each term. Grateful thanks were extended to Deacon John for all his efforts with this project. Pastoral and Property Review Father John is to investigate this document and see if we need to make any alterations for our area. The Amazing Parish This is a comprehensive resource, at the moment only based in America, Helping Catholic Leaders Build Amazing Parishes The parish is the presence of the Church in a given territory, an environment for hearing God s word, for growth in the Christian life, for dialogue, proclamation, charitable outreach, worship and celebration. -Pope Francis Food Banks Deacon John reported that the local Food Banks were doing tremendous work in the area. It was suggested that we should ask them for a list of items that they were in need of and publish this list through our Newsletters. Lenten Activities St Vincent s Parish are holding three meetings on 4, 11, and 18 March to discuss Family Life and Marriage. It is hoped to reach out to the families in our communities. Father John and Deacon John agreed to open these evenings to our APA community. St Vincent s would provide refreshments for 4 March, Holy Angels for 11 March and St Hugh s for 18 March.

23 A Service of Reconciliation will be held at Holy Angels Church on 23 March. A Lenten Walk Deacon John and Ann Campion to try and move this initiative forward. Ecumenical Lenten Groups Contact your Churches Together in Hale/Altrincham/Timperley FORMATION 22 January Revisiting your understanding of the person of Jesus Christ Westleigh 7.30 pm 9.30 pm 12 February Revisiting your understanding of the person of Jesus Christ Westleigh 7.30 pm 9.30 pm 04 March Discussion on Family Life and Marriage Westleigh 7.30 pm 11 March Discussion on Family Life and Marriage Westleigh 7.30 pm 18 March Discussion on Family Life and Marriage Westleigh 7.30 pm 23 March Service of Reconciliation Holy Angels 7.30 pm Thursday 10 November 2015 Daniel O Leary Westleigh 7:30 pm AOB Eddie Drozdziak asked about Proclaim15 which is the name of a new initiative being launched this year by the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales to support, enthuse and equip parish evangelisation. It was felt that our present initiatives were occupying our energies at the moment. The meeting closed at 9.30 pm. Actions Deacon John Penny to continue with arrangements for talks Father John to investigate the Pastoral and Property Review to see if it needs any further action. Deacon John to obtain a shopping list from the Food Bank, Lenten Discussion Groups on Family Life and Marriage all to help if requested. Deacon John and Ann Campion to plan the walk. Service of Reconciliation to be planned by Holy Angels PROCEDURES The minutes should be accompanied by an action plan and a provisional agenda. A copy of these will be sent to Bishop Mark once the group has approved them. Three days will be allowed after receipt of the minutes for alterations to be made. Ann to the group once the minutes have been sent to Bishop Mark. This will give the signal for them to be made available in our parishes. Minutes should be made available to parishioners (e.g. a note in the newsletter indicating that copies are available at the back of church). The agenda for the next meeting should be published two weeks beforehand in parish newsletters or by other appropriate means. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS 16 February 2015 at 7.30 pm at St Vincent s AGENDA for 32. Apologies 33. Review of the minutes 34. Matters Arising 35. Formation (Review and Update on further talks Deacon John) 36. Pastoral and Property Review 37. Planning for Lent Dates of future meetings 39. AOB

24 MINUTES OF THE MEETING 0F ALTRINCHAM PASTORAL AREA (APA) HELD ON 15 July 2014 PRESENT: Father Tony Myers Father John Rafferty (Team Leader) Deacon John Penny Ruth Holland Christine Simpson Eddie Drozdziak APOLOGIES Lisa Kelly Georgie Marlow Father Jonathan Brandon Ann Campion Tom Scanlon Father John Rafferty opened the meeting with a prayer. REVIEW OF THE PREVIOUS MINUTES and MATTERS ARISING. A revision was made to the actions. The minutes of the previous meeting will be re-issued. It was agreed that the annual APA Mass was well attended and enjoyed by all. Rev Msgr Peter Fleetwood s talks were also well attended and, by popular demand, Fr John Rafferty has arranged for a follow-up talk on Thursday 30 October This will be a more interactive evening where the impact of Evangelii Gaudium on our parishes will be discussed. A few copies of Evangelii Gaudium are still available from St Vincent s parish office, price 5. RETREAT Eddie Drozdziak has booked Daniel O Leary for an evening talk on Tuesday 10 November 7:30 pm Chris Simpson to book St Ambrose Prep Hall. RESTING CATHOLICS (MISSION) It was agreed that the Paulist Program for Returning Catholics, Landings, will be reconsidered once the revised programme is published. APA FORMATION It was agreed that the CCRS programme would form the framework. The sessions will be educational, a back to basics course for anyone who would like to know more about their religion. It is not the CCRS course but may lead some people on to wanting to study formally. The aim is to have two topics per term. Possible headings of; Old Testament New Testament History of the Church Jesus Christ The Sacraments Christian Morality Introduction to Catechesis Introduction to Liturgy Catholic Social Teaching Deacon John Penny to contact Rowena Nield from the Diocese to find out who the CCRS topic providers are. The aim is to run the first two sessions during the first three weeks of September. FORMATION Thursday 30 October 2014 Fr Peter Fleetwood Westleigh, St Vincent s 7:30 pm Evangelii Gaudium the impact on Parishes Thursday 2 October 2015 Daniel O Leary venue tbc 7:30 pm

25 AOB Chris Simpson will be asking each parish for a contribution to the APA bank account. This pays for the speakers and internet web provider. Ruth Holland - Anthony Tomlinson, leads the Adoration at St Vincent s. He is arranging a talk and would like to open it up to all parishes in the APA. Eddie Drozdziak asked if the parishes would advertise Fr Robinson s Discernment Course at St Hilda s Church, Northerden. Actions Chris Simpson to book St Ambrose Prep Hall (Daniel O Leary talk, Tuesday 10 November 7:30 pm). Deacon John Penny to contact Rowena Nield re CCRS topic providers. Chris Simpson to do a poster to promote Fr Peter Fleetwood s follow-up talk. PROCEDURES The minutes should be accompanied by an action plan and a provisional agenda. A copy of these will be sent to Bishop Mark once the group has approved them. Three days will be allowed after receipt of the minutes for alterations to be made. Ann to the group once the minutes have been sent to Bishop Mark. This will give the signal for them to be made available in our parishes. Minutes should be made available to parishioners (e.g. a note in the newsletter indicating that copies are available at the back of church). The agenda for the next meeting should be published two weeks beforehand in parish newsletters or by other appropriate means. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS Wednesday 3 September pm Holy Angels AGENDA for Wednesday 3 September Apologies 41. Review of the minutes 42. Matter Arising 43. Formation 44. Amazing Parish 45. Dates of future meetings 46. AOB

26 MINUTES OF THE MEETING 0F ALTRINCHAM PASTORAL AREA (APA) HELD ON 15 May 2014 PRESENT: Father Tony Myers Father John Rafferty (Team Leader) Father Jonathan Brandon Deacon John Penny Ruth Holland Christine Simpson Eddie Drozdziak APOLOGIES Lisa Kelly Georgie Marlow Ann Campion Tom Scanlon Father John Rafferty opened the meeting with a prayer. Review of previous minutes and matters arising. The minutes of the previous meeting need updates applying before issue. RETREAT Eddie Drozdziak will ask Daniel O Leary for dates in October/Novemberis being asked to YOUTH Father John reported that the recruitment of a Youth Leader by Blessed Thomas Holford College is ongoing. RESTING CATHOLICS (MISSION) Father John distributed a Paulist Program for Returning Catholics, Landings, obtained from a Benedictine parish in Ealing. It provides the framework for a 7 week program. A re-vamped edition is currently being produced in America. There was a discussion regarding the material, what to do now and how to proceed. Deacon John Penny informed us that St. Vincent s RCIA are considering running an ongoing RCIA program that could be managed and possibly opened up to the APA. It was concluded that the aim of any course should be aimed at a back to basics level over 4 levels. E.g. Session 1 - Who is God? (Searching for God) Possibly at the end of September. Session2 - (God searching for us) October There will be a planning meeting to discuss a program on Tuesday 15 July 8 pm at St. Hugh and St. John s. FUTURE PLANNING Eddie Drozdziak will contact Daniel O Leary regarding running a retreat in Autumn 2015 (3 consecutive nights). The annual APA Mass will be held at Holy Angels on Wednesday 2 July at 7:30 pm Holy Angels will provide Bidding Prayers, music and refreshments. St. Hugh and St. John s will provide 2 Eucharistic Ministers. St. Vincent s will provide Readers. Chris Simpson will do a poster. FORMATION 02 July APA Mass Holy Angels 7.30 pm Thursday 3 July Fr Peter Fleetwood Westleigh, St Vincent s at 7.30 pm on Evangelii Gaudium Thursday 10 July Fr Peter Fleetwood Westleigh, St Vincent s at 7.30 pm on Evangelii Gaudium