Parish council minutes 13/6/23

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting 13th June 2023

Present  

Fr Colm, Joe Hughes, John Thompson, Leanne Heseltine, Tom Hoban, Kathleen Murray, Margaret Wallace, Tony Power, Mike McNally Maria Melia, Emma Turnbull.

1.      Fr Colm opened the meeting with a prayer.

2.      Apologies – Mary Harrison, Tom Harrison, Joanna Pallister.

3.      Review of last meeting – The minutes of the March meeting were accepted as a true record there were no matters arising. Chair’s feedback – Fr Colm requested the opportunity to update Council on the status of the Parish. Fr commented on how he felt the Parish was performing well in the many areas of parish life and activity over the past three months and referring to the Eastertide services. The services in both churches were well attended and well received, however, a return to St Leonard’s school for the Christmas mass requires consideration as this can accommodate larger numbers and brings together parishioners from across the Parish. Alter server numbers remain low and there is a need to encourage Parishioners to take on the various Ministries within the Parish. It was noted that the gradual return to Lay led services particularly in St Bede’s Chapel were proving popular with the school children from St Godric’s School attending the Monday service. St Godric’s choir were expanding and it was hoped that there would be more to follow.

4.      Finance feedback – an update was provided on the current financial status of the Parish, a verbal report was unavailable, however, a summary was provided. A credit/debit card payment system as an additional method of financially contributing to the Parish will be introduced on Saturday 15th July. A simple instruction guide will help with the use of the machine.

5.      Building Committee feedback – a written report was submitted by the Buildings’ committee, ongoing maintenance continues across the Parish. Issues with St Godric’s roof continue, with a further leak appearing in the storage cupboard. Lighting will change from Halogen to LED once the various quotes have been submitted. St Joseph’s church and presbytery are awaiting a decision regarding the replacement of windows, quotes have been received and are now with the Diocese. Drainage problems around St Joseph’s is ongoing and further work is required.. Ground maintenance is continuous across the Parish of the Durham Martyrs including St Bede’s presbytery, St Godric’s Church, St Joseph’s church. Discussions are taking place regarding work on St Bede’s Cemetery. Dream Heritage is a charity which assists in the restoration of area such as cemeteries and have offered to assist in restoring St Bed’s cemetery. A liaison group has been established to link with DH.

6.      As referred to in Fr Colm review there was positive feedback from the Easter services which were held in both churches, however, there was agreement that consideration should be shown to holding a central service in St Leonard’s School for the Christmas service. A venue that enables the whole Parish to come together.

7.      Discussion took place regarding the receiving of the Blessed Sacrament under both kinds. It was agreed to reintroduce the Chalice at each mass from the 1st July 2023, it is up to the individual as to whether they wish to take the Blood of Christ. Parishioners who continue to take precautionary measures, are not obliged to receive the Blessed Sacrament under both kinds. The format for receiving Holy Communion will remain the same with the ciborium at the side aisles, there will be one Chalice in the centre aisle.

8.      A report from the support fund was provided, funds remain available, for those in need of support. St Godric’s steering group reported on the fact that the Heritage open days will be held on the 8,9,14,15 and 16 September 2023, a request for volunteers will appear shortly.

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The Memory Café is making a gradual return to the situation prior to Covid with around 10 – 12 attendees. Links have been established with St Cuthbert’s Hospice and social prescribers working in the area. There is still room for more volunteers and support in running the Café. Activities available include craft and games. An invitation is offered to individuals to come along and sample what is on offer.

The presence of a welcoming team to meet and greet people arriving for mass is well established and reflects the friendliness of the Parish towards visitors. Supplementary literature will be available shortly in the form of posters and an information seeking form which can be completed voluntarily by new Parishioners.

The International Meal proved a success, and we look forward to this becoming a regular event.

The next PPC meeting will be on 19th September 2023.

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting 15th December 2022

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting 15 Dec 2022

Present

Fr Colm, Br Paul, Br John, Joe Hughes, John Thompson, Leanne Heseltine, Tom Hoban, Kathleen Murray, Joanna Pallister, Graham Donachie, Margaret Wallace.

1. Fr Colm opened the meeting with a prayer

2. Apologies – Mary Harrison, Tony Power, Mike McNally, Maria Melia, Emma Turnbull,

3. Review of last meeting – The minutes of the September meeting were accepted as a true record there were no matters arising.

4. Chair’s feedback – It was noted that since the September meeting Parish life continues to return to a pre-covid level of activity.

5. Finance feedback – an update was provided on the current status of the Finance group. Changes introduced by the Diocese including the process of submitting Parish accounts are being reviewed by the group.

6. Building Committee feedback – maintenance issues at St Joseph’s and St Godric’s premises continue. There have been some heating problems in both Churches, which have now been resolved.

A loosened slate on St Godric’s Tower roof was speedily dealt with by Stones, the roofing contractor who came out promptly to repair the problem. Leaks on the roof above the storage rooms have been repaired, but leaks continue above the Lady Altar at St Godric’s. A lighting assessment at St Godric’s has been carried out in preparation for replacing now defunct lightbulbs with LED’s.

Investigations continue into an area of sunken tarmac in front of the Presbytery and in the car park St Joseph’s. Sections of the copper roof above the side altar were stolen and discussion regarding the installing of CCTV is ongoing. The trees to the rear of the car park have been removed due to overgrowth and encroaching onto neighbouring properties.

St Bede’s Cemetery – discussions regarding the upkeep and maintenance is ongoing.

St Joesph’s Memorial Rose Garden - a memorial plaque is to be displayed in the rose garden as a memorial to all those who have had a rose planted in their memory. The rose garden will now be made good and replanting carried out by the gardening service.

Health and Safety matters/ Parish Hospitality - food safety training , 10 Parishioners completed the level 2 Food Safety and Hygiene Couse in September 2022. It has been proposed that the kitchen at the rear of St Joseph’s is upgraded in order to extend hospitality provision.

Resuscitation Training - 22 Parishioners attended a very successful evening with a First Aid trainer who presented an informative and “hands on” training session in resuscitation and the use of defibrillators. It was noted that portable defibrillators are positioned near to St Joseph’s by the club Mill Lane, Simon Berry’s opticians and the chemist shop. A defibrillator is available at tesco North Road accessible by St Godric’s.

7. Liturgy Committee feedback – arrangements for the Christmas services are complete. Children’s liturgy has recommenced and is well attended, however, it is due to a small but dedicated number of volunteers that the children’s liturgy can be offered, more volunteers are required, if you are able to help please contact the Parish Secretary.

8. Social Committee feedback – the support provided in organising the farewells for Fred and Helen Haywood and Katie Flood was much appreciated.

9. St Godric’s Steering Group feedback – It was noted that the group were involved in looking to organise several artistic and musical events. Discussion is ongoing as to how St Godric’s Church could be used as a venue for other community based events.

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A parish handbook is in the process of being produced, it is intended to be made available for use as a reference point, it will be a live document and will be available on the Parish website when complete.

Welcoming and hospitality were discussed and work is in progress to explore ways in which this activity can be enhanced, hospitality is available at St Godric’s following the 9am Sunday Mass. Hospitality will commence at St Joseph’s as soon as a team can be organised. Further discussion focused on establishing a group of volunteers who would form a welcoming group to greet people who may be new to the Parish, visitors or returning back to Mass following the impact of Covid. It was agreed that more volunteers are required to help with the hospitality aspect. Two members of the Parish Council will take this project forward.

Discussion took place regards the availability of a ‘warm space’, it was agreed that this would be offered on a Wednesday afternoon commencing the first Wednesday in January 2023 which will be 4th January commencing at 1.45pm – 4pm. The day and time were chosen to accommodate a slot not covered by other agencies/services. A group of volunteers have been identified to take this initiative forward.

A review of Covid restrictions took place and it was agreed that with immediate effect the wearing of face coverings by the Priest and Minister at the distribution of Holy Communion is no longer required. However, it was agreed that hand sanitisation should continue to be encouraged on arrival to and departure from church.

Next Meeting – 21st March 2023, 7pm

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting 27th September 2022

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting 27 Sept 2022

Present

Fr Colm, Br Paul, Katie Flood, Joe Hughes, John Thompson, Leanne Heseltine, Tom Hoban, Maria Melia, Kathleen Murray, Joanna Pallister, Graham Donachie, Emma Turnbull, Margaret Wallace, Fred Haywood.

1. Fr Colm opened the meeting with a prayer

2. Apologies – Mary Harrison, Tony Power, Mike McNally,

3. Review of last meeting – it was acknowledged that since the last Council meeting several issues have been resolved including the further lifting of Covid restrictions.

4. Chair’s feedback – There has been a noticeable return to the weekend Mass, whilst a greater degree of normality has returned, it is important to remain vigilant to the potential risk of contracting Covid, the continued use of hand sanitiser is one example.

5. Finance feedback – A show of thanks was offered to Fred for agreeing to oversee the Finances of the Parish following a change in the structure of the Finance committee. Fred will be supported by Janet Nichol. It was noted that the system introduced by the Diocese for recording the financial records of the Parish was proven a little challenging and requires a different format to that of previous years. Fred is awaiting permission to access the Diocesan website. There has been a slight increase in the weekly income, as a result of the reintroduction of the loose plate, although there is a potential short coming at the end of the financial year 2022 -23.

A report from Joe Hughes chair of the Support group highlighted the potential for the need of support during the coming months to individual facing challenging choices over the next few months.

6. Health and Safety and Building Committee feedback – Tom gave an update on the grounds around St Bede’s Presbytery, the grass cutting has recommenced, this has improved the appearance of the area and allows a clearer view of the property. The concept of wildflower planting is under discussion however, it is not just a matter of allowing vegetation to grow unrestricted but a matter of sustainable management of the area. St Bede’s cemetery, this is ongoing and awaiting a meeting to be arranged with Dream Heritage which could result in some help.

Tom informed the Council that the arrangement for Resuscitation training is ongoing, and a resus trainer is being sought. There was further discussion regarding the location of available defibrillators especially the proximity to both St Joseph and Our Lady of Merc y and St Godric church.

A notice regarding the Rose garden at St Joseph’s had been placed in the bulletin with a limited response received, the work planned for the removal of the roses is ongoing and how best retain the plaques. Several Parishioners have completed the update required for the food standard and hygiene requirements to recommence hospitality in the Parish. The weekly lunch clube will benefit greatly from this development, however, there is a need for volunteer drivers to enable parishioners to attend, if you are able to help please contact Kathleen Murray.

7. Liturgy feedback – overall the liturgy within the Parish continues through the support of a core group of individuals, the reintroduction of the Children’s liturgy is reminder to us of how important and integral the children are to the life of the Parish. There has been a marked increase in the numbers attending weekend masses and it is considered this is a result of the recommencement of the

children’s liturgy. A huge thanks to Julie Wilmore and those who have given their time in helping with the delivery of the liturgy. If you are able to help with the children’s liturgy please contact with Julie.

8. Social Committee feedback – the social evening celebrating the contribution Fred and Helen Haywood have given to the Parish over the past 30yrs was outlined by Maria. It was hoped that similar events would take place in the future, not necessarily as a consequence of individual appreciation to be celebrated but as a means of creating stronger bonds across the Parish of the Durham Martyrs.

9. Youth Ministry feedback – Katie provided feedback on the Confirmation programme which is going well and around 40 young people will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation on the 30th October 2022. The Alpha Series will be taking a short break from the end of October and with a view to restart in spring 2023. School visits have been ongoing during Katie’s term of office and have proved very popular with pupils and staff. Finally, Katie offered a huge expression of thanks to all who have supporterd her during her role in the Parish and the warmth of the welcome she received and continued to receive during her time with the Parish of the Durham Martyrs. Fr Colm thanked Katie on behalf of the Parish Council and the Parishioners of Durham Martyrs for the huge effort put in by Katie in creating and developing a number of initiatives to the benefit of all involved.

10. St Godric’s Steering Group feedback - Kathleen informed the Council of the outcome of the Durham Heritage days and the uptake in the visits to St Godric’s Church.

11. Parish Council “Communications” - it was agreed that we will provide a briefing note to the be read out at Masses.

· 17:00 – Margaret

· 9:00 – Tom

· 11:00 – John T

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· Covid restrictions – it is anticipated that the Offertory procession will commence in the near future.

· A discussion regarding the role vacated by Katie took place it was agreed a core group should be established in taking this issue froward, including a proposal that the role may incorporate a wider involvement within the Parish, the discussions are ongoing. A core group would consist of Fr Colm, Maria Melia Erica Smith Emma Turnbull, Joe Hughes and coopted members if and when required.

· A proposal was made to consider the availability of a ‘warm environment’ such as parish rooms, it was agreed that this should be explored in the wider context of what was being offered by other churches and agencies across the city.

The meeting closed at 9.10pm.

Next Meeting - 13th December 2022, 7pm venue tbc.