Parish Core Group and Finance September Meeting Summary Notes

There is a copy of the notes of the above meeting on the notice boards at both churches, and can be found below:

Parish of the Durham Martyrs

Update from the Finance Committee and Parish Core Group, September 2026

The Parish Core Group and Finance Committee would like to thank everyone for their generosity in supporting so many worthy causes over the past year. This includes support for Ukraine, SVP, the Hardship Fund, concerts, and special collections.

GIVING We are also very grateful for regular giving through standing orders, envelopes, collection plates, and electronic donations. This generosity is especially valued at a time when many are facing increased personal costs.

Your support helps sustain the parish and fund important ongoing projects, including new windows at St Joseph’s, roof repairs at St Godric’s, general maintenance, utilities, wages, a new sound system at St Joseph’s, electrical upgrades, and more.

GIFT AID We would also like to take this opportunity to highlight the Gift Aid scheme. If you are a taxpayer and choose to participate, the parish can reclaim tax from the Government on your donations at no additional cost to you. Over the past year, the parish received approximately £110,000 in donations, of which £70,807 was Gift Aided. As a result, the parish will be able to reclaim around £17,700 from HMRC. If you would like to join the scheme or have any questions regarding your Gift Aid donations, please contact the Gift Aid Parish Coordinator, Esther Robson, at esther.robson@diocesehn.org.uk or mobile 07969 528874.

VOLUNTEERS We also would like to recognise the invaluable contribution of our many volunteers, without whom the parish could not function. A sincere thank you to everyone for your continued support. 

This year’s preparation for the sacraments of reconciliation and Eucharist commenced recently and the 3 parish primary schools are working together to support the Y4 pupils of our parish. They are ably supported by a team of catechists. There will be one parish First Holy Communion Mass celebrated in June.

BABY BANK Our parish are hoping to open a ‘Baby Bank’ once per month where members of the community will be able to access essentials for babies and toddlers. More details will follow.

ST. BEDE’S An offer to purchase St Bede’s Presbytery and the land adjacent to St Godric’s School, currently being used as a car park, has been received. This offer is currently being considered by diocesan trustees.

The parish continues to support Bishop’s Stephen’s mission discernment activites, in consultation with the wider Finchale Partnership.

ST. LEONARD’S The parish Mass at St Leonard’s School was considered a great success and further opportunities will be explored in due course.

SAFEGUARDING Gillian McArthur is the parish safeguarding lead, and there is a hope that further people will undertake safeguarding training to support her in this demanding voluntary role. Gillian is currently updating all procedures and processes alongside representatives of our many parish groups.

Thank you, once again, to everyone who makes so many valuable contributions to our parish and enables us to thrive.