Plwyfi Catholig Cyfunol
Cyffordd Llandudno, Llanrwst, Conwy, Penmaenmawr a Llanfairfechan
yn
Esgobaeth Wrecsam yng Ngogledd Cymru
The Catholic Parishes of
Conwy, Llandudno Junction, Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr
Meeting of The Parish Council
Held on 13.02.08 at St Michael’s Hall Conwy
Present:
Mgr Fealey
Sr Mary Barry
Eugene Garvey
Barbara Byrom
Win Smith
Doreen Shelmerdine
Kath Smith
Nick Grimshaw
Frank Smith
Adrian Ritchie
Apologies
Sister Pauline Stott
Annabel Teague
Frank Ranson
1. Opening Prayer
Opening Prayer said by all.
2. Opening Remarks
Mgr Fealey apologised for the lack of heating in the hall, thought to be due to a recent electricity inspection in the hall and the church. It was also acknowledged that the meeting had been called at short notice; the next meeting would be called with at least two weeks’ notice.
3. Minutes of the Previous Meeting
Mgr Fealey confirmed there had been a very good turnout for the Memorial Mass for Sister Phyllis.
It was confirmed that the WELLS Project had raised over £2,000 and it was hoped that it would become an annual fixture.
John Lewis was working towards getting the Justice for Peace group going again, as CAFOD had funding for a full time salaried position within this group.
Mgr Fealey proposed and AR seconded the minutes of the 27.09.07 as a true record of the meeting.
4. Matters Arising
EG confirmed that mass times had not yet been submitted for publication in the local press, but it was hoped this could be actioned in the future. Notice of mass times could also be circulated to Tourist Information offices and copies printed for local supermarket notice boards. Maybe Deanery mass times would also be required for publication, this idea to be raised at the next Deanery Pastoral Council.
5. Correspondence
None to report.
6. Child Protection Update
Nothing to report at this time, apart from the fact that amendments to the format of the CRB form is expected.
7. CYTÛN
Mgr Fealey stated that the response to Cytûn meetings was generally very poor and asked the meeting to consider what is our approach to Ecumenism. It was agreed that only a small core group represented the Catholic faith at these meetings, whilst other faiths support the initiative with more attendees. KS commented that she attended a Cytûn B-B-Q and was the only Catholic present, but she thoroughly enjoyed the event.
Mgr Fealey said he found our low attendance most discouraging, although it was acknowledged that the Carol Service was very well supported. The Evening Prayer meetings also attracted a few more Catholics, but again it was the small core group only.
EG raised concerns that perhaps we do not feel very comfortable in non-catholic churches and this may have a bearing on the low numbers, but AR believed it was apathy was probably more of a problem. It was agreed, particularly when it was the Catholic Church hosting the meeting that we should support Mgr Fealey and ensures that the attendance numbers were improved and more effort to pray together was needed.
However, it was also noted Ecumenism took other forms in that St Michael’s Hall was used on a regular basis by many other non-catholic locals, indirectly building bridges between faiths. Sister Mary remarked that the Coffee Mornings held in the hall generated all kinds of visitors who generally felt that we were welcoming and friendly.
Concerns were voiced as to the future progress between ourselves and the Anglican Church, although great strides had been made in the past, Mgr Fealey believed that there were a number of fundamental issues preventing any further way forward in the short term.
8. Arrangements for Holy Week
Mgr Fealey confirmed lists for Readers and Eucharistic Ministers had been posted on the church notice boards.
Volunteers were required to join musicians in the preparation of music for Holy Week. First rehearsal had been scheduled for 2pm on Saturday 23.03.08 at Holy Family.
The Chrism Mass at Wrexham was recommended by Mgr Fealey. A coach would be arranged, given the parking problems experienced in Wrexham last year.
Penitential services were being arranged and the Deanery would advise.
9. Confirmation Preparation
Mgr Fealey confirmed a nice group of nine young people were preparing for confirmation this year and they were all practising Catholics. Mgr Fealey went on to say how encouraged he was that out of a previous group of 20 youngsters, 80% were still attending Mass.
Catechists were urgently needed to form part of the current instructive team. Sister Mary stated that there were Catechist Days at Loreto, allowing people to share what was happening within the Children’s Liturgy and listening to each other, providing more opportunities for discussion and progress. Mgr asked that any improvement ideas would be most welcome and confirmed he was open to any suggestions.
10. Pastoral Deanery Report
WS confirmed no minutes had been issued as yet.
11. Pastoral Deanery Agenda
Due to minutes not being issued as yet, the Agenda for the following meeting could not be discussed.
12. Any Other Business
Mgr Fealey voiced grave concerns in respect of unauthorised use of the parking spaces on St Michael church land. This unacceptable situation has continued for some time. Discussion ensued on how to combat the issue and it was agreed that EG’s proposal to utilise a security firm who provided stickers, signage and issue fines to offenders for a cost of £50. This scheme would also need policing by church members, who would contact the security company and inform them of the offending vehicle number plates.
KS proposed permanent banners be fixed on the higher areas of the Holy Family church, replacing the current paper fixed with blue tack which required the use ladders to access. If banners were available they could be erected perhaps with the use of the window pole. These banners could cost £200 each. It was agreed to explore the possibilities of alternatives and the costs involved.
13. Date of Next Meeting
Next meeting scheduled for 18.09.08 at Noddfa and will follow 7.30pm mass.
It is proposed the meetings held at St Michael's should finish with Night Prayers in the church.
14. Closing Prayer
Monsignor Fealey closed with meeting at 9.30pm with Night Prayers.
