DIVINE INFANT OF PRAGUE

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL - AGM - Held 11th November 2008

SUMMARY OF MINUTES

ANOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

The Chair thanked all those present and all those who had contributed during the year. Another Parishioner will be commissioned as a Eucharistic Minister in November, also there will be 8 First Holy Communicants and 8 Confirmation candidates in 2009.

The Divine Infant will celebrate its 60th Anniversary on the 30th / 31st May 2009 with a Flower Festival  shared with Roundhill Flower Club who are celebrating their 40th Anniversary.

Matters arising from last AGM minutes:-  The Parish debt will be written off by the end of the year. There was only one lent study group with two Parishioners attending.

REPORTS FROM PARISH PASTORAL PLAN GROUPS

Faith Sharing:-  There is a big Churches Together programme, but it is poorly supported by Parishioners, despite their promises. Joint Services have including Stations of the Cross at the Divine infant. Carols in the Square and “Come Carolling” will be held as well as Lent Lunches and Courses.

Planning and Communication:-  The Parish Pastoral Plan was reviewed by a sub group of the Pastoral Council in August. There has been little feedback from the Diocese.

Youth:-  This is to be the priority for the new council. A Parishioner has volunteered to help form a youth movement. An ecumenical “Youth Express” is to start a t St. Peter and Paul in November.

Liturgy and Prayer:-  Regular meetings are held and a review of the Liturgy is ongoing. The choir has become an important part of the Sunday Mass and seasonal music introduced with a supplement to the Hymnal. The Carol Service is being planned and Christmas Mass times are to be decided.

Buildings and Maintenance:-  The buildings are in good general condition, however some remedial work is required. Preparatory drawings have been done for a meeting room extension to the Hall and are ready to go for costing, but other options are to be considered.

Hall Management:-   The Management Committee meets quarterly. A new stage has been built and large wall paintings donated. Photographs are on the WEB site. Bishop Malcolm recently attended the Intercare AGM in the Hall and was impressed by the work done. The Hall is in regular daily use and has been used by the Leicester County Council for one of its meetings.

Finance:-   A Finance Committee has formed and a Parishioner has taken responsibility for the Parish accounts. Gift Aid is steady but more participants are needed. Mass attendance is holding up well.

School Governors:-   Bishop Ellis has had its best ever Yr.6 SAT’s result. There were problems with over applications for the 4+ year. The OFSTED inspection  is likely in June. The School is performing well but there is a possible need for enlargement.

Cafod/Justice and Peace:-  There was no report from this group.

Small Christian Communities:-  Father Anthony has been impressed by the growth the Francis Xavier SCC, and hopes for another to start in another area of the Parish. 

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

A letter is to go out to all Parishioners informing them of the need to elect a new council and asking for nominations.  There will be a shared lunch to celebrate the Parish Patronal Feast on 4th January.  

DATE AND TIME OF FIRST MEETING OF THE NEW COUNCIL

Tuesday 20th January @ 7.30pm in the Hall.                                                      R.S. 11.11.08