Notes of Parish Forum held on Sunday 19th February 2006 at 3.30pm-5.00pm in the Upper Room

Present: Canon Michael Ryan, Sr Margaret Leedal, Eileen Sparks, Vin Davis, Barrie Hingley, Elsie Lyon, Jane Ellison, Ernie Johnston, Pat Johnston, Maureen Bean, Pauline Cochrane, Kath Grice, Maureen Potter.

Prayer & Welcome - Canon Michael welcomed all present and led us in prayer.

Sacramental Preparation

Baptism: Maureen Potter informed the meeting that 9 sets of parents were currently attending the Baptism Preparation Course - this is the largest number we have ever had.

First Communion Preparation: Twenty-four children are presently being prepared for First Eucharist. Five catechists (Rachel James, Su Turley, Megan Ledgeway, Marie Ledgeway and Maureen Potter) are involved in the children's preparation. The children faithfully attend the Saturday morning sessions but the attendance at the parent's meetings leave a lot to be desired.

Confirmation: Hope to start a preparation course at the end of 2006 and the Sacrament conferred in 2007/8.

Vin Davis voiced his concern regarding how we hold on to the young people after Confirmation. Suggestions: warm welcome for them and theft music! Good sponsorship and introduction to ministry

RCIA: The group meet every Tuesday evening 7.30-8.45pm in the Upper Room. Kirsty Buckle and Tina Feder will be received into full communion at the Easter Vigil. Two other people are waiting until next year to be received. More Catholics are needed in this area of parish life - it is the heart of evangelisation.

Bereavement Group: Eileen Sparks is willing to help in this ministry.

Diocesan Pastoral Reorganisation

Notes of parish meeting held on 8 December were tabled and also timetable of future meetings. The conclusion of the consultation will be presented by the Bishop on Pentecost Sunday - 4 June 06

Schools

Eileen Sparks updated the meeting on progress at St Wilfrid's - morale is improving after a not so good Ofsted. The school is appealing against the judgement of the inspectors. Eileen reported that the pupils are happy and the school is served by a good staff.

All Saints continues to flourish. The head, Bill Scriven, is taking of a number of initiatives in building up communication with the local parishes. Teachers, Michael Rooney and Deirdre Rowe are both involved in St Wilfrid's parish.

Hospital Chaplaincy (Sister Margaret Leedal)

The hospital is well served by a good Catholic Chaplaincy Team - Angela Breffit, Brenda, Sr Pat, Christopher Wilding, Peter Sparks, Briggita and Philip Black.

At present, Canon Michael is still chaplain but some months ago the Carmelite priest at Heslington took on this responsibility but became ill before formally taking up the post. Hopefully he will take up his post in the near future.

Ecumenism

Angela Breffit is involved with Women's World Day of Prayer and in a quiet way the churches are working together but there are few large ecumenical celebrations in the city centre. Canon encouraged all to support the Good Friday procession of witness and the service in the Minster.

Yin Davis urged that all Christians should be working together and expressing their common faith.

Finance

Canon reported the state of the parish finance -

Building Account £48,292.35

Current Account £51,138.00

The cost of the Tower work is estimated at £86,000 plus VAT.

Canon Michael thanked the small group of people who work very hard on the last Saturday of each month to raise money for the Buildings Fund - please support these efforts.

Church Buildings

The Sanctuary work that was approved four years ago, has still not been initiated because of the work on the Tower. The HCC Faculty was or a five year period and this period is up in February 2007. It is hoped that work will begin before February 07.

Ruby Jubilee

It was mentioned that Canon Michael's Ruby Jubilee of Priesthood occurs in June this year and it was felt that this should be marked in a suitable way by the parish.

Encyclical Letter - God is Love

It was reported that Fathers Jim O and Tony Storey were giving talks on the encyclical in Hull. It was suggested that Canon Michael contact them for a day in York.