Notes of Parish Forum held on Sunday 14th March 2004 at 3.30pm in the Upper Room

Having been welcomed by Canon Michael, the meeting began with Scripture and prayer.

Notes of the previous meeting (16 November 2003) were circulated.

Ecumenism

Angela Breffit gave an account of the recent Heart of York Women's World Day of Prayer Service. She expressed disappointment at the attendance of Catholics at this service. Vin Davis offered once again to facilitate dialogue between St Olaves Church and St Wilfrid's. Angela Breffit, Eileen and Peter Sparks were willing to be part of this initiative.

Sacramental Preparation

a) Baptism Course - at present 3 couples are attending the course over a four week period. Two catechists run this course along with Canon Michael. The Church encourages us to prepare well for this Sacrament as it is so fundamental in the life of the Church.

b) First Communion Preparation - eleven children have been enrolled and First Communion has been arranged for the month of May. Four catechists are involved in this ministry.

c) Confirmation - eleven young people have enlisted for Confirmation preparation. Three catechists are preparing the programme at present.

d) RCIA - we have two adults preparing for Baptism, one for reception into the Church and one for Confirmation. A coach travelled from St Wilfrid's Parish to the Cathedral on the First Sunday of Lent for the Rite of Election.

Liturgy

The Music Group currently plays for the First Communion celebrations. It was suggested that this group should play twice monthly if available.

Readers Meetings are held weekly and Canon reported that attendance is encouraging. The readers were complimented for the good work that they do and it was suggested that we encourage more people to come on the rota.

Eucharistic Ministers Meetings These take place three/four times a year. Attendance is disappointing. The first half hour consists of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament led and organised by two different ministers each time. The second part of the meeting is given to discussion of issues arising from the Eucharistic Ministry.

Liturgy of the Word With Children There was no one present to report, but it was voiced that this ministry has enhanced the Liturgy greatly.

Communion Procession - the relatively new system for approaching for Holy Communion was going reasonably well and it was proposed that Canon occasionally asks for a more orderly and dignified approach - the congregation to come forward beginning with the people in the front benches and others remaining seated until their turn comes. A proposal that we have ushers to direct the communicants out of the benches was not thought to be appropriate.

Evangelisation

CaFE - Catholic Faith Exploration. Angela and Ian Breffit and Maureen Potter attended a Training Day at St Francis Church, Middlesbrough on Saturday 7 February and were very impressed with this programme. A set of videos has been produced by the Catholic Evangelisation Services based at All Saints Pastoral Centre, St Albans. Angela informed us that hopefully the course would be starting at a venue in York in the not too distant future. Canon assured us that all details would be published in the newsletter and he would encourage as many as possible to attend.

Ascent Evangelisation is one of the central aims of the Ascent Movement and Eileen Sparks gave the meeting an account of how our local group is working. It is open to all over the age of 50 and we meet here at St Wilfrid's on the last Wednesday of each month at 12.45 starting with a shared lunch. The following Sundays gospel is then read and reflected upon and insights are shared in small groups. The meetings usually finish at 3pm. Outings and retreats are arranged throughout the year.

St Bede's Pastoral Centre Blossom Street. St Margaret Leedal gave us an update on the work of St Bede's and all that happens there. St Wilfrid's noticeboard in the church porch exhibits details of all these events.

Child Protection

Canon reminded us that our two parish representatives are Su Turley and Anne Coady. The Diocesan Child Protection Officer is now Deacon John Steele.

Finance

Canon reported that our parish account stands at £31,743.50 and the Refurbishment Fund is at a healthy £212,008.62. It is hoped that through the Diocese being able to claim back VAT on some of the church work that this will reduce our debt to a very small sum. He thanked all for working together to clear such a huge debt.

Hospital Chaplaincy

Sister Margaret Leedal spoke of the good work been done by a number of visitors/chaplains in the hospital. Not only do people take communion to the sick on Sundays but some also visit during the week and do a splendid job. Canon informed us that some visitors had recently come off the rota for various reasons and more helpers were needed to replace them. Some people showed an interest in taking up this work.

The meeting finished with prayer at 5.00pm.

Forum dates for 2004:

Sunday 11 July 2004

Sunday 7 November 2004