Notes of Parish Forum held on Sunday 3 February 2002 at 3.30pm in St Wilfrid's Rectory

Canon Michael welcomed all present and began the meeting began with Scripture readings and prayer.

Apologies were received from Margaret Gillyon, Kath Gallagher and Mary Snowden.

It was stated that the meeting would last no longer than one hour and a half.

Finance Geoff Greetham spoke on behalf of the Parish Finance Committee and gave a details of the parish accounts for the year 2001. A copy will be posted in the Church porch.

Help for the Hard of Hearing Although the standard of our Ministers of the Word is good some people have difficulty in hearing everything. It was pointed out that the sound system has been improved during the refurbishment but it would be beneficial if Ministers were more expert in the use of the microphone. Canon Michael stated that the Ministers meetings on Wednesdays are to study the readings and also to improve the skill of using the microphone.

Ecumenism The Unity Service hosted at St Wilfrid's recently received favourable comments - 150 attended.

The local Church Leaders meet for prayer each Wednesday at 7.45am and there are many other initiatives being taken throughout the year - Womens World Day of Prayer, Lent Courses etc. Maureen Bean is our parish rep. on the Heart of York Committee.

JUST 10 Mission - 10 evenings (Thursdays), over 10 weeks on the 10 Commandments, beginning on Thursday 18 April going through to Thursday 20 June in the Minster. Angela Breffit gave the meeting an enthusiastic account of how the planning meetings are going. We are all encouraged to participate in the mission and encourage others outside the Church to come along listen to the message as presented by J John. All were asked to pray for the success of the mission.

Only three people, Mary Simpson, Angela Breffit and Dick Norman are actively involved on behalf of the Catholics of York.

House Groups Two sessions had already taken place - one at the home of Angela and Ian Breffit and the other at the home of Monica and Carl Lawrence. The next one takes place on Thursday 14 February at Elsie Lyon's home at 3 Manor Park Road, Shipton Road.

Monica spoke on their evening based on the theme of 'peace' as it was a special day when the leaders of world religions gathered in Assisi.

Sr Margaret Leedal reminded us of the many days of reflection etc that are available to all at St Bede's Pastoral Centre. The details of these days/courses can be seen on the Church noticeboard.

Judith Smeaton informed the meeting that she has video tapes on the documents of Vatican II - these are available from Judith and would make good material for a study group.

In the Wilderness - a five part study course on audio tape featuring Archbishop David Hope and Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor and other Church leaders are available from Canon Michael.

Refurbishment The work should be completed for Easter and satisfaction was expressed about the heating and lighting systems.

Canon Michael spoke on the proposed plans for the Sanctuary - to be viewed at the end of the meeting. Two proposals were made regarding the placing of the Presidential Chair - retaining its present position or a central position behind the Altar. The feeling of the meeting was that the best position is the current one.

The proposal for the altar rails is that they be placed in the Sacred Heart Chapel and be adapted as kneelers. This was thought to be an excellent proposal. As these plans are at an early stage no costings are available.

A request was made for more education in liturgical matters especially relating to the Parish Church.

Lenten Programme This year Bishop John has suggested that Station Masses be celebrated throughout the Diocese during Lent. This is a call to priests and people to come together during this special time of preparation for Easter - details to be published in newsletter.

Stations of the Cross - Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11.30am.

CAFOD Lunches each Friday in Rectory after 12.10pm Mass.

Day of Recollection Sr Margaret Leedal offered to speak to Sr Cecelia Goodman with regard to another Parish Day of Recollection.

Canon Michael floated the idea of a Gospel Challenge Weekend - time wise it is a committment to a Friday evening, all day Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Social Events A number of events have already been planned - (1) An opportunity to say a 'thankyou' to Sr Theresa on Sunday 10 March for her contribution to St Wilfrid's Parish. (2) Fundraising Event in the Rectory on Friday 19 April at 7pm. (3) Saturday 6 July - Strawberry Tea in Rectory. (4) Brian Calpin offered to organise another sponsored walk - date to be fixed.

Information Items

(1) Our Confirmation Candidates will receive the Sacrament at English Martyrs on Wednesday 19 June at 7pm.

(2) Mr Colm Flanagan, the new headteacher at our school, has made an excellent start and has settled in well.

(3) Four people are coming into full communion with us at Easter - they will go through the Rite of Election at the Cathedral on 17 February. A coach will be going from St Wilfrid's and as many as possible are encouraged to come along and support them.

(4) Marie Ledgeway reported that all was going well with the Liturgy of the Word with Children.

(5) Bishop Harris celebrates 60 years of priesthood with a Mass of Thanksgiving on Thursday 6 June at our Cathedral. A coach will be provided for this event.

(6) Thanks to the Woolfson family we now have a parish website (www.stwilfridsyork.org.uk). A number of people commented favourable on its quality.

Canon Michael thanked all for attending and the meeting closed with prayer.