Notes of Parish Forum held on Sunday 12 May 2002 at 3.30pm in the Upper RoomCanon Michael welcomed all present and began the meeting with Scripture and prayer.
Parish Liturgy
Mike Wilks made a number of points concerning this issue. He felt that the choice of hymns was not good and that it was leading to the congregation not singing them or doing so without fervour. He would like the old hymns eg. Faith of our Fathers, Come holy Ghost, Hail Queen of Heaven, Ave Maria, I'll sing a hymn to Mary, Salve Regina, Praise to the holiest. He felt that his wishes as an older person were not being heard.
He also commented upon the jazzed up Gloria.
It was pointed out by many present that liturgical tastes vary and that a guiding principle of the liturgy group is to cater for the diverse congregations. This means in effect choosing hymns old and new. It was also pointed out that when we assemble for the Sunday Eucharist it should be a joyful celebration for all. It was asked if the hymns could be sung at a lively pace. A request was made for new hymns to be sung for three or four celebrations in succession so as all could become familiar with them.
Mike Wilks also expressed a desire for the Latin Mass to be celebrated in the York area. Recently he had attended a Latin Mass in a village hall in Askham Richard which had been well attended. He would like to see these Masses in our churches in York.
Favourable comments were passed about the Commissioning Day for Ministers of Work and Eucharist at the University on Saturday 11 May.
It was requested that Feast Days especially Solemnities be mentioned in the newsletter.
Mass Times
As the number of priests and worshippers diminish in our churches a request was made for Mass times to be rationalised. Canon Michael informed the forum that
a group of three priests from the York Pastoral Area were presently looking at the York situation. There proposals will be carried to the next clergy meeting of the York Pastoral Area.
It was proposed that if St Wilfrid's goes to one Sunday Mass (and this is likely to happen in the not too distant future) it should be l0am/10.30am to suit the many visitors who attend here.
Preparation for the Sacraments
Our five Candidates for Confirmation have been preparing over the past year and will receive the Sacrament on Wednesday 19 June at 7pm in English Martyrs Church. Three Catechists along with Canon Michael have been involved in the preparation.
The Baptism Courses have been well attended. At present we are midway through our seventh course. We have two people who plan and run the sessions.
The RCIA has been successful in welcoming new people into the Church at Easter. This year we had one adult baptism and three people received into full communion. We are all encouraged to share our faith with others in our efforts to build up the kingdom of God.
Parish Finance
Canon Michael reported that our Refurbishment Fund stands at £115,129 at present. This is a special fund set up to meet the recent expenditure on the Church. The diocese has funded all our costs to date and we pay back these monies over the next five years according to our business plan. This places an onus on us to continue to increase our giving to the Church.
Our parish assessment (the annual levy on each parish for the running of the Diocese) has risen from £9,024 in 2001 to £19,068 this year. This puts an extra financial strain on us at this time. The parish bank account at present contains £34,247.71.
It was asked if the proceeds from the two flower collections could be published in the newsletter.
Fund-raising
Our next event is a Social at the Groves Club on Friday 31 May. All were encouraged to come along and support the event. A Strawberry Tea has been arranged for Saturday 6 July at the Rectory and hopefully a Barn Dance will be arranged in the Autumn.
More helpers are needed to keep the stall in the Church porch open each day. This is a real service to the people who visit the Church and of course it raises money towards the refurbishment.
Jemy raised a staggering £709.21 by running the London Marathon. Many thanks.
Church Building
The work on the Church has been completed satisfactorily. The usual odds and ends have yet to be attended to. The Church windows are in a poor state of repair but with the current financial state of affairs work on these will have to wait.
It was requested that the steps outside the Church be outlined in white for those partially sighted.
Ecumenism
Currently the Just 10 Mission is running each Thursday at the Minster and is reasonably well supported. A number of our parishioners attend regularly.
Gospel Challenge
As only 10 people booked in for the weekend (17-19 May) Canon had decided to postpone it until 18-20 October 2002. For the weekend to be viable it is necessary for at least 20 people to participate. Hope was expressed that we would have at least 20 takers for October.
Sr Margaret Leedal will consult with Sr Cecilia with a view to arranging an Advent Day for the parish.
Next Forum: 3.30pm Sunday 15 September 2002 in the Upper Room and
3.30pm Sunday 24 November 2002 in the Upper Room
