Notes of Parish Forum held on Sunday 16th November 2003 at 3.30pm in the Upper Room

Canon Michael welcomed all present and began the meeting with Scripture from Luke 24:28-32 and 2 Timothy 1:6-7 developing the theme 'Fire on Earth'.

He then thanked the parish for their greetings and prayers during his recent illness and expressed how well the parish ticked over during his absence. Canon Pat Harney organised the local clergy to ensure Mass was provided as usual.

Notes of the previous meeting (11 May) were circulated.

Timing of Meetings

Concern was expressed regarding the early start of the evening meetings that take place in the parish. Some found 7.30pm too early and suggested 8pm as an alternative. The first two of the 2004 Ministers of Communion meetings will be 8-9pm. The other meetings that take place regularly will remain at the usual times.

Transport to Church

There is an increasing number of people who need transport to Church and Eileen Sparks is willing to set up a rota of drivers - a list will be available in the church porch for people who would be willing to help in this way and also a list for those who need a lift.

Canon Michael thanked those who already give lifts and stated that quite a number of people are already involved in this work in an informal way.

Ecumenism

What is already happening:

- A prayer meeting for the city centre church leaders takes place every Wednesday morning at Elim Pentecostal Church.

- Women's World Day of Prayer - Angela Breffit and Marjorie Quirke of St Wilfrid's are both involved in the organisation of these days.

- One World Week - takes place every October, and parishioners participate in different events around the city.

- Good Friday Procession of Witness and the Service in the Minister.

- Canon Michael takes part in many ecumenical events throughout the City of York eg. recent welcome of Simon Stanley into the city centre Church of All Saints Pavement and will be welcoming the new Bishop of Selby in the Minister in early December. As Canon Michael is the Bishop's representative in the area he is frequently invited to Services/Celebrations in the Minster. He is also involved in Christians in Communication and the Industrial Chaplaincy.

At present there is not much happening in the Heart of York as regards united services but Canon Michael has hopes that things on this front will improve.

Vince Davis pointed out that Catholics who are married to Christians of other denominations are actually living ecumenism. He is willing to convene meetings between St Olaves and St Wilfrid's Church representatives to move the agenda along.

Painting of Steps

The issue of painting a white line along the steps outside the main entrance of the Church had been discussed at a previous meeting and our architect had been consulted. His advice was that the ramp should be used by people who found the steps a potential problem - the ramp meets the requirements of the regulations.

Liturgy

Dissatisfaction was expressed about our procedure in approaching for Holy Communion. Undue haste robs this part of the Mass of its dignity. It was suggested that a more orderly procession would be for the congregation to come forward beginning with the people in the front benches and others remain seated until their turn comes.

The second phase of the Church Refurbishment (sanctuary re-ordering) was discussed. The work involves the removal of the altar rails and the resetting of them in the Sacred Heart chapel area; a new ambo (lectern); new altar and presidential chair and the moving of the front benches of the stalls to the baptistry area.

It was noted that the faculty from the Historic Churches Committee is valid for a five-year period and the plan is that the work would be completed during this period.

St Wilfrid's School

As Deputy Chair of the Governors, Eileen Sparks brought us up to date on school life. The whole school has been decorated this year both interior and exterior and the finances are in a healthy state. The yard play areas have recently been enhanced - thanks to all the parents and supporters who have made this possible.

Hospital Chaplaincy

Recently the Catholic Team had lost some excellent people - Dick Norman, Sr Margaret Galligan and Lionel Sloane-Stanley. Replacements are being sought and three parishioners have already come forward - Hugh Heggarty, Angela Breffit and Peter Sparks who will be shortly be going through a process of induction.

Finance

Canon Michael informed all present that the Refurbishment Account now stood at £190,000 and that the parish is maintaining its commitment to the Business Plan with the Diocese. At present there is £47,000 in our current account and the Parish Finance Committee has decided that £15,000 should be transferred to the Refurbishment Fund. In the springtime of 2004 work is to be carried out on the church gutters. The cost of this (approx. £15,000) will be met from our current account.

Canon expressed warm thanks to the many people who support the church through regular giving and also the people who give generously of their time and monies to our findraising efforts.

The meeting finished with prayer at 5.00pm.

Forum dates for 2004:

Sunday 14th March

Sunday 11th July

Sunday 7th November