Notes of Parish Forum held on Sunday 25 November 2001at 3.00pm in St Wilfrid's School HallCanon Ryan welcomed all present and began the meeting with prayer.
It was decided that the meeting should last no longer than one hour and a half.
FINANCE Kevin Martin spoke on behalf of the Parish Finance Committee and the Fund-raising Group. Funds are increasing steadily. He reported that many events had been organised by a small group of people and although successful did not receive great support from the parish at large. Canon Ryan thanked all who have worked so generously on the fund-raising scene. (See below for Fund-raising Progress update)
SANCTUARY PROPOSALS Canon Ryan drew attention to the HCC minute published recently in our newsletter. A discussion followed on suggestions as to the re-positioning of the altar rails: a) along the back of Church b) in place of front kneeler bench c) around Baptismal area d) front of Sacred Heart Lady chapel e) replacing, back bench across the isle near baptistry f) cut and concertina - leaving in present position.
The original High Altar is to be left untouched. Plans for a new free-standing altar, ambo and presidential chair would be drawn up and forwarded to the HCC as requested. The material to be used for the altar, ambo and chair will be chosen to harmonise with the Church building. The architect and the HCC will advise. It was suggested that lighting controls should be in place so that the three different areas could be highlighted. Some were concerned about the cost of these items and a suggestion was made that this work be deferred for a period of 5/10 years.
It was pointed out that the windows of the Church are in a poor state of repair but Canon Ryan indicated that with an ancient church there is always a rolling programme of restoration, repair and renewal.
Favourable comments were passed about the stair lift to be installed to the Upper Room.
A comment was made regarding the alleged unhealthy situation of the finances of St Wilfrid's School. One of the school governors present spoke on this issue and informed all that this was not so.
HOUSE GROUPS A lively discussion on this issue took place and a number of people were willing to investigate further.
JUST 10 - the ecumenical mission based on the Ten Commandments running April to June 2002 in the Minister. Leaflets were distributed.
LITURGY It was felt that too many options in the Mass are given by the Church and this can lead to confusion in some cases. It was said that the important texts e.g. Scripture readings, presidential prayers, etc. were not changeable.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION As we only had one applicant this year for First Communion a decision had been made to have no preparation this year. The Confirmation preparation is going well. Seven young people were enrolled today at 11am Mass. The Bishop is encouraging parishes to celebrate this sacrament together so we hope to join with English Martyrs parish.RCIA A number of people are on their journey into full communion with us and meet each Tuesday.
TRANSPORT TO MASS We were encouraged to be on the lookout for people who may need lifts to Sunday Mass.
The meeting finished with prayer.
Fundraising progress (£s) versus plan, 2001
| | 2001 Plan | Actual monies raised to end October 2001 | Actual +/- plan | 2002 target |
| Source: |
| Donations etc pre-2001 | 18344 | 18344 | 0 | |
| | 66,656 | 60,000 | -6,656 | 0 |
| Other transfer from Parish reserves | | | | |
| Annual Parish surplus | | | | 10,000 |
| | | | | |
| Grants/donations: organisations | | | | |
| York Challenge Fund | | 5000 | | |
| Other organisations | | 1601 | | |
| Total grants/donations: organisations | 10000 | 6601 | -3,399 | 15,000 |
| | | | | |
| Individual donations and collections | | | | |
| Individual donations | | 11947 | | |
| Legacies | | 1350 | | |
| Donation box | | 623 | | |
| Retiring collections | | 2638 | | |
| Holy day collections | | 955 | | |
| Total individual donations and collections | 12,000 | 17513 | 5,513 | 10,000 |
| | | | | |
| Fund raising events | | | | |
| One hundred club (net) | | 1077 | | |
| | | | | |
| Ad hoc events | | | | |
| Cheese and wine | | 285 | | |
| Auction of promises | | 1235 | | |
| Quiz night | | 110 | | |
| Strawberry tea | | 159 | | |
| Summer raffle | | 774 | | |
| Sponsored walk | | 421 | | |
| Groves social | | 721 | | |
| St Sampsons event | | 1071 | | |
| Coffee | | 432 | | |
| Subtotal: ad hoc events | | 5207 | | |
| | | | | |
| Total fund raising events | 3000 | 6284 | 3,284 | 5,000 |
| | | | | |
| Total revenues | 110000 | 108743 | -1,257 | 40000 |
