4.   REVIEW OF PARISH EVENTS

4.1 Christmas Fair – A very successful event with lots of support from the Parish. Grateful thanks to all who helped. A suggestion was made that perhaps the Fair should be publicised more in the local area next Christmas.

4.2 Christmas – Thanks to all volunteers who worked so hard to decorate the Church. It was noted that attendance was very good at all the Christmas masses and our appreciation is extended to those who organised the Childrens’ and other Masses.

4.3 Christmas – Suzanne informed the Council that a concert held at St

Peter’s on 20^th December raised a total of £200 for Christmas Care. Thanks were given to Father Michael for allowing the use of the Church for this worthy cause.

5.   SOLAR PANELS

Alan distributed a paper to attendees detailing costings and benefits for installing solar panels on the Church roof. The Parish Council agreed that it was important to get legal advice and obtain further clarification from the Diocese. Alan will amend the paper to include VAT and the amended cost per electricity unit to the Parish. He will also include a brief list of what should be included in the terms and conditions. Derek and Father Michael will review the paper prior to sending it to the Diocese. To be included as an agenda item at the next Parish Council.

      6.   WORLD YOUTH DAY 2012 – Rio De Janeiro

It was agreed that the closing date for applications will be before Easter and all applicants will be required to detail why they would like to go. Once there is a definitive list, further discussion will take place to agree the contribution from the Parish.

6.1 Diocese in Youth – 9^th February 2012

A good representation is needed from the Parish for this event, details to be published in the newsletter. It was agreed that Alan and Phil will represent the Parish Council at this event and will raise the topic of communicating via media technology.

      7.   INTERNATIONAL MASS

            It was agreed that the date for the Mass will be 27^th May which is Pentecost Sunday. Phil will extend an invitation to the Mayor to attend the Mass. There will be a BBQ after the Mass with soft drinks and tea/coffee provided. Parishioners can contribute deserts and salads. Keith will make a booking to hire the BBQs. Further details to follow nearer the date.

      8.   SOCIAL GROUP

·         Burns Night – Unfortunately this event has had to be cancelled.

·         Pancake Day – 19^th February

            As Mary was unable to attend the meeting John agreed to obtain details on upcoming events.

      9. FACEBOOK/TWITTER

Alan requested this be included on the agenda to discuss alternative ways of communicating with the Parish and the wider community. It was agreed that further investigation is needed to understand the various types of media technology, the possible benefits and the support and control required. Alan agreed to research further and provide an update at the next meeting.

10. UPDATE ON PARISH FINANCES

Derek provided an update to the Parish Council on the accounts to the end of December 2011. There is an excess of income over expenditure of just over £2,000. Derek will submit the final accounts to the Diocese by 14^th February.

      11. AOB

·         Bishop’s Visit

Bishop Declan will visit the Parish on Thursday 16th February to discuss the next stage of Parishes in Communion. Proposed times are 7:00pm to 8:30pm, and, as previously, other local parishes will be invited to attend. Tea and coffee will be provided by the St Peter’s Parish volunteers. The Bishop will also visit the Parish to give the Sacrament of Confirmation on Wednesday 10^th October.

      Maintenance of the Church Grounds

Father Michael informed the Council that he had obtained a quote to prune the trees in the grounds as these were very overgrown. It will take approximately 4-5 days at a cost of £1,500. A recommendation was made by Clare-Marie to obtain another quote from a Tree Surgeon she had used in Westlea. It was agreed that the work was necessary and Father Michael will request another estimate and present this to the Finance Council for approval.

A discussion took place regarding the crumbling stones in the car-park. A parishioner had recently fallen over and this had highlighted a serious health and safety risk. Alan agreed to investigate a solution and feedback to Father Michael.

·         Womens’ World Day of Prayer

Suzanne advised the Council that this event will be held on 2^nd March at Toothill Church. The Parish has been involved for many years and it was agreed that a notice will be put in the bulletin to advise parishioners.

·         Diocese Mission Appeals

Father Michael advised that he had received a request from the Franciscan Missionary of Mary to come to the Parish and make an appeal. He will write back to them to suggest a date in October.

12. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 14^th March at 8:00pm.  Items for the agenda are requested by 12^th March please – thank you.

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