St. Matthew’s Parish Forum Minutes: 6th October 2014

Present: Fr. Conor, Dcn. Agnes Williams, Eddie Cawley, Joan Purcell, Dcn. Ronny Burke, Paula Burke.  Apologies: Dave Cotterill, Joe McGunigle, Paula O’Toole.

Women’s Group: Next meeting Wednesday 12th November at 7pm. Some reasonably priced tea cups and saucers still to be sought, message to go in newsletter to enquire if any parishioners are working in the industry and can help. St. Matthew’s Fundraising Tea Party in aid of HCPT – total raised £1,000. 2 children from St. Matthew’s Primary School are taken to Lourdes by an HCPT group this fundraising will assist.  Fr. Conor agreed that the group could have their usual Christmas buffet in December. The Parish Christmas Social will be at St. Paul’s on Friday 5th December at 7.45pm.
Prayer Group: Monday 27th October at 7pm – Praying the Rosary.
North Liverpool Foodbank: 30 full bags delivered this week, total full bags 201 in 2014. Further volunteers required to deliver to the Centre, message to go newsletter.
Whitechapel Centre: 42 bags delivered 2014. Paula and Cath Riley have attended 2 courses at the Centre. Information/contacts they acquired whilst there will be made available to Housesitters in the Parish Office in due course. The SVP was mentioned to be discussed at a later date.
Surveys/Work: Fire Safety work has been done but there are some repairs and adjustments to be made. The funding application for roof works has gone to the National Lottery Heritage Fund but no reply as yet.
Bereavement Group: Cards continue to be sent out.
Family Shoe Box Appeal: Posters, leaflets and instructions are already at the back of churches, further information to be published in this week’s newsletter. Shoeboxes need to be in church for the weekend of 22nd/23rd November 2014.
Parish Pilgrimage to Walsingham - 15th-18th May 2015:35 parishioners signed up.
Confirmations/1st Holy Communions -‘With You Always’: Fr. Conor confirmed the course will now run for 3 weeks in Lent and 4 weeks in Eastertide 2015.
Journey in Faith: Possibly 2 enquirers; course to begin on Monday 13th October at 7pm in St. Matthew
Readers/Eucharistic Minister: Pastoral Area Readers Day – Saturday 1st November 2014 from 11am-4pm in St. Oswald’s. It was noted this day is for all readers.
Pastoral Area Retreat Day: Good, Archbishop Malcolm McMahon was great.
Memorial for Deceased Infants: Planning is underway in the garden at St. Cecilia’s, which will be peaceful and always accessible.
Guild of St. Stephen: Fr. Conor was delighted to present both Liam and Michael with their silver medals.
Baptism Course: Fr. Conor to meet with Baptism Catechist’s for planning and discussion on Wednesday 22nd October at 7pm in St. Matthew’s.

AOB:
Feast of St. Matthew: Fr. Conor was pleased that a number of new volunteers facilitated.
Knit a Square: Cath Riley an avid knitter would like the parish to get involved with this   project again. Fr. Conor confirmed that Cath can produce information to inform parishioners via flyer and newsletter.
Jo Boyce and Friends Concert: Paula said this was a very enjoyable evening and would   encourage parishioners go along to the concert if it should take place again.
Pious List: Box and envelopes to go out weekend 18th/19th October 2014.
Mass for the Bereaved: Monday 3rd November at 7pm in St. Matthew’s; Joan to make      arrangements.
Weekday Masses: Fr. Conor mentioned that Mass at 10am can seem to be late into the day and impedes flexibility for funerals etc. Fr. Conor is considering moving it to 8.15am Mass time for both parishes but would like to know parishioners thoughts; either to himself, our deacons or a member of the parish forums. It will be discussed at the next parish forum    meetings.

Next meeting: Monday 24th November 2014 at 7pm