Dear Parishioners,
Those who regularly attend Parish Forum (our Parish Council) will have noticed that attendance has fallen over the past year to eighteen months. A number have told me that it is because meetings are too long: advertised as lasting an hour and a half, they have often stretched to two hours so that by the end, when there is a cup of tea and the chance of an informal chat, everyone wants to get off home. So, starting this Wednesday Forum will begin at the usual time of 7.30pm but will last for one hour only and tea will be served as parishioners arrive. The agenda will include matters arising from the minutes of the previous Forum, appraisal of recent events, only one or two major items for discussion and reports of 3 minutes each will be received from only three parish groups. (Since Forum meets every six weeks all parish groups will have the floor every few months).
The two major items this week will be a discussion of Fr Frankie’s departure and his testimonial and farewell event. The other item will be the future of the Parish Draw. The recommendations of the committee that was elected at the last Forum to look into the future of the Draw will be received and discussed.
At this Forum only, in place of three parish group reports we shall discuss this new format for the meeting and amend it if necessary.
As mentioned last Sunday, Fr Frankie will celebrate all Masses this weekend and take up his new post towards the end of the week. Fr Joe Gee will arrive on Tuesday 28th April.
A few dates for your diaries.
Next Sunday 26th April at 2pm: Latin Benediction.
Thursday 21st May: Confirmations in both Churches at 7.3pm.
Monday 25th May Spring Bank Holiday: the parish hosts the North West sponsored walk in aid of the charity Right to Life. Bishop John Arnold has agreed to join us.
Sunday 7th June Corpus Christi: First Holy Communions in both Churches at 11am.
Sunday 5th July Weld Day: one Mass for the whole parish will be celebrated on the parish field at 10.30am followed by the parish picnic.
Fr John