Parish Pastoral Council

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
NEWTON STEWART
THURSDAY 8TH. September 2011 2.30.P.M.

1. OPENING PRAYER led by Peter Marks

2. PRESENT: Margerie Clark, Diana Edwards, Margaret Flanagan, David Lever, Peter Marks,
  Anne Sharp, Bob Simpson, Fr. Ben

3. APOLOGIES: Anna Alexander, Connie Scanlon

4. Minutes of the meeting of Thursday 16th. June were approved

5. Matters Arising. A) the rose window in Newton Stewart – Fr. Ben said he would investigate cleaning it.
 
6. Preparations at Whithorn Church on the day of pilgrimage at St. Ninian's Cave. At the heart of this issue was the belief that there was a lack of organisation in terms of readers, Eucharistic ministers, musicians etc. Fr. Ben explained that the four deaneries of the Diocese took it in turn to organise the pilgrimage. He accepted that this year the relevant deanery had not done a good job, but at the same time felt that as a parish we left everything ready by way of missals, mass texts, lectionary, bidding prayers. It was suggested that a manual or check-list be produced and sent to the relevant deanery, detailing what they would be responsible for: readers, ministers, collectors, musicians. For next year Peter Marks said he would be “our man on the spot” to ensure all went smoothly – and to lock away the collection!
The matter of hospitality for pilgrims was raised. It was felt that the parish should provide tea and toilet facilities for those who had travelled. Apart from the loo at the back of the church there are two toilets, which are used, down in the house. However, the parish also pays £336-00 for provision of toilets at the car park, and there are public toilets in the town. It was also pointed out that local businesses benefited from providing tea etc i.e. the Café and the Whithorn Trust (which took in £400-00 on the day of the pilgrimage).
One felt uneasy that a meal was provided for the Bishops and those clergy who had not travelled by bus. The point is that this is about the only time in the year when such a social gathering takes place. However, the whole future of this is uncertain given the questions over the future of the house in Whithorn.
Once again it is a question of people stepping forward to volunteer and take responsibility.
 
7. The valuable work of those involved in the ministry of welcome at the back of the churches each weekend was recognised. In Whithorn there is an urgent need for volunteers to do this. The point was made that they would have to be there at least quarter of an hour before Mass to hand out hymn books etc. It is an ideal job for any younger parishioners to volunteer for.

8. We need more extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist and readers; despite appeals, the response has been very poor. However, it was emphasised that we need to explain that a proper training process would take place – people would not be expected to “start cold”.

9. The parish retreat in October: 12 have signed up.

10. The house in Whithorn: The possibility of developing the site is very slight. We may simply sell the house and the land below; retaining the car park and the area with the outside altar. Clarification on the situation is awaited, and then we shall have to go back to the Diocese.

11. We plan to have a week in which we focus on Justice and Peace: starting 5/6 November. The Mass in Wigtown on Tuesday 8th., and in N.S. on Wednesday 9th. with the school children will focus on this. Friday 11th. is the feast of St. Martin, so there will be a special celebration in Whithorn – details to follow.

12. Christmas Fayre:2.00 Saturday 19th. November in Whithorn. PLEASE TELL MARGERIE IF YOU ARE GOING TO PROVIDE A PRIZE FOR A RAFFLE – we need to know in order to get the tickets printed.

13. CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES:
Saturday 24th
Wigtown: 7.30 Carols, Mass at 8.00p.m.
Newton Stewart: 9.30pm carols; 10.00p.m. Mass.
 
Sunday 25th.:
Newton Stewart 10.00;
Whithorn 12.00 noon.
In other words, normal SUNDAY times.

14. Date of next meeting:2.30 Thursday 17th. November in Whithorn.