Summary of the Minutes of the Meeting of the West Berkshire Area Pastoral Council held on Wednesday 17th October 2007 at Douai Abbey, Woolhampton

Present: Fr Eamon Walsh, Deacon John Foley, Fr Benedict Thompson OSB, Fr Ignatius Maddineni, Liz Kellar, Francis Connolly, Mark Healy, Anthony Wynn, Graham Spellman and Selina Stevens.

Apologies: Fr Padraig Faughnan, Kate Burke and Malcolm Jones.

The meeting was opened with introductions of all members followed by reflections and prayers from the ‘Living Spirit’ in The Tablet.

• Matters Arising

• Marriage Tribunal Auditors – Fr Pat is dealing with this matter. Council members should pass names of possible suitable people for this role to their Parish Priest who will further the matter.
• DPC Representative – it was agreed that there would be no formal back-up person but that any Council member could be asked to attend if the need arises
• The constitution was agreed; with reference to re-elections, it was agreed that an overlap of experience was desirable.
• Minutes should be published within three weeks of the meeting and a summary copy posted in each of the worshipping communities

• Outline Framework for June 2008 Celebrations

• The day will begin with a picnic lunch at 12.30pm followed by Mass at 3pm
• It was suggested that a bus could be arranged to collect parishioners from throughout the area, the Abbey cottages could be booked to provide a safe play area for younger children and be ‘staffed’ appropriately, communities could bring items showing their parish histories to share with the wider community and that there could be one Sunday mass only said in each of the parish churches.
• It was agreed that the area churches could use this opportunity to reflect on the past, the changes they have gone through and how they are moving forward.
• A task group will be set up comprising of a representative from each parish; the group will meet during November and report back to the next PAPC meeting. Names to Liz Kellar by beginning of November, please. The strategic liturgy group and the task group will liaise over the liturgy for the day.

• Confirmation

Confirmation will be held at Douai Abbey on Friday 2 nd May 2008 – candidates should be identified as soon as possible.

4. Communications Group Report

Many thanks to the group for producing the recent newsletter; it has been well received in the parishes and throughout the diocese. The next edition is scheduled for the first Sunday in Advent; all information to be included should be submitted by 1 st November.

5. Area Liturgy Group Report

This group is an advisory group to the PAPC which listens to parishes, prioritises needs and facilitates support. The group would like to know the top three priorities in each of the worshipping communities and they will report these back to the PAPC, together with any suggestions they have. It is important that these priorities are simple and achievable. The group is still in need of a representative from Our Lady’s.

6. Schools and Immigrants

• The issue of school budgets and government plans to claw back excess carry-forward balances has been raised by the Council and concerns were noted.

• School funding for children with English as a second language; help should be provided to enable families to access the Catholic schools. It was suggested that a meeting could be arranged for parents, possibly involving the Justice and Peace group.
• 110 children are currently in care of the local authority and 14 young asylum seekers are here without parents; enquiries should be made about the children’s spiritual care.
• It was suggested that an item on Immigration could be included in the next newsletter and also, Malcolm Jones will be asked to contribute on the situation at Blessed Hugh Faringdon School.

7. Members Concerns

• Concerns were expressed that the change to Mass times at Our Lady’s, Thatcham was not referred to the PAPC. It was noted that the proposed changes were discussed with the Bishop and the Vicar General and that the parishioners were given the final say in the matter. It was agreed that provision of Masses throughout the area should be assessed in the coming year.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday 29th November 2007.