MINUTES OF BELMONT ABBEY PARISH AGM

21ST NOVEMBER 2005

President: Fr Nicholas Wetz

Chairman: Ray Rose

Secretary: Lesley Hampton

1. Opening Prayer was led by Fr Nicholas

2. Ray Rose welcomed those present

3. Approx 20 people were in attendance. Apologies were received from: Doreen Sulston, Bernadette Hubert, Jeanette Morris, Mary Smith, Jacky Moore, Peter Russell, Clare Wichbold and The Moriawiekis.

4. Minutes for last year were read and approved as being a true record

5. There were no matters arising

6. Chairmans’ Report. See Enclosed

7. Parish Priest’s Report. See enclosed

8. Finance Report. See Enclosed

9. Written Reports.

 Basil Nickerson stated that no mention had been made in the Ewyas Harold Report of the death earlier this year of Gerald Wakeland. Apologies were offered for this omission by Fr Cadfan.

 Margaret Rose informed us that although the SVP report stated that Mike Thompson was a new member, he had since moved to Monmouthshire. However, Mary McGowan had now joined the group.

 Tony Hemson brought our attention to the single-line entry in the Liturgy report based on the 8.30 mass. This was because there is no representative of this mass on the Liturgy group to write a report, and that due to this the Liturgy group were only planning for the 11 0’clock mass. He hoped that a volunteer could be found for the 8.30. Clare Nickerson felt that people at this mass liked it the way it was – a quiet, peaceful mass. T.H. stated that this was not the point he was trying to make; there still needed to be a representative. Ray Rose reiterated this, feeling that it was important for those attending the early mass to have their say at the Liturgy Group meetings.

 RR used this time to talk about the new Tescos vouchers scheme, which would now be a swipe card, rather than vouchers. He showed us examples and, following general questions,  he explained how this system would work. He felt that it would now be more user-friendly and he hoped that this would mean more parishioners would take up the scheme. It should be fully operational by Christmas. RR assured us that he would be publicizing this within the parish newsletter shortly.

10. There were no questions on the written reports, so this time was opened up to a general discussion.

 Chris Moore asked whether there was an importance to recruit more people to all ministries for all the masses. He asked RR for his suggestions on how to do this. RR replied that it was important for people to join Gift Aid and that Margaret Campbell does a lot of work with this. John Wallin felt it important to attract people when they are new to the parish. MC replied that new parishioners were keen to join; it was those who had been in the parish for longer who were more reluctant to participate. Fr N told us of an idea from Chris Moore that we hold a ‘Freshers Fair’ with all groups having a table in the Kemble Room after each mass and telling people what they did and how to join. Monica Tomlin felt that when this had been done in the past – usually to raise awareness of financial matters, it had been very successful. Fr N felt that although finances were important – and he was planning to restart fund-raising in the New Year, prayer was also important. Many of those present expressed the thought that it was always the same people within the parish who did things, and that others needed to become involved. After a discussion it was decided that the ‘Freshers Fair’ would be held in the New Year – January.

 TH queried the placing of a box in the church for new parishioners to place cards stating their details. He asked whether we have a full parish register listing parishioners details. JW confirmed that we did have a register, and that such boxes were already in the church. A discussion followed about the best ways to get to know people at the masses and about the need to have personal contact with all new members to the church, rather than relying on details on a written card. Fr N felt that this was important, and that we should all be aware of new faces in mass and welcome them.

It was suggested that welcomers should arrive at mass earlier so that they are not busy dealing with books and papers etc, but are there to talk to new members. It was agreed that both church entrances get very congested and it is not always possible to stand and chat to people. There was a suggestion about the wearing of name badges occasionally, and this received a mixed response by those present. What was agreed by all was that it should be a two-way responsibility – all parishioners should welcome new faces, but equally so, those new to the parish should also make the effort to introduce themselves.

 TH Expressed sadness at the demise of the Concerts due to poor attendance. MC and others said that they had not been completely ruled out for the future, Fr N was looking at their feasibility. TH suggested that we utilize the Parish Hall instead of the church. A general discussion followed based upon why these concerts had been so poorly attended and what exactly would bring in people. MC said that people had lots of ideas for social/fundraising events; the problem was attendance. Fr N concluded by saying that this subject was to be brought to the PAC at the next meeting. Any ideas would then have to be properly planned and marketed.

      12 Closing Prayers were led by Fr Nicholas