02.09.2026 Reflection Meeting

Reflection Meeting 2/9/ 2026

Present: Andy Graydon, Shauna Hilton, Anne Neill, Tony & Marie Lear, Mark Massarella,

John Cape, Kay Swilinski, Nuala Nelis, Chris Parrott, Helen Arden, Monica Carroll, Anne-

Marie Carroll

Apologies Maria Paton, Alison Bergomi, Libin Chacko, Anne-Marie Brammer, Mary

Gilgrass

July minutes – approved.

Reflection – Moving Forward

Encouragement of more lay involvement in ministry was high in everyone’s minds which

will enrich our parish further and also help others to fulfil their Baptism promises and

requirements.

Do we need a Parish Meeting once a year so that we can inform and discuss issues with other parishioners if they care to attend? New members may not be aware of what is already happening.

New Chairperson – JC was unanimously nominated, seconded and approved and was happy to do this for a year. SH offered to ‘fill in’ for the times that JC was unable to chair a meeting.

First Holy Communion – NN told the group of the plans she and MG had discussed and

wanted to implement with Fr Andy’s backing. Sessions possibly straight after Mass which

will encourage both parents and children to attend. Aiming for first Sundays of the month

when Children’s Liturgy is led. The 8 week course would last over months rather than weeks.

NN wants closer contact with the school going forward.

Distribution of the Wine at Mass – the Chalice is used fully at BWR and Fr Andy stipulated that this will be so at St Joseph’s from the Mass of Creation on 27th September 2026.

Fundraising – first social will be on 4th December 2026 in church. There will be a swing

band made up of 15 people who will play in church. Details to be finalised at a later date.

Support Group asked for some kind of training/access to specialists on dementia and mental health as this is something they are frequently meeting in their ministry. Alzheimer’s Society was mentioned and MC also informed the group of someone she could find contact for to help with this.

Finance/repairs – MM said the Safety Toolbox was up to date. Flat roof been checked and

appears secure. Sacristy in need of repaint. Walls need stripping back. Also tiles to put round the sink to deal with the issue of the flaking that is happening now.

Savings account looking healthier than three months ago – now £990 debit. There will be

money from Adeline Chan when she adds the Gift Aid money. Credit card donations have gone down in last weeks.