19.11.2025 REFLECTION MEETING

Reflection Meeting – 19/11/2025

Present: Fr Andy Graydon, Shauna Hilton, Anne Neill, Alison Bergomi, Lucy Liversidge, Mary Gilgrass, Tien Dam, Nuala Nelis, Anne-Marie Brammer, Maria Paton, Chris Parrott, Monica Carroll, Helen Arden, Anne-Marie Carroll

Apologies: John Cape, Mark Massarella, Kay Swilinski, Tony & Marie Lear

Minutes of last meeting – approved.

Reflection – Streaming in Church

TD reminded us that this would not be too large a cost as the only thing needed to buy was a camera and also the installation but stated that the discussion should be more about whether this was something we, as a church wanted.

While most liked the idea of offering this service, particularly for weddings, funerals and so on, the discussion felt that Safeguarding was a big issue. While we could inform everyone who arrived that the Mass was being recorded, what would happen if one person did not want this, yet wanted to participate in Holy Communion? What about the children present? Where would the recording be posted and for how long? The discussion centred around the advantage of recording funerals for those who could not attend, or for future viewing and it was agreed that Funeral Services could offer this as part of their packages.

It was therefore decided that this venture was not something we wished to pursue further for the present. We thank TD again for all his work in this area.

Return of the Chalice at Mass – Fr Andy believes this is something we should discuss with a view to returning to the shared Chalice as a truer representation of Communion – the focus on one cup. We need to ask what the Parish feels about this. AMB had asked the Eucharistic Ministers their opinion before the meeting and the response was mixed but with most wanting to keep to our current system of sharing the wine.There was a suggestion of maybe offering both so that people could choose; at least in the first instance, and concern was expressed that no one should feel ‘obliged’ to take one or the other. It was agreed that Fr Andy would share this idea with the Parish on the weekend of Christ the King and ask them to think and pray about it. The second week of Advent there will be a chance for parish discussion and then a paper vote. The group will then decide further once the votes have been counted.

First Holy Communion – NN asked about the process of the program and why there was to be no program this year, as she has a grandson who wishes to take his First Communion. The group replied that last month they agreed with LL that there should be no programme running this year, to give the organisers a breather and also to give Fr Andy and the Parish chance to be able to take on LL and Cathy Moutry’s ideas and feelings going forward. This would also give time for the new head of St Joseph’s school to take up their post and be ready to engage with the Parish where necessary in this endeavour.It was also stated that leaving this a year will also give chance for other candidates to come forward as, so far, there appears to be only one. NN also offered to join the group and help with the program if it was needed.

Bereavement Group – MC outlined all the duties and tasks needed for this venture and it was seen that there is a great deal of work involved and that more people were needed as the group was very small. MC did say that this was something she felt called to do and was happy to continue, but needed more help to share this area. Suggestions were to ask in Church – as people might be interested or know someone else who was interested and also to ask individuals, perhaps to a meeting where tasks and duties could be shared in more detail.

Ladies Choir – MM will set up the crib and tree ready for this concert.

Finance – MM sent reports to show that funds are better than anticipated at the moment. He reported that Adeline Chan needs a special thank you for all she does for Gift Aid.

Sick List – SH said that this still needs checking to make sure it is up to date. It was reported that Maine Hobart has done extensive work on this already. We thank her for this.

Foodbank – SH and CP will liaise to check what is needed and will organise this.

Wine from the Party - MM donated a lot of wine to Fr Andy’s retirement party and he does not want any money for it, or the return of unopened wine. SH will therefore create a raffle for December. Donations appreciated. We thank MM for his generosity.

Christmas Tree for Cards – SH will organise this and all donations will go to Mary’s Meals and the Koby Foundation.

YourMag – all Christmas information has been sent.

Charity Donation – of £1,250 has been given to Church.

Leprosy Leaflet – and letter asking for an appeal for weekend of January 24/25 2026 for World Leprosy Day.

Next meeting - 4^th February at 7pm