Minutes Parish Meeting
Saturday 8th March
Meeting opened with a prayer
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Church Heating
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Minor repairs have enabled the system to keep going but we are still awaiting quotes for a permanent solution. The major issue is that the pipework is now of an age when it needs replacement.
No final decision has been made on a way forward to complete the heating system. The procurement process involved has taken a lot of time and effort, Fr Chris suggested that a new committee be formed for such matters being called ‘The Fabric Committee’.
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New Lectionary/Screens/Live Streaming
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One quote for installing screens to facilitate use of the new lectionary has been received but a second quote is needed.
Live streaming is enabling people to follow our services, including funerals and Stations of the Cross, who would otherwise not be able to do so. Recordings of regular services are deleted after 7 days but those of special events, such as funerals, can be kept for up to 90 days, during which time they can be downloaded to be kept indefinitely.
Web Site Update
George Barnes presented the update on behalf of Paul Symes who could not be present.
Thanks to all who have supported the website over the last month.
Analytics
In the 30 days up to 4th March there were 932 site sessions, with 2696 pages viewed.
The average session duration was 4 minutes 30 seconds
The news page and events page were the two most viewed pages.
Developments
‘Praying through Lent’ is now live, and resources will be added week by week throughout Lent. Please look at the resources and see if they are a good fit for you.
Mass times on the Mass page have been changed to fit the new schedule.
‘Praying Through Easter’ prayer resources to celebrate the Easter season are currently being prepared and will go live on Easter Sunday.
Any news ? If anyone has a news story to share please let Paul have it or if you organising an event and want it covering please just let him know.
Lenten Offer at St Georges
Discovering and Deepening:
Preparation Programme for those waiting to be welcomed into the Church consisting of 6 sessions after 9:00am Mass (10:15am) on Sundays during Lent. Sessions 2-6 will be open to any parishioners wanting to deepen their understanding and commitment.
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Session 1 - 2nd March (10:15am Start) – Enquirers only – Fr Lister
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Session 2 – 9th March - Word of God – Deacon Keith
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Session 3 - 16th March- Sacrament of Initiation – Fr Chris
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Session 4 - 23rd March - Prayer - Fr Lister
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Session 5 - 30th March April - Sacraments of Healing and Service – Fr Chris
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Session 6 – 6th April - Discipleship – Fr Lister
Parishioners were reminded that session 2 – 6 are open to everyone to attend.
Stations of the Cross – Every Friday in Lent at 7:00pm
Praying through Lent – Web based prayer resources
Service of Reconciliation – Tuesday 15th April 7:00pm
It is hoped that at this year’s Easter Vigil the parish will welcome new members to our community
Ash Wednesday Ashes were distributed to both the primary and the secondary school
Mission Development Plan – The six areas of the Pastoral Plan were discussed
Sefton Deanery Pilot –
Sefton Deanery pilot is going to focus on how the deanery as a whole can develop and share resources across the deanery.
A working party is being formed consisting of the Parish Priest and a representative from each Parish. The representative should be independent of the Deanery Synodal Council. This first meeting of the council will take place on Saturday 15th March. The process will involve; listening and learning; gathering information about income, personnel, buildings; choices of priorities and vision; plan and timescale; celebrating the move forward. Fr Chris has asked Paul Symes to be the representative on behalf of the parish and he has accepted.
Mass Times
We have now started the second phase of the consultation process with Mass times being 9:00am and 11:30 am on a Sunday. Attendance is being monitored for comparisons
There was a discussion around the following points.
Our decisions cannot just be about this parish – there is a Mission Development Plan emerging for the three Sefton Deaneries within the Pastoral Plan of the Archdiocese.
In every meeting about our mission, we have identified strengthening our connections with young families as a key priority.
Those currently attending Mass were evenly divided about the two options so…
We will consult those we are hoping to attract – the young families – via the school.
Parish Centre
The Parish have received two proposals from outside companies:
Little Foxes Nursery
Lease whole building except for lounge and its toilets, which would have to be made securely separate at our expense.
Extensive work to convert to nursery use: replace kitchen and toilet facilities, enclose area outside main doors as play area, bring cellar areas into use, redecorate and renew flooring throughout.
Parish to pay heating and lighting costs for lounge.
£xk p.a. lease
Timescale not specified
The Venue
Lease whole building
Reinstate bar, upgrade toilets and kitchen, redecorate and renew flooring throughout Parish to have exclusive use of lounge but no access to other areas
Parish to have agreed use of lounge for regular events and occasional use of hall, but booked functions would take priority;
£x+2k p.a. lease; allowance against lease for initial expenditure
Very short timescale
The Estate Agents managing the arrangements (Fitton’s) have made the point that due diligence has to be followed to ensure the best and most appropriate arrangements are in place for the Parish.
A lengthy discussion took place around all the issues involved with the decision. The meeting was in favour of investigating and developing a relationship with the Venue.
Fr Chris mentioned a suggestion that the day chapel could be adapted for small gatherings of many types with light refreshment facilities.
Concerns voiced that there was a need to safeguard good parish use and negotiate good terms going forward.
The meeting finished with a prayer
Next meeting 12th April 2025.
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With thanks to George Barnes for the minutes of the meeting
