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St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church - Ansdell | |
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Minutes of the meeting on the 17th April 2007
Present: Anne Waters (Acting Chair), Ann Zammit, Pauline Drake, Kathy
Moore, and Rosemary Page
Liz Kelly, Fr. Harry, Mary Johnson.
Apologies: Anne Cawthorn and Pat Crean.
The meeting opened with the prayer to the Holy Spirit, the group then considered a scripture reading chosen by PD, John 15 v 9 - 16.
The minutes of the meeting of 19th Feb were accepted.
Matters arising: AW had been unable to attend the Presentation of the
Passion mentioned but had been assured it was excellent and should be considered
for next Lent.
Review of Lent and Easter Services.
Lent
Ash Wednesday Fr Harry was complemented on his generous dispensation of ashes.
Stations of the Cross Had gone well, different groups had brought a helpful
variety of approach. The Faith and Light service had been particularly moving.
We hope the same approach can be used next year. Attendance was good, but it
was felt more publicity than the bulletin, perhaps a "What are we doing
in Lent" poster or leaflet might be a good idea next year.
Reconciliation Service had been very well received, and attendance had been
good. KM was thanked for her hard work preparing it.
Children's Reconciliation (1st Confession) Fr. Harry wanted to thank those involved
for how well this had gone. It was suggested that next year the children might
be given the opportunity to report back to the Parish at the next Sunday Mass,
as this would reinforce their feeling of being part of the larger Parish Family.
Deanery Station Masses. The one at St Joseph's was thought to have been prepared
well and had been good, but the purpose of the exercise wasn't clear. It was
decided that our representative on the Deanery Council should be asked to suggest
that if a programme on a Lenten theme was chosen by the deanery council for
next year, interested people from the parishes involved could perhaps meet together
to plan all the Masses so that the liturgy helped those attending to appreciate
the intent.
Palm Sunday It had been wonderful to see so many children taking part. LK felt
this was the advantage of the individual letters from school. It was felt that
the congregation had missed out by not being able to see the play done at the
back of church. Next year the play will be performed in front of the altar and
the procession will then go down a side aisle and back up the centre aisle.
The children's gospel in the presbytery had gone well and the main congregation
had appreciated hearing the Passion read by 3 readers.
Everyone had enjoyed the entrance hymn "Children of Jerusalem" and
we will use it again next year.
Triduum
Holy Thursday
Had gone well, the difficulty getting volunteers to have their feet washed continues
and we are grateful to the children and parents who did volunteer. Next year
we will consider using "Let me wash your feet" as the offertory hymn
if the service remains in it's current format.
AW suggested we should print Orders of Service for the congregation, this will
be kept under consideration but it was felt more important to ensure we have
the booklets for all the services available again next year. Fr. Harry said
it would be all right for us to reorder them.
The altar of repose had again looked beautiful and the reading from St John's
Gospel had been very good.
The group expressed thanks to Joy Warwick for the banner and display and we
will ask to use it again next year.
Good Friday
Churches Together in Ansdell, the gathering at Booths had gone well and more
people are attending each year.
Stations of the Cross were not held at St Joseph's this year and there have
been no complaints.
3.00pm Service. This had been very moving. Fr. Harry will start the service
next year, as this, by coming out of the sacristy directly to the front of the
altar. The large Cross will be carried in while he is prostrate before the altar.
A discussion took place about the use of music during the Veneration of the
Cross, different views were expressed. AZ and the choir will consider and decide
for next year nearer the time.
Easter Vigil.
This was again excellent. Thanks were given to AW and team for preparing it.
The slides were good and we are grateful to Ben Tansey for operating the presentation.
Reservations had been expressed by a couple of people about using the Mass of
the Bread of Life. AZ felt this should be noted, as when we have a large congregation
it would be helpful for them to have the opportunity to join in by singing a
Mass setting with which they are more familiar. AZ to consider for next year.
Easter Sunday had been amazing, standing room only. The children had been great
and thanks were expressed for all involved. AZ asked if there had been any feed
back on the use of a backing track while the choir received communion, but there
had as yet been no comments.
KM was thanked for organising the Altar Servers who had done a great job at all the services.
Future Planning
Pentecost. Taize Service. This will take place using the service prepared 2
years ago. The importance of advertising the service to other churches in Ansdell
was mentioned.
Sunday Mass We have the CaFE DVDs and booklets and will consider whether to
have a course for the group and Eucharistic Ministers next time. Hopefully before
then we can get together to view one of the sessions, MCJ to arrange.
AOB KM informed the group that four of the children who serve on the altar wish to become members of The Guild of St Stephen; this will take place on 29th April. AZ is planning the music and David Tansey is choosing the readers.
Date of next meeting 15th May at 8.00 pm.
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