Minutes of Parish Pastoral Council Meeting

Held on 29^th March 2006

in the Parish Hall

Present:	Fr Danny,
	Andrew Edworthy
	Sr. Bibiana
	Ian Liddell
	Jill Blackburn

Apologies	John Marcotti
	Rosin Carruthers
	Michelle Linehan-Hill
	Carole Johnson

The meeting started with a reading from Isaiah and a discussion on the meaning of witness in the modern world.

Ian brought two books for the proposed Lending Library. Decisions on where to keep the books, how to manage loans and how to record ownership were deferred until the next meeting.

It was agreed that we will suggest a book discussion group be set up as an extension of the Café meetings. ACTION - Andrew

The parish meeting to discuss the Diocesan Plan was held on 9^th March and the notes have been sent to the working group. Copies of the notes are available at the back of both churches and will be posted on the parish website.

The chairman of Aldershot deanery has contacted us about the Larger Parish Areas and Andrew will discuss areas of joint interest with him. John Marcotti attended the parish meeting in Fleet and planned to attend the Aldershot parish event.

Café talks are progressing well, with attendance of 4-6 people in Hartley Wintney and 6-12 people in Hook. Last in the series will be on Thursday 6^th April. As discussed earlier, we will suggest setting up a monthly discussion group after Easter. Topics could include study of specific scripture readings, Journey in Faith and Practical application of our Faith. ACTION - Recommendations will be presented to our next meeting ANDREW

A group called Care not Killing is stimulating debate in parishes in anticipation of some proposed legislation on Assisted Suicide sponsored by Lord Joffe. We will make the discussion material available to our Justice & Peace coordinator Janine Kilroy to see if there is sufficient interest to act as a parish. ACTION - Andrew

All parishioners are invited to choose a member of the House of Lords and write to alert them of our opinions before the debate takes place on 12^th May.

The "Everybody’s Welcome" campaign is gathering pace in England and Wales. We shared tips on becoming a friendlier parish including this month’s top tip – Speak to someone new at mass. Check out the website www.celebratingfamily.org.uk.

Practical matters: Hants Highways Dept. has notified us that the road outside Sacred Heart in Hook will be closed to through traffic from 3^rd April for approximately 2 weeks. There will always be access to the church and convent, but please drive carefully.

The deanery hospital chaplain leaves in June, so the parish priests in the area covered by North Hants Hospital (Basingstoke) will cover duties on a 3 week rota. There are a team of lay Eucharistic ministers who will take communion to Catholics in hospital but under the data protection act, you need to request a visit.

Next meeting: Thursday 27^th April 7:45 for 8:00pm