After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: "Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are."

The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. When they finished, James spoke up: "Brothers, listen to me. Simon has described to us how God at first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself. The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written:
    ‘After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent.
    Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it,
    that the remnant of men may seek the Lord,
    and all the Gentiles who bear my name,
    says the Lord, who does these things that have been known for ages.’

 It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. For Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath."

Brendan reported on the 23 April 2008 Larger Pastoral Area Justice and Peace meeting, which had focussed on CAFOD and Pax Christi.

Lynda Mussell of CAFOD had reported that 102 parishes have CAFO groups, of which 92 have recognised co-ordinators.

It was agreed that a CAFOD group should be established for our parish. A newsletter invitation should be published, and the resulting contact information should be "owned" by Brendan.

ACTION : Brendan to plan this further

Discussion of this event was deferred until a later meeting, and the 22 April Larger Pastoral Area Catechist Co-ordinators meeting was discussed instead. Ian had been unable to attend this, but said he would liaise with the other co-ordinators to catch-up on the matters arising.

ACTION : Ian to follow-up

[post=meeting note : Ian has been in contact with Mary Lee of the Tadley parish regarding Confirmation Co-ordinators and general LPA co-ordination, including parish audit details]

The timing of a future talk / series was discussed, with October/November/ start of Advent being proposed as a suitable timescale. Topics considered included "explaining the Church year" and "Who is my neighbour ?". A possible speaker was suggested and will be considered further.

ACTION : All to consider further

It was agreed that a PPC awayday should take place. The discussion considered Park Place as a possible venue, with a possible timescale being a September or October Saturday afternoon. The proposed attendees would be PPC members and possibly other parishioners.

ACTION : Andrew to plan this further

The idea of an Annual Parish Review was discussed. The suggested timescale was publication in November. Various themes / content suggestions were discussed

ACTION : Michael to draft an outline

Thursday 22 May

Wednesday 25 June