The meeting was opened with a prayer.

Liz Bonner (LB) (Chair), Maura Roche (MR) (Secretary),

Fr Christopher Thomas (CT), Mary Elliott Smith (MES),

Mary Crosby (MC), Cathy Clark (CC), Paul Lyons (PL), Phil Withers (PW),

Joyce Madden (JM), Maria Gascoigne (MG)

Fr Gregory Tobin, Jim Harrington, Ian Murray, Peter Walsh,

Maria Simister, Anne Turner Harrod, Marina Johnson

Accepted as a true record.

1. Large print hymn books

MES is in the process of refining the single copy that we will be trialling.

2. Education Actions

The RCIA programme will be the main educational focus for the present.

The book club is up and running.

MES organised an impromptu meeting with some Year 6 children, where they considered questions based on scriptural readings. This seemed to go down well and MES is willing to consider doing more if interest has been generated.

3. Youth Worker

LB reported that no applications have been received for the post, despite it being advertised twice. Two other local Catholic parishes are interested in sharing a Youth Worker with us and the post will be advertised one last time. There was disappointment that the careful work of the Youth Project Group has elicited no response. Discussion explored any other possibilities for this important work.

LB reported that Fr Joe Wheat has organised a meeting in Cathedral Hall on 29 September 2008, at which a Diocesan Youth Ministry will be discussed – a new approach.

It was noted that our parish "Open Mic" nights have been very successful and have engaged some of our older young people.

MR will produce Invitations and Agendas for the AGM and these will be given out to parishioners before Mass at two coming weekends. Action MR

JM & MG offered to organise refreshments at the AGM. Action JM & MG

MG suggested we consider changing the timing for future AGMs from Sunday evenings, perhaps to Friday evenings and advertise an open bar after the meeting.

1. CTWB Photo Marathon

JM reported that this is doing well and the budget is being covered by sponsorship and entry fees. The competition is set for 27 September at The Friary Scout Hut and volunteers may be needed.

2. CTWB Easter Cards

CTWB felt that there were a lot of wasted cards and logistical problems this year and have decided not to produce cards for Easter 2009. Contact points for local Easter church services will be advertised in local magazines.

3. Methodist Church Training Resources

JM reported that the local Methodist Church is planning Training Resources for Pastoral Visitors on 18 September, 16 October and 13 November.

4. Friary Drop in Centre

The Friary Drop in Centre is holding a 20^th Anniversary Open Day from 11am to 2pm on Thursday 9 October. JM offered to pass on the information and invitation to attend to a parishioner who helps out at the centre.

8pm Wednesday 8 October 2008 in the Social Centre