Minutes of St Laurence’s Parish Forum : 31 January 2008

Chair: Jim O’Sullivan announced that the agenda would cover the Bishop’s Parish Visitation Report and the celebration of St Laurence’s Golden Jubilee – as mentioned in the Parish newsletter.

Fr David: opened the meeting with a prayer.

26 people were present.

Apologies: were received from Sr Pat Robb, T.Campbell, M.McGinley, L.McIntyre.

Matters Arising from the minutes of last meeting (4 December 2007)

These were to be held over till the next meeting.

Parish Update (Fr David)

The bishop found that St Laurence’s, one of the largest parishes in the diocese, was lively and positive in its approach. He was pleased that large numbers of people were involved in various ways. In Cambridge, a vibrant and growing community, he was glad to see our parish’s plans for the future and he thanked everyone for his welcome.

Jim O’Sullivan – Chair – joined Fr David in highlighting pointers, under the bishop’s heading ‘Reflections’, for moving us forward:

Parish Jubilee

Fr David explained that 2008 was:

It was suggested that the Year of Jubilees’ activities should run officially from 8 March 2008 until 8 August 2008.

Irial McGinley will investigate the possibility of an etched window or a statue for the church.

April 25th (Friday) – 11am Mass to include former teachers and pupils.

May 5th (Bank Holiday Monday) – we are encouraged to join the Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham.

June 15th (Sunday) – MAIN EVENT – 11am Mass with Bishop Michael, to include former Parishioners, and followed by a party. (Cf. Millennium Celebration)

August 22-29 – Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes.

A Flower Festival is planned – date to follow.

September 13th (Saturday) – A concert in church by Cambridge Brass Band.

A core of helpers will be required to form a committee of musicians, school representatives, caterers, sound system organizers, publicity, and to work with the children.

Ideas:

The meeting closed at 9.30pm.

Date of Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Forum will be held on Thursday 10th April 2008 at 8pm.