FTiH – Minutes from St. John’s Parishioners Meeting– 5th July 2015

Post date: Jul 08, 2015 9:43:25 PM

Hello,

Below is a summary of the captured viewpoints/comments of parishioners that attended the FTiH meeting on the 5^th July 2015. If I have missed anything then please accept my sincere apologies and either contact me directly, or feel free to add your comments to one of the question forms.

We would like to thank those who attended, as we felt it was a very positive meeting with good input from parishioners who were encouraged to discuss openly what they felt about St. John’s based on the information they have been given so far – it is truly appreciated.

Going forward, we intend to hold these meetings every 2 weeks after the 10am mass but happy to do after vigil mass if need be – just let us know.

As discussed at the meeting of the 5^th, the format of our next meeting will have more emphasis on the questions – though this may depend on who attends as we envisage each meeting will have to be flexible to allow the ‘flow and ebb’ according to parishioners needs. We believe this is in fact not a problem, so long as we keep the focus of obtaining feedback and comment.

The next meeting will be Sunday 19^th July and we hope that some of the other members of the PPC will be in attendance (commitments depending).

By the 19^th eight of the twelve questions would have been published in the bulletin – though all are currently published on the website (which a number of people have reviewed and answered).

Also, it would be advantageous if we could have people – either parishioners or PPC – who are conversant on the topics/question that had been posed – Eg: Finance, leadership etc.

So if you have an “expertise” in one or any of the areas the questions focus on, please feel free to attend or offer your input.

#GodBless+ Forward Together In Hope +

Jerry Laidler on behalf of St. Johns PPC

(07801452372)

The following represent what was openly discussed in an environment of encouragement and openness.

We felt it vital that parishioners were able to say freely what they felt or saw as important during the constructive conversations that ensued.

Please remember that these are parishioner’s views and initial thoughts based on what they understand of their parish and are in no way meant to be read as negative but rather informative, open and honest.

Communicate Outreach:

- Parishioners were not fully aware of what outreach activities were being done on their behalf.

- A discussion wrt St. John’s evangelisation efforts was presented as an example and a conversation piece.

In general, parishioners would like to hear more and be made aware of similar outreaching activities so they can be better informed.

o When sending invites to parents/guardians via the school, it was suggested that the invite should ‘lead’ with asking for their concerns/feedback

Who is our PPC:

- Parishioners do not know all the PPC people by name/sight

- It was suggested that photos of PPC members be displayed on the notice board along with the role they play

- What do they do – not a criticism but would be good to get feedback on the activities

Requests of the PPC:

- Can the agenda be announced prior to meetings so parishioners have a chance to add items

- Thereafter, request the PPC to announce what they have done/agreed – Possibly get a PPC member to announce at Mass

- They are not elected

Youth:

- Can children be involved more in the mass

- It would be advantageous if we could define a profile of young people so we can cater for their needs

- Q10 of questionnaire – Get young people to answer it

Bulletin:

- Can the bulletin be modified to provide more information

Housebound:

- Would it be advisable/the responsibility of the SVP to identify housebound to make sure they are included in what St. John does and decides.

FTiH Meetings:

- PPC to attend the FTiH meetings

- Can those who have background information relating to the questions be available at these meetings

- Print/communicate Data Pack including statistical and financial information

FTiH Questions:

- Can the questions be rewritten to be more clear and understandable

o Reluctance to change what the diocese has written in case of misinterpretation

- Who is to collate this information

o PPC will be asking for people to be involved who have skills in this area.

St. Johns App:

- Can a St. Johns App for smart phones be created

o This is on the PPC to do list as part of their broader social media initiative

Publish what was discussed today:

- If you’ve read thus far – then it’s been published J

Again, many thanks for those who attended and we hope we have captured, if not word for word, the essence of what was discussed.