Summary of meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council held on 20th May 2025

At this meeting we welcomed new member Shiby, as a representative of the Syro-Malabar community.

Parish finances were discussed in detail at this meeting. The figures for the last quarter indicate that routine expenditure exceeded our regular income from collections and gift aid.  This is a concern given the need for a number of repairs including to the church pews and the hall rooflights.  Deborah, the parish treasurer described plans to present an annual financial report to parishioners in June; this will include an appeal for parishioners to review their financial contributions to the parish if they are able to do so, and an encouragement to gift aid their contributions if they are eligible to do so.  We are also progressing plans to install credit/debit card readers in the church, and may consider reinstating offertory collections at weekend masses.  The provision of collection enveloped to parishioners who donate by standing order was discussed; this is seen as wasteful and environmentally unfriendly and will be discussed with the archdiocese.

Angela, one of the parish safeguarding representatives, briefed PPC members on safeguarding activities, and the need for risk assessments for relevant events.  She reported the results of a recent parish safeguarding audit.  The archdiocese is also carrying out a survey of safeguarding awareness.  Progress with the completion of volunteer registration forms is continuing to be monitored.  While safeguarding information is displayed on the premises and on the parish website it was agreed to also arrange a weekend at which the parish safeguarding reps will speak at all masses, to increase awareness of this important topic.

Johanna reported on the progress being made by the group examining maintenance and refurbishment of the premises.  Improvements have been made to storage in the kitchen, and reviews are underway of keys and security and of the compliance of upholstered furnishings with current fire safety regulations.  Virginia has arranged two Fire Safety training sessions to address a finding from the archdiocese’s recent health and safety inspection.  Jane presented proposals for discussion regarding the layout of the carpark, to improve disabled parking and to improve access for emergency services’ vehicles.

Ursula reported on arrangements for our participation in the archdiocesan jubilee celebration at Aylesford Priory on 7th June.  Mary reported on the successful conclusion of the RCIA programme, which she ran for the first time,  and the first time in the parish, which resulted in three candidates being received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Mass.  Thanks were expressed to Mary for the significant time and effort she devoted to this important programme.

Martin reported on plans to develop a Parish Directory by the end of the year.  He also reported on the parish response to the archdiocese’s “Called to Bear Fruit” consultation; the PPC will review the feedback that discussion groups submitted and shared with the parish.  Jane reported on the formation of a Gardening Circle whose initial work has been the installation and planting of troughs at the church entrance.   Thanks were expressed to Rhoda and her team for the highly successful parish Afternoon Tea, which attracted over 70 participants across the three sittings including some of our parishioners who are increasingly isolated and rarely get out.  The event had attracted a lot of positive feedback. 

Share your thoughts and suggestions

We would welcome your feedback on the work of the parish pastoral council as described in this meeting summary, and your ideas on how we could further develop our parish community.  Please let us have your feedback either via the parish office (cheam@rcaos.org.uk) or by speaking to any member of the PPC.  We’d also welcome further volunteers to contribute to organising or supporting our many activities and ministries. We really look forward to hearing from you.