ST CHRISTOPHER’S PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
Summary of meeting on 18th November 2025
Members welcomed Nick as the new parish treasurer, who has recently taken over from Deborah to whom members expressed thanks and good wishes. Nick briefed members on the progress of his induction into his role, including his contact with the diocesan finance team. He will shortly be meeting with four volunteers who offered to help with parish finances, to discuss the roles each can play. The Parish Finance Committee (PFC) had also met to support Nick in his induction; we hope to recruit one of the volunteers to the PFC.
Angela provided an update on Safeguarding; the forward plan includes briefing parishioners about this important topic at every mass over one of the weekends in January.
Mary provided feedback on a deanery-wide meeting she had attended with the deanery mentor for evangelisation, catechesis and formation. She provided examples of initiatives carried out in local parishes, which could be adapted and used at Saint Christopher’s. It was agreed that we need volunteers to work with Mary to develop such activities in the parish; an appeal will be made in coming weeks.
Johanna reported on the work of the working group on renovations. Two sessions of cleaning of the walls in the church have been successful; and parishioners will be invited to join in further sessions in December to improve the appearance of the church for Christmas. The need to test arrangement for evacuating the church in the event of an emergency was discussed; parishioners will be briefed soon; a “live” test will follow in the better weather.
Jane and the gardening circle were thanked for the work they’ve done setting up and maintaining the tubs around the entrance of the church. The craft circle were congratulated on poppy sales that raised £600 which will be donated to the British Legion in Cheam and Worcester Park. “Sign-up Sunday” in September produced 15 new volunteers across a range of parish activities. Confirmation on 16th November saw 38 young people receive the sacrament; it was a vibrate and joyful celebration achieved through the hard work of our catechists Johanne and Johanna. Plans for Saint Christopher’s to host a service on 20th January in the week of prayer for Christian Unity are well advanced, as are plans for the Advent Carol Service on 12th December.
PPC members supported a proposal to install a plaque with the history of the artwork above the doors at the back of the church, with additional wording above the doors to emphasis the artwork at back of church.
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.