A Confirmation Preparation Programme for young people in Year 8 or above will be starting at the beginning of February. This will be preceded by an information evening for candidates, parents and sponsors on 27th January at 7.00pm in St Joseph’s Hall.

If you haven’t booked, come along anyway – there will be some spare food!

Eamonn welcomed Helen Foxen as a new member of GPC.

1. The opening prayer was led by Eamonn Finnerty.
2. Apologies for absence were received from Fr PJ, Gloria Dekker, Dave Sullivan and Christina Merrien.
3. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved.
4. Matters arising and action plan:  The secretary will ring Blanchelande Girls’ College to check the date for the outdoor mass in June. A new person for Diocesan Pastoral Council has still to be chosen.
5. Correspondence: A person has been contacted to help with the Pentecost celebration and a meeting will be arranged. An email was received re the parish mass at Blanchelande. Simon will make contact and arrange matters. A letter has been received about the new translation of the Sunday missal. This will be sent to the Bishop for his comments. A letter has also been received about hymns chosen at 10.30 mass. The sentiments have been passed on to the Liturgy group. The Liturgy group are devising a questionnaire which will be handed out at all masses at the 3 churches.
6. Kitchen refurbishment: The next stage of refurbishment in the parish room and the lower kitchen will begin on 15^th February. The rooms will be out of action for 2 weeks.
7. Open air mass: The secretary was asked to contact the Principal of Blanchelande re date of mass. James Hollewell will be invited to the next meeting  as he helped to organise last year’s mass. Hopefully the same team will help to organise for this year.
8. Bishop’s visit: Bishop Crispian is due to visit the Island for the Sacrament of Confirmation on 27^th May. He will stay on for the celebration meal and mass for Canon David Mahy’s Golden Jubilee. He will also be here on 1^st June to meet with GPC. The secretary will write to Alderney to invite a representative to attend the mass for Canon Mahy and also the open air mass in June. Fr Martin Laker will be invited by Fr Michael. It was also felt that the GPC should have a ‘business free’ meeting once a year, to help us reflect on what the GPC is doing for the parish.
9. AOB: It was felt that the Link needs to be revamped. It was also suggested that it should not be given out until after mass, so people would not read it during the sermon. Both suggestions would be launched together. Any suggestions to be brought to the next meeting. Deirdre will contact Chris George about having a photograph replacement made for new member. Lonia Daniels gave notice that she will be leaving GPC at the July meeting. Parish Directory will be put as an agenda item for the next meeting.
10. Date of next meeting: Tuesday 9^th March
11. Person to lead prayer at next meeting: Angela Greening

A Confirmation preparation programme for young people in Year 8 or above will be starting soon. This will be preceded by an information evening for candidates, parents and sponsors.

There will be a meeting for parents and candidates in St Joseph’s Hall on Thursday 21st January at 7.00pm.