1. The opening prayer was led by Angela Greening.
2. Apologies for absence were received from Lonia Daniels, Deirdre Dalton, Simon Harvey and Candice McGeoch.
3. Minutes from last meeting were read and approved.
4. Open air parish mass: This was brought forward on the agenda to allow James Hollowell to speak and be able to leave early. He refreshed what had happened last year e.g. Delancey music group, refreshments, BBQ, quiz etc. His helpers from last year are willing to give their time to help again. The equipment used last year will also be needed. Things that were learnt from last year were that more gazebos were needed, cold drinks, lifts for some people to get to the mass and home again and a medical tent was essential. It was felt that the ‘community spirit’ was felt for a long time after the event. The date of 27th June had been confirmed with the Principal of Blanchelande. Other helpers needed on the day will be asked for in the Link. Guernsey Press will do an article about the mass after the event. The day will follow last year’s event with possibly a Punch and Judy show and more structure in the games area e.g. demonstration on how to play baseball. A ‘flyer’ will be produced and given out after all masses. The Catenians will be asked to supervise the car park. The chairman thanked James for his help and he left the meeting.
5. Matters arising and action plan: A representative is still required for DPC. Alderney still needs an invitation to the parish mass and Canon Mahy’s mass. No news yet about a photograph of new member of GPC. The Pentecost celebration is being organised. A new person was to be approached to be part of the team but it appears they are too busy to help at the moment. It was suggested that the size of the Link be increased from A4 to A3 size and possibly have a children’s section with quizzes and/or wordsearch.
6. Correspondence: Because of commitments at work Candice has relinquished organising the brochure etc. for Canon Mahy’s mass. Eamonn will approach someone in the parish to see if they are willing to take it on. The UCM will be asked if they can supply cakes for after mass on the Sunday of the celebrations for Canon Mahy. A letter has been received asking for help with an orphanage in South Africa. A letter has been received from Bishop Crispian about the new missal which is due to be published.
7. Kitchen update: The smaller kitchen has now been finished and is in use. All of the money raised has been used. The room used for the school library will be used for the youth as soon as the books have been transferred to the old computer room. Eamonn will speak to Peter McGovern.
8. Living our Faith: This is a programme running in the Diocese to raise £9million to help with projects within the diocese e.g. students at seminary, educating the laity, as well as helping parishes with specific projects. 20 or 30 parishes have already pledged and promised £7million to the diocese. It is hoped that by the end of April £8million will be pledged. In order to raise the money an approach is made to a person who is asked to pledge a certain amount each year e.g. £500 or £2000. It is realised that not everyone will be able to afford it. A team has been set up in our parish and has already received pledges of £60,000. We have been asked to pledge £200,000 over 5 years. Part of the money goes to the diocese while the rest stays in the parish. It also means that our parish could now go to the diocese and ask for a loan which we have not been able to do so. The team’s aim is to target as many parishioners as possible e.g. if we pledge  £15 a week it works out at about £5000 in 5 years.
9. Parish Directory: It was decided that the secretary should ring Christina Merrien to check on all details for the directory so that it can be printed as soon as possible.
10. AOB: There was no other business
11. Date of the next meeting: Tuesday 13th April
12. Person to lead the prayer at the next meeting: Dave Sullivan

An update on the progress of this project will follow.

A big thank you to St. Joseph’s Children’s Liturgy Group who performed a Nativity play and sang Christmas Carols.

Finally thanks to Mrs Salisbury for assisting with the music and to Mr Salisbury who drove the residents to and from the Tea Party.

You may like to make a donation towards the tea party or sponsor one of the elderly for £10.