Thank you, Father...
As
Chairman of the Parish in Committee, I'm obliged to report to parishioners
from time to time.
At
the well attended AGM in late March, many of the issues affecting
Rainham Church were discussed. We heard reports from the Finance &
Maintenance Group; on Liturgy; St Thomas of Canterbury School; Catechesis;
Ministry to Sick, Eucharistic and Reading Ministers; Pastoral Care;
and a round-up of parish activities by Father Doug.
It's
impossible to mention by name all those involved working for the good
of the two churches, schools, our parishioners and those in the wider
community. But a special thanks to Betty Carrol who is standing down
as our Treasurer. And to our Leadership Team of Deacon Alan, Josie
Boxall and Pauline Green, under Father Doug's guidance, for taking
on such responsiblities and carring them out throughout the year so
commitedly.
We
shall be celebrating our Parish's 50th Jubilee in 2008 and it was
agreed at the AGM that our Jubilee project would be a major refurbishment
of the Parish Hall. Our thanks to all in the Hall Development Committee
for their work in considering all the options, preparing building
specifications, furniture choices etc. The Hall decision was not taken
lightly as it involves a spend of some £40,000. This will mean
fund-raising by various means including second collections, which
will start soon. It is uplifting to see St Peter's with their cake
stalls, Jill and Rod O'Neill's special lunch and the Youth Club and
others already off the mark. It is hoped that work in the Hall will
start in summer and be ready for our Jubilee Celebration next year.
You
wil recall the recent consultation on "Towards
a Vision for the Dicoese" in which so many took
ppart with comments and ideas via the structured questionnaires. These
have now been summarised and the results are now available at the
back of the church. Please take a copy. The Dicoese is impressed with
the extent and depth of our response.
Throughout
the stages of the consultation it emerged that one of the strong recurring
themes was the importance of more support for our youth in various
ways. Major changes in youth work are being planned therefore and,
at this stage, we ask parishioners to consider seriously how you might
get involved in such support as the detailed action plans are revealed,
What is clear is that more, committed helpers are needed.
For
newer members of the Parish, we welcome you ...... and please make
use of the new Parish Directory, our weekly newsletter, the magazine,
the notice-boards and our excellent website - thank you, Valerie -
which contains so much useful and up-to-date information on the entire
Parish story and events. Please be willing to raise any unmet needs
and consider offering your talent.
Finally,
it is alwys a pleasure, on everyone's behalf, to take this opportunity
to show our appreciation of, and grattitude to, Father Doug for his
service of leadership, spiritual and otherwise. Father Doug is approaching
his priestly Silver Jubilee in November and the Parish will enjoy
celebrating it with him and his guests.
Owen
Sweeney
