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SAVE ST BRIGID'S BULLETIN #4
May 15th 2006
1. Father opened the meeting with a prayer and blessing for the Archbishop, and blessings
for a successful meeting. Matt Wuhr led the group in singing a hymn.
2. Remarks from the Chair of the Meeting tonight, Marilyn Donoghue, outlined that
groups had been set up, and individual groups had had their meetings and tonight would be an opportunity to report on activities
and co-ordinate so as to move forward.
3. The reporting started with the Public Relations as the Legal Group had not arrived.
a. Public Relations for Doors Open
Ottawa - Theresa Carty - spokesperson
i. Music will be arranged for outside to attract visitors
ii. More things are required for the garage sale as it is two days
iii. A video is being considered to take place in the hall which would ask "Why do
you love St. Brigid's"
iv. It was considered to use the children at St. Brigid's school, but several advised
that it was not appropriate. The school also is part of the Catholic School Board wish to remain neutral. Their wishes will
be respected. It was pointed out that the school involves several other parishes as well.
V. There is considerable sympathy and
empathy at the surrounding churches i.e. Basilica and St. Joseph's, and that
all activities should stay on the positive side, rather that the negative which is destructive.
b. Santacruzan
i.The Filipino children of Couples for Christ will also be involved with the procession
as is the tradition, and this should be emphasized.
ii. Flowers and candles will play an active part of this activity
c. Mission and Vision
i. It was also determined that this group should look into the Mission and Vision
definition "deepening our spiritual faith and scriptural aspect. Define who we are and where strength comes from.
4. Petitions
a. The team reported that many signatures had been recorded from both communities.
The Old Aged Homes were to be contacted, as well as businesses around the area, and corporate groups as well. The web site
was set up this evening at www.stbrigidottawa.com. and was open also for
signatures.
b. The various districts that make up the parish i.e. New Edinburgh, Lindenlea,
Rockclifte, Lower Town and the city (for the Philippine community) have been contacted to gather the entire signature for
them. The children of the Filipino community should also be added.
5. Fundraising
a. The group talked about selling the St. Brigid's Cross as "Save St. Brigid's"
Motto. T shirts will also be sold at the Doors Open.
b. Another idea was
presented for a cookbook.
c. The initial objective will be $200,000 to cover the roof and heating. Pledges
and cash will be solicited for this amount. It is important to get some commitment regarding staying prior to major fiinds
being expended.
d. Plans will be put in place for the longer term taking into account the
phasing that has been developed in conjunction with the building program developed earlier. Targets will be set for this fund
raising.
6. Vigils
a. Sister Essie unfortunately fell in the street and strained her knee. Matt
Wuhr brought great spirit to the discussion of vigils. There would be a prayer vigil on Tuesday afternoon following mass until
6 p.m. On Wednesday evening at 7:30 this week, following the Novena there would be a candlelight vigil around the church St.
Brigid's -and on Friday the doors of the church will be open from 7:30 until 11:30. This will now take place every Friday
until further notice.
- The meeting closed at 9:00pm with a prayer from Father. Coffee and cookies
were available during further discussion.
- The next meeting will be Wednesday, May 24, at 7:30 in the Church Hall
Supplementary Activities
a. On Wednesday May 17', Heritage Ottawa held their annual meeting and passed
a resolution to support the preservation of St. Brigid's which will be forwarded to Archbishop Gervais.
b. Father Pedro spoke to the Ambassador to the Philippines and he has sent
a letter to the Archbishop. We will get a copy of the letter for the files.
Marilyn Donoghue
Parish Pastoral Council Chair
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