July 5^th,  2006

1. Father opened the meeting with a prayer and blessing for the Archbishop, and blessings for a successful meeting..
2. The chair discussed the outstanding items from the previous meeting

                                                               i.      “How to Access” is being developed and hopefully will be ready for the bulleting this weekend.  .

                                                             ii.      Parishioners were asked to continue sending note to friends, to join the petition.  A list of email addresses has been compiled to distribute information and advise of meetings.  All members were asked to add their emails.

                                                           iii.       Papers for the private members have been given to Bernadette McLeod to commence development.  This will ask for support for a moratorium of several years from the Provincial Government to prevent the sale and/or demolition of Heritage Churches.  Elizabeth Krug accepted to work on this bill.  Mr. David Jeanes, Vice President of Heritage Ottawa was introduced as a special guest.

3. Reporting

The Chair reported attempts had been made to arrange a meeting with the Archbishop unsuccessfully.  His office advised that he would not discuss his decision.  He did agree however that we could write a letter expressing our concerns, and/or meet with the Vicar General and make our positions known.  A letter was delivered last Thursday June 29^th, and a second letter was delivered to the Papal Nuncio, asking for intervention for our cause and assistance in arranging a meeting.  The package, including signatures and a video was delivered to the Holy See on Manor Ave and was covered by Norm Fetterly on CJOH. 

A meeting with the Vicar General, Msgr. Kevin Beech was arranged for July 6^th with the Chair of the Task Force Marilyn Donoghue, Pat Gillin, Art Cuenco, and Michael Valiquette.

 It was raised that there is little knowledge in many of the Ottawa parishes regarding the plight of St. Brigid’s and what knowledge existed was incorrect.  It should be clarified with the Archdiocese, and other parishes the current information about our history.  Discussion ensured as to how to get information out.  It was determined that we should prepare a one pager and get it out to all the various parish priests.  Michael V. to draft a letter and the Communications group to look after circulation. 

Response letters from the Archbishop were shared, and the question as to who were the 27 priest councils was raised  and is to be looked into. 

Legal- Patrick Murray was not in attendance.  The legal submission is to be submitted this week.  . 

Petitions Petition signatures are still coming in, and all members were encouraged to get more people involved

Prayers and Vigils  are held ever Tuesday following the noon mass, and each Friday from 8:00 to 10:30.   Prayer is the most powerful source of strength, and we should try to spend some time here. This coming Friday is First Friday, and the overnight vigil with a mass following at 7::00 am

Communications and Public Relations

It is clear that we need more public relations and marketing to succeed.  We are a caring community, which is our strength and must be visible.  Postcards were suggested, and will be looked into. 

It was suggested that this is not a spiritual question, nor an economic real estate matter, but one of politics and power.  There  is no logic to the closure and it would appear that  it is one of looking out for one’s legacy without concern for parishioners.  Many expressed their concern regarding the perceived politics of the situation.  The breaking up of the community, without consultation, or due process was not acceptable. 

The groups El Sheddai, and CFC had meetings with the Archbishop a short time ago.  Father Arana explained that they were an example of groups building a Christian Community and he thought that this comprehensive integrated example should be discussed with the Archbishop, and arranged the meeting..

Picnic plans have all been finalized.  Posters are being developed.   M and M Meats will provide hamburgers, hot dogs and the condiments.  The picnic will take place Sunday July 15^th from 1:30 to 5pm at Stanley Park, in New Edinburgh accessible from the #3 bus.  Blankets and chairs should be brought by individuals.  Recycles cans and aluminum is being collected and parishioners are urged to bring them to the picnic.  Bobbi Dee Cody turned over $10.50 for deposit from that which she collected.

                4.  Other

The balance of the agenda was put off until next week.  The evening closed with a prayer and blessing.

THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD MONDAY JULY 10^TH AT 7:30 IN THE CHURCH HALL

Please communicate and organize other parishioners for full participation