SAVE ST BRIGID’S                        BULLETIN #17

                                                           August 23^rd ,  2006

1. Sister Essie opened the meeting with  A prayer, particularly for the Archbishop and the parishioners in their struggle to save St. Brigid’s.      
2. The chair discussed the follow up items from the previous bulletin.  The Chair had had a meeting with Father Tim Amyot, and he indicated that he wished all masses to continue, and the liturgy to continue as is.  He is looking forward to joining us this Sunday.  Msgr. Kevin Beach will also be at all the masses, and will be speaking.  The keys for the church and rectory exterior doors have all been changed Wednesday afternoon and new keys will be issued to individuals requiring them.  A successful, happy but sad departure was held for Father Arana after the Sunday 10 o’clock mass.    
3. Patrick Murray the lawyer from Gibson and Maclaren was present and gave a summary of activities.  The amendment to the filing of the Judicial Review had been filed last week, and consent given by both lawyer firms.  The time for Notice of Appearance and Examination and discovery has not been decided.  The courts are full, and a number of judges are resigning in September, so it is difficult to determine at this time when the case will be heard.  It is estimated to be a long process, possibly into the new year.  The impact of splitting the community (i.e. separation of the Filipinos and assignment to Assumption is of major concern.  The legal community has shown interest.  At issue, is the need for natural justice.  Visibility of decision making and accountability are fundamental to Canadians, and these fundamental decisions have an impact of each and everyone of us.  The Cornwall case was referenced and the settlement regarding the decision in respect to the definition of “public institution” was discussed.  The best possible outcome would be the result to be heard, (natural justice)  and involvement in the decisions which would bring everything back to the original status.
4. Business

Follow up on the church closing sited in PEI with Kelly Egan identified the information given him was incorrect.  It was another equally beautiful church.  However, Mr. Egan expressed the desire to do another article on St. Brigid’s The distribution of postcards was discussed and as it is difficult to place them at the back of churches, they will be distributed outside the churches by various individuals.  The Petition to the Pope has been prepared and sent, along with 7 pages of parishioners who have signed the petition.  The letter to the parishes is still being worked on and will be sent shortly. 

A book of memories is being prepared for Father Arana, and parishioners with photos are asked to submit them so it can be prepared.  Several of the Filipinos present suggested that they will continue to come to the various masses as possible, and Richard and Emie would continue do the 8:00 am mass for the next period.  We thank them for the offering. 

         5.  New Business

All plans are in order for the reception for Father Amyot this coming Sunday.  Julienne White and Alice Hilchie met with Father Amyot on Wednesday and discussed liturgy at St. Brigid’s.

There will be a General Meeting of the Parish on September 13^th, in the Parish Hall at 7:30 to discuss the formation of new Councils.  As the councils for St. Brigid’s have collapsed due to the departure of the Filipinos, it is necessary to form new councils in addition to additional individuals to serve in the other Ministries.  There will be an election for new members, or continuation of existing members.  Financial statements will also be available. 

They will be a Pancake Breakfast  September 17^th following the 10:00 mass, in addition to a bake sale.  Posters and advertising will be developed. 

October 21^st there will be a ceili, and tickets will be sold .  More information as the program develops. 

A paper was given by Chris Finnerty suggesting the ownership of the church should be questioned.  The statement quoted in the first meeting from the Anniversary Booklet of 1939 suggests that once the debt was paid back to the Archdiocese, the church belonged to the parishioners.  A lawyer present Mr. Shanbaum suggested that the deed records and other documents should be examined.   The meeting closed with the Lord’s prayer led by Sister Mona.

THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD WEDNESDAY AUGUST 30^TH - 7:30 PM  IN THE HALL.