SAVE ST BRIGID’S                          BULLETIN #18

                                                             August 30^th ,  2006

1. Sister Essie opened the meeting with  prayers, particularly for the Archbishop and the parishioners in their struggle to save St. Brigid’s. The meeting was presided by Mike Valiquette as Marilyn D. was away for a break.  Art Cuenco to take the minutes.     
2. Michael V. discussed the announcement this past weekend in church by Msgr. Kevin Beach.  It was the decree announcement of the appointments of Father Pedro Arana to Annunciation and Father Tim Amyot to the position of Administrator at St. Brigid’s.  These appointments took effect on August 8^th, 2006.  Michael  gave a brief summary of the action, and his interpretation.  The lawyers are ready to file an appeal as soon as the Diocese issues its decree.  After the masses Msgr. Said that he would give Father Amyot the opportunity to settle in and get to know the parish, and the Archdiocese would call for presentations for the sale or alternate use of the church.  Parishioners in the church or others would be able to make presentations in October to the Archdiocese on the disposal of the church.  The information that was important was that the affairs of St. Brigids will be managed by the Administrator Father Amyot, and that the amalgamation with the Basilica will not take place until later when the disposition of the church is known.      
3. Msgr. Beach also reported he avoided a flood in the kitchen when he noticed the tap running and water ready to overflow. 
4. Old Business

The reception to welcome Father Amyot went very well with a good representation of the parishioners.  Many thanks to the hospitality committee again.  During the masses it was made apparent that Fr. Arana had not given the proper briefing information to Fr. Amyot into his new place of work.  Olwen found him wandering around at the back of the church.  He did not know where the vestments were located.  The general consensus regarding the welcoming was very positive.  The parishioners feel that there is a new life to the church with the support of Fr. Amyot.  The next few weeks will give the team  an opportunity to establish the times, and other functions of both the priest and the office.  For the time being it will be business as usual. 

Petition to the Pope has been prepared and sent, along with 7 pages of parishioners who have signed the petition. on August 30^th     by Jasmine Williams.

Post cards -  Steve agreed to coordinate with help from Melanie to send postcards to Church of England in New Edinburgh and to other faiths.  It was also requested to get lists of churches and network with them on the situation.  Also a newsletter will be prepared on the issue with postcard attached and distribute, and to have people distribute to the apartment buildings.     

There was no report regarding the letter to the other parishes. 

         5.  New Business

The General meeting of all parishioners was discussed.  There is a need to have as big a turnout as possible.  At the present time the church administration is missing structure.  There is little indication as to what committees are active and which need support.  There is also a need to list committees as well as parish councils, what positions are available,  and  the duties of the various committees.  Art Cuenco was charged with the preparation of a work breakdown schedule.  Time lines were also requested.  .

The group present suggested areas that could be included in the WBS such as organization, physical plant, Pastoral and Finance councils, communication, hospitality, church activities, etc. 

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

Security  Steve Rose presented a paper on security which will be presented at the next meeting.  The signs should be altered for the times of the church.

A schedule to be drawn up listing the activities for the balance of the year.  There is tentative planning for the concert of Russian Orthodox singers in November, and our own choir in December, as well as the Christmas Bazaar.  The meeting closed with the Lord’s prayer led by Sister Mona.

THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD WEDNESDAY September 6, 2006- 7:30 PM  IN THE HALL.