Attendees (8): Father Bryan (FB), Diana Betts, Madeleine Howell, Peter Lowe, David McCabe, Caroline Price, Teresa Wells and Roger Wright.
Apologies were received from (2): Owen Clutton and Mary O’Mahoney.
The Group welcomed Peter to his first meeting.
Review issues from the previous meeting
Traidcraft Stall 12/13th September
David was still to confirm the weekend with Linnett. The group would like her to give another talk at the Masses, possibly linking into the theme of racial justice, as the 13th is Racial Justice Sunday 2009 (http://www.ctbi.org.uk/396/).
Action Point: David to confirm date with Linnett.
Manna Centre Collection 13/14th June
The supervisors were confirmed for all three masses.
Environmental Working Party Report
Roger has been asked by the Finance Committee to get another heating engineer’s quote for suggested improvements. He will also represent the Parish at a Council meeting entitled “Building a Better Bromley”. David is still chasing the Council re the possible installation of bicycle racks at the Church. The “Walk to Mass Weekend”, to include car sharing for those that cannot walk or cycle, has been postponed until the weekend of 19/20th September, to coincide with European Mobility Week / Car Free Day 16th-22nd September (http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/sustainable/awareness/itwmc/).
Action Points: Roger to source another quote, David to continue chasing the Council.
Justice and Peace weekend 13/14th June
Due to “fixture congestion” this will take place later in the year, possibly on the 12th/13th September, to tie in with the Traidcraft Stall/Racial Justice Sunday and the “Walk to Mass” the following weekend. Special bidding prayers and perhaps mass intentions should be considered.
Action Point: Father Brian to prepare material for a J&P-themed weekend.
St James’ School
It was again discussed that either St James’ School or the Church uniformed/youth groups might like to take part in a pre-Christmas collection of shoe boxes for the needy in other parts of the world. http://www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk/
On a general point it was felt that the Group would like to interact more with the school in future on J&P issues. Action Point: David to speak to the school on both issues.
J&P Contact List
Action Point: Roger to build e-mail distribution list.
Parish Newcomers Evening 16th May
Roger and David represented J&P at this event and were able to raise the profile of the group, and describe what we attempt to achieve, both with newcomers and other Parish groups! No new members forthcoming via this channel so far, though.
Paul and Rachel in Peru Update
David confirmed that sadly Paul and Rachel Elliston had decided to end their mission in Chinca, Peru due to disagreements with the local Church there on the best way forward. They will remain in Peru for several more months but it was agreed that we would very much like to hear of their experiences at a future J&P meeting upon their return.
Upcoming events
17th June JustShare Christian Social and Political Thought Lectures – “Food Security: A Justice Issue?” 6.05pm St Mary-Le-Bow Church http://justshare.org.uk/
15th-22nd June Refugee Week
17-19th July National J&P Network Annual Conference, Swanwick
Action Point: David to display JustShare leaflet in the Church porch
Any Other Business
J&P Theme for 2010
It was suggested that we have a J&P theme or campaign in 2010 to encourage more of the Parish to get involved with J&P issues. Action Point: All members to bring ideas to the July meeting.
SPUC Vigil 19th June
It was mentioned that the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children was to hold a vigil outside the Advertising Standards Authority to show their concern at proposals to advertise abortion on television (http://www.spuc.org.uk/news/releases/2009/june22). SPUC was not looking for participants but rather sponsorship to support the event.
Vocation for Justice Summer 2009 newsletter
FB passed round a copy of the latest newletter produced by the Columban Mission on J&P issues.
Action Point: David to produce photocopies for the group and leave in the Church porch
Date of Next Meeting - Tuesday 14th July, 8.15pm in the Hall/Social Centre