Llandudno -
Our Lady Star of
the Sea
Parish
Priest: Fr Antony Jones STL - Telephone: 01492 860546 [Email]
Sunday April
2nd
2006
Dear Parishioner,
Here are the reports handed in to the recent Pastoral Council.
Their purpose is to keep the PC and yourselves up to date with what’s
going on in the Parish.
Marriage care report
This report was presented by John and Sarah Dennison, who, as you know,
have taken over from Pauline and Brian in the important work of
preparing couples for marriage.
Our first full Marriage Preparation Course was held on Saturday 18
February, with five couples attending. An excellent buffet was
provided by Annie Gosnold, Sheila Johnson and Margaret Perkins who
provided us with a constant supply of tea and coffee. In order to
accommodate the commitments of our couples, we will alternate future
courses between three evening sessions and one all day course, probably
running
about four courses in total per year. The maximum number of
couples per course would appear to be about six. The next course
is an evening one scheduled for early June.
Stella Maris report
This report too was also submitted by John and Sara Dennison, the
Directors of Stella Maris:
Finance: A small but regular
operating profit is now being generated by the letting of the Flat and
the hiring of the rooms. There will be a small increase in hire
charges to cover increased operating costs (particularly energy costs)
with effect from 1 April. It is hoped to be able to hold these
charges for twelve months.
Maintenance: A Building Report
has been submitted to the Diocesan Finance Committee seeking their
guidance and support to carry out some maintenance work (principally to
deal with dampness and with the safety of the rear boundary wall).
Use: Over the past eight
months, we have had a full complement of customers and, as a result, we
now have a better understanding of the workload and commitments
required to support our regular users
(diocesan, parish and private users). However, it is clear that
there is a continuous need to recruit new volunteer helpers.
After trying out some larger functions such as baptism parties and
funeral receptions, it has been decided that with the current operating
regime such large “party” type functions are not practical.
UCMW report
At the Meeting on 31 October, the UCM welcomed the Rev Jane Allen who
gave a very interesting and enjoyable talk entitled: The Three Rs –
Respect, Romance and Relationships.
On 12 November, several members attended the Diocesan Meeting at
Flint. On 14 November, a Coffee Evening was held at Stella Maris
in aid of parish funds, at which £60 was raised.
On 28 November, Mrs Des Blease gave a demonstration on how to make
Christmas table decorations. The Christmas Dinner was held at the
Sandringham Hotel on 12 December; a Party Night on 29 January; and the
AGM on 13 February. A new set of officials are in the process of
being appointed.
The Pro-Life Report
The Pro-Life Group spans the Deanery, with the meetings held at Colwyn
Bay and with Mrs Jackie Horton-Jones as our Representative. This
is her report:
The Pro-Life Movement is very anxious about the manner in which sex
education is being given in the nation’s secondary schools and about
the increasing availability to the pupils of the
morning-after-pill. The number of abortions at this young age is
staggering and calls for more loving support to counter the
pro-abortion advice these vulnerable young people so readily
receive. The Pro-Life Movement calls on all of us to pray daily
for this cause. The Little Feet fundraising effort was recently
able to send £500 to the pro-life workers in the London area.
The Liturgy Report
Fr Andrew gave the report on behalf of the Liturgy Committee. He
told the Council that Mr Phillip Hampson, one of our organists, has
retired from active service to the parish on account of ill
health. He kindly remains ready to help out with weddings and
funerals. The choir will continue for the time being to accompany
the 5:30pm Mass, though we are striving to find some arrangement
whereby the Sunday Morning Mass will also be musically served.
Mrs Joan Shepard continues as parish organist and we are very grateful
to her for the service
God bless you,
Fr Antony Jones.