More on the Parishioners’ Open Meeting (Forum)

Latest information on the Forum and minutes of past meetings are available on the main Open Meetings page

On this page, you can find some more background information on the Parishioners' Open Meetings (previously the Parish Forum).

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What is the Parishioners’ Open Meeting?

The Open Meeting is a place where all parishioners are invited to contribute to discussion on Parish life, and stay up-to-date with what's going on. It was originally called “The Parish Forum” but has been renamed to clarify its purpose. Its Constitution is here.

Before the pandemic we met four times per year. We increased the frequency and went online during the pandemic as a means to involve as many parishioners as possible in regular review and discussion of decisions about how to manage the Parish during the crisis. Meetings currently remain online and we are holding them approximately every 2 months. We will keep this under review.

Current chair of the Open Meetings is Stephen Warde. If you would like something added to an agenda, please email Stephen at openmeetings@saintlaurence.org.uk.

The Facilitation Group is a team of parishioners that makes sure actions agreed at meetings are carried out and the agenda for the next meeting is prepared. We’re always looking for volunteers to join the group!

The Diocesan Council of Laity is the forum for discussing issues of importance regarding pastoral planning which affect the whole diocese. We are represented on the Council by Jim O’Sullivan.

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Typical agenda

Meetings include some or all of the following items, with additional special topics added as appropriate:

1. Apologies
2. Minutes of last meeting and matters arising
3. Feature presentation or discussion topic
4. Liturgy
5. Finance
6. Social life
7. Catechesis
8. Buildings and grounds
9. School
10. Reports from parish groups
11. Any other business
12. Date of future meetings

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Sanctuary plans

Thank you to all who contributed to the extensive discussion on ideas for re-ordering the Sanctuary at the January 2020 Open Meeting. Given the impact of Covid-19, these ideas will not be taken further until we can ensure that everyone can participate fully in discussions, and until any changes in the financial situation are clear. However, a survey form has been created (as agreed at the meeting) and, if you have views on the ideas, you are very welcome to submit those views using that form − your comments will be included in any future planning.

Download the feedback form (as a PDF) and submit feedback by putting your answers to the questions on the form in an email to openmeetings@saintlaurence.org.uk.