Next meeting: 5 august 2026

St. Mary Magdalene Pastoral Council Minutes Wednesday 17.06. 2026 St. Paul’s House

Present: Father Philip, Liz Gronkowski, Jane Miezitis, Sally McElroy  Apologies: Jacqueline Crawford, Tony Ward

Welcome and reflection: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 

1. Review of last meeting and points following on

a) Autumn Parish Gathering: Provisional date: Sunday 4th October

b) Refresher workshop for sacristans: To be confirmed 

c) Streaming /recording of funerals and other services: Being investigated. 

2. Review of Pastoral Council Retreat

Following on from reflection and Conversations in the Spirit, the day was  based on the Divine Renovation  material:

 Behave Belong  Believe 

Points following on: 

a) Communications

1) Volunteers:  A “thank you” to all volunteers will be celebrated on the feast of St. Mary Magdalene on Wednesday 22nd July in St. Paul’s.

2) A Parish Gathering is planned for Sunday 4thOctober.

3) Before the planned Parish Gathering, groups will be given information enabling them to participate fully, especially with other groups.

b) Adult Formation

1) “The God Who Speaks” a study based on “Laudato Si”, comprising of 6 sessions beginning Wednesday 19th August - 23rdSeptember. These will tie in with “Seasons of Creation,” 1st September-4thOctober.

2) Parishioners who are interested in helping to lead these sessions will be invited to a meeting on Wednesday 29th July

3) Information will be in the newsletter. 

4) Hopefully the new season of “The Chosen” will be available in the autumn.

5) An updated version of The Alpha course should be available in the near future.

6) A study guide to “Magnifica Humanitas”, prepared by Justice and Peace Scotland, will be released soon. 

3. Glenrothes Churches Together

1) The AGM was very successful. 

2) A new minister, Scott Shackleton, has been appointed to support The Heart of Fife

3) Some of our local care homes have requested regular church services. This item will be discussed again. 

4. Safeguarding No items

5. Report from the fabric and Finance Committee

· £15000 was received from Gift Aid last year.

· List of items to be covered by insurance purposes for all three churches were handed out.

· The roof of St. Paul’s will be checked twice a year to ensure gutters are kept clear.

· A meeting is to be arranged with the Archdiocese to clarify the situation regarding the windows and the walls of St. Paul’s.

6. The Synodal Process

Sally and Jane attended the recent Festival of Synodality in Glasgow and both were inspired to develop the progress we have made in the parish so far.

7. Youth Group

It is hoped more of our youth will be encouraged to join the group. 

8. Review of the structures within the Church in Scotland This was discussed at length, including the  responses submitted from the parish. A report will be submitted within the next few days.

9. Summary of forthcoming dates

· Feast of St. Mary Magdalene Wednesday 22nd July St. Paul’s 

· “The God Who Speaks” planning Wednesday 29thJuly St. Paul’s

· “The God Who Speaks” sessions Wednesdays 19thAugust - 23rd September

· “Seasons of Creation” Tuesday 1stSeptember- Wednesday 4th October

· Autumn Parish Gathering Sunday 4thOctober St. Paul’s

10. AOB A reminder to make use of the suggestion boxes will be in the newsletter. 

11. Next meeting  Wednesday 5th August