Next meeting: 8 september 2026

Parish of St. Mary Magdalene 

Pastoral Council Minutes

Wednesday 05.08.2026 St. Paul’s House

Present: Father Isaac, Jacqueline Crawford, Liz Gronkowski, Lijosh Joseph, Jane Miezitis, Sally McElroy, Tony Ward.

Welcome and reflection: Matthew 15:21-28 

Apologies: none

1. Review of last meeting and points following on

a) The feast of St. Mary Magdalene 

The Mass was poorly attended. We need to create awareness before a  special feast, perhaps by introducing a novena or days of prayer. We could  also insert reminders into the Mass PowerPoints. 

b) An Autumn Parish Gathering will take place on Sunday 4th October in St. Paul’s 

I. Group leaders will be given information beforehand enabling them to participate fully, especially with other groups. 

II. The possibility of inviting a speaker was suggested, for example, the parents of Joe Wilson from Carfin, a teenager who died suddenly and whose cause for canonization has been formally opened. A further suggestion is someone who will speak about how the parish can ‘live the Gospel and share it with those we meet’ Parish Mission Statement. 

III. Some of the Divine Renovation material Behave Belong Believe could be used. 

c) Refresher workshop for sacristans

A retreat for sacristans, ministers of the Eucharist and readers will be held in  the Autumn when issues can be addressed. A prayer time could be followed  by moving into individual groups.

d) Streaming of services

This is being looked into but the process is very costly and there are many  safeguarding issues to be considered. 

2. Adult Formation

a) The new season of “The Chosen” will not be available until November. It was agreed to leave it until next year as this season will take us through The Passion of Jesus and will be more suitable for Lent.

b) An updated version of the Alpha course will not be available until next year.

c) A pastoral study kit for “Magnifica Humanitas” has been produced and the material would be suitable for schools, youth groups and parents. Schools and chaplains will be contacted. 

d) It was agreed to have a pause on any new initiatives for the present while Fr. Isaac settles into the parish.

e) Parishioners will be asked to use the suggestion boxes for any ideas they might have for future initiatives.

3. Glenrothes Churches Together

There will be a meeting on Wednesday 9th September.

4. Safeguarding

There were no Safeguarding Issues

5. Report from the fabric and Finance Committee

St. Mary’s

· There is an issue with damp at the back of the church.

· A list of issues requiring attention will be collated.

St. Paul’s

· Lino in hallway to be carried forward

· Carpet in foyer to be tightened up

· The children’s Liturgy room and the church hall to be kept clean and tidy.

· A request was made for new banners for ordinary time.

· Draught excluders required for front door.

· Kneelers required to be upholstered. (Completed)

· The issue of the wall is still ongoing.

 Fr. Isaac expects to collect his car soon. 

To ensure privacy and security, a door will be fitted in the house corridor.

6. The Synodal Process

We will continue to use spiritual conversations at parish meetings, in particular at the Parish Gathering in October.

7. Youth Group

Regarding support for youth of the parish to attend youth gatherings, a plan will be submitted to the Fabric and Finance Committee.

8. Review of the structures within the Church in Scotland

The submitted response was attached to the agenda. 

9. Summary of forthcoming dates

· “Awakening Scotland” Mission St Paul’s Church Saturday 22nd August 10am-1pm     

· “Seasons of Creation”  Tuesday 1st September- Wednesday   

· Autumn Parish Gathering Sunday 4th October St. Paul’s

10. AOB

a) Fr. Isaac is happy with the use of PowerPoints. He will email the response to the Prayers of the Faithful before the weekend. 

b) We are very grateful to the welcomers at St. Paul’s Many parishioners require assistance going in to Mass. People will be asked to respect the five minute silence bell. 

c) In order to ensure privacy and security, the sacristy door access to the house will be closed. Parishioners will be asked to ring the front doorbell if they wish to see Lisa or Fr. Isaac.

d) There will be another “Awakening Scotland” Mission in St. Paul’s on Saturday 22nd August, 10am-1pm.  

11.Next meeting Tuesday 8th September.

·