Next meeting: tuesday 10 november 2026
pastoral council minutes
Parish of St. Mary Magdalene
Pastoral Council Minutes
Wednesday 08.09.2026
St. Paul’s House
Present: Father Isaac, Liz Gronkowski, Lijosh Joseph, Jane Miezitis, Sally McElroy, Tony Ward.
Welcome and reflection: Matthew 1:18-23
Apologies: Jacqueline Crawford
1. Review of last meeting and points following on
a) A retreat for sacristans, ministers of the Eucharist and readers will be (during)Advent when issues can be addressed. A prayer time could be followed by moving into individual groups.
b) Streaming of services
The cost of the equipment and the protocols required are quite significant. It was agreed to leave for the moment. It is still possible for individuals/families to connect with the church wifi to record funerals and other services.
c) “Magnifica Humanitas” toolkit
i. The “Magnifica Humanitas” pastoral kit has been sent to Fr. Simon, chaplain at St. Andrew’s High School, and he is happy to speak to the Headteacher.
ii. There could possibly be a stall at the next Parents’ Evening where leaflets could be distributed to parents
iii. Fr. Isaac could mention the toolkit at the next Deanery meeting.
iv. Attention could be drawn to the toolkit at the Parish Gathering
2. Adult Formation
a) Review of “Awakening Scotland” Mission.
Most people were inspired by the event. Perhaps an evening would encourage more people to attend with more healing time and more silence.
b) Autumn Parish Gathering
i. This will take place on Sunday 4th October in St. Paul’s
ii. Group leaders will be contacted asking them to encourage their members to attend.
iii. Alan and Veronica Wilson, the parents of Joe Wilson, from Carfin, a teenager who died suddenly and whose cause for canonization has been formally opened, has agreed to speak at the Gathering. Hopefully their story will encourage families to come along.
iv. We will encompass our parish mission statement, focusing particularly on the statement “Our mission is to live the Gospel and share it with those we meet,” reflecting on how we can be more proactive both as a parish and as individuals.
v. Publicity is key to encouraging people to attend. This will include posters, social media, schools and weekend Masses.
vi. A meeting for PCC members will be held on Monday 28th September in Romero House at 7pm to finalise plans for the event.
c)Seasons of Creation
Bidding prayers will be included at Masses to reflect the season.
d) Sacramental Preparation and family visits
This item is ongoing.
e) RCIA
There are candidates for this year and a programme is being worked on.
3. Glenrothes Churches Together
The Park Gathering was very well attended and was a good networking experience.
There will be a meeting on Wednesday 9th September in St Paul’s Hall.
4. Safeguarding
No safeguarding issues were raised.
5. Report from the fabric and Finance Committee
St. Mary’s
A list of issues requiring attention is being collated.
St. Paul’s
To ensure privacy and security, a door will be fitted in the house corridor.
The Synodal Process
We will continue to use spiritual conversations at parish meetings, in particular at the Parish Gathering in October.
6. Youth Group
Regarding support for youth of the parish to attend youth gatherings, a plan will be submitted to the Fabric and Finance Committee.
7. Summary of forthcoming dates
· “Seasons of Creation” Tuesday 1st September- Wednesday 4thOctober
· Autumn Parish Gathering Sunday 4thOctober St. Paul’s
· Sacrament of Confirmation Thursday 18th March St. Paul’s
· Tony Ward to be instituted as an Acolyte Tuesday 20th April
8. Next meeting Tuesday 10th November 7pm St. Paul’s
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