Catholic Hythe Newsletter Extra

Lydd– Recent repair works have been paid for by local fund raising thus reducing the burden on the main parish account. Confessional Project—Hythe A number of parishioners raised some points regarding the process by which this project proceeded and these were put before the council. In summary concerns regarding the level of consultation were discussed. The detailed process by which the location was arrived at was explained by Deacon Ray on behalf of the Properties Sub Committee. It was explained that all possibilities were explored and for good reasons rejected until the only location left was the back of the Lady Chapel. This decision was taken by Fr Fred although he had strong reservations. The reasons why a new facility was required were to meet the Disability and Disabled Act and the response of the Bishop’s Conference of England and Wales to the Nolan Report on the abuse of children and vulnerable adults. As the mother church of the parish it was felt that we should not be discriminating against the disabled and we should not put either children and vulnerable adults or our priests at risk. The issue was examined from early 2006 by the Sub Committee

which reported on progress to each council meeting. At every stage from 2006 onwards it was clear that the Lady Chapel would be the location for the confessional and that there were no viable alternatives and the council were informed of this. It was also explained to the council that, under Canon Law, parish councils are advisory bodies only and have a consultative vote, but final decisions are the preserve of the parish priest. (See front page) Parishioners Concerns A small group of parishioners have asked for a Hythe Parish Committee to be formed, and also for an Open Meeting to be held for the parish. Both of these suggestions were felt not to be necessary by the other Council members. It was felt that Hythe is adequately represented on the Council; that the individual members are representatives of the people; and that whatever affects Hythe, affects the whole Parish. As previously mentioned, this Newsletter Extra publication was considered a remedy to this concern. There has been some advancement in Ecumenical areas in Hythe. Ministers now seem open to having breakfast meetings.

THE VIRGIN MOTHER OF GOOD COUNSEL PARISH, HYTHE

Newsletter Extra

N OVEMBER 2 0 0 9

From Fr Fred, From discussions at the recent parish council meeting it has become clear to me that while information about matters discussed at the meetings are easily promulgated to the Marsh churches they are not reaching parishioners who attend Mass in Hythe. My intention was always that council members would pass relevant information back to parishioner without the need for a written report and that any queries arising could then be raised either with the council member or with a member of the clergy. It is now clear that this does not work in Hythe, principally because there are so many Sunday Masses. Therefore I have decided that this “Newsletter Extra” will be issued with the weekly bulletin shortly after each council meeting. I hope this will ensure that accurate information about the council and decisions taken as a result of the advice I receive will be more readily available to all who are interested. You will find below a list of the present council members. Please be aware that due to poor health and a recent resignation the Hythe representation is lower than usual. Once I have had an opportunity to consider who may be added to the council additional names will be notified in the weekly newsletter. Parish Council Members

From the Constitution

Fr Fred Alexander—Parish Priest Deacon Ray Partridge Brenda Draper, Lydd—Chair Chris Harvey, Dymchurch—V. Chair Rachelle Pumphrey, Littlestone Gill Badcock, Hythe Margaret Brinsden, Hythe Gerry Wells, Hythe Martha Clark, Hythe

The Council is an advisory body to the Parish Priest and has no executive authority. It provides a means of communication between different parts of the Parish. The Council exists to advise the Parish Priest in the pastoral care of the Parish…….

Virgin Mother of Good Counsel Parish, Hythe Car Park—Hythe

be sorted out.

The long term intention is that the car park will be clearly signed as a private facility with access only for those using the church or hall. Swains Garage has rented two spaces for week day use for their MOT customers at a fair rental. They will not use these spaces on Saturday or Sunday. Swaines, in addition to paying rent will be responsible for unlocking and locking the gates on weekdays.

Properties Report

In the short term there are a number of complications that render it impossible to keep out casual users. The temporary footpath, permission for which the parish has received a good donation, is the only access to the housing behind the new development and thus the gates must remain open. In addition the Gas people have paid to place a container in the car park during their re-piping operations and some Lower Blackhouse Hill residents have been given temporary permission to use the car park by Fr Fred as a neighbourly act. Please be patient as once the contractors have gone all will

We are finding that, because of the age of most of our buildings, repairs and maintenance work tends to escalate significantly above original estimates due to the need for additional works being revealed. It is not possible to anticipate such additional costs and it would be short sighted to not do repairs properly. A recent roof repair following rain inundation has been completed at Littlestone. New urgent works will include a new shower in the presbytery to replace the present facility that is leaking and ruining the kitchen ceiling. We hope some recovery can be made on both these items from the insurers. Major works to be considered by the counsel for next year include the renewal of the toilet facilities in the hall at Hythe, including a disabled toilet and a disabled toilet and proper confessional facility in Littlestone together with revised entrance and vestibule. Please note that neither of these major works has been designed or costed nor has any decision yet been taken as to

whether they will go ahead next year. Financial concerns are addressed under the finance section of this newsletter. Finances The 2008 finance report, already circulated for any parishioner who wished to have a copy, was discussed by the counsel. Briefly there was a shortfall in regular income of £11,277 in the year ending 31 December 2008. In addition we are endeavouring to make provision for the long term needs for major repairs and replacement to buildings and equipment, calculated at £21,750 per annum. These two numbers together are not a problem short term due to a legacy received, and indeed we have been singularly fortunate in the generosity of our parishioners over the years. We also have fairly substantial reserves of £185,083 that will cover in the short term. However, long term we must either raise our income substantially or very significantly reduce costs, which implies the painful consideration of closures. Examination of the ”ordinary” part of the report shows that there is little scope for large scale reduction in costs Salary bills have escalated due to the need to use temporary staff during a period of staff changes. The biggest single increase is the

Diocesan Development Fund (Diocesan Tax), the increase being due to a change in the way the tax is calculated. It can be seen that over a four year period this tax has nearly doubled. In discussion it was agreed that next year a member of the Finance Sub Committee would speak after all Masses, with particular focus on Gift Aiding for those paying tax. It was mentioned that a number of pensioners are unaware that provided they pay tax they can gift aid their donations which adds 28% to the money they give. Also, it was mentioned that there should be a concerted effort to raise awareness of the value of putting the parish in your will. Marsh Churches Dymchurch—It has become difficult to get Mass goers in Dymchurch to get involved in the activities needed to enable St Monica’s to function. The out of date and malfunctioning strip lighting has recently been replaced. There are problems with youths firing air gun pellets through the windows and prices will be obtained for polycarbonate protection. Littlestone—The front doors that were leaking have been replaced and are outward opening as required by fire regulations.