Secretary's Report 2007

The chapter roll has dropped from 39 last year to 34, comprising 20 members, 1 priest associate, 11 life members and 2 probationers.

During the last year, we record with sadness the deaths of Bro John Stack, for many years our chapter organist and a loyal supporter of the chapter; of Fr Geoffrey Pinnock, one of our priest associates; and Phyllis Webster from St Barnabas, a long time supporter of the Guild. In November we received the sad news that our old friend and supporter, Fr Christopher Walker, had been diagnosed with cancer. Please remember him in your prayers. In May, we were pleased to admit Sr Jenny Dowdeswell from Kidlington as a Probationer member.

In addition to our members, we are grateful to a number of friends and supporters that attend our meetings. Indeed, those who now come to our chapter meetings are principally friends and supporters.

I have continued to correspond by letter and email with all those on our roll and this has helped them to keep in touch regardless of whether they are able to attend meetings. We do, however, need to improve attendances at chapter meetings if we are to continue meeting and this is something we need to consider carefully in the days to come.

Since our last AGM, the Chapter has met 5 times.

In May we met at St Mary Magdalen’s Church, Oxford for Guild Office & Benediction in honour of Our Lady. Fr Jason officiated for the office and Fr Peter Groves, preached and gave Benediction.

In July we met at St Margaret’s, Binsey for Guild Office. Fr Tony Knox officiated and gave the address. This meeting was very poorly attended, but those that came enjoyed a drink afterwards in the Perch.

In September, the chapter hosted a Young Servers' Sleepover event at St Mary's Church, Kidlington. Twelve young people enjoyed a range of activities relating to serving. Also in September, we celebrated our Patronal Feast day with Guild Office & Benediction at St Barnabas’ Church, Oxford. Fr Jason officiated and we were pleased to welcome back Fr Dennis Mason to give the address.

In October, Fr Jason led a Quiet Day on the theme of worship at St Mary's Church, Kidlington, which was much appreciated by the group of people which attended from the parish.

In November we remembered the departed members of the chapter with a mass at St Andrew’s Church, Headington. We are grateful for the clergy and people of St Andrews for welcoming us to their weeknight mass and providing the refreshments afterwards.

In January, we met at St Alban’s Church, Cowley for Guild Office & Benediction. Fr Adam Romanis officiated and preached. Our thanks to him for welcoming us and his hospitality.

I am grateful to all the parish clergy who have welcomed us to their churches this last year and led our worship. Indeed, thank you to all who have contributed to the life of the chapter in whatever way, particularly, to Fr Jason, our Chaplain, Professor David Murray who kindly plays the organ for us at many of our meetings and to Bro Trevor Langrish for his work as treasurer.