Now in its fourth year the Forum was introduced to include all members of the St Bernard’s community in running our church. Issues of Pastoral policy and Finance of course remain matters for the Parish executive led by Fr Jack.
As the new Parish structure develops, it is likely that those church communities who demonstrate self management are likely to transition more smoothly.
It meets quarterly when all activities are reported upon. Reporting is limited to “all’s well or action is in hand/taken”. The Forum also offers everyone present a chance to raise issues and offer suggestions for improvement and development.
32 tasks have been identified where members of the community have taken responsibility. See below to view current tasks list displayed on the notice board.
This past July meeting reported that:
- The church refurbishment is now complete, all walkways have been lit to meet emergency regulations and provide for safety reasons, automatic switching when people are present The front façade and portico are planned to be lit from dusk to 10.00 pm and a new Church sign has been installed at the roadside entrance.
- A flower festival will be held in the church on 7th 8th 9th November to coincide with Remembrance Sunday when St Bernards‘s offers hospitality to the local populus in the form of mulled wine and biscuits after the service at the Lingfield War Memorial.
- Members are planning a Christmas lunch to take place Sunday 7th December. A Christmas card based on the wall hanging of Our Lady with Jesus is being researched.
All in all the church is running well, every member of the community is encouraged to come and participate, it is non-hierarchical everybody has an equal voice.
St Bernard’s Forum – List of Coordinators Updated – 12.9.25
Forum Lead – Father Jack Lusted
Coordinator/Deputy – Enrique Valles
Secretary – Rose Bowers
| Task | Named Responsible Coordinator(s) | |
| Mass | ||
| Sacristy | Mary Watson Nicky Daines | |
| Weekly collection | Mike Goodwin Pat Doolan | |
| Gift Aid for the church | Frank Lilley | |
| Welcome and Offertory | Austin Bowers | |
| Readers | Chris & Margaret Vasey | |
| Bidding Prayers | Mary Watson Nicky Daines | |
| Rosary prayer group & Adoration | Mary Watson Nicky Daines | |
| Music | Liam Bauress | |
| Children’s Liturgy | Nicky Daines Rose Bowers | |
| Confirmation catechists | Mike Hope, Eileen Lyons or Gabrielle Joyce | |
| First Holy Communion | Victoria Dickinson Julie Anne Dell | |
| Parish Safeguarding Officer | Maribel Favor | |
| Coffee after mass | Austin Bowers | |
| Parish Administrator | Seanna Dawson | |
| House Keeping | ||
| Notice boards back of church | Nicky Daines Mary Watson | |
| Flowers | Mary Goodwin Angeline Rosner | |
| Wall hangings | Hilary Barrett | |
| Cleaning | Mary Goodwin | |
| Kitchen Provisions | Austin Bowers | |
| Soup Lunches | Angeline Rosner Jenny Wilson | |
| Christmas Lunch | ||
| Building/Grounds | ||
| Utility access | Enrique Valles Fr. Jack Lusted | |
| Keys | Enrique Valles | |
| Building oversight | Pat Doolan | |
| Garden | Austin Bowers | |
| Hall booking | Mike Goodwin | |
| Organisations | ||
| Crawley Open House/Foodbank | Sue Joy | |
| SVP | Enrique Valles | |
| Fair Trade | Margaret Vasey Chris Vasey | |
| Communication/Finance | ||
| Newsletter and invoices | Seanna Dawson | |
| Communications lead | Jonathan Jenkins | |
| Parish cashier | Chris Pond | |
| Rep. on Finance committee | Paul Barrett | |
