In March 2009 a Pastoral Council was elected with representation from both the St Hugh and the Holy Ghost congregations. The purpose of the Council is to work in partnership with the parish priest in the effective running of the parish in furtherance of the parish mission, to develop as a worshiping community and as far as possible aid our members (parishioners) personal relationship with God.

On the 16th March 2010 the 2nd AGM of the Pastoral Council took place at a Parish Assembly, regrettable attended by only a small number of parishioners. A new Council was elected: Janet Curwen, Peggy Found, Andrew Jolliffe, Richard Morgan, Nicky Pearson, Margaret Reynolds, Paula Taylor and Terence McCarthaigh. In addition the PP's nominated delegates Bryony McDermott and Anthony Mathew along with Dom Michael will continue on the Council. Thanks were given to Nicky who stepped down as our first Chairperson and also to David Byrne our first Secretary. David chose not to stand for election this year, thereby ensuring there would be a change of Council membership. David will be sorely missed as a council member but will continue to attend council meetings as a much needed agent provocateur (!) and wise counselor. David will also continue to edit the parish newsletter until others come forward to take this on or at least help.  

At a meeting of the PC held 8th April Terence McCarthaigh was appointed Chairpman and Paula Taylor Deputy Chairwoman for the coming year. Andrew Jolliffe was confirmed as Secretary and Paula will remain social secretary.

On the 9th June 2010 Luke Justin was appointed Youth Representative to the PC.

The dates of meetings of the Pastoral Council are published in the parish newsletter and in the website "future events" page. The meetings are open to parishioners and others to attend.

Mission Statement:   The parish: "...exists as a worshiping community to proclaim and live out the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ and to help its members to develop, as far as humanely possible, their own personal relationship to God." 

( For any who find this kind of language a bit daunting perhaps a more contemporary way of saying the same thing would be: "...a faith community that works and prays to better understand and spread the good news and promise of Jesus the Christ and his mission to bring justice, peace, healing and compassion ...").

Our Vision for the Parish:   "...a community that enriches the lives of people, both parishioners and the wider world.  ...a community of prayer and service.  ...a community of welcome and fellowship.  ...to celebrate its rich traditions and diversity, the talents and gifts of all its people, new and long established."

Our Vision for the Pastoral Council:  A team of people "...entrusted ...to work together and in support of our Parish Priest". That will "... seek in its decisions to find consensus and collaboration ... understand the needs and aspirations of our parish ... support the work of the many people already serving our parish ...set a direction and priorities for new or expanded services and missions ...to (realize) our parish mission ...to be wholly accountable and seek renewal of its membership on a regular and fair basis."

Priorities for year March 2009 to March 2010: Our main strategy for the first year was to create a sense of being one parish with renewed vigor and vision:  (1) Parish activities to help bring the two previously separate churches of Holy Ghost and St Hugh's into closer union as one parish.  (2) Establish a joint weekly Newsletter for both churches  (3) Create a parish website (this is it!) (4) To complete and publish an audit of parish activities and encourage people to get involved. (5) to begin the work of bringing the Diocesan visionary document "Called to be a People of Hope" into being in our own parish. 

The pastoral council can be contacted by speaking direct to any of the current members (Names and telephone numbers are to be found in the Churches) or more formally by writing to the secretary Andrew Jolliffe which can be done by emailing: holyhugh@btinternet.com