May 15, 2010 SAINT MARY PARISH
PASTORAL COUNCIL MINUTES, 15 MAY 2010
1. The meeting opened with a prayer led by Father Cook.
2. Roll Call: Members present were Angie Cina ,Mike McMahon, Julie Steiner, Terri Pedace, Dan Kotek, Marlene Norman, Jim Gillen, Kendra Arch, Pat Biebl, Dave Matheys, Dennis Olson and Father Cook. Members excused: Karen Diehl and Don Tully.
3. “What Are They Saying Out There?” Many parishioners have expressed that they enjoyed the “Little Black Books” during Lent and the “White Books” in the Easter Season. The Card Party put on by the Joseph Club was enjoyed. There was a suggestion that players change partners, instead of keeping the same partners throughout the evening.
4. Reports:
a. Parish Clubs:
i. Travel Club: Angie Cina reported that there were 22 participants in the journey to see “The Dead Sea Scrolls”, and that there were many positive comments about the event.
ii. Cooking Club: Still in need of a Coordinator. A name was suggested of someone who might be interested.
iii. Zarephath Club: Plans to have a presentation by Terri Pedace and Kathy Ekern for all parishioners in regard to Parish Nurse Services.
iv. Bible Club: Will restart meetings in September.
v. Book Club: Meets monthly. (The title of the book for May is “Everything that Rises Must Converge” by Flannery O’Connor)
b. Religious Education Program: Dennis Olson reports that First Communion was 18 April. 17 youths received for the first time. The last class for grades 6-12 was Wednesday night, 28 April; 7th graders won the pizza party for the last food collection of the year. Last class for pre-school – 5th grades was Sunday, 2 May. The “Crowning of Mary” was done by the 3rd grade class after the 10:30 Mass with Morgan Leising placing the crown. Vacation Summer School will be August 1, 2, 3, 4. Dennis Olson will be attending the Annual Diocesan Inservice, July 30-31.
c. Parish Nurse Program: Terri Pedace reports that she continues to see her clients monthly even though some may no longer have professional needs. She states that May is “Mental Health Awareness” month and that she attended a program earlier in the day regarding it, and was able to network with other Parish Nurses.
d. PCCW Report: Pat Biebl reports that Bethel Home and Vernon Manor continue to be served by the various Circles for activities of the months. Many forthcoming activities were presented with one of note being the Marian Banquet to be held this month.
e. Joseph Club: The forthcoming Parish Picnic was discussed. The club will meet May 25 to complete preparations for it.
f. Finance Council: Mike McMahon reported on the following.
i. Recent Capital Improvements: Sidewalks have been repaired; rectory deck has been power washed and stained.
ii. Pending Capital Improvements:
1. A new sump pump will be installed and dry lock will be placed on church storage room wall to prevent moisture on floor.
2. Kneelers will b e reinforced, but supplies are slow in coming.
3. Staining of pews, likely to commence soon; waiting for a cost estimate.
4. Parking lot cracks to be sealed, resurfacing and striping to be done again this year.
5. Dry lock to be applied to wall of rectory furnace room.
6. New lawn mower to be purchased.
iii. Diocesan Annual Appeal: Target, $35,863.84/Pledged, $36,062/ Cash total, $34,597 ($1,267 under target)
iv. We Belong To Christ Campaign: Target $246,000/Pledged, $386,966/Cash to date, $267,168.50.
v. Endowment Trust Fund: Total: $52,874.06 (as of 16 April 2010)
g. Social Concerns Committee:
i. Fortney Hotel Ministry: Father Cook reports that it continues to do well providing the monthly meal. He also reports facilitating a homeless female to get a room at the hotel. He mentions that their occupancy is nearly full.
ii. Jail Ministry: Father Cook explained how the process set up with the sheriff for local clergy to provide pastoral counseling works and that it is doing well.
iii. Pax Christi: Father Cook encouraged all to attend the upcoming talk by Sister Margaret Michaud on the late Thomas Merton.
iv. Community Garden: Father Cook states that the group is planning to plant on 23 May at 1:30 p.m. Grant money was obtained from CROP to promote the Project. A member has volunteered to make a sign identifying the Community Garden plot.
h. JOURNEY Youth Group: Past events included winter tubing; bowling in February; blessing of Easter foods and Egg Hunt in April. Upcoming events include Game Day at Bethel Home (22 May), Community Garden Participation; and Parish Picnic. Father Cook states that the current leader, Cathy King , is resigning and Kathryn Anderson has volunteered for the leadership role.
i. PATHWAYS: Father Cook says that it hasn’t been able to get moving this year, since the current leader had a leg injury.
5. Old Business:
a. Parish Directory, 2010: Father Cook encouraged all to promote this to other parishioners.
b. Council minutes are posted on the parish web site.
6. New Business: The Council discussed an open house or a Forum to identify the work of the Councils, Committees and Clubs of the parish. Father Cook suggested that a coordinator was probably needed. He will ask Angie Cina, since she is already the parish club reporter. The Forum is currently being planned for the weekend of September 11/12, 2010.
7. Next meeting: 29 July 2010, 5:00 p.m.
8. The meeting ended with a prayer and adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Marlene Norman