December 1, 2004 PASTORAL MEETING MINUTES

PASTORAL MEETING MINUTES

December 1, 2004

Attendees

George Bardsley, Daniel Bartolini, Noreen Christian, Bob Clark, Dave Daigle, Don D'Valle, Gary Fulmer, Mary Fulmer, Amy Kulesa, Jim Kurdziel, Kathy Knutson, Julie Landsman, Jim Lilley, Dennis Moore, Amy Myers, Barbara Riley, Mary Beth Russo, Nanci Santiago Excused: Mary Dehart, Father Mike Ruane

Opening

President Don D'Valle called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Julie Landsman offered the opening prayer. Don recommended readings from Ephesians and Romans. The November meeting minutes were approved (Attachment A). Fr. Mike asked to be excused and did not submit a report this month.

Discussion - Second Collection Envelopes - Jim Kurdziel Most second collections are devoted to the Archdiocese and are used expressly for Archdiocesan needs. They are announced in the bulletin the week of and before the actual collection. Jim Lilley expressed concern that these collection envelopes do not contain a date and, therefore, may not be used by the congregation as often as they might be if they were dated.

Jim suggests that the Council advises the Administration to pursue printing dates on the envelopes.

The motion to place a date on the second collection envelopes was proposed and passed by the Council.

Discussion - Welcome Packet Publication (Attachment B) - Jim Kurdziel The concern regarding the Parish Welcome Packet is that it is not easily distributed to new parishioners. It has been in print for a lengthy amount of time and some of the information is out of date. Mary Ann Gehle relayed the overall issue of Parish publications to Jim Kurdziel who reported that the Development Committee is considering a Parish directory of businesspersons. This directory could be combined with the current Parish welcoming publication and printed in a format that would be conducive to mass mailings. The proposed publication would become the "official" Parish handbook for information. The object of this proposal is a central repository or resource leading to efficiency and a means of promoting parish community.

It was suggested that the Council look at samples of similar publications from other parishes and choose the better features of each.

A motion was proposed and passed to form an ad hoc committee to study the issue and offer recommendations to the Council at a future meeting, to be determined. George Bardsley volunteered to chair this committee.

Discussion - Parking Procedures for Holiday Masses - Jim Lilley Jim Lilley asked for 3 other volunteers to help direct the Parishioners into the parking lot when stadium parking is required for Masses with large attendance. The new parking procedure includes a special consideration for Eucharistic ministers and Choir members to be identified by 5x8 colored cards on the dashboard and directed to the back, lower lot near the gymnasium. These procedures include specifications for the handicapped. The stadium parking is designated for the 4:00 Christmas Eve Mass and the 10:00 Easter Mass. Jim asked for verbal announcements to describe the procedure prior to these Masses. Don D'Valle will discuss the announcement with Chris Luchansky and Amy Myers will advise the Eucharistic and Music Ministers about the policy.

Discussion - Facilities Guidelines - Don D'Valle Don read a note from Connie Bly to excuse her absence and to place her on the agenda for a future meeting after the first of the year. She also advised that she had finished the guidelines for the use of the kitchen and that guidelines for the general usage of the building and the gymnasium are in the process of completion. There is an advertisement in the bulletin for custodial help and if this fails an ad will be placed in the newspapers.

Discussion - Year of the Eucharist - Amy Kulesa and the Council Father Mike suggested that the Council should devote part of its meetings to share our collective personal feelings on the Eucharist to stimulate the spirit of the subject within the Council. Amy proposed breaking the Council into small groups to impart our Eucharistic experiences for a 15-minute segment of the meeting. The group, as a whole, then reported feedback from the small group discussions. Highlights included discussions of transubstantiation and debate over the symbolism of the bread and the wine as opposed to the actual presence of Christ's body and blood.

Open Forum - Service Justice Weekend January 8th and 9th is Service Justice Weekend, a first time ever event to raise awareness of Catholic Social teaching. A guest speaker will be invited to lead the discussion. As part of the Adult Education program, an 8-week program called "Beyond the Boundaries" will be held.

Don introduced Bob Clark to the Council.

Kathy Knutson reported that Reverend Locke is scheduled to do the homily September 24th and 25th which is the same weekend as the breakfast. Kathy proposed having the Time and Talent on the same weekend, as well. Father Mike said he felt this would be best. The Council decided that holding all of these events simultaneously would be acceptable.

Closing

The 12/1 meeting was adjourned at 8:45.

Barbara Riley - Pastoral Council Secretary (Attachments A and B are on file with original meeting minutes)