March 2005 PASTORAL MEETING MINUTES

PASTORAL MEETING MINUTES

March 2, 2005

ST. MICHAEL'S PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING
Meeting Date: 3/02/2005 Time: 7:00 p.m..
President: Don D'Valle, President Recording Secretary: Barbara Riley
DISTRIBUTION AND ATTENDEE LIST:
George Bardsley
x Daniel Bartolini (excused)
x Ted Burkhardt
x Noreen Christian
Bob Clark
x Dave Daigle
Mary Dehart
x Don D'Valle
Anna Esposito
x Gary Fulmer
x Mary Fulmer
x Mary Ann Gehle
x Amy Kulesa
X Kathy Knutson
x Jim Kurdziel
x Julie Landsman
x Jim Lilley
Dennis Moore
x Amy Myers
Matt Regan
x Barbara Riley
x Father Mike Ruane
Mary Beth Russo (excused)
x Nanci Santiago
x Stephen Miller Guest - Grand Knight-Knights of Columbus
Guest:

TONIGHT'S AGENDA and MINUTES

Opening

Don D'Valle opened the meeting and Noreen Christian led the Council in prayer with readings from Micah 6:8 and the U.S. Catholic Bishops (Appendix A).

The February minutes (Appendix B) were approved.

Pastor's Report
Father Mike' report (Appendix C) included these highlights:
- Father Mike thanked all who supported him at the time of the loss of his mother.
- The Archdiocesan Parish Assessment submission date is October 1 and St. Michael's and the Parish Council led, last year, by Mary Ann Gehle is well prepared to deliver the assessment. Much of the work is already completed and simply needs to be complied and documented on the forms.
- Brochures will be in the pews for the Cardinal's Lenten Appeal "In-Pew Weekend".
- A 1000 word "Reflection on the Eucharist" may be submitted by parishioners and there's a chance that a lucky few will be chosen to be published by the Archdiocese.
- The Cornerstone Breakfast ministry is doing very well as is the upcoming fundraiser.
- The Crop Walk is scheduled for April 24 and Father Mike reminded everyone that 25% of the proceeds raised come back to the Parish in support of the Food Cellar.

Updates
- Athletic Association - Ted Burkhardt
  The sound panels are in and will be installed by volunteers within the next few weeks. More equipment such as volleyball nets are being added and usage of the gym is ever increasing to the benefit of the Parish.
- Eucharistic Adoration on Fridays - Nanci Santiago
  The Council heard a report from Nanci who distributed the results of interviews of other Parishes (Appendix D) that chronicled how Eucharistic Adoration is handled. Several alternatives were discussed, by the Council, including changing the day to a weekend day, allowing working parishioners better participation. Father Mike feels that the focus and emphasis should be on the Mass and Sunday Eucharist. The Blessed Sacrament is in the tabernacle and any parishioner is free to reflect or unburden their soul, at any time. He suggests as options: participating in the Holy Thursday adoration, visiting the Blessed Sacrament during the day or during the Mass. After much discussion about the lack of coverage during exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Fridays, the council voted to make a recommendation to Fr. Mike. The council recommended that exposition on Fridays be discontinued because of the lack of participation. In turn Fr. Mike, in collaboration with the people who enjoy this devotion to our Lord, work to determine how many hours can be covered and when. The concern of the council and Fr. Mike is to have someone present at all times when the host is exposed. Perhaps that would mean less hours or only at special times. By working with the core group, who organize and offer information and sign ups, Fr. Mike can determine the extent of the hours of exposition. The council felt that the small church should remain open on Fridays for adoration of the Lord in the tabernacle, and encouraged the Friday evening group to continue their devotions.
- Welcoming Booklet - George Bardsley George has been researching the issue and provided the Council with samples of other Parish directories and also brought examples from community associations. It has been proposed that the current Welcoming Booklet has limited use, supplies of it are running low and a decision must be made as to continuing its use or to replacing it with a directory that would provide more information useful to the Parish such as services provided by Parishioners and Parish organization information. The directory would require planning and funding, which could be provided by advertising. George has agreed to continue in this effort but volunteers are needed to assist him. He will report his findings, as far as the potential cost of providing a Parish directory, at the next meeting. The Council will then consider the feasibility of this project.

Knights of Columbus Discussion - Stephen Miller, Grand Knight

The Council welcomed Steve Miller who stated his appreciation for the invitation and expressed his intention to work closely with the Council to support the Parish for the remainder of his term. Steve offered a short history of the Knights and described the Knights as a family organization devoted to serve the needs of their Parish and other charitable efforts including donations to the National Shrine, the building fund and many community efforts and activities. The Knights are also very actively assisting the Hoedown fundraising event. The Council asked Steve and the Knights to consider spearheading the Parish Picnic 6/12 activity. Steve will propose this to the Council and advise the Parish as to the outcome of their vote. Mary Ann Gehle suggested to Steve that a representative of the Knights attend all of the Parish Council meetings to gain a mutual understanding of each other's service.

"The Hope that Lies Before Us"

Don explained that the recommendation of "The Hope that lies Before Us" is that each Parish participate in an assessment of its pastoral health to determine its strengths and needs. St. Michael's has already started this process as a part of "Renewing the Vision" and the Council continued the effort.

Open Forum

Mary Ann asked everyone to consider auction donations for the Hoedown and to participate in the ticket sales for the TV raffle. Any volunteer efforts in the area of set up or clean up are greatly appreciated.
Noreen Christian proposed bringing a representative of the Interfaith Coalition of Affordable Housing to give a presentation to the Council. The Council approved supplying the Church with 25 social justice pamphlets.

Jim Lilley asked the Council to offer prayers for Dr. David Duncan and family.

Don D'Valle asked the Council to pray for our Parish family.

Closing

Dave Daigle will lead the opening prayer at the next meeting.

The 3/2/2005 meeting was adjourned at 9:15

Barbara Riley - Pastoral Council Recording Secretary

Action Items
Create Date	Action Item	Status
2/3/05	Recruit replacements for Bob and Jamie Prestel for the Welcoming Committee.
2/3/05	Recruit volunteers to increase sponsorship of the Parish Newsletter.
2/3/05	Check into arranging a Medivac chopper demo for the Parish Picnic.	Completed-Full Police Display arranged.
2/3/05	Solicit recommendations for entertainment for the Parish Picnic.
2/3/05	Examine solutions for the lack of coverage for the Blessed Sacrament exposition.
2/3/05	Recruit replacement for Barbara Clagett, Library Board Chairperson
3/2/05	Steve Miller will ask for a Knights' vote as to whether they will spearhead Parish Picnic efforts	Completed - The Knights will not be able to do this due to the fact that they have other commitments, at that time.