Pastoral Council Meeting Minutes

May 6, 2007

Attendees

Fr. Regis Farmer, Denis Antol, Joseph Beri, Donald Wisniewski, Steve Zbur, Karen Gust, Patti Powers, Bill Rasile, Francine Hovanec, Mary Weber, John Beran, Frank Petroy, John Fiore and Lori McKinniss

Opening Prayer was given by Francine Hovanec.

Minutes from the March 25, 2007 meeting were approved with addition of the Worship Committee Report, which as inadvertently omitted. 

OLD BUSINESS:

Parish Partnership Program

Francine Hovanec is in the process of contacting Gary Roney for further information. 

-         Francine will contact our parish partner for an update.

-         If they have no specific need, a suggestion for a collection to be taken up at Mass with the proceeds going to our parish partner was made.

New Parishioner Social

Steve Zbur will take the lead on this.  It is tentatively set for a Sunday in September or October.

Diocesan Pastoral and Finance Conference

Patti Powers attended the April 15^th workshop at the Convention Center.  The conference was to provide further guidance for the change from the Parish Council set-up to the Pastoral Council format.  Interim Pastoral Council guidelines were distributed.  It was noted that St. Catherine’s Pastoral Council was larger (15 members) that the 3 to 10 members suggested by the guidelines.  These guidelines leave room for larger parishes, such as ours, to have more members.  Father Regis commented the size of St. Catherine’s Council was still a very workable number.  Secondly, when Pastoral Council votes for new members, the pastor should have the final say.  Although Father Regis has not use his veto power, his positive input is essential for the Council to approve the candidate.  It was Patti’s opinion that St. Catherine’s Pastoral Council is “on target” with what the diocese is looking for.  There will be another review in two years with more workshops forthcoming. 

Father Regis’ Update

-         The new building construction is on schedule.  The move-in day is expected to occur in July.  An “Open House” date was tentatively set for September 9^th.  Invitations will be sent to the surrounding parishes and will also be open to the public.  Parish Council members will be on hand to welcome guests and visitors.  Father Regis suggested a fund raising dinner in the early afternoon.  The Community Life Committee will develop an agenda.  Due to the timing of this event, the parish picnic will be held in abeyance until next year.

-         Sister Mary’s June 30^th retirement was discussed.  Francine Hovanec sent out 80 plus letters for donations for a gift for Sister Mary and has received almost $1,300.  Father Regis suggested a gift of a trip to Brazil.  A second collection after a Mass was discussed as a possibility.

-         Candidates are currently being sought to replace Sr. Mary as the Director of Social Ministry.  Francine Hovanec volunteered to be on the interviewing team.

-         The three acre parcel of church land will be marketed.  A realtor suggested a list price of $100,000.

-         The Appalachian Work camp is full. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Community Life – Don

The Parish Golf Outing is June 11^th.  Prizes and sponsorships are coming in.  There is still a need for additional volunteers.

Worship – Joe

-         The Worship Committee greeted guests for Holy Thursday.

-         A new arrangement for the procession for Mass was approved and will be sent out.

-         The new pews were ordered.

-         Stained glass windows for the main floor were discussed with a possible “Gifts from the Holy Spirit” theme.

Physical Plant – Bill

All is well

Faith Formation – Denis

Gary Roney will be queried about a new youth project.

NEW PARISH COUNCIL ELECTIONS

 Steve, Karen and John B. spoke with five potential candidates – Michelle Rushmore, Lorraine Norris, Nancy Jurik Ferber, Dick McGeown, and Phyllis Murray.  By vote, Dick McGeown and Phyliss Murray were selected as new members.

New Member Installation

This will occur at the 11AM mass on July 22^nd.  All Pastoral Council members are requested to attend.   

Nominations and Voting for President and Vice-Present (Two yr. term)

This will occur at the next meeting.  Steve and Don are not eligible due to their council term ending in one year.  This would prevent them from fulfilling the two year officer term. 

The next meeting will be July 15, 2007.  Frank will do the opening prayer and Denis will record the minutes.  John Beran will lead the meeting since Steve will be on vacation.

 Lastly, Joe, Mary and Katie’s term on Pastoral Council have ended.  These individuals have done outstanding work and will be greatly missed.
 

Minutes submitted by John Fiore