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Council
Members
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Pastoral
Council Meeting Minutes
September 9,2009 ☼
August 21, 2009 ☼
June 4, 2009
☼ March 18, 2009 ☼
February 11, 2009 ☼
January 14, 2009 ☼
November 12, 2008 ☼
October 15. 2008 ☼ September 17, 2008
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April 16, 2008 ☼
March 19, 2008 ☼
February 27, 2008 ☼
January 30, 2008☼
November 14, 2007 ☼
May 9, 2007 ☼
February 7, 2007 ☼
January 10, 2007 ☼
October 11, 2006
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September
13, 2006
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May 10, 2006
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March 8, 2006
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January 11, 2006
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November 9, 2005
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October 12, 2005
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September 14, 2005
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September
9,2009
In Attendance: Fr. Tony, Rick
Campoli, Dennis Infantino, Carmen Lebron, Deacon, John Crego, Joe Simeone,
Luis Pabon, David Klaus, Melva Prescod, Liz Burke
Opening Prayer: Fr. Tony
Minutes of the August 21st meeting were
reviewed and approved. David will take the remaining pictures of the
Council members and have them printed. Liz will make a display to be
hung in Church.
Dennis checked all the suggestion boxes in
the Church. He found a few slips of paper in them, but they were not dated
and so there is know way to know how long they had been there. He will
continue to monitor them for future suggestions.
Fr. Tony again emphasized the Council gifts
as listed in the Aug. 21st minutes. The Seven Habits of Highly
Effective People
o DK: the chapter touched on many of our
societal issues
o JS: these are life long changes - not quick
fixes
o LB: "How many people on their deathbeds
wished they'd spent more time at the office - or watching TV?" pg 11
o DI: If I knew now what I knew then... -
lack of responsibility and respect
o LP: the just give me attitude
o FT: people can look at Church that way as
well - Church is for ME - all our current efforts are for the better
o DK: how did Church get that way
o LB: societal influences and people are not
coming out of obligation anymore
o FT: paradigm shift in Catholic Church in
peoples mentality regarding attending mass
o JS: in a way that is a good thing
o FT: it can be a good thing
o DK: people will keep Church alive
o FT: we have to shift in order to bring
people in
o JS: paradigm shift personally each day
o DK: shifting paradigms is in a way thinking
outside the box- see things with a different perspective
o FT: like the young woman/old woman exercise
o DI: that does change your perception
o FT: " If 10 seconds can have that kind of
impact on the way we see things, what about the conditioning of a lifetime?"
pg28 - each person at Mass has different religious/social lenses/paradigms
o DK: it sheds new light on debates
o LP: regardless of intention people hear what they want to hear
o DI: at a seminar I heard this phrase a good salesman = a good listener - a
shift to better understanding
o FT: where we stand depends on where we sit - humble in interactions
o DK: identify what paradigms don't move or shift
o FT: fairness and integrity - a lighthouse that doesn't move - as a council
that is what we have to be - paradigms as a map - as hard as you work you
may go in the wrong direction
o DK: inside out versus outside in - no control in other paradigms
o FT: at parish groups and meetings there needs to be a little bit of church
in each one - the church whole then takes on that quality - pg 53 dependence
/independence/interdependence - a way of looking at human behavior
o MP: a process of development
o FT: we can't achieve now if we go through the process of changing habits
o DK: you won't be finished with the book just because you finished reading
it
o DK: start at the beginning and then put the parts together when they are
learned
o FT: it is the most fulfilling and the hardest thing.. .Human Relationships
o MP: some people may need to stay longer on certain steps
o FT: what about the Golden Egg story
o DK: treat the goose well to yield more eggs - good maintenance in
relationships
o JS: Viktor Frankl's story of how he got through the ordeal of the
concentration camps pg. 69
For next meeting read Habit One - How can you
use it personally and how can the parish use it. Fr. Tony distributed
the handout "Parish Council Transitions" and we reviewed it together. A
parishioner made the suggestions of forming a buildings and grounds
committee. People suggested in the past using peoples skills to make the
repairs needed. The issue of insurance and liability is a roadblock in using
volunteers. Knowing individual parishioners giftedness is one step, but then
how do we use it? Perhaps people who know skilled tradesmen can encourage
them to donate their services as they are usually
personally insured. Communication - Is 7pm an ok time to meet or is
there a better time? - we will remain at 7 for next meeting.
We need to have a greater sense of Parish -
one goal is to get to know each other better. Brainstorming: how do people
get to know each other better
o Coffee hour
o Nametags at Mass - will be used at the coming bilingual services
o Introduce yourself personally
o A parish directory
o Our parish history - possibly in attic
o More intermingling at Social events
o Moving around more at the Sign of Peace
The Salsa dance was a wonderfully attended
parish event - by both the English and Spanish. It was one of the best
events as far as bringing the whole community together. November 1st
will have a Community Mass followed by an International Coffee Horn- where
people will be encouraged to bring dessert from their heritage. The
two visiting priest were excellent while Fr. Tony was away.
The closing prayer was led by Fr. Tony.
Our next meeting is October 1st.
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August 21, 2009
Present were Rick Campoli, Carmen Lebron,
Dennis Infantino David Klaus, Joe Simeone Father Tony Mugavero and Luis
Pabon.
Absent Deacon John Crego, Liz Burke Melva
Prescod and Isabel Sanchez
Opening prayer was led by Father Tony
Future meetings will be at 7:00 pm on the
following dates with refreshments provided by the following Council members:
9/9/2009 by Luis Pabon, 10/1/2009 by David
Klaus, 11/5/09 by Dennis Infantino, 12/3/2009 by Joe Simeone, 1/7/2010 by
Rick Campoli, 2/4/2010 by Carmen Lebron, 3/4/2010 snacks unassigned,
4/1/2010 snacks unassigned, 5/6/2010 snacks unassigned and 6/10/2010 snacks
unassigned.
Minutes will be provided for this meeting by
David Klaus but Father Tony said he will ask Liz Burke to take on the
secretarial duties.
Father Tony liked the articles provided by
members for the bulletin would like to get our pictures posted in church and
on the website to become more known by and visible to the Parishioners. We
will focus as a council is to become catalysts to providing our parish with
more opportunities to know us and know themselves better.
Brainstorming occurred with following
comments and suggestions made:
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Town Meetings-listening sessions which invite people to ask questions and
provide input;
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Make people comfortable being in church. Time in church should be
enjoyable.
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Regarding Mass length Father Tony to put into context said there is no
other institution that gathers as many people on a regular basis and can
talk to them about values, morals, God etc. People don’t come to church
out of duty anymore but rather because they get something out of it. We
should use it for all its worth.
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The aisle is a barrier – Hold hands across the aisle during the Lord’s
Prayer.
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There are people who claim a seat and when someone new comes in they don’t
know this and if they are treated badly may not come back. We need to
encourage people to move around to get know other people.
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During the sign of peace is an opportunity to set an example by leaving
your pew and giving the sign of peace to other people in addition to those
seated near you.
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Some folks won’t move from their seats for either so we should love them
where they are.
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The suggestion boxes could be utilized, Dennis Infantino will look into
their locations and locking mechanisms.
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Bring back the HA Festival
Father Tony reminded us of the gifts we are
committed to sharing as council members
v
Approachable…have the "pulse” of Holy
Apostles, participate regularly at Sunday Mass and special Church Family
activities
v
Good listeners…people -who are able to
discern -what is important to our neighbors and our parishioners
v
Collaborative…team players, who work
for consensus
v
Prayerful...spiritual leaders
v
Pastoral…servant leaders
v
People who love the Holy Apostles
Church Family and want to see it grow! Extremely important for Council
Members to attend events. Ice Cream Socials both had more people than some
weekend mass attendance totals.
Father Tony mentioned that even though we
have some very good fundraisers like the Walk and the Salsa Dance; those and
our Sunday collections will not keep us solvent. It only provides half of
what we need. In the coming months He will be discussing Sacrificial Giving
as a necessity to our financial survival. As parish leaders we should
convey a positive attitude toward this goal.
Father Tony said Holy Apostles Church is
called to form leaders. His vision for us is to inspire in people that
everyone no matter the financial status or IQ has something to contribute.
That was one of the reasons he wants us to read the book.
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”
should be brought to every meeting for review. Part one of the book should
be read by our next meeting.
Our meetings should consist of Church plus
Education Business plus Fun.
Members were provided a copy of the diocesan
policy statements regarding pastoral council.
Next month we will discuss Parish Council
Transitions-
Many members of the Latino Community were at
the picnic
We will have more bilingual Community Masses-
2 of them this fall one of them on 10/4/2009 at 10:00am before the walk
All Saints Day is on Sunday this year.
Father Tony will ask everyone to learn about a saint and would like to get
volunteers come to church dressed as a saint.
Council names on the Bulletin Cover was
suggested
Name tags suggested |
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June
4, 2009
Attendance: Rick C., Annie M., Carmen, Melva,
Joe, Deacon John, Liz B., Dennis Infantino, Father Tony, David Klaus, Luis
Pabon, Isabella S.
Opening Prayer:
Introduction: Rick Campoli
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New Council year start in July.
Father Tony and I feel that it is important that we continue through the
summer months.
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July and August we will have
meetings.
Father Tony:
-some possibilities; we could do Thursdays or
Saturdays. What will work for people?
-Council agrees to have meetings the first
Thursday of the month beginning in October ‘09.
-For the summer, lets go through our
calendars and figure out when we can meet. Next meeting will be August 21st
7pm.
-I would like the council to take part in
writing in the bulletin. I would like you to write a short article about
yourselves, affiliation with the parish and what you are hoping to
contribute.
-I have dates on a calendar of
when an article can be put in the bulletin. If you would sign up for a date
and submit it to Joanne.
- I would also like us to read a chapter (in
this book) to discuss for each time we meet.
-For the next meeting please read up to page
62.
- I would like to go around the table and
read from the ditto sheet. We will then discuss it after.
Closing Prayer: Father Tony
Next meeting: August 21st 7pm. |
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March 18, 2009
Attendance: Rick, Annie, David, Deacon
John, Melva, Joe, Father Tony, Luis
Introduction: Rick
Opening prayer:
Minutes: Motion to approve: Joe, Melva
Nominating Process: David
In our executive meeting, we discussed how to
proceed. Discussed the council in unity to approach the selection process in
church.
FT: I have a paper here that does a good job
of describing what we need.
David: would the nominee have to sign the
paper.
FT: no they would be contacted. What I would
like, is to invite the nominees to a parish council meeting. This would help
them understand what we are.
David/Rick: I like this process.
David: We should start this process with all
the council members present at each mass.
One council member would be able to explain
what we do and how thing are done.
FT: For example, if we choose a Sunday after
Easter, we could put the forms in the Bulletin. Get them back and go over
each nomination. Let the people know that they have been nominated. Invite
them to a parish council meeting. Pick the new parish
council members on Pentecost. We should have
a council meeting May 17th.
Rick: What if the person doesn't want to join
the council. Would we have enough time to pick another person.
FT: yes, because we are hoping for about 20
people and we can choose for the selection.
Rick: can we start to announce it earlier.
FT: yes, we can.
David: Ideally, that a person be up there
giving the talk and having as many of us at mass.
Luis: most of the people that know, have been
on the council.
FT: this is one way for others to be known.
Pictures, etc. can be done with the new council members.
David: We should do this asap.
FT: April 18th/19th, for the council to be at
mass. We want to have another council meeting around Pentecost, to invite
the nominees. May 14th we will have the nominees come to this council
meeting.
David: we need to discuss, attendance,
positions, expectations, goals, vision, etc.
Luis: Do we have a Spanish version of the
form?
FT: no, we do not but we will have one made.
Melva: I think that it would be good if the
Spanish nominees be bilingual.
FT: It would be helpful for someone to be
bilingual. I don't want to eliminate anyone from wanting to be on the
committee because they are not bilingual.
FT: let me give you one of my long term
goals. I would like to engage the parishioners and own what ever the vision
is for the parish.
David is going to write the English and Luis
will do the Spanish.
Communication of the council: FT
The idea that the council will be presenting
is very upfront and great. I think that the council should sponsor something
at the parish. Possibly be at a coffee hour one morning and talk with the
parishioners.
DJ: good idea for council members to wear a
badge. It helps to make the council members more visible. Not just at mass
but any event for the church. The picture is a great idea too.
Joe: maybe we could insert a biography of
ourselves to help people learn about the council members.
FT: we could do that, the schedule for the
bulletin will free up in June. So we could begin putting the new council
members bio's in the bulletin.
Rick: we could take a group picture.
FT: that would be a great idea for the
current council.
FT: we need to figure out who would be the
spokesperson for each mass.
David: did you find out about Panchita?
FT: Panchita is going to stay in Florida and
will not be returning.
Future Sub Committee: David
I came up with a possible format for the
Subcommittees.
See attachment.
FT: what qualifies as a sub-committee.
David: all the committees that we have on the
agenda.
Luis: how would this function? It would
happen before the meeting?
David: Yes, when you meet, you would briefly
explain on this paper what happened and what you want the council to know.
Then you would pass it out prior to the next council meeting.
DJ: you might want to put at the bottom a
reminder to e-mail it to council members.
Brief Reports:
Faith Formation: no report
Latino: retreat on March 28th ,9-3pm; the
theme; pick up your cross and follow Christ. There will be a lunch.
Youth: no report
Communications: no report
Website: no report
Liturgy: FT- bulletin this week has all
special liturgies to come.
Spirit Alive: we did the first half of
Bishop dark's DVD. The second half are being presented March 23rd/26th.
Pastor Comments: FT
Thank you for bringing me up to speed with
what is going on n the parish. I have been thinking about HF families that
have left the parish. I don't want to go back and stir up what has already
happened. However, I also feel like that those people need to be
touched in some way. I have written a letter
to let the families of Holy Family.
FT read the letter that he will be sending
out to the families at HF.
All council members like the letter that FT
wrote and agree that the families would appreciate the letter.
Next Meeting: April 15th 7pm: HA rectory.
Opening prayer: David
Closing Prayer: Joe
Closing Prayer: Melva
Adjourn: Annie, Luis |
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February 11,
2009
Absentees: Panchita, Luis, Carmen, Deb
Housel.
Attendance: Rick, Annie, David, Deacon John,
Father Tony, Melva , Joe.
Introduction: Rick
Opening Prayer: Joe
Minutes: Rick
Everyone read over the minutes. Motion to
approve by; Deacon John, Joe.
We are working without an agenda.
Deacon John: we need to discuss how we are
going to do the agenda for future meetings. We also need to discuss how we
are going to get in touch with you.
Father Tony: Rectory: 254-7170,
mugavero@dor.org. The best way to get in touch with me is to call
Joanne.
Father Tony: I have a few questions about
the structure and attendance?
Attendance: there have been people who
haven’t come. In the constitution, after three unexcused absences you are
relieved from your post. I think that we need to discuss how we are going
to proceed.
David: you will have to appoint a person to
fill the person’s slot. We want to make sure that the slots are filled.
Father Tony: I would be happy to approach
these people and find out what their intensions are. How are we going to
proceed and get everyone together to make decisions, etc?
Father Tony: the idea of the agenda is the
next thing. I don’t have a lot of experience in the past with agenda
making. How would you like to proceed?
David: The executive council would normally
meet and set the agenda and then it would be sent to the rest of the
council.
Father Tony: I would like to think about the
process of how to set the agenda. I can also see that the representation is
not on the agenda committee either.
David: One way is to get information from
both communities.
Father Tony: there is some merit to discuss at the end of the meeting (when
we are all together).
Father Tony: going back to these three
people. Would you like me to speak with them?
Deacon John: Panchita is available via
e-mail.
Father Tony: I will talk to Brunnie.
Melva: has Carmen attended any meetings yet?
Rick: isn’t Carmen on the finance
committee?
Joe: yes, she is.
David: at the time that they extended the
council, these people were put in place to fill the spots.
Father Tony: Have the meetings always been
on Wednesdays?
Deacon John: Wednesdays always seem to work
b/c there were other events going on the other week days.
Rick: John do you have any thing on the
pasta dinner?
John: we decided that it would be May 2nd.
There are two things that we need to get squared away. The tickets and the
sirus radio. I need to get more information on the radio stuff. We have
sent out two letters for sauce and pasta. We have to get the publicity and
tickets out.
Rick: anything else as far of the fundraising
committee.
Deacon John: that needs to be discussed. HA
had the walk. HF raised money by doing all these dinners. Should we create
a fundraising committee? Pasta dinner… also for them to be involved with
the lesser of the money intake. There have been discussions of a bake
sale.
Father Tony: it is a daunting invitation to
ask people to be on a fundraising committee. But if we ask someone to run
the raffle for the pasta dinner, it is focusing it more on one thing.
Rick: people that would come would bring
something. For example, turkeys, ham, etc.
I am thinking about something that is
ongoing, such as a committee to keep things on-going.
Father Tony: I think that it is a much bigger
picture and what are we going to do with HF.
Rick: this is a problem for the finance and
the council.
Father Tony: if this takes place, the sale
of HF, we can be proactive and not reactive.
Latino Ministry:
Rick: Panchita,Luis not here Melva
Have an upcoming retreat. March 28th.here
at HA, in the church.
Melva: we will have workshops.
Rick: have you thought about using the pine
room?
Father Tony: but they decided not to.
Communications:
We need to do a news letter.
Youth Ministry:
This coming weekend is their retreat. Friday
to Sunday.
Frank is going to be with them and Celest
Short.
Website: no report.
Litergy:
We are going to have the main liturgy books
combined and have bilingual.
April 2nd penance service; April 3rd
passion movie; April4th fist penance
The youth are doing great! Love the house.
Slight changes won’t take effect till Holy
week. The missiles will change to one missile.
Spirit Alive:
We are going to do a DVD retreat. A total of
four retreats .
Monday March 2nd, 11am, Thursday
March 5th, 7pm, segments 1-2
Monday March 23rd, 11am, Thursday
March 26th, 7pm, segment 3-4
Pastors Comments:
Thank you for being here.
Last time we met, suggestion about we could
have questions sent to us in written reports. If we had any questions or
comments and we could do so before the meeting. I would like the council to
be the catalyst:
Who are we
What draws us to church
What makes us unique
What is the mission of the church
What is our purpose
What nurtures our community
What makes us strong
What will make us stronger
What is our responsibility to the poor and
the un-churched and are we fulfilling it.
What are our concerns
What are we challenged by
What really matters the most to us
What are our priorities
What gives us direction and a feeling of
being a spiritually home and family
What are our deepest values and are they
clear so that others know and understand them
What is the potential that we visualize for
ourselves
So these kinds of questions are forward
looking and allow us to really know our people and understand them. It may
not be able to be articulated and need to find out.
This is something that the council is called
to do. We need time to discuss these things.
David: these reports could be given a week
ahead. Review committee reports and then discuss what the church needs
are.
Rick: It would allow us to get to the meat
of the church and its needs.
Father Tony: this pastoral council, from the
church vision is taping into the pulse of the people and myself and
reflecting it back to the people. Lots of potential we need to tap into
this.
Father Tony: if our priority is to support
the youth, elderly, neighborhoods maybe people will want to get involved.
David: maybe it would be a good idea that
each council member be at mass to allow people to ask questions and give
their comments. \
Father Tony: suggestion box: who has the
key? This is a welcome card. We have to be ready to respond to the
people.
For example: we could move a bit more in this
direction. How can we begin to approach the people about doing this? I
want to meet the people and how can I do that.
Rick: St. Theodore’s has a board of who the
people are.
David: we can help you meet people, we could
have town meetings. People ask, you answer. Maybe once a month after each
mass?
Father Tony: these are some of the things
that we brain storm. We can’t do this with out the steady presence level of
all council members.
Father Tony: the council has to be a team to
do this. One goal is for the council to be known and identify who you are.
Father Tony: brain storm some ideas as how
we can make ourselves more known. In the mean time I will speak to the
others that are here and find out what their commitment.
Rick: Possibly a month or two we could have
a coffee hour to let the others meet the council.
David: we should do it like a town meeting.
Father Tony: once you look at ideas like this
we need to have a process. We can certainly plan a coffee hour/meeting and
where are you coming from etc.
Melva: consistency to be provided
Old/New Business: no report
Next meeting: March 18th
7pm at HA
Summarize what we want to discuss at the next
meeting:
How to make ourselves better known
Committee reports in writing verse verbal
report at meeting.
Nominating committee process
Opening prayer: John
Closing prayer: Melva
Adjourned: David, Annie
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January 14,
2009
Introduction: Rick Campoli
Opening Prayer:
Attendance: Rick Campoli, Deborah
Housel, Annie Miraglia, Joe Simeone, David Klaus, Deacon John, Father Tony
Mugavero, Melva Prescod
Absent: Panchita Colon, Luis Pabon
Carmen Lebron
Approval of Minutes and Agenda: Melva,
Joe
-Welcoming Father Tony to the parish and
council.
Ongoing fundraising discussion:
Deacon John
-come up with suggestions because of the
financial situation. We put together a fundraising committee. We are
trying to be creative with two to three major fundraisers and some smaller
ones. Membership should include both language communities. Suggestion
to promote it heavily:
-First major effort is the pasta dinner;
Saturday April 18th 2009.
-Letter designed and letter to go out to the
parishioners.
-Generated a letter to Ladestre Foods to
donate food and a general letter to donate other goods. There is a core
group that is working to get the other things donated.
-We have 15 to 20 people that are willing to
work at the pasta dinner.
-Rick: does the church have a membership to
BJ’s or Sams Club. We could use the tax id number and get what we need for
the dinner.
-In the process to put together the next
meeting. Angelo said that he would help us in the process.
-Selling an ad on a paper food mat= more
profit. Sell the ad for $100.
-Fundraising committee: How is it going to
be created and move forward?
David: the constitution stated that if a
committee is created it has to be chaired by a council member.
Malva: I thought that Panchita said that she
would chair the committee. Rick/David – I don’t think so, I think that she
said that she would help. Rick: I think that we need to reach out to the
community and ask for help. Deacon John: I think we need to put together a
list and ask some people to help along with committee members.
David: I think that we need to get some
other people, new people in church. We should start approaching these
people and asking for help and are they interested in helping?
-Deborah; you have the pasta dinner and the
walk. Have you thought about anything else?
Deacon John: we have bake food sales, garage
sales, etc. David: I think we should revisit the carnival and game night
that took place in the parking lot.
Deacon John: St. Theodore has a man who
helps to plan their event.
Father Tony: what if we used your idea and
made a list of people. Invite them to a meeting and find out if they would
like to help and with what.
Deacon John: I will email all council
members.
Rick: what about making an announcement and
asking people to sign up to help.
Nominating Committee Selection Process:
David
-existing council extended a year and
revamped the constitution (Council of 8). This year we drew lots. 2009
terms expiring are English speaking member Annie and Latino speaking member
Carmen. They should both be on the nominating committee to help fill their
slots. I have a nomination paper. It has to be revamped but that will be
easy.
-not going to have election but selection by
the Holy Spirit.
-David: Annie, do you mind working on the
nominating committee? I don’t think Carmen would mind either. Committee
would consist of two council members, two members of the parish at large and
the pastor. Names would be drawn on Pentecost Sunday.
Father Tony: can you go over the committee
duties? David went over the duties of the nominating committee outlined
in the constitution
Pasta Dinner: Deacon John covered the
pasta dinner talk under fundraising.
Stewardship: Deacon John
Last year we were working on stewardship. We
had every parishioner re-register. The past discussions centered on
tithing. We had a good committee and it should be looked at again.
Stewardship day may 9th 2009.
-Deborah: A woman made a wonderful
stewardship power point. It was a great power point. Go to dioceses
website and look for the stewardship power point/tithing.
Faith Formation: sister Jennifer not
here. Deacon John report.
-classes going well, open enrollment. She is
outstanding. 50 children enrolled. 75% that are coming consistently. A
number of catechist training scheduled. 12 confirmation candidates.
Teaming up with Saint Joseph’s in Penfield and another one from the city.
Enrolling children for reconciliation and Eucharist. Plans to start the
children’s liturgy of the word.
Latino: Panchita and Luis. Last
Wednesday we had a gathering. Mass to celebrate the feast of the three
kings. Decided to add this day to the year for special celebration.
Youth: Liz not here. Deacon John
reported.
-Have about 12 teens. Come consistently on
Friday nights. Did salvation army bell ringing. Youth retreat; The perfect
child for God, Feb 13-15th. Ask people to provide valentines
for the children on the retreat. She is going to put a wish list in the
back of church. It will also be in the bulletin. Father Tony went to Friday
night’s gathering, very impressed, fun and normal. Respect towards each
other.
Communications: Deacon John
-down to 2 people. We have to recruit some
people. The last newsletter published we asked for help.
Website: David
-Brief presentation of the website on David’s
computer.
Liturgy: Father Tony
-approach is to go to the meetings and
listen. Discussed some different ideas for lent. All of the different
liturgies are to be planed. We will be looking at these ideas.
Spirit alive: Deacon John
-Very active. Follow the dioceses format.
Currently reviewing the DVD retreat. We will be planning a retreat for
lent. Small committee of 5 people of what is coming down from the
dioceses. DVD is 80 minutes long so we would like to plan this over a few
dates.
Pastoral planning: Deb
-fill Father Tony in on this group. Thankful
to this table. Great group.
Pastors comments: Father Tony
-I am well aware of so many sacrifices. One
question that I have is, “I don’t know where the community is in this
process?”
David: I think that there is a lot of hurt
and it will take some time.
Melva: how will you start the healing
process? What are your thoughts abut this? And how shall we help to heal
who are left.
-Father Tony: we at least have to pray and
ask God to help the people who are stuck.
in my very short time here, I have met many
wonderful people; salt of the earth. Very excited and happy to be here.
Will be open to new ideas on the council. The council holds the vision and
for the people in the pews. This is a special group. I do believe that God
is involved in the world and in the Catholic Church and it is positive. I
feel that the positive will take place, and see good things happen.
-Melva: what about writing a welcome letter?
-Father Tony: there is a time for that, I
don’t want to pour salt in a wound.
Old/New business: All
-David: explore Committee reports not spoken
but turned in writing, to focus more attention on other needs of the church.
Next meeting date Feb 11, 2009;
7pm.
Opening prayer: Joe
Closing prayer: David
Adjourn; Rick, Annie
|
|
November 12, 2008
In Attendance: Rick Campoli,
Panchita Colon, Deacon John Crego, David Klaus, Sister Jennifer Lang, Luis
Pabon, Melva Prescod, Joe Simeone, & Father Paul Tomasso,
Opening prayer was led by David
Klaus
Approval of Minutes: David
Klaus offered a Motion to approve minutes which was seconded by Luis Pabon.
Fundraising:
Father Tomasso opened the discussion saying
that we need to establish a fundraising committee. Holy Family had a long
standing Fundraising committee which evolved into The Friends of Holy
Family. In May 0f each year they would discuss ideas and sift them down to
a calendar of events that would not be scheduled too close together so as to
exhaust volunteers. They would establish who would chair each event so that
each committee member would know what event they were chairing and when.
Our Committee should consist of both Latino and English speaking
parishioners working together. Although the individual events do not all
have to be mutual between language communities, they should be planned
together. Our parish council needs to move away from just receiving reports
and toward becoming a participating Council with a hands on understanding of
the workings of our parish
John Crego identified several challenges to
fundraising today. Our sluggish economy leaves people with fewer resources
to contribute, operational costs continue to rise and our parishioner base
consist of many elderly people on fixed incomes. He went on to say that he
is now recruiting people to plan our pasta dinner originally targeted for
3/7/08 but that was the same date as St Theodore’s pasta dinner. After
further discussion the date 4/18/08 was settled on.
Luis Pabon and Panchita Colon have
volunteered to co-chair the Pasta dinner. They will very soon need to define
the jobs, recruit people to chair teams, develop a timeline for the
completion of all tasks and followup frequently with team leaders to assure
completion of all tasks.
Valorie Short has volunteered to take over
publicity of the parish events.
Rick Campoli and David Klaus have volunteered
to work on the Raffle Committee.
Other teams/subcommittees needed may be a
Serving team, a meal preparation team, a set up and decoration team and
Cleanup team. Perhaps the youth could serve desert.
John has discussed Holy Family’s Methods at
Length with Deacon Angelo Cocia who chaired many of the Holy Family past
dinners. He will provide all of his notes to Father Tomasso who served on
the fundraising committee. Father will fill in any blanks and provide the
info to Luis and Panchita.
Availability of takeout will have to be
discussed. Deacon Angelo had advised John that Takeout had presented some
problems. Take out people do not stay and buy raffle tickets they want
their food and want to leave. Meanwhile patrons are waiting to be served.
The committee would also have to consider the
style of the event; weather to get our feet wet with a smaller affair with
simpler raffles and amusing door prizes or a more elaborate evening with
larger raffle prizes and more sophisticated door prizes which would return a
larger profit. Father Tomasso offered a caveat to cash prizes on raffles.
As of late New York State tax has come down hard on prize winners over
$500. It may be better to raffle off large ticket items such as television
sets.
Faith Formation- Sister Jennifer
Lang
Sister Jennifer Reports that faith formation
classes are going well. She has chosen to use open enrollment rather than
impose a deadline as it encourages more children to enroll. There are
approximately 50 children enrolled in and about 75% of them are returning to
subsequent sessions. Catechist training workshops will begin this Saturday
November 15, 2008 with the “Creating a Safe Environment” training There are
12 students who are Confirmation candidates and those classes will begin
this Sunday, November 16, 2008.
The Halloween /All Saints was a success. The
children enjoyed themselves. Plans for the Christmas Pageant scheduled for
December 13, 2008 are under way.
The Children’s Liturgy of the Word, for any
children who have not yet made their first communion, will begin in the new
year. Father Tony will be consulted on the time and place. There was
discussion on including the Latino Mass in this Program. As many Latino
parents do not wish to be separated from their children during the mass it
was determined that any such program should be voluntary.
Latino Ministry Committee-Panchita
Colon
Panchita reported that Bible
Study has returned to Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm at the Urban Center. The
Rosary is done every night of the month and is held in combination with the
Prayer Meetings on Wednesday evenings at peoples homes and the Holy Hour on
Fridays at the HA Chapel following those events. The Rosary Halloween night
had a good turnout of 38 people.
The Advent Retreat will be Held November 29,
2008 from 9am to 3pm at the Urban Center or School Hall. There are
discussions ongoing on possibility of having a Christmas Parranda instead of
a Christmas party. A Parranda is held in many Latino homes. Participants
travel from Home to Home to sing songs
Youth Ministry-Father Tomasso
Several members of the Youth Group
participated in the fundraising Walk. The Youth Group and Youth Quest are
being blended into one program and will meet every Friday from 6:00 pm to
8:30 pm instead of Sundays. They are planning on making and selling
Chocolate Christmas candy to raise money for the youth retreat at the Abby
of the Genesee in February 2009.
The group has made a list of possible
mission/service projects to be considered. They plan to spend one Youth
Group night being bell ringers for the Salvation Army
Communications-Deacon John Crego
The next newsletter is on the topic of The
Needs of Ministries and Committees is ready for insert into the bulletin
this weekend or next. The format of the Spanish side will be slightly
different than the English version.
Website-David Klaus
Need copy of October Minutes and new youth
calendar for site. Father will send minutes and liz will send calendar.
After Christmas you will see some new graphics and backgrounds on the site.
Liturgy-Father Tomasso
11/22/08 & 11/23/08 The Feast of
Christ the King blessing of artifacts from St Francis of Assisi, St. Anthony
of Padua and Holy Family Parishes at all Masses
11/27/08 at 9:30 am Thanksgiving Day
bilingual Community Mass
12/3/08 at 6:00 pm Christmas Caroling to shut
ins
12/20/08 at 9:00 am Cleaning and decorating
our church
12/24/08 Christmas Eve
at 4:00 pm Mass in English
at 6:00 pm Mass
in Spanish
12/25/08 Christmas Day Mass at
9:30am
Spirit Alive-Deacon John Crego
Saturday 11/15/08 at 5:15 pm
following Mass there will be a presentation in church by Betsy MacKinnon “My
Life Through Scripture” followed by a light supper of sandwiches and soup at
the Urban Center
Sunday 11/16/08 following the
Spanish Mass Brother Juan Lozada will provide the Spirit Alive presentation
to the Latino Community.
11/29/08 & 11/30/08 The first
Sunday of advent there will be a Blessing of Bibles at all Masses
For the future we are looking at
the possibility of a DVD Retreat.
Pastor’s Comments -Father
Tomasso
The Volunteers of America are negotiating a
lease for the Holy Family convent and the Charter School Still wants to bid
on the entire campus in the spring. There is also a black church very
interested in the campus. I believe the Charter School will prevail. All
groups coming in so far have agreed that we may retain use of the Gym and
Rec Hall. 2 senior citizen groups meet there 8 times a month.and we want to
continue to use the property.
Artifacts, the Baptism font is here but we
will not be bringing the large crucifix which has been sold. There was
uncertainty as to cost moving it and whether we could successfully transport
it and remount it. Several other artifacts will be coming including the
Christmas Set some Easter decorations and some chalices.
It is important for the Pastoral Council
members to look at the calendar. All members should attend the parish
functions and to be known as actively bringing people to church.
This is my last Council meeting because I
move December 30th, and I want to thank everybody. When I first
arrived in 1996 David Klaus and Joe Simeone were each on councils. Joe was
on St Anthony,s, David was here at Holy Apostles. David was Chairman. I’ve
met a lot of good people whether it be from 1996 or from yesterday. We’ve
been blessed in our community with wonderful, generous and holy people who
have always been helpful. I’ve found all of the councils were concerned for
the common good they always had the concern of the people at heart and it
was so inspiring. The concern now here at Holy Apostles continues for the
spiritual life of the parish like Spirit Alive and for the financial support
of the parish through fundraising. Both are important to continue to go
on. But I know that all of you will work hard for the church to make that
happen. I just want to thank you all it has been a good experience.
New and old Business:
Bible Study in Spanish at the Urban
Center.has begun again on Tuesday evenings 7:00pm
The clothing room is having a Christmas sale.
12/6/08
Next meeting 1/21/08 at 7:00 pm with Father
Tony
Opening prayer Rick Campoli closing prayer
Melva Prescod
David Klaus moved to adjourn seconded by Luis
Pabon
Closing prayer was led by Sister Jennifer
Lang
|
|
October 15. 2008
Attendance;
Rick Campoli, Father Tomasso, David Klaus, Deacon John Crego, Liz Burke,
Luis Pabon, Panchita Colon, Melba Prescott, Marlene & Bob VanSice, Joe
Simeone, Annie Miraglia.
Introduction:
Rick Campoli. Called the meeting to order. Introduction of people.
Opening
Prayer: Deacon John.
Approval of
Minutes and Agenda: David Klaus, Joe Simeone.
Presenting
of the Revised Constitution; David Klaus.
-Many are aware
we reviewed the constitution made changes in the mission statement,
selection process and the name of our community.
-First change:
went back to giving recognition to our roots. Paragraph has been changed to
include all parishes that have made Holy Apostles what it is today.
-Second Change:
all throughout the name is Holy Apostles community.
-Third Change:
selection process. Page 6, paragraph 4; the selection will be made on or
before Pentecost Sunday. (Please see the constitution for the remainder of
the paragraph information).
-These are the
three significant changes to the constitution. The question now is do we
accept or read
it over again?
-Rick; I like
it and would like to ask the council to vote to accept it, Panchita second.
- Revised
Constitution of Pastoral Council accepted.
Fundraising:
Rick Campoli
-We need to
increase the funds here at HA.
> We need to be
a more involved pastoral council. We need to get more involved with
fundraising. We can work on the committees and not chair them. Deacon John
has wanted to do the pasta dinner (March 2009). We could do a raffle at the
dinner. Raffle
off anew digital T.V. or other big prizes.
> Deacon John:
The next newsletter will come out soon and will highlight the needs of
various committees for volunteers. We need a person dedicated to publicity
work: flyer, articles, media etc... for everything we do. We need to
recognize that the Pasta Dinner and raffle was a major fundraiser for HF and
we want to keep the same format. And now to move forward we need to get our
committee together to form some smaller committees to cook, clean, etc. We
want people to bring families and friends.
> We would like
people to try something new, get involved more.
> Panchita: A
group I was with talked about fundraising ideas like a car raffle.
> Rick: This
may not be the parish to raffle off a car. The tickets would be very
expensive. The majority of the parishioners might not be able to afford it.
> Father
Tomasso: Note that we have two discussions emerging: forming a Fundraising
Committee and also specific ideas. The Raffle and Pasta Dinner are being
planned with Deacon John and Pat Crego taking the lead. There is a need for
a committee to sort, prioritize and implement other ideas into the future
for the good of the parish.
> Rick: Holy
Family also had a pancake breakfast. I need to go through things at home but
we had sign up sheets to let people do what they could.
> Father
Tomasso: We have good experience of the chairman of events recruiting small
teams to handle aspects of a big event.
> Deacon John:
I can email the council and let them decide what they want to do and sign up
for.
> Father
Tomasso: Of the 300 people that were at the HF Pasta Dinner, a lot were from
different parishes. We need outsiders to bring to these events and good,
early publicity.
> Rick: Also,
pull tabs were popular.
> Father
Tomasso: You need a license to do the pull tabs. Check with Lou DiSisti.
> Rick: at the
end of the Masses we need to have people sign up.
> Any other
suggestions: Luis-1 went with my family to the Fatima Shrine in
Lewistown; one
thing that I noticed is that they have a gigantic religious store. I right
now don't know were to go to buy a bible, rosary. I would like to be able
tobuy the things here.
> Rick: Good
idea. St. Jude's has a small store in the back of their church. All run by
volunteers.
> Luis: I am
looking at something that would be on display that people could order from.
This would give us a good feel for what people want.
> Rick: There
is a store in Spencerport that we could buy from.
> Panchita: We
are forming one in the Spanish community. They are selling books and we even
have magazines.
> Father
Tomasso: There are 2 committees on the table: the pasta dinner committee and
a fundraising committee.
> Panchita:
t-shirts.
> Father
Tomasso: the bulb sale. The profit $300. It was not labor intensive.
> Rick: a few
months ago Rosemarie Lombard was trying to get a committee together.
> Father
Tomasso: parishioners need to head up the committee. Find us a chairman of
the fundraising committee.
> Rick: we
don't need to have answers tonight.
> Father
Tomasso: think of people.
> Luis: let's
think and bring it up next meeting.
> Father
Tomasso: I want to mention bingo. This month we are having 12 bingo's b/c we
took it over for the Jewish community during there holy days. Bingo is on
Monday and Tuesday's. Bingo brings in $30,000. a year. But we have one team
who are tired. Melva asked about volunteering to work Bingo once a month.
Faith
Formation: Father Tomasso distributed a handout from Sr. Jennifer. He
highlighted a few items, giving credit to Sister Jennifer who has done a lot
of recruiting. She has many parents stay to help. She is starting
sacramental programs and children's liturgy of the word. Liz Burke spoke
about the Halloween-All Saints event on Nov. 1st at HF gym, "Slime Time",
which is a piggy back to our vacation bible school.
Latino
Ministry: Panchita: In October we had our annual celebration of Latino
Heritage day- success, more than enough food and lots of people. It was
great! Rosary- going well, crowd around 30 people traveling to different
homes each
evening during
October. Lot of participation.
Youth
Ministry; Liz: We are up to 11 members. The group set a goal for the
walk. They want to raise $250. We are talking about a change in calendar,
moving youth quest to Friday and meting every other week. The group has
blended well. I am taking classes at St. Bemerd's for this ministry. Frank
is excited. Farwell to Frank after the 9:30 am Mass this week.
Communications: Deacon John: News letter coming out and will focus on
stewardship and enlisting the different group in the community who need
volunteers. Give as much time as you can. We are down to 2 people on our
committee, we are looking for new people.
Rick: Where are
the dates posted for the committee.
Deacon John: We
can publish the meetings and through the website.
Website:
David: Changed the name to
http://HolyApostlesCommunity.org. The new web page address is on
the bulletin. I need calendar items. I discussed the idea of having the
community calendar on the website. I think it would be workable. Father
Tomasso and Sister Jennifer have done a calendar for the year. We will work
on getting you a working calendar. Lector/Eucharist ministers schedules are
in there.
-Father Tomasso:
The Liturgy Committee have a standard date, the first Wednesday of each
month at 7p.m. Community social life meets on the 2nd Sunday at 10:30 after
Mass. Latino Ministry Committee meets the first Sunday each month at 12:30.
I have added a page for "The Family Rosary for Peace". It has been
continuous since 1950. I am adding more to this, pictures etc.
Finally, Annie
send me the minutes from last month.
Liturgy: Father
Tomasso: Weekend Nov 1-2"'1 "Rite of Remembrance" will be held at each Mass.
The families of those whose funerals were at HF or HA have received letters
inviting them to any Mass that weekend. On December 13, 12 noon a children's
Christmas pageant is being planned through Sr. Jennifer and the Re. Ed.
Families.
Spirit
Alive: Deacon John: We are about to begin the 2nd year. This coming year
the theme is growing in knowledge of scripture. We are beginning Nov 15th
after 4pm Mass, Betsy MacKinnon presentation in church. Then light supper in
Urban Center. First Sunday of Advent, blessings of bibles. I signed up for a
series of lectures with Father Hymen also around these themes.
-Father Tomasso:
On Sunday Nov 16th Brother Juan Lozada will be bring home the same
Spirit Alive themes for the Latino community.
Pastors
Comments: Father Tomasso: I want to thank David and Rick and others
earlier for their hard work on revising the constitution. -Tickets for the
organ concert at HF will be available this weekend after Masses in church
and future weekends. A reception will follow the concert. - Also we must
thank David for keeping our roster updated.
Old/New
Business:
Next meeting
Nov 12th at 7pm.
Open prayer:
David
Closing: Father
Tomasso
Adjourn; David,
Luis. |
|
September 17,
2008
Opening
Prayer: Deacon John Crego
Attendance:
Father Tomasso, Joe Simeone, Annie Miraglia, Rick Campoli, Deb Housel,
Deacon John Crego, Sr. Jennifer Lang, Liz Burke, Panchita Colon, David
Klaus.
Approval of
Minutes and Agenda: David Klaus, Annie Miraglia.
Presentation
of Revised Constitution for Discussion:
An ad hoc
committee began revision work last Spring. Fr. Tomasso, Deacon Crego and
David Klaus drew together from that work and other questions this draft for
tonight’s meeting. This entire draft is open for revision by the Council,
but areas that need discussion because they were changed include the Mission
Statement, the parish name (awaiting Transition Committee recommendation),
election process, membership and terms. The Council discussed the draft
document. David Klaus will incorporate suggested changes into a new draft
document to be presented possibly for approval at the October meeting.
Presentation from the Transition Committee – Joe Simeone
Met last week,
discussed the potential for a name change.
Pro:
New beginning.
Cons:
If we do this there will be an expense in changing the name on everything.
Since the late 1800’s this has been identified as Holy Apostles. For such
reasons, the Transition Committee did not want to make any changes in the
name.
Comments made:
-Put the energy
into building new life. -The change in name will not please all.
- Even our
changing the name, people will still refer to it as the old name.
-we are here to
celebrate the Eucharist . Much energy/anxiety might be spent on this matter.
- We are
bringing artifacts over.
The Transition
Committee has recommended to the pastoral council to keep the parish name
HA. The Council accepted the recommendation to retain the HA name without
changing it.
The mission
statement is new. Please read. Any questions?
Father Tomasso:
Vatican II paragraph. Any questions?
FT: Page 2,
article II, III has been re-written. Any questions?
David: big
changes, 8 people, 4 Latino-4 others, terms are 4yrs in length. If you want
to run for 2 terms you have to take a year off in between terms.
Father Tomasso:
We would like to adjust the terms tonight.
Father Tomasso:
Page 3. no comments.
Father Tomasso:
Page 4. no comments.
Father Tomasso:
Page 5. HF election, HA selection, was the way we operated.
David: We
changed it to the way they did it at HF. Election vs. selection.
Father Tomasso:
The nominating committee are the ones that will seek people with talents and
interest in the Council.
Comments Made:
-Did the whole
parish vote at HF?
-Yes for those
who want to vote.
Father Tomasso:
How are we going to handle this so we can move on? Election/Selection?
Panchita:Selection Joe:Selection Rick:Selection David:Selection
Annie:Selection.
Father Tomasso:
We will go back to the selection process.
Page 6: No
comments.
Page 7: No
comments.
Page 8: No
comments.
Page 9: No
comments.
Page 10: Short
discussion regarding finance/council meetings not meeting in the same month,
each get meeting and agenda’s.
Page 11: No
comments.
Anything about
the document? The revisions will be made and brought back in Oct.
Realignment
of Terms of Members This Current Year:
David:
Questions arouse re: staggering terms.
The result is
that the staggering of terms begins after this initial reorganization of
terms.
Rick: 2010
Annie: 2009 Joe: 2012 David: 2011
Latino
Community: Panchita:2012 Luis:2010 2 un-named.
Election of
officers:
Chair person:
David/Panchita/Joe nominated Rick Campoli. Rick accepts.
Vice Chair
person: Rick/Joe nominated David Klaus. David accepts.
Secretary:
Rick/Joe/Panchita nominated Annie Miraglia. Annie accepts.
Brief
Reports
Faith
Formation: We have a calendar of events. There are 15 children
registered for classes. One catechist. One correction, Pet Blessing
12:15pm not 4pm.
Discussion re:
Christmas pageant.
Latino
community: Prayer group moved to houses instead of here. Rosary
starting next month.
-car wash
$252.00. -garage sale $801.00. -start Bible classes. -Holy hour
same.
-Holy mission,
successful 650.00. -Having Hispanic Heritage Day Sept 28th.
Duffy coming.
-Walk on Nov 8th.
Youth
Ministry: Open house successful. 1st Youth Quest 21st.
Youth group focus on serving our community. Number of kids: 6.
Communications: We are rebuilding because we lost two people. We need
to find some new people. Letters 5-6 weeks. Going to address what some of
the groups are doing and what some of the changes are.
Father Tomasso:
We need someone who will do publicity.
Website:
We received some archival info for rosary for peace. We are thinking of
possibly building a youth page. The domain is HA/HF.org
Liturgy:
Pet Blessing is Oct. 4th at 12:15pm. Book of Remembrance will be
out starting Nov 1-2nd. Nov. 22-23rd liturgy
committee is going to have a blessing of the artifacts from HF. The
Thanksgiving bilingual Mass is Nov 27th.
Spirit
Alive: Spiritual Renewal; focus on the gospel of Mark.
Nov 15th
following the 4pm Mass. Presentation by Betsy MacKinnon. Soup supper to
follow, more to come…
Pastoral
Planning: East side of the city is in the process of selling Mt.
Carmel. Selling whole campus. Very tough time. Working with those who
have ministries. Conserving and using talent from all over and finding
glimmers of hope.
Pastor’s
Comments: Want to talk about the article from 8-08, Rochester City
School District renting Holy Apostles school.
-Wonderful
program and grateful that they are here.
-Finance
council met and have a formal committee. Projected deficit $205,000. We
have a window of 2-3yrs to figure out what we will do.
-Happy that
Panchita and Sr. Dorothy are leading the WALK.
-Discussion:
Major dinner and raffle in Feb/March? Any comments: worried about the
investments. Would this group sell tickets and be there for this? Try to
form a committee within the next two weeks. Good way to welcome Fr. Tony.
Interfaith
action: Robach is presenting $400,000 dollars around Jones Square. Nice to
see that 400,000 is coming in.
Finance council
ask that tithing be postponed for Fr. Tony (HA).
Old/New
Business: no report.
Next
meeting: Oct 15th Urban center; 7pm.
Prayer:
Commisioning of the Council; Closing: Panchita
Adjourn: Joe,
Panchita.
|
|
April 16,
2008
Welcome: Rick Paris
Opening Prayer: Rick Campoli
Attendance: Rick Paris, Luis
Pabon, John Crego, Debbie DiFilippo, Carlos Torres, Rick Campoli, Joe
Simeone, Annie Miraglia, Fr. Tomasso, Deb Housel, David Klaus, Dawn
Wells, Fr. Deckman, Panchita Colon
Absent: DeWain Feller.
Approval of Minutes/Agenda: Rick
Paris. Motion: David Klaus/Luis Pabon
Rick Campoli would like to add who was
absent from the PC meeting last month: Rick Paris, Panchita Colon FTF:
Ed Sailer, Rick Paris, Bruni Martinez.
Faith Formation
First Eucharist:
-8 children at the 10:45am HF Mass on May
4th.
-4 children at the 9am at HA
-4 children at the 11:30am at HA
-Confirmation 8 candidates going June 4th
to SHC
-Growing in faith day- The Perfect
Stranger. All are welcome. Can bring the children, will have
events for them to do at the Urban Center, 4-19-08.
-Intense clean up meeting at the HA
school hall. Hoping for people to come. 4-18-08 at 5:30pm in the
basement.
-Debbie has decided to leave city west in
June. It is time for a change.
Fr. Tomasso: want to thank Debbie very
much for all that she has done. Wish you well.
-Frank is going to stay and work with the
youth ministry, at least temporarily.
Latino Ministry:
-Holy mission 8-11-08 through 8-15-08,
HA.
-Bible study Tuesday 7:00pm
-Prayer Mtg. Wednesday 7:00pm
Communication:
-Review rough draft for news letter.
First weekend of May; Focus spirituality.
-Tentatively target news letters through
the summer. - Focus on youth.
Website:
-Handed out sample of the coming week
calendar.
-Changed format of calendar.
-If you have outlook or lotus they tend
to go to a ½ day format. Sat and Sunday are together.
-Added a link to “Spirit Alive.”
-Would like to get a Latino page going.
Deacon John: with Debbie leaving we will
need to have someone else serve on the communication committee. It
would be great to have someone from the Latino community join.
Youth Ministry:
-next week is our youth group gathering.
Spirit Alive:
-Committee mtg. HA 4-17-08 at 7pm.
Always looking for members.
-Bishop Clark wants us to do the
recommitment on Pentecost weekend.
-Next movement Advent this year:
growth/knowledge/commitment.
-Possibility of a prayer card for
Pentecost.
-ww.rochesterspiritalive.org
-Possible DVD retreat that Bishop Clark
has put together.
Fr. Tomasso: The prayer from Spirit
Alive will be used throughout the year. It can be used in
church/meetings/etc.
Debbie: Bulletin announcements can be
added for people to read re: Spirit Alive.
Nominating Committee:
-Rick Paris and David Klaus have met.
See Attached.
-Fr. Tomasso: Want to offer some
suggestions. The whole constitution needs to be revised. The numbers
of the membership need to be looked at. The SA section needs to be
addressed.
-For discussion here tonight: we
postpone the nominations; Set up a steering committee to revise the
constitution. Everyone is invited to stay on the council or resign if
need be.
-Rick: Fr. Tomasso can we put this up for
discussion.
Fr. Tomasso: How do you feel about
rewriting the constitution and moving forward?
All PC members are all in favor.
Fr. Tomasso brought 5 copies if anyone
wants to work on the team to revise the constitution. David, Rick P,
Panchita, Rick C. Luis P. will be the team.
-Nominating committee is suspended for
the time being and this council will continue until this committee
drafts constitution changes.
Pastors Comments:
-Stewardship Living and Community Life:
April 19th “The
Perfect Stranger”; Dinner and Movie 5:15pm HA
April 26th
Stewardship Day; 8-12pm Burgundy Basin
April 27th Gala
Spring Concert; 3pm HA
-B/c we need to support stewardship with
time talent and treasure, I asked the staff to revise their positions.
In the new budget we cut some staff hours. We want to return the other
things back to the parishioners.
-The walk needs a chairman, more visitors
to the sick, parish picnic, catholic ministries appeal, liturgy
committee, need for faith formation/child word, communication committee,
spirit alive, daffodil sale, coffee hours, fund raising, etc.
-If we re-center our activities it is
great opportunity for community/parishioners to take part.
-Stewardship day will give people ideas
of how to give their time, talent and treasure. There are forms
available and we can register you.
-With parishes coming together, we have
spoken about a transition team. What I am asking, ideally is names of
people from the pews who will bring that perspective and how we are
going to celebrate and make one community. Receptions for Fr. Peter,
Debbie, Sr. Bernard and after the last mass at HF also needs planning.
*Questions were raised regarding the
closing of HF. Fr. Tomasso addressed the questions and offered to sit
and discuss at a future date with Gloria Brown.
*Suggestion was made to put the
announcement in the bulletin.
-Mass schedule: These are some
suggestions: temporarily put;
-Spa. Mass be at HF and HA have the 2
morning masses.
-Put all three English masses at HF and
the Spa. Mass at HA.
-We have to consider Religious Ed. and
the times of when it would be
advantageous.
Rick: who makes the final decision about
Holy Family?
Debbie Housel: The priest council reads
and the bishop listens to what the priest council says, Bishop then
makes his decision. The decision is not taken lightly.
Fr. Tomasso: I sent in every piece of
paperwork/reports, etc. regarding the FTF, PC meeting minutes/reports
for JFC, etc.
Fr. Tomasso: As I have said I believe it
is necessary to close HF. I will form a transition committee. One of
the big issues is the carrying costs of buildings. I am having these
discussions on mass schedules with staff and Liturgy Committee too. We
have to change the mass schedules no matter what.
Rick P: I am ending the discussion now
as the chair of the PC. We need to move on.
Rick C.: Where is the money for the
organ donation going?
Fr. Tomasso: $17,000 was raised, half
was put in to the repairs. I will be calling Fr. Condon and asking him
what do we do with the money and if/how do we go about returning it.
Rick C. Anything on the school as far as
rent?
Fr. Tomasso: A charter school has come
to look at this sight 3x. They have taken people from Albany through
the building. They also have looked at other sites. There is no
commitment at this time.
Announcements/New-Old business:
-No report.
Next meeting: 5-21-08 at HF.
Panchita and Annie will not be there.
Prayer: Opening: Deacon John
Closing: David Klaus
Motion to adjourn: Dawn Wells,
Luis Pabon
Closing Prayer: David Klaus |
|
March 19,
2008
Welcome: David Klaus
Opening Prayer: Deacon John Crego
Attendance:
Council Members: R.Campoli, J. Crego,
Fr. Deckman, D. DiFilippo, D. Feller, D. Klaus, A. Miraglia, E.
Montesdeoca, L. Pabon, J. Simeone, C. Torres, D. Wells, Fr. Tomasso
Future Task Force Members: F. Pullano,
R. Van Sice, R. Campoli, C. Mastrella, B. Stifter, J. Crego, Fr. Tomasso
Approval of Minutes: There was a
brief review of the 2-27-08 meeting minutes. DeWain Feller and Joe
Simeone made a motion to approve.
Future Task Force: (FTF)
-The members have come tonight to give
the council a recommendation on finances.
Fran: Three scenarios for
a unified community budget were projected, A worse, B moderate, C
optimistic. Notes show reasoning, issues, comments, cuts and restored
$10,000.00 for youth/children/faith formation. In B the new community
needs an additional $1,300.00 per week even with 50% of collections from HF added in. Thus the HA English and Spanish parishioners must increase
giving. These scenarios (attachments A) are based on the HA finance
report of 6-30-07.
DeWain: I am concerned that
we are hoping that the survival depends on the HF money. We need to
think about what is truly the best option for the parish.
-A single parish with two worship sites.
Fran: We have gone through
every scenario and we need to make a decision because the Task Force
doesn’t see a long term solution but to merge.
Father Tomasso: One
problem in going to one priest and three Masses is that it will be hard
to keep two worship sites going. Dropping three Masses will have
financial impact.
Dawn: We have been at this
community site and I see a competition going on. By having Masses at
either site would get people to go to both sites. English/Spanish it’s
the people and we need to keep the parishioners. It would give the
people new ideas to fund raise etc. I am stunned to see the impact
for the children. All the facilities are at the HF site. HF has the
gym, playground, etc.
Father Tomasso: We need to
get back on track. I agree with Fran in that we can not afford both
sites.
Bob Van Sice: I keep track
of the funds and attendance each week. These are the facts and numbers.
(Attachment B)
Fran: The numbers have
been given to the FTF and revised for options.
Bob: HF takes more money
to run and we don’t have the money to run it.
Father Tomasso: It is
about maintenance, money and HF is too large for our needs. It is a
beautiful church but too large for our needs. We need to get back on
track.
DeWain: I am afraid that we
are basing our hopes in something that is really unrealistic. The bottom
line is that we retain as many HF parishioners as possible. We need to
look at other experiences from other parishes. There are costs to be
acknowledged.
David: Budgets are based on
estimated income.
DeWain: We just can’t make
assumptions as to what will be the best. We can’t afford to lose
parishioners.
Fran: We have a half
million dollars in expenses. The collections are not carrying it.
HA school has been rented for a long
time. Bingo has been going on for years.
We will have to keep on doing it. We
don’t want to lose what we have.
Joe: Having the experience
of losing St. Anthony’s, we could have major problems if we continue to
carry two sites. FTF broke their backs and I give them credit.
Father Tomasso: We
revisited information trying to find other solutions. What will provide
for the most viable church community for the future? This was the
question that the FTF had to answer. I thank the FTF and finance
committee for their hard work.
Bob: We were under
restrictions. We wanted to look at Most Precious Blood. The Diocese
told us no.
Father Tomasso: Regarding
the Most Precious Blood site diocese said no b/c there needs to be a
presence in our neighborhoods. I do foresee that even if we were to
sell HF tomorrow, we would still have it for approx. a year before
closing and we could still use the buildings for what we need, such as
socials, youth, ….
General Question: Why is
there not a youth group at HA?
Father Tomasso: B/c we
can’t afford another youth minister. HA youth join with the HF group. We
now need to try to focus on central questions.
Thank you to the council members. I also
want to thank the Joint Finance Committee and the FTF for sharing one
meeting. Airing these challenging projections and especially for their
faith and vision in recommending that we go forward, accepting a deficit
budget. It is much like a start up business, as a path to building for
the future. I want to thank the FTF for all their agonizing work and
continued willingness to go forward for the sake of providing church
presence and gospel service into the future.
I support the FTF recommendation as
stated in my January 2008 letter to parishioners. I support the JFC and
FTF recognition of a probable deficit budget as we begin implementing
the recommendation but also I am confident that parishioners will
eventually embrace supporting the new community, tithing and stewardship
efforts will bear fruit, fundraising can be built up significantly. As
Pastor I need to hear from you, members of the Pastoral Council. Again,
we’ll ask everyone to speak briefly. There can be discussion and
questions but after everyone has an opportunity to speak.
-Questions: Can I live with the
recommendation to unify at the HA sight over the next several months
knowing a probable deficit budget is projected in the initial start up
year or so? And, do I see myself helping build up the new community,
including works to help erase any deficit?
David: A lot of what is
going on is b/c of ego. Ego stands for edges God out. Ego causes us to
cherish what we want for ourselves. It is not about what I want or you
want. Ego causes us to covet what we have. Ego causes us to be selfish
with our gifts, talents, time, money, etc. Big stands for; Bring God
Into our Life. Big will cause us to want what we need. Big will allow
us to give up what we have to build something better. Big allows us to
share our talents, time, money and take ownership of our parish. I
support this merger and I will be here for the parish.
Joe: We don’t have a
choice in keeping both communities. We need to move to one sight and
one community and I will help as much as I can.
DeWain: One of my concerns
is the impact on the community. We need to be a positive presence in
the city. This hasn’t factored into things. I would like to see more
information about two worship sights and money in retaining
parishioners. We need to go to a single parish. We need to make
careful decisions and think about the wider community. I am concerned
about making the right decision before we vote.
Dawn: I can’t live with
the deficit budget. If we weren’t so rushed and try to truly build
community. The scenario that works is the 100% but you won’t get that,
the 25% doesn’t look good to me. I feel that people don’t feel
comfortable with this that is has been pushed on them. At HA sight what
are you doing to bring in revenue? What about the Organ Cultural
Committee? If it is done, in a way that it is 100% equitable, exciting
and positive then I will be behind you.
Rick: Accepting the
deficit, I can live with it. I still feel that it might be to the
community advantage to merge the new community but we still have the one
worship at HF. I feel that we would retain 80% of the parishioners.
People said that they would come to the 4pm at HF if that is retained.
No matter what we do we still have to maintain heat in the buildings,
having the rent from HF would be beneficial. In the future, if we have
to sell, it might be a warmer reception to move b/c we tried. I would
stay on as far as finance/council and will do what we need to do. We
would still merge but having the church open on Saturdays would be
good. The finances committee needs to work on some of the small things
that we could cut. There may be some room to use volunteers. May I
read something from Rick Paris who is not here tonight? Father
Tomasso: yes.
Rick P.:
To all council members, first of all I would
like to apologize for being unable to attend tonight's meeting. As we
all are aware, the futures task force recommended that we merge to Holy
Apostles. This suggestion was based on recent financial difficulties.
During the Finance meeting on March 12th, a suggestion was made that we
continue to keep Holy Family open for one weekend celebration,
Saturday. There are several benefits for both parishes in doing
this. The task force estimated that 25% of the congregation would come
over to Holy Apostles. By having a celebration at Holy Family, over 80%
of the people would still be contributing to the collections. An
argument to this could be, "What about the loss of attendance from the
Saturday mass at Holy Apostles?" Knowing that they too, truly love
their church they would try to attend the Sunday services. Another cost
saving reason would be that you would not have to heat both churches the
days they do not have services. Considerations could be made to rent
the churches to another religious affiliation on the days that they do
not have celebrations. Finally, instead of having empty buildings
during the transition, these could also be utilized for our spiritual
life. After seeing the projected budget that was presented to the
Finance Council, I feel that it is necessary to reconsider the task
force recommendation to close Holy Family church in June. It is my
recommendation that we change our mass schedule as stated above. During
this time a suitable tenant may be renting the school. Besides it will
take time to sell the entire campus at Holy Family, so during this
process we should try to offset the projected budget deficit as much as
possible.
John: I have attended many
finance meetings and have been involved in the work that the city west
parishes has. We poured over the data, we looked at various
alternatives. I feel that we came down to the best possible scenario
that we could. I continue to support the FTF decision. I don’t get paid
for what I do. I try to interject myself into HF and love the
community. Going forward I see us coming together and see us as a
vibrant community. We have the ability to draw new people.
Luis: As stated before,
the Latino community has gone through multiple moves. Each time it has
been hurt. I experienced this once and did not come to church for
6yrs. Another move would be extremely hurtful. Moving again will be
hurtful. I believe that coming together will work but we have to come
together. I do approve of the recommendation and I will continue to
help in any way I can. It is one of the things that we can do to help
make it work.
Father Peter: It is
painful and I think we face the pain and hope the we can build something
new and it is very important. HA is going to change. It is very
important that we build. We take the bricks and mortar from each parish
and build the vision and willingness to build and move. I support the
recommendation and will help.
Debbie: I feel that I have
no choice. It is what it is. I had a vision for a new community. I
have great concerns as we need the volunteers and also in light of the
staff hours that will be cut and will not have the staff to fall back
on.
Eddie: Personally I don’t
think I could live with it. The Latino community will not go to HF.
When do you expect to notify the parishioners of the close? How soon
would you tell them that their church will close? Father Tomasso:
It would take at least two/three weeks after we hear from the diocese.
Eddie: I feel that the parishioners would be in a state of
panic. The parishioners know its coming they just want to know when.
Father Tomasso: It could happen quickly/slowly but there has been
communication about this recommendation. Eddie: I think you
need to tell them straight out and tell them they are closing.
Carlos: I can’t live with it. I
am a member of the youth group, I feel like that I am being forced into
it. I will stay regardless. If you go to HA, the facilities are
different. Different isn’t always good for everyone.
Annie: I support it and I
will be around.
Father Tomasso: I do
believe that it is sad and difficult. I recognize that both HA and HF
have their benefits. They cannot use their assets against each other.
We need to pool our strengths. It can work. We talked about it a great
deal. I am going to write the letter to Bishop and send on the
recommendation. I really feel that it is time to pass it on and let
someone else take a look at all our work.
Even in our sadness, many see this as a
viable future.
The minutes/letters/all documentation
goes to the Bishop.
Bob: Is it a consensus or
consultation?
Father Tomasso: If anyone
feels that they need to say more please write to the Bishop. I am not
going to say anything to the Bishop that I haven’t said in these
meetings. All documentation will be forwarded. I am sorry but I do
believe that we need to do this. I need to send the recommendation
because there is support from the Futures Task Force, the Joint Finance
Committee and here, and no viable alternative.
Fran: From the FTF we are
talking about both parishes changing. HA has significant reserve money.
HF has supported a school but it is pulled closing. HF is giving up a
location and feels it harder. If we don’t come together we will both
fall apart. If we can’t support it nothing will work. We have looked at
both sides. I ask that you consider it.
Faith Formation: Easter Vigil 7pm
at HA. There are 2 catechumens.
HA- First Eucharist 4-27-08
9am/11:30am
HF- First Eucharist 5-5-08
10:45am
Confirmation- 6-4-08 at Sacred Heart
Cathedral
First Reconciliation- HA- 3-29-08
2:30pm; HF- 4-5-08 2:30pm OR you can choose a Saturday of their
own.
We are going to have a growing in faith
day 4-19-08. Dinner and movie- Perfect Stranger.
Latino Ministry: Holy Thursday
7pm Mass. 4pm Good Friday begin at school, outdoor procession and end
at HA church. Prep for holy mission Aug 11-15 at HA for city Latino
community.
Communications: News letter went
out three weeks ago. Committee will work on “Spirit Alive”renewal
themes and information.
Website: Couple weeks ago lap top
crashed, lost all documentation that I had, I may need some of you to
provide me with information. (D. Klaus)
Youth Min: No report.
Spirit Alive: Continues three yrs.
Advent to Pentecost.
Had our Growing in Faith day 2-24-08.
Reconciliation Service on 3-24-08
Healing Mass on 3-13-08
Next Growing in Faith day is 4-19-08. We
are also advertising for more volunteers.
Nominating Committee: We need to
recruit new members for council. Several peoples terms are up and we
need a new nomination committee. Choices need to be made by Pentecost
which is 5-10-08. Convener is David Klaus who will recruit Nominating
Committee.
Pastors Comments: Stewardship day
4-26-08 at Burgundy Basin Inn. Registration forms available.
Today I learned I will remain
here as pastor until December 30, 2008 and then be pastor of the
Catholic community in Geneva. A new pastor will come here 12-30-08.
But Fr. Peter will retire in June and we will begin a new Mass
schedule.
New/Old Business: None reported
Next council meeting: April 16th
2008 at the Urban Center; 7pm. Opening prayer: Rick Campoli. Closing
Prayer David Klaus. Adjourn: Joe Simeone/Luis Pabon.
|
|
February 27, 2008
Attendance:
Council Members: R. Paris, D. Klaus,
Father Tomasso, D. Feller, R. Campoli, D. DiFilippo, J. Crego, A.
Miraglia, P. Deckman, L. Pabon, J. Simeone
Task Force members: R. VanSice, E. Sailer, R.
Campoli, R. Paris, C. Mastrella, B. Stifter, J. Crego, Father Tomasso.
The meeting began with a welcome and opening prayer
by the council members. Approval of the previous council meeting
minutes was then voted on and then the meeting continued with the agenda
for the evening.
Welcome: Rick Paris Opening Prayer:
Rick Campoli
Approval of Minutes:
-Rick Paris asked for approval of last meeting
minutes; D. Klaus and J. Simeone moved for approval.
-Questions were raised regarding the minutes. The
council spoke about the questions for a few minutes and continued on to
the next agenda item.
Future Task Force:
Rick; Welcomed the task force to the meeting.
He introduced Bob VanSice from the Future Task Force and allowed Bob to
continue with his presentation.
Bob: Summarized the Task Force listening
session questions and answer sheet. Please refer to listening
session minutes (see attached).
-Questions were raised regarding the possibility of a
new name for the church.
-There was also a suggestion of a ribbon cutting
ceremony and celebrating the idea of a new beginning for the church.
Such suggestions belong with a transition team.
Father Tomasso asked that the council members give
their ideas and thoughts about the work that the Future Task Force has
done. He asked that we go around the room and hear what the council
members think.
Question for Parish Council:
What do you want to say about the recommendation?
(What we are reacting to is the formal documentation/ (letter) sent to
parishioners 1-30-08.
DeWain: my major concerns are that we already
lost a number of parishes and many of the neighborhoods are in a fragile
state. We as a church should be contributing in a positive way in the
city. I understand that the financial situation is fragile. We have
insufficient information to come to a proper conclusion. I don’t want
the city to decline by closing either parish.
Joe: I do applaud the work the FTF has done.
I would like to get further information on the numbers and verify the
numbers so I can make a more informed decision.
Rick C.: Being on the task force, it was
difficult weighing out both sides. I went back into the diocese website
and printed out information from past years. In 2004 there were 4
scenarios presented. Scenario 2 has taken place. One has already taken
place. What is happening now is that they are looking to close
parishes. It is necessary to identify one remaining site for worship.
As far as the recommendation, there is some still some financials that I
want to see. As a trustee of HF church, we are suppose to have a
meeting where a budget is suppose to be approved for 07-08 but there was
no budget presented or approved. Until we can see a budget, I have to
withdraw the recommendation until I see a budget.
Dawn: Regretfully I agree that we have to
combine. I don’t think that we are picking the right parish. We want
to assume that it will succeed. I want to start with the right
materials. HF is a larger church. There is more exposure, number of
people. All the facilities at HF are far superior to HA; Valuables,
Hispanic community, childrens play area. I490 is important b/c we are
close to it and it connects people together. If you want to evangelize,
make it easy to do. Another thing, ballpark, the property is worth
$550,000, the organ itself is worth $440,000. I would like more
information.
Father Deckman: I think the task force did a
lot of work. It is objective. It will be better for everyone in the
end.
Luis: I applaud the task force. The question
of re-naming was brought up in the Latin community. Moving to HA, I
welcome that proposal. We have been moved numerous times and have
declined in numbers but we have struggled and fought to keep the numbers
steady. The Spanish community moving again would hurt them
significantly but what the task force came up with makes sense. I
approve the proposal.
Debbie: As far as the ministries are
concerned, I need more definition. We need physical usable space,
especially in faith formation.
John: I agree with the recommendation. I
feel that there is a unity in the frame work and it will do well. I see
this as a vibrant way to revitalize the community. We will evangelize
the best way we can.
Annie: I agree and accept.
John: Thinking back, this was the
recommendation then. HF and HA were not in the same association then,
now I support the recommendation at either site. Our presence in this
part of the city is almost dead. At HA our presence continues.
Regardless of whether we can rent this site, doesn’t change the fact
that we have to change our focus of ministries. We need the strength of
what the merger can do for us.
Rick P.: I want to be the neutral person. I
am still puzzled by the financial report. I can not go ahead with the
recommendation. I also want to say that HA is a wonderful community.
Father Tomasso: Regarding the finances, HF
has money, we are not bankrupt yet. In December, 2007, we had $71,000 to
the good. HF is fragile. We are struggling to come up with the best
overall financial plan. We are going to have a finance meeting in two
weeks. My philosophy is try to spend less than last year. We did not
have quarterly Finance meetings while the Task Force was meeting,
although the FTF reviewed finance data in detail. In my mind the task
force recommendation should be followed. Task Force worked hard and
tried to find an alternative way but couldn’t and kept going back to one
site at the HA location. We have too much square footage at HF; we
don’t use it and can’t afford it. The staff hours are being cut in July
2008. I asked that the staff go back to what they were originally hired
for. We have to turn the other things over to the parishioners. For
the Latino community, we have to turn more over to them. I support the
recommendation b/c the FTF worked hard studying everything about us.
Open Discussion:
-Questions were raised regarding the success rate of
parishioners moving from HF to HA. There was also a proposal that was
written by a HF parishioner. It was read at the council meeting (See
attached copy). After everyone had opportunity to speak, we proceeded
to “Reports.”
Faith Formation: Debbie DiFilippo
First communion and confirmation are going well and
the group is great.
Latino Ministry: Luis Pabon
There is a retreat this Sunday at 9:30 in the school
hall. Journey with Christ is the focus.
Communications: Deacon John Crego
The newsletter will be going out this Sunday. It’s
focus is on spirituality. The next news letter will be going out after
Easter. The focus will be death into new life.
Website: David Klaus
The community calendar is always being updated. David
added (to the mass schedules) the lectors and Eucharist ministers from
HA. He is asking that someone give him the list for HF and he will add
it in. He also added puzzles and fun games.
Joint Liturgy: Debby DiFilippo
They have worked on Holy Week planning. There will be
a complete schedule in a bulletin insert on Palm Sunday.
Youth Ministry: Debby DiFilippo
They had a successful retreat. They made $800 in
profits from the candy sale. There are still cases of chocolate and we
are talking about the possibility of an Easter candy sale.
Spirit Alive: Deacon John Crego
We are in the 3 year run to 2010. The primary events
will run from advent to Pentecost. It is promoting spiritual renewal.
Our team is Rosemarie, John and Debbie and we are looking for more
people. Some of the events will be diocesan run and some will be parish
run. Some of the events have been very well received. The next event
coming will be a regional reconciliation service at Mother of Sorrows on
3-9-08 and 3-5-08 St. Michael’s for the Latino community. This year
will focus be on individual spiritual, next year, church renewal, and
the third year community renewal. 4-6-08 growing in faith day.
Pastor comments: Father Tomasso
-Msgr. Emmett
Murphy passed away this afternoon Saturday, March 1 of pneumonia.
Arrangement: St. Joseph Motherhouse. Funeral HA 10am, Bishop Clark
presiding. His body will come to HA around 9:30am. He was a man of
great kindness.
-Regarding the planning FTF I am torn very much. I
have the sense that this should not linger. Since 1991 this has been a
vision. I am leaving here with the biggest questions re: finances. We
are going to try and clarify.
-The question and answer sheet will be translated
into Spanish.
-Lou DiSisti has been inviting contacts to come and
tour the school. We are actively pursuing tenants.
-Scheduling out plans to move people, transition
team/implementation team (not knowing what we are implementation)
general fashion has to be done. And shortly after Easter some will start
to consolidate.
-With or without this plan pastoral staff hours have
been cut. They are being asked to do their core job only. I am asking
the pastoral staff to give me a list of what their other activities
are. I will submit it to the Pastoral Council for their discussion.
Chairperson:
-Rick P. will not be able to attend the next
Council meeting.
-Remind the council we have to do the nominations for
new members.
New Business:
-The council spoke about the closures of the
schools. It was recommended that another letter be sent to the
dioceses. With much discussion the council decided to move on and let
the issue rest.
-There was also a discussion regarding the trustee
responsibilities and compliance with a diocesan document on parish
Finance Councils.
Next council meeting: 3-19-08 7pm at HF.
Opening prayer: J. Crego
Closing prayer: D. Wells
Motion to adjourn: Rick Campoli, David Klaus
|
|
January 30, 2008
Attendance:
Parish Council Members:
Rick Paris, David Klaus, Dawn Wells, DeWain Feller,
Rick Campoli, Joe Simeone, Luis Pabon, Ponchita Colon, Annie Miraglia,
Deacon John Crego, Fr. Tomasso
Task Force Members:
Fran Pullano, Bob Van Sice, Ed Sailer, Rick Campoli,
Rick Paris, Carolyn Mastrella, Barbara Stifter, Bruni Martinez, Decon
John Crego, Fr. Tomasso
There were many more parishioners present at the
meeting.
Rick P: Welcome and opening prayer.
Prayer: Deacon John
Rick: wanted to know if all committee members
received the minutes from Nov/Dec. 2007. Rick wanted a motion to accept
the minutes.
Dwayne wanted to make sure that the council receives
a clear notification/update on the status of the work of the futures
committee. Father Tomasso wanted to make sure that people understand
that no decisions have been made, just recommendations.
Motion made from Joe and Dawn.
Rick: with this evening’s large agenda, if other
committees have information to be inserted into the minutes please give
them to Annie.
Future Task Force Committee
Fran: This Committee started in September. There
are representatives from each parish.
Introductions were made. Fran thanked everyone for
the commitment they have made to help keep the parishes running. The
power point presentation was then presented:
Futures Task Force Presentation….. See
attached/or Refer to folders.
Rick: We will be opening the floor to questions. We
need to be organized.
DeWain: The first report was a recommendation but we
need to be informed earlier. The presentation breaks down the
approximation of cost and type of cost, we need to get accurate
information before the council can make recommendations. The changes
are being made to labor cost. We need more accurate information and it
needs to be broken down before the council can make any decisions. When
the decision was made to close St. Anthony’s they were recommending
going to St. Helen’s. This is way too early in the process to be able
to come to a decision regarding the parishes.
Person: I agree and disagree with what you said. We
will be gathering data and will receive and evaluate the data to make a
decision.
Person: We are making “An option” not many options.
One single recommendation. It is very rushed.
Father Tomasso: This will not be voted on tonight.
It is about being one community. It started when St. Anthony’s was
going to close. We discovered that the issues were bigger. The task
force was never designed to close parishes. It was designed to come
together and as one community.
Joe: I applaud the work that the task force has
done. As for St. Anthony’s parish, some parishioners have come to HA.
The decision to go to St. Helens was above and beyond this room. The
recommendation is for what is best for both communities.
Father Tomasso: I ask that all here tonight take a
moment and read this letter. The letter will be mailed to the
parishioners this week.
DeWain: I want to add a sentence to the end of the
letter that states that the council has not made a vote on this.
Rick: I don’t think that this is necessary. It is
only a recommendation.
Father Tomasso: For clarification the planned process
is in the agenda.
Rick: We will also take note in the listening
sessions.
Deacon John: About 4yrs ago, many things were looked
at. Even back then we saw the need to come together. We have had many
meetings and shared information between parishes. We offered the
Vietnamese community to come to HF. All of this has been a vision
approximately 4yrs. ago.
Bob: We currently do not finance committees in
either parish.
Father Tomasso: In June we decided that we were going
to have a joint finance committee. Most of the people on the task force
are also on the task force. The task force committee did a lot of
questioning and research but we still want to have a meeting for the
finance committee. I will not set a new committee together due to the
new pastor coming in June.
Sister Morelle: Wondering when the end pt. might
be?, weeks/months? Did you consider the convent? Are we forming a
missionary committee?
Father Tomasso: You will still live in the convent.
You all have been excellent tenants. Even if the property were to be
sold, the lease would play itself out. I was going to be approaching
you and renewing your lease to help protect you.
The process end point, I’m thinking that it might
happen fairly quickly. So the new pastor would not have to do this
work. We will try to do some of it so the new pastor doesn’t have to do
task force work but more pastoral work. We will go through the
information thoroughly. And make recommendations etc.
Fran; Sister you are the person that we need to help
us build this mission. We got excited about this and create something
that we can do to better our community. We spoke with Sister Beth Anne,
she suggested that once a month we open the church and invite neighbors
into the church and have a Community fair, with flyers for Cameron
ministries, the police task force, etc. Introduce seniors to things.
We need lots of help. This will be an exciting time.
Father Tomasso: The census is shocking. It revealed
the huge numbers of un-churched, the youth, children, the poor. If we
become a friend, they will want to know more about us. The demographics
of the census is really informative.
DeWain: The financial information is in the top shelf
and we need more info. I get the impression that as the city downsizes
the churches are closing. We need to be an active part about bringing
our city up. The rate at which we are closing the churches and school
is damaging. Concerned about where we are going. I don’t want to
further damage our communities. We need to be very active and a
positive role to our community.
Father Tomasso: It is really about the lack of jobs,
families, etc., Therefore the lack of people to fill the church.
DeWain: We are saying that we need to focus on
ministry and not the buildings.
David: We have not been properly diversifying our
assets to the people.
Joe: Where is the $ going to come from to sustain the
churches?
Deb Housel; We want to encourage everyone to stay
with their communities. The vision that we are talking about is
remindful of the Hebrews. They went forward but always looked back at
who they were. It is important to stay through the struggle and
continue to try and build.
Deacon Salvatore: I can be moved at any time. And I
see that this proposal is a chance for us to prove that we are a
catholic church through the people and not the buildings. I think we
need to move now before it is really something that we don’t like. The
buildings don’t matter, the people do. We need to tap into the people
who can offer their talents to the church. Electrical, plumbing,
plowing, etc. we can all pitch in and make a difference.
Person; On behalf of the Hispanic community, I have
seen a large increase and I think that the community has grown more. I
feel that we need to work on stewardship, by using our talents to
continue to allow the churches to grow. We need to evangelize to
others. We need to talk to others.
Rick; If there is anything more that needs to be
brought up now please do. We still need to get more information before
making any decision.
DeWain: I want to make very clear, when I and other
people talk about church closings I want people to know that the
building is not the church. I am concerned about the impact on the
neighborhood (empty buildings). And we need to be cognizant of this and
we need to make good decisions.
Joe: I do applaud that this is being done in an
orderly manor.
Rick; We will be distributing the question and
answer pamphlets this weekend. Then the listening sessions, and then the
minutes will be reviewed.
Father Tomasso: The task force and council should be
at listening sessions to be helpful. HA: David Clause will be the
facilitator. HF: Rick will be the facilitator.
Q&A this weekend and next weekend the listening
sessions.
Louise, Concheta and Poncheta will be working with
the Spanish community.
Rick: At this point, father do you want to continue.
Father Tomasso: I admire the cooperation, the work,
the sincerity and the open spirit of the task force and all their hard
work. I am very grateful. Even as we sort this out greater good will
come of this.
Deb Housel: I applaud the task force, excellent job.
This is the first that the dioceses has seen. This is great work that
the task force has done. The more that you ask questions the more you
can impact the community. Buffalo and Syracuse are also suffering.
Rick: Council member any other business?
DeWain: Could we talk about the school closings for a
few minutes? I want to ask the council to write a letter to the
dioceses (impact of the closings) and to McQuaid?
Rick: A letter is going to McQuaid to invite them to
come and look at the campus.
Father Tomasso: Let me clarify that the school
opening will not be opened by the Jesuits. A letter has gone already to
McQuaid regarding the facilities and opening the grade school.
The win principles and the diocese will be meeting to
talk.
DeWain: Could we write a letter to the dioceses
regarding the impact of the school closings?
Bob: When we heard the school closing, we were
stunned. We decided that the way the diocese is operating in the city
is not conducive to what we need. The thought was, if the school would
remain open we would propose an idea to the dioceses.
Deb: If you have ideas please send them in. The
bishop’s task force also went through agony in figuring out what to do.
DeWain: Can the council to send a letter to the
dioceses regarding the school closings?
Father Tomasso: We need to coordinate the next parish
council meeting. The task force meeting has to set their date first.
The task force meeting will be:
Feb. 20th
2008 at HA.
Council meeting: Feb 27th 2008 at HF.
Deb housel will not be able to attend.
Rick: Rick will do opening prayer. David will do
closing prayer.
Closing Prayer
Do I have a motion for closing prayer and
adjournment? David, Dwayne. |
|
November 14,
2007
Father Peter: Opening Prayer and a brief
introduction regarding the Catholic Ministries Appeal video.
Brief introduction of the stewardship committee from
HA and HF.
Stewardship Committee/ Joan Baleno
A. Meeting last may, discussion regarding
CMA. August and May discussion at masses, articles about it in the D&C
and also bulletin. The committee changed the Sunday envelopes. Jim
Thurston and Sister Dorothy spoke at all masses regarding the CMA.
Asking for more ideas for CMA.
-Can one of the signs in the front of
church be translated into Spanish? It would be great if someone can
translate it into Spanish (Sr. Dorothy is the one to take care of
this). Need to talk to people about giving.
-Bishop Clark is going to send a letter
to those who have not given.
-Can it be explained to the parishioners
that they can make partial payments.
-After the first of the year will try
putting out a letter for those who have pledged but have not paid as of
yet.
-Sr. Bernard is the one to speak with to
find out your pledge, how much you have given/not given as of yet.
-
HA goal
13,011 achieved 84%. 14% haven’t responded.
-
HF
12,167 achieved 94.17%. 11,458dollars pledged.
Tithing
Stewardship committee would like to send out a
pamphlet regarding tithing. The pamphlet will be sent out in January to
all parishioners. The booklet talks about introducing tithing and how to
increase the percentage over time.
-Time, talent and treasure are part of
tithing. Is this going to be explained to the parishioners?
7:30pm Committee watched CMA video.
-everyone liked the video, suggestion to
show it in church.
Part two of meeting:
The meeting began with a prayer commissioning the
Council members, followed by an introduction of council members and
those in attendance.
Attendance: Rick Paris, Joe Simeone, DeWain Feller,
Annie Miraglia, Fater Deckman, Deb Housel, John Crego, Father Tomasso,
Panchita Colon, Dawn Wells, Debbie DiFilippo, Rick Campoli
The minutes for October 10th, 2007 meting
were approved on a motion by Father Tomasso and Joe.
Faith Formation
Growing in Fatih Days. This Sunday November 18th,
2007 special mass at 10:30am at HA. After the mass, the Urban Center
will have lunch and a speaker Sr. Diane Branch.
Latino Ministry
December 7th caroling. Food, singing,
activities
December 14th 3hr retreat reflection of
Advent begin at 6:30pm
Oct 14th Spanish heritage was a success.
Rosary society, have gone to some new houses. Very
successful. Three children did the rosary. They did very well. 25-32
people attend in the different homes to pray the rosary.
Communications Ministry
Finalized the next news letter. Need to touch base
with Father Tomasso as to when we can put it into the bulletin. Need to
have the inserts in both the English/Spanish
speaking community. Need to coordinate and have the
inserts in the bulletin on the same dates. Next news letter: Advent
letter Dec 2nd. Nov 25th Christmas insert letter
and the article to be in the bulletin together. Article focuses on
prayer and could also mention Brother Juan coming. Father Tomasso
stated that “it’s okay” as long as everyone can get the pamphlets done
on time.
Website
David not here tonight. No report.
Youth
Received a call from the Abby, retreat house, it is
available. Youth group averaging 12-15 children. They are helping out
this weekend and at the Thanksgiving mass. Father Tomasso stated that
the youth were a huge help for the Thanksgiving dinner. Kudos to our
youth!!!!
PPNM Leaders Day
Presentation held at Keuka College, Excellent. Spoke
about centering our lives around Christ. Thinking in terms around HA
and HF about letting things die and allowing new growth. Participating
together, small/large. Combining resources, bringing communities
together. Working towards a renewed vision of community.
Evangelization. Be open to what lies ahead. Develop an attitude of
gratitude. Presentation to be on the Diocesan website. Would like all
to see it.
Brief Discussion involving “Grieving.” How we can be
a community and not an individual parishioner. This Sunday’s currier
will be about this topic. Father Tomasso doesn‘t feel that this “dying”
may be a healthy theme. Too much energy may be put into the grieving
and not enough into the re-building.
Rick: re-focus the committee.
Interfaith Action
Faith and Family evening, 2weeks ago. Four major
issues: safety, jobs/economic development, health care, education/parent
organizing.
Pastoral Comments
SA deal has not closed Father Tomasso still living at
SA. No date for the closing. Liturgy committee Thanksgiving
celebration at 9:30am(Thanksgiving morning). Advent insert Dec 1st.
Christmas schedule almost identical as last year.
Urban listening session: Talked about being an
inclusive church. Worked with the bishops on the book, Opening Doors
for people with Disabilities.
This was a very good day. Helped the churches
understand that there should be places for the disabled to sit, books,
etc. Awareness of diversity, cultures, disabilities, etc.
Announcements/New Business
Next council meeting will be January 9th
at 7pm at HF. The meeting may be a week later if the Future Task Force
is not ready.
Opening prayer: John Kriego,,, Closing Prayer: David
Klaus
Closing prayer
Motion to adjourn meeting: Rick, second DeWain.
|
|
May 9, 2007
Members in attendance:
Frank DiFilippo
Eddie Montesdecca
Deacon John Crego
Teresa DeSisti
Fr. Paul Tomasso
Deb Housel
Valorie Short
David Klaus
Rick Paris
Joe Simeone
Deb DiFilippo
Ed Sailer
David Hudzinski
Meeting opened with a prayer offered by
David.
Motion to accept minutes made by David.
Seconded by Ed.
Rick thanked members whose terms are
expiring – Valorie Short, Eddie Montesdecca and Teresa DeSisti – for
their service over the years. New members recognized – Annie Miraglia,
HA, Bob Van Sice and Rick Campoli, HF.
Community
Fr. Paul spoke on using “community” instead of separating parishes and
groups. This has been discussed in staff meetings. Focus should not be
about who closes or remains open but working to merge into a stronger,
healthier faith community. In the near future a committee will have to
craft a plan to develop “Pastoral Plan: A Community.” Many committees
have joined together but also remain separate by parishes: Liturgy,
Finance, Outreach & Evangelization, Stewardship and Communications.
Continue to nurture these committees who often meet separately but
should increase joint meetings and shared goals. The Friends of Holy
Family committee has caused an awareness of the possibilities such a
group can foster in fundraising, outreach, leadership, alumni relations.
Holy Apostles people are aware of the value of this work and may start a
similar effort. As things develop Pastoral Council members must
see themselves representing the needs and common good of the whole
community, not one parish, and to witness by:
-
Attending events at both locations
-
Promoting community events
-
Fostering community consciousness not
parish
The goal is to strengthen our common
life no matter what happens. We must also involve other people who may
need time, patience, encouragement in committee work and leadership but
we still need their help. We are making strides in outreach to visitors;
now we must focus on outreach to new leaders. I urge the Council to look
for ways to personally and as leaders to encourage community, not
parish, and involve new leaders.
Discussion items:
Develop strong leaders to take over projects, i.e. Children’s Liturgy,
Faith Formation.
Propose joint fundraising with split profits
Cross over of some events
Include in September Agenda
Faith Formation
Debbie reported 23 children and one adult participated in First
Eucharist during April and May. Sixteen candidates will be confirmed on
June 6. The Religious Ed programs will end on May 13 and 20. Vacation
Bible School will be held July 30 – August 3. There is a Hospitality,
Greeter and Usher renewal day on May 12 at 9:30 AM.
Youth
Eddie reported the last Youth Group meeting for the year is scheduled
for May 25. The annual picnic will be held in June. Six youth member
will help at the Friends of Holy Family Dinner on May 19. There will be
no CYO Youth Softball team but a parish softball and basketball team is
being planned for parish youth.
Communications
The first newsletter was published in April and included in the
bulletin. Topics for other newsletters will be Stewardship, Outreach &
Evangelization, Youth, School, People in Community.
Website
Dave reported that two new ads were included on the bulletin St Pius X
Credit Union and Salon Jazzersize. Dave will contact Luis for
information for a Spanish page.
Interfaith Action
Fr. Paul mentioned the May 24 meeting with Mayor Duffy at St Simon and
Luke Church on Fitzhugh Street.
Stewardship
Fr. Paul said the process is slow but steady. Stewardship Day, held on
May 5,
was attended by member from Holy
Apostles and Holy Family. A new stewardship letter will be published in
the bulletin. The work for tithing will be postponed until after
Catholic Ministries Appeal.
St. Anthony’s Update
The last Vietnamese Mass will be held on Jun 17. St. Helen’s will begin
new Mass schedule on June 24. The diocese sent an appraiser to St.
Anthony’s and sale price will be set from information provided. No
official closing date has been received yet.
Pastoral Planning
Deb Housel mentioned that both the Buffalo and Syracuse Dioceses have
just begun working through pastoral planning and have asked for
information from Rochester.
Motion to adjourn made by Dave.
Seconded by Joe.
Next meeting is scheduled on September
12, 2007 at Urban Center.
Opening prayer – Rick P. Closing
prayer – Dave.
|
|
February 7, 2007
Attendance:
Teresa DeSisti
Fr. Paul Tomasso David
Klaus
Rick Paris
Deb Housel
Maria Sanchez
Bob Van Sice
Frank DiFilippo
Debbie DiFilippo
Minh Nguyen
Rose Marie Lombard Deacon John Crego
Ed Sailer
Valorie Short
Joe Simone
Opening prayer offered by Maria.
Minutes approved by Dave. Seconded by
Valorie.
Deb Housel from Diocesan Pastoral
Council introduced.
New council member, Ed Sailer, will
replace Sam Gaudino.
Joint Liturgy – Debbie
Lenten schedule will be included as bulletin insert on February 17 & 18.
Lenten theme is “Unity & Renewal in Christ.” A community Mass is
scheduled on March 11 at Holy Apostles at 10:30AM. There will be no
10:45 Mass at Holy Family that day. Sr. Pat Flass will speak on March 28
at Holy Apostles at 10 AM and at Holy Family at 5:30. Companion Supper
scheduled for March 5 at 5:45 PM in Rec Hall. Reconciliation Service
will be held March 31 at Holy Family at 5 PM. Bible Study and Stations
of the Cross are also planned.
Holy Family Finance Efforts –
Teresa
A group of about 25 parishioners began meeting in January. Tony Lieb,
former parishioner has brought his fundraising expertise to the group. A
dinner, auction and raffle is scheduled for May 19 at Logan’s Party
House. The recent Pancake Breakfast was well attended. A raffle was held
with donated kitchen appliances. The group is working on other
fundraising ideas and increasing parishioners. A Mass recognizing the
school children will be held February 25. Committee will be meeting
weekly for the next few months.
Nominating Committee – Rick
Discussion held about keeping the council membership at 12 member or
change to 8. This year Bob Van Sice, Teresa DeSisti, and Valorie Short
terms will expire. Joe Simeone’s term expires in 2008 and Nancy Pecoraro’s term expires in 2009. Nominating committee will consist of
Bob Van Sice and Valorie Short. Fr. Paul will appoint staff and members
at large for representation.
Faith Formation – Debbie
There are fifteen candidates for Confirmation this year. Twenty people
will be receiving First Eucharist. Seven people from last year’s First
Eucharist program are still in this year’s program. There is one RCIA
candidate.
Vietnamese Committee – Mr. Nguyen
A group has visited St. Helen’s (1st choice), St. Theodore’s (2nd
choice), and St. James (3rd choice). Letter was sent to Bishop Clark on
January 30 with recommendation that the Vietnamese community move to St.
Helen’s. The Bishop has accepted the recommendation. On February 18, the
Vietnamese will celebrate the New Year with a celebration after the 11
AM Mass.
Latino Ministry Committee –
Maria
A women retreat will be held on February 10 from 9AM – 3 PM. On February
16, there will be a two-hour adoration at Holy Apostles. A Spanish
retreat will be held on February 24 at OLPH. The Youth Retreat is
planned for March 17. A Charismatic Mass is scheduled for March 22 at
Holy Apostles.
Youth Group – Frank
The chocolate sale raised about $700 to help with the retreat costs. The
Youth Retreat will be at the Abbey of the Genesee in Piffard on February
16 –18.
Communications Committee – Deacon John
There are six active members and new member are always welcome. Plans
are to publish a newsletter every 4 – 6 weeks, post bulletin boards in
each church, use website and pulpit to keep parishioners notified. A
survey of parishioners is being planned.
Website – Dave
There needs to be a Spanish page on the website. Maria to discuss topic
at next committee meeting,
Interfaith Action – Deacon John
Petition to be circulated to change NYS prostitution laws. Instead of 57
days prison time, the law would be increased to one year for repeat
offenders. There is a public action on March 22 with Mayor Duffy at
Grace United on Driving Park at 7 PM. Deputy Chief James Shepard to meet
with Holy Apostles LOC for review foot patrols.
Stewardship – Fr. Paul
Special meeting held on February 8 to choose education formation plan
for committee members and parishioners. On February 17 – 18, committee
members to help parishioners register. The third phase will be to
connect with people who have not filed out the form. Next committee
meeting is March 25. Topic of tithing is next action.
Pastoral Planning – Deb Housel
Diocese has Stewardship Committee to help parishes. On May 5, there will
be an education event at St. Patrick’s in Victor.
Announcements
The Joint Finance Committee will meet on March 7 at 7 PM in the Rec
Hall.
Discussions will include:
Catholic Ministries Appeal – Holy
Family within a few dollars of the goal. Holy Apostles is $3000 short.
St. Anthony’s is about $1000 short.
New Business
Annual Community Picnic – Debbie will try to get park reservation for
July or August.
Next Meeting – May 9 at 7 PM at Holy
Family Rec Hall
Opening Prayer – Dave
Closing Prayer – Valorie
Motion to adjourn made by Bob. Motion
seconded by Dave. |
|
January 10, 2007
Attendees:
Rick Paris
Teresa DeSisti
Louis DeSisti
Fr. Peter Deckman Richard Rozon
Celeste Short
Eddie Montesoleoca Frank DiFilippo
Ed Sailer
Bob Van Sice
Dominic Zaccaria
Joe Simone
Nancy Pecoraro
Joseph Croce
Ray Fratta
Sam Donofrio
Deacon John Crego Deacon Carlos Vargas
Maria Sanchez
David Klaus
Fran Pullano
Carolyn Mastrella
Valorie Short
Deb DiFilippo
Deacon Bob Schrader Mary Ellen Kier
Diane Grant
Barbara Stifter
Fr. Paul Tomasso
Meeting opened with a prayer presented by Eddie.
The Finance Committee and guests were welcomed to the Pastoral Council
Meeting.
Motion to approve October meeting minutes made by Dave; seconded by
Valorie.
Finance Report
Second quarter finance summary reports for St. Anthony’s, Holy Apostles
and Holy Family presented by Diane. There was a brief discussion to
clarify some items.
Letter to Holy Family
Parishioners
Fr.
Paul reported that the lease on the convent has not yet been renewed.
The sisters have been given a copy of the letter and rent on a
month-to-month basis at this time. Lease of Holy Apostles school
building to Head Start is on hold until the situation with Holy Family
is resolved. There has to be a marked improvement within 8-10 weeks of
Holy Family finances.
Ed brought up a question on the figures quoted in the letter. He and
Diane will go over the figures for clarification.
Joe
asked if there is a goal for money that needs to be raised within the
8-10 week timeframe. An increase for 38% - 50% weekly is a target
depending on the figures used. Weekly collections of about $2800 will
provide stability.
Fr.
Paul asked any members interested in working on a fund raising task
force to give their names to Teresa.
St. Anthony’s Parish
Fr. Paul addressed the council regarding St. Anthony’s .As you know its
situation has been discussed at Planning Group meetings, with the
Pastoral Council and the Finance Committee. Parishioners were invited to
a Listening Session held on December
16, 2006. At the session, a summary of the situation was given
which suggests closing the parish. A question and answer period
followed. Twenty-nine people attended almost all of whom do attend
regularly. The discussion did not dispute the closing but inquired
about the next steps, the Vietnamese community, the property, money and
closing celebration. Regarding the Vietnamese, the diocese has arranged
for a small group of leaders to visit two or three possible sites this
week. What remains is to formally write to Bishop Clark regarding the
situation, the consultations, discussions and the request to close St.
Anthony’s. Is there any final discussion tonight? There was no further
discussion. Fr. Paul will write to Bishop Clark with the above
information and present the request to close St. Anthony’s Parish.
“Creating a New Parish”
Exercise
Deacon John presented a report combining all the staff interviews. There
was further discussion that parishioners need input on requirements.
Communications of the interviews and input from parishioners will be the
next steps.
Faith Formation
Deb reported that Religious Education is on going in both parishes.
First Eucharist preparation began on January 13. There are twelve
candidates for Confirmation.
Latino Ministry Committee
Luis reported about the Christmas Party held on Dec 15. It was very well
attended. There is a retreat planned for March 17. The next committee
meeting is January 14.
Youth Group
Eddie
reported that the group is planning the annual retreat to the Abbey of
the Genesee on February 16-18. A Valentine candy sale is scheduled on
January 20 and 21. The profits will offset some of the retreat cost.
Communication Committee
John
reported that November was the initial meeting. Carlos is the convener.
The next meeting will define goals and objectives. Walter Miller, a
former St. Peters and Paul parishioner, has offered to help.
Website
David
has some graphics to promote the bulletin advertisers. He passed around
samples of the updated website.
Interfaith Action
There
is a public action scheduled with Mayor Duffy on March 22. There are 4-6
homes for sale in the St. Anthony’s area. A bank is already working to
qualify anyone interested in home ownership. Contact Charlene for more
information.
Announcements
Rosemary Lombard is heading up the diocesan Public Policy Petition drive
on February 10-11 for legislation on “Children in Poverty.”
Sr.
Dorothy Mary had carpel tunnel surgery this week.
Sam
Gaudino is in Rochester General.
Next Meeting – February 7, 2007 at 7 PM at the Urban Center.
Opening Prayer – Maria
Closing Prayer – Dave
Motion to adjourn made by Luis. Seconded by Valorie.
|
|
October 11, 2006
Members in attendance:
Rick Paris
Eddie Montesdeoca Fr. Peter Deckman
David Klaus
Deb DiFilippo
Valorie Short
Minh Nguyen
Nancy Pecoraro
Fr. Paul Tomasso
Luis Pabon
John Crego
Robert VanSice
Guests in attendance:
Frank DiFilippo
Celeste Short
Charlene Witkowicz
Meeting opened with a prayer and
introduction of Eddie Montesdeoca, student, youth member.
David Klaus distributed the new Roster
and we were encouraged to review and submit any changes to him.
John Crego motioned to accept minutes
from the September 13, 2006 meeting, David Klaus made
A 2nd motion and minutes were accepted.
Interfaith Action Report - Charlene
Witkowicz
Charlene provided a detailed hand-out
outlining current activity by the Interfaith Action Committee (please
see attached).She encouraged all to attend the Press Conference on
Thursday October 12th and said it is evident that people are actively
involved and affecting the areas by their participation in crime
assessment and reporting.
Joint Finance Committee - Fr. Tomasso
The meeting scheduled for September was
cancelled and rescheduled to Tuesday, November 14 at 7 PM. At that
meeting the Complex Evaluation Committee will be presenting its findings
in evaluating the buildings making up the various complexes. Report of
their findings and other financial reports to follow at next council
meeting.
Stewardship Committee - Fr. Tomasso
The newly formed Stewardship Committee
is launching a campaign to re-register all parishioners with a new
simple census card that will update our roster of registered
parishioners (all old registration information will be replaced with the
new Stewardship Registration Card information). The weekend of 10/21 and
10/22 the concept of Stewardship registration will be launched in church
at Holy Family, and the following weekend of 10/28 and 10/29 the launch
will take place at Holy Apostles. Cards will be passed out and
parishioners will be asked to complete and return the cards as soon as
possible. A sub-committee will follow-up with:
1) Comparing new information with
existing registration information to gauge response and determine who
needs to be contacted in order to complete the re-registration;
2) Also contact parishioners with the
new information to talk about what ways they can become involved in the
things they indicated on the census card they were interested in. The
Diocese is also addressing a request for resources, tools and ideas
necessary to organize a stewardship campaign for Urban, Spanish and
Vietnamese communities targeted for January. At the development office
Mark dark and David Kelly are working to organize this information.
Faith Formation • Deb DiFilippo
Religious Ed has started up again
at Holy Apostles and Holy Family. RCIA has 3 ladies involved at this
time, two will be ready to be received soon, and one will be at a later
time. Confirmation Preparation begins 11/11 and runs through spring,
meeting 1 time per month. Need spring date for confirmation of 10
teenagers. Anyone interested should contact Debbie by 11/4 if
interested.
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Vietnamese Ministry Committee
- Minh Nguyen
A letter was sent on 9/26/2006 to
Rev. Joseph Hart, V.G at the Pastoral Center, from Fr. Tomasso expressing concerns, on behalf of the Council,
regarding the future of St. Anthony's Parish and especially how it was
affecting the Vietnamese community (please see copy of letter attached).
A meeting was held on 9/27/2006 with Fr. Hart, Fr. John Bosco Pham, Thang Nguyen, Andrew Tran and Minh
Nguyen at which the Vietnamese expressed their concern about the change
of plans and lack of new options for consideration. Apologies were
offered by Fr. Hart and he explained that the Cathedral was facing some
unexpected and difficult financial challenges itself and had come to
realize it was not able to follow through on the proposals
made before. A letter was sent in response to the meeting in which Fr.
Hart assured the Vietnamese community that the diocese would investigate
options and present a couple of proposals for them to consider.
This includes the standing offer from Holy Family to welcome the
Vietnamese Community to their location. The closing of Saint Anthony's
is such a sensitive issue to so many people that it is with great
concern and sensitivity that the issues involving relocating the
Vietnamese, and addressing the many business and personal issues
involved with closing the church, are being handled. The decisions that
need to be made normally involve Bishop Clark, However, he is away with
Fr. Hart on Mission in Africa relating to
Visiting Priests and in his absence Bernard Grizard from the Diocese
Planning Committee will be serving in his place.
John C asked whether the Vietnamese are
considering the Holy Family proposal and Minh said yes it is included in
all that's being considered. David K suggested that the Vietnamese
should send a response to Holy Family. We were however reminded that the
issues and policies at hand should be dealt with in the manner of the
Vietnamese and not led by our inclinations.
Latino Ministry Committee - Luis Pabon
The Spanish Heritage Day was held on
October 8 and it was a great success - lots of food, fun, and faith!
Mayor Duffy attended with 5 members of his staff involved in Hispanic
activities in the community. A bi-lingual ordinary Mass is scheduled for
October 22 at 10:30 am at Holy Apostles. There
will be a bi-lingual Rosary for peace at 10:00 before Mass. And a Garage
Sale will be held on Friday and Saturday at the Urban Center from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Youth Ministry - Eddie Montesdeoca
"Hands of Christ" was held on October 4
and there were 7 youth who received it. In the past several weeks the
Friday night Youth Group has averaged 24-30 young people in attendance.
On November 18, a Saturday, the Youth are helping Lynette DeJesus by
providing the use of our gym for a couple of hours for the Annual
Diocesan Youth Retreat. February 17-19, 2007 is the Annual Youth Retreat
to be held in the Abbey of the Genesee.
Web Site - David Klaus
All is working well with the web site.
The Walk slide show is available for viewing and updates are being done
regularly. David mentioned they are still considering a Latino Page and
hoping someone will become interested in helping to develop it. Fr.
Deckman also recommended considering a Vietnamese page on our site.
There will be a planning meeting soon for the Web Committee and David Klaus, John Crego and Jim
Thurston will get together for that.
St. Anthony of Padua Parish Future
The Bulletin says the last Mass at St.
Anthony's will be on December 30th. There will no longer be 5:45 pm
Saturday night Mass at St. Anthony's through the winter. The Mass would
normally resume around Easter.
New/Old Business and Announcements
Everyone was reminded to make any
changes or corrections to the Roster. Evaluating the community picnic,
keep in mind whether a weekday or weeknight would continue to be a good
idea. Son Nguyen will no longer be a member of our council - he will be
working in Pennsylvania; a new person in the interim needs to be
appointed. Minh and Fr. John will decide who will take his place.
Bob VanSice asked whether we are evaluating the space we have in
relation to the organized groups and activities going on and suggested
it would be worth some kind of study in the future. Bob Schrader
suggested that we are due to re-evaluate our Mission Statements) in
order to update according to the changes made and to come.
Meeting scheduled for Wednesday,
December 6 at 7:15 PM at Holy Apostles Urban Center.
Opening Prayer - Eddie
Montesdeoca
Closing Prayer - David Klaus
Luis made a motion to adjourn. Motion
seconded by Frank.
|
|
September 13, 2006
Members in
attendance:
Rick Paris
John Crego
Sam Gaudino
Son Nguyen
Bob Van Sice
Fr. Peter Deckman
Joe Simeone
Deb DiFilippo
Valorie Short
Frank
DeFilippo
Minh Nguyen
David Klaus
Fr. John
Bosco Pham Maria Sanchez
Fr. Paul Tomasso
Teresa
DeSisti
Meeting
opened with a prayer and introductions of new council.
Sam made a
motion that the minutes from the May 10 meeting be accepted. Motion
seconded by David.
Joint
Liturgy Report – Deb DiFilippo
A bilingual liturgy is planned for October 22 at 10:30 AM at Holy
Apostles. The Thanksgiving celebration will be at St. Anthony’s. The
next meeting will be on October 12 at Holy Family to discuss Advent
themes. The committee is also looking for materials to present a
teaching Mass in the future.
Interfaith Action – Brian Kane
The Public Action planned for October 24 with Mayor Duffy has been
canceled. The Mayor is unavailable on this date. Interfaith Action is
joining with Voice Buffalo, ACTS in Syracuse and ARISE in Albany to for
a Thruway Alliance. The police foot patrols will begin within a month. A
meeting is scheduled with the Deputy Police Chief. The LOCs from Holy
Family and Holy Apostles have been meeting jointly for several months.
Details about the Vanderbilt University study are available and also on
the
www.iapico.org website.
Joint
Finance – Fr. Paul
The next meeting is scheduled for September 20 at Holy Family. The
subcommittees will begin giving reports. The Catholic Ministries Appeal
will begin in a few weeks. Each parish must pay the assigned amount:
St. Anthony $7,250
Holy Apostles 13,018
Holy Family 11,577
Faith
Formation – Deb DiFilippo
Eighty children attended the August Vacation Bible School. There were
thirty-two teen helpers. Religious Education will begin again in
October. Last year Holy Apostles had 43 students and Holy Family had 22
students. Lynette DeJesus from Diocesan Youth Ministry is looking to
start Religious Education at public schools. This will be after school
hours like any club. The pilot may begin at Jefferson High School and
School 30.
Vietnamese Community – Mr. Nguyen
On September 2, the community went to the Fatima Shrine. This is an
annual event for the community. Confirmation, First Eucharist and
language classes will begin in October. Thirty people from the Rochester
Vietnamese community went to Missouri for a Marian Day celebration. They
joined with many of Vietnamese communities. About eighty thousand people
attend this celebration.
Latino
Community – Maria Sanchez
Latino Heritage Day will be celebrated on October 8 with a Mass and
celebration.
Youth
Group – Frank DiFilippo
Twenty-two teens joined the softball team this year. The Youth Group
will begin meeting at Holy Family on September 15. Last year 82 teens
signed up for the group. There are six nominees for the Hands of Christ
award.
Website
– David Klaus
David passed around an initial calendar that will be enlarged are more
events are scheduled. The server went down during the summer and David
has registered with another provider. There will be links to the
Vietnamese, Latino and Interfaith Action websites.
St.
Anthony’s Future – Fr. Paul
Members of the Vietnamese Community were invited to a meeting with the
Cathedral Community and told that future options being investigated for
the Vietnamese to join another community instead of the Cathedral. This
was a surprise to the members and no further information or direction
was given for these options. Since 2004, parishioners of St. Anthony
have been kept advised of the possibility of closing the church. Deficit
spending has not stopped even with cost cutting efforts. The monies have
been used for maintenance and not church ministries. When the church is
closed the any funds available will be divided between Vietnamese
Community and support of sick and homebound of St. Anthony. The steps to
be taken for open discussion of the future closing:
-
Fr. John and Fr. Paul will
send a letter of a representative of the diocese who attended the
meeting between the Vietnamese Community and the Cathedral Community
to express concern from the meeting, address specific options and the
need for quick results.
-
Fr. Paul will send a letter
to the parishioners of St. Anthony’s explaining the issues and promote
an open meeting.
-
A copy of this letter will
be sent to the other parish communities.
-
The original letter from
Holy Family inviting the Vietnamese Community to join the parish will
be given to Fr. John to discuss with the Vietnamese leadership.
Next
Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 11 at 7:15 PM at Holy Family
Rec Hall.
Opening
prayer – Valorie
Closing prayer – David
Sam made a
motion to adjourn. Motion seconded by Joe. |
May 10, 2006
Members in Attendance:
David Klaus, Valorie Short, Fr. Paul Tomasso, Deb DiFilippo, John Crego,
Teresa DeSisti, Bob Van Sice, Nancy Pecoraro, Sam Gaudino and Fr. Peter
Deckman
Meeting chaired by David Klaus.
Addition to meeting minutes from previous meeting that David was in
attendance. Minutes approved by Sam, Seconded by John.
Joint Liturgy Committee
Debbie reported on the April 27 meeting. A subcommittee was formed to
discuss the recommendations to bring people back to church. Members are
Sue Solomon, Frank DiFilippo, and Carlos Vargas. The next Joint Liturgy
meeting is June 7. The discussion with include how to have joint
bilingual liturgies during the summer.
Joint Finance Committee
Fr. Paul discussed the subcommittee formed to investigate building uses
for all facilities. Members are Bob Van Sice and Ed Sailer. There is a
committee studying energy usage. The next meeting is June 21 at Holy
Family Rec Hall at 7 PM.
Committee for Stewardship
Barbara Stifter, Joan Baleno and Fr. Paul attended the diocesan meeting
which discussed the Thanksgiving of God’s Blessings: Time, Talent and
Treasures. See the report submitted to John. Each council member is
asked to review report and encourage parishioners to join groups.
Interfaith Action
The Neighborhood Trust Fund had its funding reduced but there is on
going work to increase the funds. Bob Duffy thanked Interfaith Action
for help in obtaining state money for Rochester. Interfaith Action will
be audited by the national organization from May 30 – June 1. Many
leaders will be asked to participate. Member asked about the outcome of
the review by Vanderbilt University. Charlene will be asked to supply
information.
Nominating Committee
All former members are running for office again. Three members from the
Latino community are running for one seat. There is no age minimum for a
Youth Member. Frank will ask for participants from the Youth Group
New Business
The Pentecost Picnic will be on June 4 at Holy Family. The meal will
begin at 12:30 PM. People are asked to bring a dish to pass. There is a
need for servers. There will be a parish information table. Activities
during the event will include crafts for the kids and an adult ice
breaker. All staff, musicians and council members are asked to send a
baby picture to Debbie by June 1. Other suggestions for the day include
a poster of activities from other community events. Pass around single
use cameras, do digital and video pictures to put on the website. At the
picnic we will also recognize Deacon Angelo for the eighteen years at
Holy Family.
The Community Picnic planned for June 18, a conflict with Fathers Day,
will be rescheduled for another date in July.
Latino Community
The Holy Week participation was great. Bruni organized a retreat and
nineteen women attended. Carlos is trying to organize one for the men.
The San Juan Mission celebration will be held on June 23. The Group
Bible Study, Jail and Hospital visits and Prayer Groups are still
meeting.
Vietnamese Community
There will be a community Confirmation on May 30 at Sacred Heart
Cathedral. There are plans for a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Fatima with
the Syracuse and Buffalo Vietnamese communities.
Youth Group
Frank reported the last meeting will be May 19. An end of year picnic is
scheduled for June 2. Softball will be held in the summer at Sebastian
Park. Youth are interested in helping with Vacation Bible School. |
|
March 8, 2006
Members in
attendance:
Fr. John
Bosco Pham, Nancy Pecoraro, Fr. Paul Tomasso, Joe Simeone, Fr.
Peter Deckman, Luis Pabon, Minh Nguyen, Sam Gaudino, Son Nguyen, Rick
Paris, Valorie Short, Deb DiFilippo, John Crego, Bob VanSice, David
Klaus and Teresa DeSisti,
Meeting
opened with a prayer offered by Teresa.
Correction
made to January 11, 2006 meeting minutes. Under Liturgy Committee
Report, the statement should read: Have a weekday mass at 12 PM.
Announce date, time and location and promote in the surrounding business
community.
Sam made a
motion that the meeting minutes from January 11, 2006 be accepted as
corrected. Motion seconded by Rick.
Interfaith Action
Charlene reported on a meeting scheduled on March 9 with Mayor Duffy and
Rochester Business Alliance. There will be a press conference at 10 AM
at City Hall. Charlene encouraged members to attend.
There will be a Neighborhood Trust Fund meeting on March 21 at Bethel
Christian Fellowship on East Ave. This will be a strategic planning
meeting. Mary Brooks with be the speaker.
The Fall Fundraising Campaign raised $24k and another $1k was received
from grants. More funds are urgently needed.
Joint
Liturgy Committee Meeting
Deb reported on the February 1 meeting. Fifteen people attended. The
theme selected for Lent is Companions Together with Christ. This theme
can be carried out throughout the year. The Lenten symbol will be nails
in the shape of a cross to be worn as a pin. The pins were donated
anonymously.
Another meeting was held on February 18. Eighteen people attended. Holy
Week schedule was discussed. Each church will hold Holy Thursday and
Good Friday services. The Easter Vigil will be at Holy Apostles at 7 PM.
Subcommittees were formed to plan liturgies for Holy Week.
The next meeting will be on March 23 at Holy Family.
Companions on the Journey supper will be held on April 1 at 5 PM at Holy
Family.
Nominating Committee
No report at this time. Committee members are:
Jim Thurston, Chairperson
Deacon Angelo Coccia
Melba Pracat, Holy Apostles
Sam Gaudino
Myrdna Vargas
Finance
Fr. Paul reported that the Joint Finance Committee will meeting on March
9. Some of the agenda items to be discussed:
Ed Sailer’s
projections for the 3 parishes
Examination
of basic questions and ideas
Follow up
meeting continue work as identified
Website
There was some discussion about including advertisers on the web
page to help defray some of the costs. Include advertisers on the
bulletin in the website also. Fr. Paul tabled the discussion until
decision made on future of bulletin.
Mass
Attendance Committee
Rick presented suggestions from committee. See attachment for
recommendations.
Latino
Ministry
Luis reported that a retreat is planned for March 25 from 9AM – 3:30
PM. Fr. Tracey and Fr. Flores will be participating.
Other activities are the planning of the Holy Week services. Friday Holy
Hour will be replaced with the Stations of the Cross during Lent. There
have been discussions of fundraisers such as a 50/50 raffle, raffle of
donated items, Hispanic dinner, and garage sale, selling religious
articles, selling candy and sponsoring a concert to bring all the
parishes together.
Vietnamese Ministry
Holy Week events are being planned. There are 4 or 8 Catechumens to be
initiated at the Easter Vigil. A retreat is planned for Saturday, April
8 with Fr. Vincent attending. Mr. Minh as President of the Vietnamese
Community will be part of Pastoral Council as established by the St.
Anthony’s constitution.
Youth
Frank reported that 17 members attended the February retreat. He is
going plan more one day retreats.
Pastor’s
Comments
Fr. Paul reminded everyone of the St. Patrick’s Dinner on March 11
at Holy Apostles. St. Anthony’s parishioners received a letter about the
Mass changes beginning April 22, 2006. The 5:15 PM Mass will begin again
but it will continue to be evaluated.
The individual parish Finance Committees must meet within the next 8
weeks to review and sign the auditor’s report.
Sr. Dorothy Mary will be having surgery and be out for 4-6 weeks. Deacon
Angelo will be reassigned in June per direction of the diocesan office.
Next
Meeting – May 10 at 7:15 PM at Holy Apostles Urban Center
Opening
Prayer – Dave
Closing
Prayer – Deb
Sam made a
motion to adjourn. Motion seconded by Rick. |
|
January 11, 2006
Meeting
opened with a prayer.
Members
in attendance: Teresa DeSisti, Rick Paris, John Crego, Valorie
Short, Fr. Peter, David Klaus, Son Nguyen, Fr. John Bosco Pham, Minh
Nguyen, Sam Gaudino, Bob Van Sice, Fr. Tomasso, Myrdna Vargas, Deb
DiFilippo, Joe Simeone and Luis Pabon
Meeting
minutes approved by Sam. Seconded by Dave.
Liturgy
Committee Report
Debbie reported that 18 people attended the joint liturgy committee
meeting. Issues discussed were:
·
Community Masses – Post signs and make announcements to turn of cell
phones
·
Have a weekday mass at 12 PM once a week. Announce date, time and
location and promote in the surrounding business community.
·
Outreach and Evangelization – make contact with families about a month
after Baptisms and Funerals.
·
Offer a Mass later in the evenings
·
Make non-Catholics welcome at parish events
·
Promote more involvement with the school
·
Community of Communities – look beyond language barriers
Multiculturalism issues discussed:
·
Relationship building
·
Joint meetings will begin with decision making (See article Moving
Beyond Tokenism)
·
Holy Week suggestions will be brought to individual committees for
discussion
·
Next joint meeting will be Feb 1 at 7PM in the Pine Room.
Finance
Committee Report
Fr. Paul
pointed out that goal #6 of the Pastoral Plan is that joint meeting be
held with Finances Committee of each parish to discuss common issues
such as fundraising, development and care of building and grounds. Each
parish will continue to schedule separate meetings but the diocese is
asking that we work toward joint meetings.
The current
challenge each parish is facing is the huge increase in insurance and
fuel costs. None of the parishes can meet the costs of the January
bills. Some steps taken to reduce costs are:
Suspend 5:15 PM mass at St. Anthonys until Easter which will save on
heating costs and musician fees
Holy Apostles terminated cleaning service for Rectory and Urban Center
Released Youth Minister
There can be no further staff cuts at Holy Family. The issue with the
School heat going on at 7AM until 4PM will be addressed. The temperature
in the school will have to be reduced during the day. In November the
fuel costs were $9500 and in December the cost was 14,000.
Council
members were asked to offer suggestions to concerns. Finance Committee
members will be asked to consider joint meetings.
Cost cuts and fundraising increases are fine but without people in the
pews the position of the churches is bleak. Subcommittee formed to
discuss issues and bring suggestions back to council. Members are John
Crego, Rick Paris, Teresa DeSisti and Lou DeSisti.
Reports
Latino Ministry will be meeting on January 22 at 12:30 PM. Community
had Christmas Carol program on December 16. Two members of the community
were confirmed at the Cathedral There will be a Three Kings
celebration on January 8.
Vietnamese Community will be celebrating Chinese New Year on January
29 at 12:30 PM at St. Anthony’s. Everyone is welcome.
Youth Ministry – Frank reported that parish youth will be having a
retreat on Feb 17-19 at the Abbey of the Genesee.
Pastor’s Report- Fr. Paul thanked all the people involved with the
Advent and Christmas programs. Thanks also to those who decorated and
undecorated the churches during the season. Thanks to those who offered
gifts to the poor and other projects. There is an interview of Myrdna in
the ConXion newspaper encouraging education and mentoring in the
community.
Rick brought up the 2006 elections. Terms will be expiring for Myrdna,
Sam, Mr. Ming and Nancy. Nomination committee will include:
Two members whose terms are expiring – Sam and Mrydna
Members are large from each parish – Jim Thurston and others to be
selected
Two staff members to be appointed.
Announcements:
Community Pancake Breakfast will be held February 5.
Old
Business
Bob suggested that since Interfaith Action is working on projects with
Holy Family and Holy Apostles LOC from each parish join together as one
committee. Fr. Paul will bring the suggestion to Charlene.
Jim Thurston reported that Sharon Conheady is long longer at the Lyell
Ave. Net Office. She has been replaced by Jose Cruz. Officer Joe Hayes
is no longer at the Net Office. Officer Nina Cimino is a temporary
replacement and CPO for Pac Tac.
Next meeting will be on Wednesday, March 8 at 7:15 PM at the Urban
Center. Dave to chair meeting.
Opening Prayer – Teresa DeSisti
Closing Prayer – John Crego
Motion to
adjourn made by Sam. Seconded by Fr. Paul.
|
November 9, 2005
Opening prayer provided by Deacon John Crego.
Members in attendance: Rick Paris, Deb DiFilippo, David Klaus, Fr. Tomasso,
Sam Gaudino, Bob Van Sice, Valorie Short, John Crego, Fr. John Bosco Pham,
Minh Nguyen, Fr. Peter Deckman, Teresa DeSisti, Luis Pabon & Joe Simone.
Agenda Items
David reported the website name needs to be changed when license fee is paid
in March. The bulletin will reflect the new community name beginning the
weekend of November 12-13. The name change will also be sent to the Catholic
Courier.
Sam reported the picnic date has been finalized for June 18 at the East-West
Lodge at Churchville Park. A joint committee with representation from each
parish will begin planning the picnic and other social events. Interested
council members are Deb, Sam and John Crego. Members of the Holy Apostles
Parish Life Committee will be asked to help. More parishioners will be asked
also.
A new calendar of events and council roster was distributed by Dave. New
pages will be added for Youth Groups, Latino and Vietnamese Committees.
The October 29 Liturgical Ministers Session at Holy Family was well attended
by members of all parishes.
Discussion held on methods to bring more people into the parishes.
lticulturalism
During a discussion it was agreed that services that are more energetic with
visual features are enjoyable to participants. The music is always
enjoyable.
Reports
Latino Community will be having a Faith Ministry workshop on November 11 at
6:30 PM similar to the October 29 workshop. The retreat on November 12 is
entitled “Life in the Spirit.”
Fr. John will be visiting Vietnam in November to celebrate with his
community the 33rd anniversary of his ordination and to visit his father who
is celebrating his 100th birthday. Congratulations Fr. John. Fr. Joseph will
be filling in at Mass.
Youth Group at Holy Family will have a Youth Mass in December.
Pastoral Report
Fr. Paul reported that Deb Housel, Diocesan liaison to Pastoral Planning
Teams, will attend one of our meetings. The Finance Committees from each
parish will begin to work together. At the January meeting there will be a
discussion on the goals for the Finance Committees. All St. Anthony
parishioners will receive a letter about the 100th anniversary of the
parish. Plans to celebrate this event are being made. Council members should
send email to Rick with agenda items.
New Business
Agreement reached to publish the council minutes on the website after
approved at council meeting.
Next Meeting will be on January 11, 2006 at Holy Family Rec Hall at 7:15 PM.
Opening Prayer – Valorie
Closing Prayer – Luis
Sam made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Luis. |
October 12, 2005
Rick began the meeting with a prayer.
Members in attendance: Rick Paris, David Klaus, Deb DiFilippo, Teresa
DeSisti, Sam Gaudino, Fr. Peter Deckman, Bob Van Sice, Ron Webster, Branden
Rizzo, Fr. Paul Tomasso, Myrdna Vargas, Valorie Short, John Crego, Son
Nguyen & Fr. John Bosco.
Sam made a motion to accept minutes as corrected. Motion seconded by Dave.
Agenda Items:
New name for the community
Subcommittee submitted list of four suggested name changes.
City West Roman Catholic Community
Roman Catholic Community of Holy Apostles, Holy Family and St. Anthony’s
Roman Catholic Community of the City (Rochester) West
Roman Catholic Community of the City West Families
Members contributed five more names.
Families of the City West Catholic Community
City West Catholic Families
City West Catholic Community
Rochester City West Catholic Community
Catholic Community of Rochester West
After a discussion, members voted to change the community name to City West
Catholic Community.
Community Picnic
Sam reported date has not been confirmed with Parks Dept. because
reservation books will not open until the end of October.
Calendar of Events
Enlarging calendar with all parish events will be discussed at next website
meeting on October 27. Any calendar changes should be emailed to Dave.
Pastor’s Report
Fr. Paul encouraged all council members to attend events are all the
parishes and invite others. This will encourage the sense of community we
are building.
Debbie suggested a core committee be formed with members from each parish to
plan common events like the Walk by Faith, community picnic and Pentecost
picnic. This committee would not take over any established individual parish
fundraising or parish life committees. Other suggested events could include
a multicultural diversity day, community sharing day. Develop mentors within
cultural groups as instructors to welcome and explain events to new
attendees.
Progress in developing community
Parishes are made up of many cultures and these should also be recognized –
German, Italian, Dutch, African American.
Teach common phrases and prayers used at Mass in variety of languages.
Progress being made converting songs into separate languages and teaching
songs.
Progress is being made in making people feel welcome in the variety of
events at all the parishes.
Fr. Peter encouraged members to attend the Multicultural Convocation 2005
October 14-16 at NazarethCollege. Registration forms were passed around.
Reports
Latino Ministry – no new report
Vietnamese Community – the class began to teach the Vietnamese language to
children. The First Eucharist and Confirmation classes began. Envelopes for
the Thanksgiving Appeal were passed out.
Youth Report – Ron reported Holy Apostles is interested in having a Youth
Mass.
Branden reported youth at Holy Family are discussing developing
multicultural events.
Fr. Paul reported that Bishops of New York State mandated a postcard drive
during October to petition the government for education tax credits to any
independent school. Postcards will be available in Church the weekends of
October 22-23 and 29-30.
Implementation committees need to be established to look at Pastoral Plan
and prioritize items for next 2-3 years. This needs to become an agenda
item.
New Business
Son asked for an explanation on the changes in the Bingo location. Due to
the distance to the new site some volunteers have been lost. Fr. Paul
explained that because Holy Apostles holds the Bingo license and is a city
parish, New York State requires that the Bingo be held in the City. Monday
has been slow but is picking up because of the new progressive Bingo.
Tuesday Bingo is well attended. Bingo committee members are Barb Stifter,
Joan Baleno, Tim Skeval, Carolyn Mastrella and report as part of the Holy
Apostles Finance Committee. Suggestion was made to have quarterly Bingo
reports made to council.
Debbie mentioned the liturgical ministers session planned for October 29
from 9:30 – 11:00 AM. It will be a day of renewal and some training. All
parish members are welcome.
Next meeting – November 9 at 7:15 PM at St. Anthony Rectory.
Opening prayer – John Crego
Closing prayer – David Klaus
Sam made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Ron.
|
September 14, 2005
Opening Prayer offered by David Klaus.
Minutes approved by Sam Gaudino. Seconded by David Klaus.
New Vietnamese member, Minh Nguyen, introduced.
Fr. Louis introduced Fr. John from Boston who will be ministering to the
Vietnamese community. Fr. Louis reported about the trip to the Shrine at
Fatima. The Vietnamese community also took up a collection for the Hurricane
Katrina disaster relief. On Sept. 18 there will be a combined welcome and
farewell luncheon for Fr. John and Fr. Louis at the Wokery Restaurant at
1:30 PM. In October classes will begin to teach the Vietnamese language to
children. There will also be First Eucharist and Confirmation classes.
Rick gave each member the list for each member’s terms for the next three
years. Each member with one or two year terms can run for re-election as
outlined in the Pastoral Council Constitution.
Deacon John presented Part 2 of the Pastoral Plan – Developing Community.
The council members brainstormed ideas to develop community.
Each parish to contribute events to be posted on the website and advertised
on a joint calendar. David will compile the events and post them on the
website.
v We Walk By Faith – alternate starting sites
v Footlight Players presents "Lost in Yonkers."
v November 12 Chicken Dinner
v Hispanic Heritage Day October 2
v Lunch with Santa
v Important to have a welcoming or hospitality group at each event
v St Joseph Table
v Moon Festival
v St Patrick Party
v Community Pancake Breakfast
v Pasta Dinner
A subcommittee is organized to discuss a new name for the City West
Parishes. A suggestion was made for City West Community. Committee members
are Deacon John, Ron Webster, Brandon Rizzo and Rick Paris.
Other suggestions to promote community are:
Invite other parishes to attend events
Invite other Youth Groups to come to our youth events and visit other Youth
Groups.
New Event Suggestions:
Start a Men’s and Women’s Group
Begin joint bowling leagues
Promote better use of Rec Hall
June Community Picnic
A community picnic will be scheduled for June 18 or 25 at Churchville Park.
Sam will call for permit.
Fr. Paul discussed the challenges developing joint liturgies for
Thanksgiving, Christmas, Holy Week and Easter. The biggest difficulty is
presenting liturgies in multiple languages. Fr. Paul presented two articles
that liturgy and cultural leaders will bring up with each group. Fr. Paul
asked that the first article Everything I ever needed to know (about
multilingual liturgy), I learned in kindergarten be included in the October
agenda.
Reports
Luis reported that Hispanic Heritage will be celebrated on Oct 2. There will
be music, singing, dancing, talks and a domino tournament. Bring a dish to
pass. Every Tuesday at 7 PM there is Bible Study at the Urban Center. The
Prayer Group meets every Wednesday at 7 PM and Holy Hour is Friday at 6:30
PM.
Brandon reported Holy Family Youth Group completed an undefeated softball
season until the Parent/Youth Game. The parents still rule the kids!!! Youth
Group will begin on Friday, September 23 in the Rec Hall. Youth Quest will
begin on September 24 at Noon. They are exploring new ideas of a one day or
weekend retreat.
Ron reported Holy Apostles Youth Group will begin on Sept. 30 in the Urban
Center. Both Youth Groups are planning events together.
Fr. Paul reported that the Thanksgiving Appeal will begin. The chairpersons
are Marian Turney (HF), Sr. Dorothy Mary (HA) and Sam Donofrio (SA).
Fr. Paul announced that the Liturgy Committees will have training sessions
for all current and new ministers. A blessing of all ministers will be given
on the feast of Christ the King.
New Items
The Pastoral Plan needs to be reviewed and committees formed to begin
implementation. The review should be part of each council meeting.
An attendance sheet needs to be passed out at each meeting for members and
guests.
Fr. Peter needs to submit his e-mail address.
Have agenda topics out before each meeting.
Next Meeting: October 12, 7:15 PM at the Urban Center.
Opening Prayer: Rick
Closing Prayer – Valerie.
A motion to adjourn was made by Sam and seconded by Ron.
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