Approved

Minutes

Parish Pastoral Council Meeting

September 5, 2007

Chairperson Linda Deptola called the Parish Pastoral Council meeting to order at 7:05 P.M. on September 5, 2007 in the Church Social Hall. Mary Ann Cronin led the group in prayer.

 In Attendance:

 Council Members:  Linda Deptola, Hilarie Hicks, Jim Lee, Vicky Shabbott, Mary Ann Cronin, and Bill Strasburg.

 Ex-Officio Members:  Father Jim Cowles, Arnold Nye

 Staff:  Nadine McGrady

 Absent:

Council Members Excused:  Jim Novotny Beverly Sabourin-Moore, and Joe Shabbott

 Council Members Not Excused:  Al Vela

 Approval of Minutes:

Vicky Shabbott made a motion to approve the August 18, 2007 minutes as presented with some minor corrections.  Seconded by Jim Lee.  The motion was unanimously approved.

Parish Ecumenical Representatives (PERS):   Joann and Bob Gallagher, discussed the activities for Week of Christian Unity coming up January 18-25, 2008.  Last year the parish did a prayer service and small social after.  The Gallagher’s wanted to know what we can plan for this event coming up.  Kitty Witty has music lined up with other faith groups.  Janet Gomez has talked to her pastor at her church.  The prayer service should be designed by the church. The Gallagher’s mentioned that the LARCUM convention will be November 30 and December 1, 2007 Linda stated that this forum fits nicely with what we discussed at the retreat.  We discussed getting participation from the youth group and inter-faith couples.  We will have one day for prayer service and we discussed asking the other churches to have an open house so that we could meet the staff and learn about their service.  Jim Lee motioned to have a prayer service with music and food.  Hilarie Hicks seconded the motion.  The motion was unanimously approved.

Unfinished Business:  The council members discussed what one ministry they would be willing to do as it pertains to evangelization:  Jim Lee said he would be willing to give time for a ministry, but did not have a specific one in mind. Vicky Shabbott said that she is willing to chair the remaking of the pictorial directory.  Hilarie Hicks said she wanted to have a social after Easter to invite people back into the Church.  Bill Strassburg talked about his role as the Representative for Legislative Advocacy.  Bill stated that he has been receiving correspondence already on this ministry.  Mary Ann Cronin volunteered to chair the welcoming committee to welcome new members to our parish.  Father Jim discussed the idea of sponsorship for new members. Everyone agreed that this would be a good idea.  Arnold Nye discussed his role in the Small Christian Community and Relay for Life.  He said he is willing to do more where needed.  Linda Deptola said that she has a time issue, but she would do what Father Jim thought was most important.  Linda mentioned that Walter Hamilton might be interested in becoming our Public Affairs Officer or at least train someone for the job so that parish events can be represented in the local newspapers.  Mary Ann Cronin discussed the Befriender Ministry and we all agreed that the ministry should become active again.  Mary Ann stated that we need to see what the need is at this time before we start training new Befrienders.  Father Jim said that it would be a good idea to have a trained Befriender to train the Eucharistic Ministers in this ministry.

New Business:

    Parish Pig Roast: Linda Deptola mentioned that the Parish Pig Roast will be in October.  She asked for help disposing of the tins and dishes during the pig roast.  We all agreed to help.  Jim Lee volunteered to sit in the Dunking Booth.  We discussed promoting for a coordinator of the pig roast for next year. 

Other Business Items from Council Members:

    Planning Committee: Jim Lee mentioned that the planning committee has all new members.  He stated that the planning committee will meet on September 17, 2007 at 6:30 P.M.

Pastor Comments:  None

Announcements:  The next Parish Council meeting will be on October 3, 2007, with the Planning Committee and Finance Committee.  The meeting will start with a social at 6:30 P.M.

Closing Prayer:

The meeting closed with a prayer given by Mary Ann Cronin.

Respectfully submitted:

Vicky Shabbott, Secretary