Monthly minutes

PASTORAL COUNCIL BUSINESS MEETING MINUTES

  

Pastoral Council Business Minutes

December 11, 2011

7:00 to 8:45 p.m.

Members Present:  Ed Baum, Valerie Bica, Kim Corridori, Mary Fran Cullen, Lew Gangloff, Flo Gargula, Fr. Bill Graney, Patrick McCabe, Mary Ann McLane, Jim Murray, Jim Nolan, Mike Pohlen, Donna Ramage, Chip Schussler

 Open Reading and Reflections:  Donna Ramage

Meeting called to order by Jim Nolan at 7:00 p.m.  Kim Corridori took roll call, 14 attending.  Motion to approve November 2011 minutes was moved and seconded as amended.

Unfinished Business:  Report by Survey Committee

  • Membership Chair is Jack Sanders

 Christmas Meeting sign-up circulated:  Food / Dessert / Beverage

Hosts will be serving sliced ham and roast beef.

 Parish Buzz:  Stewards

  • Community garden folks cleaned up leaves for use in the garden.
  • Discussion of need for heart defibrillator; Jim Murray offered to research.
  • Parish website to be listed on bottom of each bulletin page.
  • Parish Directory is a good opportunity for stewards’ phone calls to active and inactive members. (stewards should have been given a listing of their part of the alphabet)

 Addition to Agenda – Finance Good News; first time ever to run out of parish                                         bulletins – Dec 11

  • Mike Pohlen reported $10,000 surplus against actual expenses – so collection did increase  & is sustaining the budget.
  • Financial Council would like to build up reserve account – next quarterly report – roofing stewardship will be in Spring campaign.
  • Noted HVAC cost was spread over a few years

 Unfinished Business – Strategic Plan by Fr. Bill Graney

Focus

  • Continuity from one year to the next – Parish Council Goals
  • Look ahead 5 year 10 year needs and vision
  • Initial Meeting will be in January with Patricia Debski (professionally experienced).  Others also attending – Jim Murray, Pat McCabe, Wayne Bunting, Al Mercatante, Chip Schussler, Jack Sanders, Mike Polen, Jim Nolan with staff Fr. Bill Graney and Ruth Sanders.
  • Having a strategic plan would be beneficial at this time.

Diocesan wide discussions are in planning- Deans are visiting each parish.  Resurrection is in large Deanery.  This is an opportunity to get concerns on the table since the bankruptcy took so much focus.

  1. Cooperation among nearby parishes.
  2. Model – discussion of plan by parish
  3. Priorities – some from survey
  4. Best use of clergy and laity mix to minister to people.

 Break:  Mary Fran Cullen

 Committee Reports:

          Property and Grounds  – Replaced fluorescent light ballasts.

Questioning how to replace worship space lights in future when       incandescent bulbs are no longer available; need to be dimmable.               Suggested to have plenty of reserve bulbs in storage.  Business

Director did give a preliminary study of this issue to Finance C.

          Youth Report:

Coffee house/art festival is January 28 – A good Parish Life opportunity for all.            Always need help to put it on.

YNIA numbers are down this year.  Fundraising has been on parents of

participating teens.

 New Business: Christmas Meeting

Kim would send out an invitation by email, including staff.

 Pastor’s Comments and Advice:  Membership Records

          Membership records are kept on Parish Data Systems and the initial paper copy.  “Why did they leave” can be recorded and will be in the remarks section of the members’ computer census.  We are not able to do a computer search of reasons.

The parish had devised a numbering system of different types of parishioners (computer recorded households).

# 1 – 2000 are active and inactive parishioners, 3000 are people who have contributed but are not registered parishioners, 4000 Christian Formation Program non-parishioners and 9000 are people who have been removed.

3000 are the most productive follow-up group.

Also: 2nd collection envelopes in the seats will be used as another way to make people aware of what the second collection is for.

Suggestion made to do a postcard mailing to everyone – Mass times         

 Adjournment: by Jim Nolan at 8:50 p.m. Father Graney led us in the Lords Prayer

Next Meeting/PC Christmas Party January 8, 2012 at 7 p.m.

Jan Reflection – Lew   Refreshments – everyone; Donut Ministry – Patrick

  

November 13, 2011

7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

 

Members Present:  Kate Arnold, Ed Baum, Wayne Bunting, Kim Corridori, Mary Fran Cullen, Lew Gangloff, Flo Gargula, Fr. Bill Graney, Angie Grimes, Patrick McCabe, Mary Ann McLane,Jim Murray, Jim Nolan, Donna Ramage, Dick Schwer, Sarah Sweigart, ChipSchussler

Opening Reading and Reflection: Kim Corridori – As We Understood, A Collection of Spiritual Insights, pg. 137-141 Motorcycle accident healing

Meeting called to order by Jim Nolan at 7:00 p.m.  Kim Corridori took roll call, 17 attending.  Motion to approve October
2011 minutes were moved and seconded as amended.

Youth Ministry Report:

  • Two new HS leaders, Sue Stewart and Mike Battagliese.
  • Full report and flier was distributed.
  • Discussion: Encouragement of parent involvement

Social Concerns Committee: Mary Fran Cullen

  • Sandy Landoll – staff part time Social Concerns Coordinator
  • Weekly e-mail social concerns newsletter Pray, Learn something, Be inspired, Do something

Handout diagram: 2 feet of social action – outreach (Charity) and systems change (Justice) and a list of organizations active/inactive at Resurrection.  The following were noted.

  • Involvement with St Paul’s – under Al Drushler and Sandy Landoll
  • Lukens currently being retooled (Harry Darr & Hank Wisniewski) elderly ministry
  • Wine into Water; African project spearheaded by Kate Regan dinner held Sat 11/5 to raise money for a well-matching grant $3000.
  • Dining for Women spearheaded by Peggy Smith (started first DE chapter 7/11)
  • Many activities pursued after Res parishioners participated in Just Faith training-e.g. EITC, prison ministry, tutoring, etc.
  • Upcoming Thanksgiving dinner at Delaware Park
  • Lazarus Committee – Dee Mudrock

LukensUpdate:  by Jim Murray

Steering Committee (Deacon John, Gerry Kostic, Kay Lennon, Peg Hirsh and Jim Murray) met on 11/3/11 with Sandy
Landoll, Social Concerns Director to discuss the direction for a Senior Ministry (Lukens).  Both spiritual and physical needs, were discussed to help the Social Concerns Committee decide which areas to concentrate.  A brochure would be developed and a list of skilled parishioners.  Sandy will meet with Deacon John and FatherGreg to discuss the need and formation of a bereavement group.  Parish Council can help identify and communicate to Social Concerns any parishioner in need or has skills that a Senior Ministry could use.  Also need names of any public or private information/services.

Parish Buzz:
Stewards

  • Sacrament of Confirmation held at Resurrection; wonderful celebration.  Bishop Malooly inspiring.  A family attending the celebration  parish.  joined the parish. Father Graney said new people really enjoy Resurrection and often say they will be back. He noted less than
    10 new parishioners join parish monthly.
  • Registration has an interest/skills card John Werner sorts and gives to ministry contact. 

 Wine to Water
Evening enjoyed by all. (Suggestion was made to advertise these events in the
News Journal and Dialog)

  • Hanna Williamson has moved to Maine, settling in well.
  • Tabernacle moved into place
  • Father Graney made front cover of the Dialog; priests’ jubilee Mass, marking 40th anniversary of his priesthood ordination at the liturgy.

Break for Refreshments:  Donna Ramage

Unfinished Business: Report by Survey Committee – Donna Ramage, Angie Grimes, Mary Ann McLane with Steve Grise

135 Surveys returned from the 450 offertory count.  Note: 722 registered (Nov 2011)

10+ yrs = 102 (76% of respondents), 6-10 yrs =
16 (12%), 1-5 yrs = 13 (9.6%), less than

1 yr = 4 (3%) with Liturgy as the top reason members chose Resurrection

The committee focused on 3 areas:  Liturgy, Social Justice and Children / Adult Formation

  • Liturgies noted negative comments were the 9 a.m. mass and music
  • Social Justice had no negatives
  • CFP / Adult Formation was confusing.  Noted all important yet ranked unimportant

The Parish Council approved comments to be shared with each committee.

Discussion noted

  • Survey went to members with email.
  • Review vision statement
  • 1 to 2 times yearly a mailing to encourage contact with less than 10 year members
  • Membership Chair is Jack Sanders.

 Committee Reports

Youth – Sarah Swigart reported youth has met and doing well.

Property/Grounds
Lew Gangloff reported worship space filters have been replaced.  Overhead filters in gathering space are next.

New Business:  Christmas Party/Meeting, January 8, 2012
Host – Lew and Schim Gangloff, 3369 Champions Dr., Fairway Falls, Wilmington, DE 19808-2604

 Pastor’s Comments and Advice

Much of the staff participated in workshop of how to supplement classroom religious education to
benefit from intergenerational sharing. The speaker was very experienced and presented a rationale and then some
ideas for how to do it.  The staff did see this as a way of increasing relationship among parishioners.

As a follow up to second collections and making them known, the parish will supplement the envelope packets that are mailed to people with envelope that will be on the seats.  This will be a visual supplement to the announcement about the second collection.

Outreach:  We can usually help only three people a week with financial assistance and several others come for food.  We will focus the financial assistance on utilities rather than housing or rent. We do give to housing through charitable giving fund.

 Adjournment by Jim Nolan at 9:00 p.m. 

Father Graney led us in the Lords Prayer.

Next Meeting December 11, 2011 at 7 p.m.

December Reflection
– Donna  Refreshments – Mary Fran  Donut Ministry – Lew

October 9, 2011

7:05 to 9:00 p.m.

Members Present:  Ed Baum, Valerie Bica, Wayne Bunting, Kim Corridori, Mary Fran Cullen, Lew Gangloff, Fr. Bill Graney, Angie Grimes, Mary Ann McLane, Jim Murray, Jim Nolan, Donna Ramage, Sarah Sweigart, Chip Schussler

Also attending:  Vanessa McCachren

Opening Reflection:  by Chip Schussler,Here by God’s Grace

Meeting called to order by Jim Nolan at 7:05 p.m.  Kim Corridori took roll call, 14 attending.  Motion to approve September
2011 minutes were moved and seconded  as amended.

  • Valerie Bica and Mary Ann McLane not present and Sarah Sweigart added
  • Joe McClory asked the council to consider changing the meeting night from the
    first Sunday to the second Sunday.
    No one objected.  Change
    accepted.

A Parish Council Alternate list, reflection/snack/donut ministry sign-up and an e-mail update were circulated for information gathering.

Youth Ministry Report:
by Vanessa McCachren

  • Currently
    registered; Middle School – 17, High School – 14 Note: Good news, many are post confirmation.  Last minute registrations expected.
  • Two new HS leaders:  Sue Stewart and Michael Battagliese.  They are a great fit; very excited, enthusiastic and a fresh voice.
  • Need for MS leader.  Gary Morton may be moving.  Bill Reynolds is helping out.

Requesting help finding willing Resurrection members that would love to work with teens at social activities, retreats, talent events,
and Youth Advisory Board.  May required safety process for adults working with teens. Youth Group Volunteer flier was handed out and is available in the gathering space.  Full report and flier was distributed.

Discussion: encouragement of parent involvement

 News on Young Adult Survey – 18 to 35yrs  Over 100 are interested in being interviewed.

Pastor Comments and Advice:
Father Bill shared the Executive Committee is suggesting a replacement for steward John Campbell to be Joe Shank.
Motion made to accept, seconded and approved.

Father advised us to get to know our youth and added social events offer an outreach possibility.

Parish Buzz:  Jim Murray shared there is confusion about second collections.
Mary Ann McLane will take to liturgy committee the suggestion to have an announcement with the song page following prayers of the faithful.

Break for Refreshment:
Kim Corridori

Unfinished Business:   Goals Setting Committees

Luken Committee – Kim Corridori, Kate Arnold, Joe McClory and Jim Murray will meet with Sandy Landoll.
Will update PC in November.

Survey Committee – Donna Ramage, Angie Grimes, and Mary Ann McLane will assess a course of action from survey

Long Range Goals– Pat McCabe, Jim Nolan, Jim Murray, Wayne Bunting

Committee Reports:

           Grounds and Property:  Lew Gangloff  reported heat filters have been changed outside.  Wed at 1:30 chairs will be moved to address
the worship and office space filters.
Art Paquim helped Lew hang our Resurrection sign on Linden Hill Ave and
install the handicap mirror in the ladies room.

Youth:
Sarah Sweigart reported the Young Neighbors in Action are going to
Baltimore/DC during the week of July 8 – 14, 2012.  There are 12 youths participating.  Their fund raising goal is “Send One More”,
to financially assist a youth from another parish.

Open Floor:  None

Jim Nolan adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m. and we closed with the Lord’s Prayer led by Father Bill Graney.

Next Meeting November 13, room 4 at 7 p.m.

Report by Social Concerns

Reflection – OPEN

Snack – Donna Ramage

5:30 Donut Ministry – Donna Ramage

 

September 11, 2011

Members Present: Katie Arnold, Wayne Bunting, Ed Baum, Flo Gargula, Mary Frances Cullen, Lou Gangloff, Angie Grimes, Sarah Sweigart, Kim Corridori, Joe McClory, Patrick McCabe, Jim Murray, Jim Nolan, Donna Ramage, Chip Schussler,
John Falkowski and Father Graney

Also attending; Joe Skwish, Dick Schwer and Sandy Landoll.

Pastoral Council Retreat – Began at 3:00 and ended at 9:00 p.m.

Planning team:  Joe McClory, Donna Ramage, Ruth Sanders and Kim Corridori Retreat was opened with a game of sets in the gathering space led by Joe McClory and moved into the Prayer Garden for a prayer service.  Ruth Sanders led us in song and prayer.  Readers were Lew Gangloff and Chip Schussler.  Kim Corridori led the centering prayer.  At the conclusion of prayer we gathered for a goal session in room 4.

Goal SessionJim Nolan and Jim Murray listed the Pastoral Council Goals for the coming year discussed and recommended by
Council members as follow:

Reorganize the Lukens Committee – Senior Services, Health Ministry, Skills Bank.

Further study the Survey – implement needs

Long Range Goals Assessment  – 5-year range

Improve Communications – Council to work closer with committees to coordinate strategies and action plans.

Shared 5:30 Mass followed by a Pot Luck Dinner coordinated by Donna Ramage.

Concluded retreat with Election of Officers

Dick Schwer explained the election process and By-Laws for Pastoral Council and the duties of those elected.

Dick Schwer and Joe McClory managed the election of officers. Those elected were:
Executive Officer – Jim Nolan, Assistant Executive Officer – Chip Schussler and Secretary – Kim Corridori.
Father Bill alluded to who comprised the Executive Committee and how it functioned.

Other Business

  • John Campbell was removed from Council. A vote will be taken next meeting to
    replace John on Council.
  • Joe McClory asked the council to consider changing the meeting night from the first Sunday to the second Sunday.  No one objected.  Change accepted.

Closing Prayer and Adjournment: Father Bill

August 14, 2011

 Members Present: Katie Arnold, Valerie Bica, Wayne Bunting, Ed Baum, Flo  Gargula, Mary Frances Cullen, Lou Gangloff, Angie Grimes, Sarah Grimes, Kim Corridori, Mary Ann McLane, Joe McClory, Patrick McCabe Jim Murray, Jim Nolan, Donna Ramage, Chip Schussler, John Falkowski. and Father Graney  Also attending; Joe Skwish, and Dick Schwer.

Pastoral Council Meeting was called to order by Joe McClory at 7:00 P.M. Jim Nolan took roll call.  Motion to approve the July 2011 minutes were moved and seconded.

Parish Buzz:  Kim Corridori discussed financial letter with one person stating they did not like the letter. Kim also related there

were many appreciative remarks regarding the speaker after the 5:30 mass and Tuesday evening (Joan Chidester)

Parish Survey: Responses to the survey were similar. September should be a good time for Father Graney to thank parishioners.76% of respondents were 10 year parishioners.

Planning Parish Council Retreat:  Joe McClory, Donna Ramage and Kim Corridori met with Ruth for planning the Parish Retreat on September 11th.

 Comments from Pastor/Grace: Deans visiting Resurrection & other parish’s regarding shortage of priests. Grass roots input, goes beyond parish council committees.

 Closing Prayer and Adjournment to PC Summer Cookout

June 5, 2011

Opening Prayer and Reading: Kay Lennon

 Members Present: Katie Arnold, Valarie Bica, Wayne Bunting, Flo  Gargula, Kay Lennon, Lou Gangloff, Wendy Gill, Angie Grimes, Steve Grise, Cory Zolandz for Cliff Hegeous, Dolores Agnello for Kim Corridori, Mary Ann McLane, Joe McClory, Jim Murray, Jim Nolan, Donna Ramage, Chip Schussler, Eric Strasser, Sarah Sweigart, John Falkowski. Father Graney and Father Corrigan. Also attending; Joe Skwish, Dick Schwer, and Mike Pohlen.

Pastoral Council Meeting was called to order by Joe McClory at 7:00 P.M. Jim Nolan took roll call.  Motion to approve the April 2011 minutes were moved and seconded.

Parish Buzz:  Father Graney asked if there were any comments from parishioners regarding the “letter”. Father Corrigan noted that one parishioner stated she will increase her giving. Another comment regarding the mortgage being “paid off” was satisfied with an explanation. Father Corrigan stated that the best way to get a young person to attend Mass is to invite them.  Some of various ways to attract youth were discussed.

Committee Reports: Youth Committee:    Sarah Sweigart reported that Diocesan sponsored Pitcher & Basin (local workcamps) were the 2nd week in July both in Wilmington and Maryland. Young Neighbors in Action are going to Newark, NJ July 10th , 12 youths and 3 adults attending.

Old Business: Increase Parish Income Committee; Father Graney’s letter was discussed, including announcements after communion, maintaining awareness to increase offertory, more target letters with specific increase, and long range fund raising.  Joe McClory reported that 30% of parishioners gives 70 % of the offertory.  The question he raised is: Can 30% of the parishioners give more to the offertory. No fee, direct deposit was also discussed.

Refreshments:  Kim Corridori was ill, but sent the refreshments.

Old Business Cont’d, Cost Reduction Committee:  Dick Schwer reported that it will take several months to fully analyze several issues in overall cost reduction. Dick reported on the current  recommendations of the committee. There was in the original budget $43,000 listed as an expenditure for the HVAC System. This has been removed from the budget with a lesser amount proposed.  The $6,300 purchase of new hymnals be set aside until the next fiscal year. It is not recommended by the Committee that CFP be moved from St. Marks to Resurrection’s Worship Center. The space and disruption problems at the Worship Center would greatly outweigh any savings in St. Marks rental.  It was recommended that the Youth program be reduced by $2,500 in the proposed budget as that is the amount anticipated by this years expenditures not needed in next years budget.  While the “Grass Cutting” contract appears to be very reasonable, the committee recommends the “Property & Grounds Committee” bestrengthened and reorganized with more volunteers, stronger competitive bidding process, whether some of the grass cutting, such as leaf blowing, etc. and be performed by volunteers. Another recommendation is that there will be no 3% increase for Parish Staff for the fiscal year, with a savings of $5,700.  Further study to review restructuring of staff to reduce costs. A proposal of the Youth ministry to change the contract of its full time member from 12 months to 10 months is recommended by the committee, with a $7,000 annual savings.

 Committee to Communicate with and measure the tone of the Parish: Steve Grise reviewed some of the preliminary results of the Parish Priorities Survey.  One of the obvious initial conclusions was that 98% of the respondents would recommend Resurrection to a friend and a significant fraction of people heard about Resurrection from a friend. The Increase Giving Team and the Communications Team would prepare the next poster to encourage parishioners to go ask a friend to come visit.  The data needs to be further analyzed after the survey closing and inclusion of paper responses.

Old Business cont’d: Valarie Bica reported that the Family Picnic scheduled for June was postponed due to lack of help organizing the event. It may be re-scheduled to September.

 Closing Prayer and Adjournment

 May 1, 2011

 Opening Prayer and Reading: Jim Murray

 Members Present:  Ed Baum, Valerie Bica, Kim Corridori,  Flo Gargula,, Mary Cullen, Wendy Gill, Angie Grimes, Steve Grise,  Cory

For Cliff Hegadus, Mary Ann McLane, Joe McClory, Joe Quinn for Leo McDermott, Jim Murray, Jim Nolan, Chip Schussler, Eric Strasser, John Falkowski and Father Bill Graney. Attending also:, Joe Skwish, Dick Schwer, Mike Pohlen and Sandy Landoll.

Pastoral Council Meeting  was called to order by Joe McClory at 7:00 P.M.  Jim Nolan took roll call. Minutes were amended to include the correct spelling of Joe Skwish and Mary Ann McLane was absent due to her attendance an out of state funeral.  Motion to approve the April 2011 minutes were moved and seconded.

Parish Buzz: Kim Corridori and Joe McClory remarked that the dialog with parishioners at the “Community Weekend” were favorable. Comments and remarks were made regarding the bulletin. Wendy Gill was thanked for her efforts in organizing the “Weekend”.

Committee Reports:  Youth: Cory Zolandz reported . Thirteen children will receive their First Communion.  Confirmation classes will end and resume in the fall.  CFC: Valarie Bica commented on the  Fathers Day outing with children where food and games are planned.  There is currently $500.00 allotted in the Parish Life line.  Flo Gargula commented on the cost of the “Moon Bounce”. Valarie is checking on the cost.  The “Moon Bounce” will not be obtained if the cost exceeds the budget.  Motion to approve the $500.00 was approved and seconded.

Social Concerns: Mary Cullen stated there is a table in the Gathering Space for “Bread for the World”.  She explained the organization addresses hunger in the world. The appeal is for garnering interest in world hunger. Sample letters to Senators, Congress, etc. are provided alerting them that you are interested. There are funds designated by the U.S. Government for this purpose.

Old Business: Dick Schwer commented on Parish Elections. There were 16 nominations, with some cancellations, 4 candidates for the 4 Steward positions and 3 candidates for the 3 Trustee positions. A vote was taken whether to continue refreshments after the 5:30 PM Sunday Mass. It was approved to continue refreshments for the 2nd Sunday of each month.

Refreshments:  Jim Murray

 New Business/Committee Reports :

 Parish Income Committee:  Father Graney and Joe McClory reported on the list of things that are planned to achieve the goal of expanding the vision of financial stewardship among parishioners by communicating via the pulpit, e-mail, discussions and presentations to increase awareness and to reach the goal gradually.  Also, to encourage the use of electronic collections, graphic fundraiser progress of goals in the gathering space and endowment giving. Show parish giving by geographic areas. Establish a “Thank You” committee and personalize a thank you message.  Flo Gargula asked what are the parishioners requirements, time, etc. and to remind parishioners Resurrection Parish does not have carnivals, bingos and other events to raise money. The “Community Weekend” of May 1st was to collect e-mail addresses and the kickoff from the pulpit is May 22nd.

 Cost Reduction Committee: Dick Schwer reported that the committee appreciated the staff having kept the costs down.  Dick explained the Committees charter and that currently this deficit could be between $50,000 and $100,000.  There are several areas the committee is examining for possible reductions:

  • Delay the purchase of new hymnals
  • Rental of St. Marks for CFP classes
  • $43,000 HVAC Replacement of funds.  Possibly schedule the costs over three (3) years.
  • Scheduled salary increases
  • Combine or eliminate staff positions
  • Form a “Maintenance Committee” for Service Contracts.

Committee to communicate with and measure the tone of the  Parish:  Steve Grise reported the committee will act as the “face of the issue”  and will be the primary pipeline for communication to the total parish community and provide feedback to Pastoral Council through the following means: Parish-wide e-mail questionnaire for May 16-17 mailing, interface with the existing network of small groups, hold focus group meetings and face-to-face discussions.

Closing Prayer and Adjournment    

April 3, 2011

 Opening Prayer and Reading: Joe McClory

 Members Present:  Martha McQuaid for Ed Baum, Valerie Bica, Wayne Bunting, Kim Corridori,  Flo Gargula,, Wendy Gill, Carolyn Reynolds for Angie Grimes, Steve Grise,  Mary Ann McLane, Joe McClory, Leo McDermott, Jim Murray, Jim Nolan, Chip Schussler, Eric Strasser, John Falkowski and Father Bill Graney.

Pastoral Council Meeting  was called to order by Joe McClory at 7:00 P.M.  Jim Nolan took roll call. Minutes were amended to include Kim Corridori and Dick Schwer as signed up for working the Parish Council nominations. Motion to approve the March 2011 minutes were moved and seconded.

Parish Buzz: Favorable comments from parishioners were reported regarding Father Greg Corrigan’s appointment as Associate Pastor. Patrick O’Kane and a dozen other people again worked on the garden.

Committee Reports:  Youth; Cliff  Hegadus reported a “Walk with the Bishop” is planned, with a bring you own lunch.  The cost will be $15.00.  Youth Minister, Vanessa McCachren, had her first child, Colleen Patricia, on March 16th.          Finance Committee; Mike Pohlen reported a current shortfall in the budget of $34,000, with a similar amount anticipated for the coming year. Later in the meeting it was noted the cost of our new Associate Pastor should be added to future budgets. His health care and mileage allowance will be paid by the diocese.  After discussion the Council decided to form three (3) committees to explore the problem.  The committees will report back to Council and Father Graney: The committees are:

1)    Increasing Parish Income:

Eric Strasser, Wayne Bunting and Joe McClory.

2)    Major Sources of Cost  Reduction:

Jim Nolan, Jim Murray, and Dick Schwer

3)    Measure Tone of Parish:

Joe Swish, Steve Grise and Flo Gargula

CFC Committee: Valerie Bica commented on the possibility of a family picnic to involve families with young children.  Valerie will obtain tentative costs and report back to Council.

Old Business:  Dick Schwer presented the “Pastoral  Council Nomination Form” that will be used for Council elections the weekends of May 14-15 and May 21-22.  There are (4) positions for Steward and (2) positions for Trustee.  Nominees are asked to provide a biographical sketch by Monday April 25.

Jim Nolan explained to Council that  the Photo of Father Bill Dougherty is matted and framed.  It was recommended by Father Graney and approved by Council that the picture be placed on the wall outside room four.

Community Weekend: Wendy Gill  asked about the status of community weekends.  How often will they take place ?  and what will be the format ?  Fr. Bill will check with the welcoming committee and the staff about the status.

 Refreshments: Jim Nolan

 New Business: Dick Schwer reported on charitable giving and the distribution of the 5.5% to the various organizations. The Jesus House was added this year to the budget.  Father Graney made a motion that the Charitable Giving budget be approved. It was approved and seconded.

Father Bill’s Reflections:  Father Graney reported that there will be two children baptized at the Easter Vigil.   Brian and Kevin Marchioni (youth) will be confirmed on June 5th and that a law student from Notre Dame will be fully initiated into the church on June 12th (Pentecost). These rituals represent years of discernment and then instructions.

Closing Prayer and Adjournment

  March 6, 2011

 Opening Prayer and Reading: by Kim Corridori

 Members Present:  Ed Baum, Valerie Bica, Wayne Bunting, Kim Corridori,  Flo Gargula, Sue Schieffer for Wendy Gill, Angie  Grimes, Steve Grise, Mary Cullen, Mary Ann McLane, Joe McClory, Leo McDermott, Jim Murray, Jim Nolan, Chip Schussler, Eric Strasser, John Falkowski and Father Bill Graney.

Joe McClory called the Pastoral Council Meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.  Jim Nolan took roll call. Motion to approve the February 2011 minutes were moved and seconded.

Old Business:

° Refreshments after the 5:30 Sunday Mass will be available on the 2nd Sunday each month due to the conflict with Youth meeting on the first Sunday of each month. The scheduling for refreshments will be revisited after May.

° The process for the Parish elections was decided:

(1)            Nomination Sign-ups, April 2-3 and April 9-10

(2)            Elections May 14 –15 and May 21 –22

 Committee Reports:  None

Refreshments: Wayne Bunting

New Business: °  Several ideas were offered on how to promote electronic giving to support the parish. These ideas will be followed up by the parish administration.

 ° Survey Tool: Target of Survey by Stewards was reported on  by Joe McClory. There were 15 responses and 6 stewards who responded.  Eighty-five percent thought the tool would help reach parishioners and there were many helpful comments.  The Tool can be used for other ministries. Stewards will meet to discuss organizing a survey.

° Father Bill’s Reflections,  Tabernacle Enhancement:  Ongoing discussions have taken place about use of the chapel and the tabernacle.  The desired goal of the daily mass attendees is not to be crowded or distracted in the chapel for daily mass.  After Ash Wednesday, with the exception of Mondays, daily mass will be held in the chapel. On Mondays the mass will be at the main altar due to the larger amount of attendees for Monday morning mass.  Various options have been discussed with no lasting resolution.  There is the possibility the matter will be referred back to the Liturgy Committee who may present another option to Pastoral Council.

Photo Plaque of Father Bill Dougherty:  A photo plaque of Father Dougherty has been prepared.  There was a discussion of whether the photo could be displayed and where it might possibly be displayed.  There is nothing in the by-laws that prohibit such a display.  Council will address the matter at the April meeting.

Closing Prayer and Adjournment

 February 13, 2011

 Opening Prayer; by Steve Grise

 Members Present:  Ed Baum, Valerie Bica, Wayne Bunting, Kim Corridori,   Flo Gargula, Wendy Gill, Angie Grimes, Steve Grise,Cliff Hegadus, Kay Lennon, Mary Ann McLane, Joe McClory, Leo McDermott, Jim Murray, Jim Nolan, Chip Schussler, Eric Strasser John Falkowski and Father Bill Graney.

Joe McClory called the Pastoral Council Meeting to order at 7:00P.M.  Jim Nolan took roll call. Motion to approve the January 2011 minutes were moved and seconded.

Committee Reports

Youth Committee: Cliff Hegedus outlined the upcoming events for the Youth Committee; Art Festival February 26th,  Youth Event Friday March 4th and Super Supper on March 9th. Patrick O’Kane described the Eagle Scout project for the Prayer Garden. The deer problem will be addressed by a fence, new mulch will be placed,four (4) new benches will be placed in the garden, the picnic bench will be repaired, and the steps will be repaired.  This will involveapproximately 300 person hours of youth, Eagle Scouts and other volunteers.

Mark Oliver:  Mark gave a garden update. Much of the garden’s crop is distributed to such organizations as Lyman House and Friendship House.  Mark requested approval to store horse manure on the edge of the wooded area for use in the garden and the tree removal of a tree that blocks the sunlight.  The tree simply has grown over the years and was not “planted” by Resurrection. Approval was given by council with (1) dissent vote regarding the tree removal.

Mary Ann McLane:  Graphs show a declining attendance  for weekend mass. Year 2010 ended with an average of forty five less parishioners attending mass than the previous year.  This was for the most part during the 10:30 Sunday and 5:30 Saturday Eve. masses.

Mike Pohlen: Mike informed Council that for the past six month period  there is a $30,000 shortfall. If this would continue it maynecessitate reductions. However,  January 2011 receipts resulted in a $9,000 surplus, but there were five weekends in January. Prior to budget preparation the Finance Committee will monitor the finances and recommend any possible reductions that may be needed to Father Graney.

Break: Refreshments by Steve Grise.

New Business:  Dick Schwer of the Charitable Giving Committee reports that 5.5% of Resurrection Parish offertory is annually   given to charitable organizations.  The Charitable Giving Committee will  review the  application forms of potentially new organizations and current organizations with a criteria for selection by the committee.

Discussion of Tabernacle/Chapel:    Jim Murray, Dolores Agnello and Dee Mudrock spoke on the future use of the Chapel regarding daily mass. They state there are 34 seats and very little room for the daily mass attendees with the new placement of the Tabernacle and curtain. They gave some suggestions for the newplacement and how it may accommodate the mass attendees andoffer a proper placement of the Tabernacle.  Father Graney stated the situation has been resolved with daily mass to be held in the Centrum and those who want to pray to the Blessed Sacrament will have the enhanced Tabernacle space to use for that purpose and not conflict with those who are actively participating in Mass.

Appointment of Nominations Committee for Pastoral Council: The nomination committee will be discussed and appointed at the March Meeting of Council. Nominations for the Pastoral Council posts will be the first two weekends of April, with voting the 1st  two weekends of May.  Kim Corridori, Leo McDermott, Dick Schwer have volunteered thus far.

 Discussion of House Bills 20 &21: These bills were introduced to lessen the impact of sexual abuse cases. It was decided, without vote, that any notice in the bulletin would inform parishioners that if they wish they can notify their State of Delaware Representative with their opinion or questions.

  Closing Prayer and Adjournment