Resurrection Pastoral Council News – Second Edition - June 2020
Pastoral Council met for a 2nd time via Zoom on Sunday June 14, and the meeting again went well. The Council felt it important to continue these communications with parishioners. Here are highlights of our June meeting.
Timeline for “Re-Gathering”: Resurrection Parish continues to video record weekly Mass. They are posted each Sunday on the website at www.resurrectionde.org for all who wish to watch and pray along at home.
Resurrection will open for an outdoor “Re-Gathering” Mass on Sunday June 21 at 9:30 am. Due to spacing requirements, maximum attendance has been reached. The next scheduled Mass will be Sunday, June 28 at 9:30 am. We are asking that people who signed up for the June 21 Mass hold off reserving a spot for the June 28 Mass until Wednesday June 24, to make room for those unable to attend the previous week. Outdoor Masses are weather contingent. Please arrive early, wear a facemask, bring your own chair. Ushers will greet and guide you. Timing for Indoor Masses has not yet been determined.
We are working hard to best prepare so that our gatherings will be safe as well as prayerful and inspiring. Patience is the virtue we need as we discern our new way together. We thank you for your understanding and goodness.
Financial: The state of finances, and the budget for the next fiscal year (July 1 2020 - June 30 2021) was reported by Finance Council. Main points include:
Offertory income has dropped a bit from the last report in May. The year may end slightly short of projection.
Income for the next fiscal year is projected to be the same as this year.
COVID-related expenses are significant and have been added to the next year’s budget.
Other capital expenses for the next fiscal year include roof repair, HVAC continued upgrades, and bathroom remodeling.
Upcoming retirements: There is still no word about who will replace Fr. Graney as the new Pastor of Resurrection Parish. There is also no word yet about who will replace Bishop Malooly for the Wilmington Diocese.
New Agenda Item for Council: We decided to add discussion about Racial Attitudes and Racial Equality, which will be addressed at future meetings.
The love of God that is transforming the Resurrection Community is awesome! We miss so many of the ways in which we have previously celebrated being together. But our spiritual connections are strong and the support we extend to each other continues. Let all be open to the Spirit who is our advocate and guide. St. Paul reminds us that as a people of faith, we are alive in Christ. Nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom 8:39). Together, in Christ, we can work through these difficult times.