Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Mike Rzucidlo at 6:35 p.m.
Reflection: “Always Looking Out For Us” was provided by Mike Rzucidlo and was read by all in attendance.
Members Present: Father Graney, Mary Louise Chesley-Cora, Anita Delaney, John Falkowski, Sharon Gidumal, Dolores Lepori, Heather Little, Ruthann Maisonet, Rich Mayes, Maritza Poza-Grise, Tina Prior, Mike Reis, Mike Rzucidlo, Kathy Swain, Joe Budd for Deb Buckels, JoAnn Hedrick.
Members Absent: Chip Schussler, Ellen Turano.
Guest: Ruth Sanders.
Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the April meeting were approved as submitted.
Parish Buzz:
Father Graney mentioned the importance of providing service to the dying and deceased. A recent funeral was very touching. Some parishioners have family members in hospice care. It’s important to support them.
Today (May 21) was a busy Resurrection Sunday with regular Sunday Masses, three baptisms after the 10:30 Mass, the parish picnic, and the Council meeting.
The picnic today provided many opportunities for intergenerational bonding and creation of fond memories.
Appreciation was expressed for the inclusion of the new communicants during the First Communion Masses.
Committee Reports: Elections: Mike Rzucidlo reported that Jerry Abrams, Al Mercantante, Mike Mitchell and JoAnn Hedrick had been elected as stewards. There were two candidates for the position of trustee so no election was held. The trustees for the coming year are Maritza Poza-Grise and Dick Schwer. Mike will be responsible for notifying the successful candidates of their election.
Finance Council: Mike Reis presented a proposed budget for FY18. The proposal reflects the ongoing decline in revenue. The recent and upcoming staff reductions help to balance the budget. Father Corrigan’s salary was redistributed to other budget lines. There will also be a savings when John Werner’s resignation becomes effective. His replacement will be a part-time employee so there will be no healthcare expense. The proposed budget is a balanced budget!
While Resurrection is not and never has been a fundraising parish, i.e. no bingo or other means of providing additional income, it was suggested that perhaps it’s time to look at doing something to raise funds. Perhaps selling bricks impressed with the donor’s name. The fundraising precedent has been set by the Youth Group which has had various annual events to raise funds for the summer service project.
There is a need for a large expenditure on the roof over the worship space. However, Rich Mayes reported that there are two very different approaches to replacing the roof. At this time, a more formal proposal is needed before a focused appeal for funds can be made to the parish. He will attend the next Finance Council meeting and define the problem better.
The budget proposal was approved by voice vote.
Youth Report:
Young Neighbors in Action will have their final fundraiser on the weekend of June 3-4. It will be their stock sale.
Confirmation in 2017 will include 8th and 9th graders and will then take place every other year.
Resurrection may combine confirmandi as well as other first sacrament recipients with another parish. Holy Family is interested so it’s possible that confirmation could be at their parish in 2018. It was suggested that, if we were to join with another parish, it should be with the understanding that the ceremonies would alternate between the two parishes yearly when the size of the classes makes that possible.
Youth awards are listed in today’s bulletin. Father Graney mentioned the ongoing community involvement of retired members of Delaware State Police who volunteer in youth ministry and the fact that their participation is making an impact in the area of social justice.
New Business: Father Graney mentioned that the Center for Ministry Development is conducting a workshop on June 3 at St. Joseph’s parish in Middletown. The subject is Ministry with Generation Z and their families. Ruth Sanders and Father will attend. There is a need to build relationships with Gen Z and engage them.
It was mentioned that some of us don’t come into contact with the younger generations, millennials, Gen X or Y and surely not Z and don’t know how to interact with them.
Pastor’s Comments and Advice:
Father reported that at a recent staff meeting the timing of the parish picnic was discussed. It has traditionally been held in mid-May to celebrate the end of the CFP year. While Sunday afternoon seems to be a good time, is there a better time of year for it to be held, such as the third Sunday in October. After quite a bit of discussion, it was decided that the picnic should continue to be held in mid-May and perhaps another parish-wide activity could be held in the Fall. However, there is a need for more advance planning for the picnic and the chairperson should not have to beg people to serve on a planning committee.
John Werner gave Father and the Finance Council a list of his duties. A part-time bookkeeper will be hired and his other duties will be distributed among existing staff. Several applications have been received for the part-time position and interviews will be conducted.
Father Corrigan was invited to attend the picnic but there was no sighting so he apparently was not able to come. It was reported that his landlord at the barn had decreased the rent so Father Greg will be at the barn until harvest. Father Graney stated that housing for retired priests is up to the priest. The diocese does not get involved.
Father Graney received a letter from the bishop appointing him pastor for one year.
At the next deanery meeting, the consolidation of deaneries will be discussed. Resurrection is currently in the central New Castle County deanery.
Closing Prayer and Adjournment: After reciting the Hail Mary together, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.