Pastoral Council Meeting Minutes October 12, 2014
Members Present: Ruth Sanders for Mary Ann McLane, Mike Duffy, Dave Gargula for Rich Mayes, Mary Cullen for JoAnn Hedrick, Donna Ramage, Tom Leitch, Mary Howell for Joan Budd, Jim Murray for Patty Zaza, Patricia Szwed, James Davidson, Bob Straub, Dolores Lepori , Joe McClory, Fr. Bill Graney, Jim Nolan, Mike Reis
Members Absent: Selvam Mascarenhas
Visitors: Dick Schwer, Cory Zolandz
Opening Prayer: Donna Ramage led us in prayer. Titled "Encountering the Living Christ," it is a prayer from the Catholic Bishop's Office that seeks to foster growth and a better understanding among Pastoral Council members, the parish family, and the Living Christ.
Parish Buzz: Bob Straub shared a conversation with a parishioner who asked about the parish volunteer board no longer being on display. A comment was also made about missing the bulletin boards which were covered with photos that highlighted the community engaged in numerous projects. Bob said it may be difficult for some people to use the online signup system that is in place now.
A general discussion followed. Father Bill explained that the
Gathering Space had gotten cluttered with too many displays vying for attention. It was certainly not the visual impression we wanted to give to members and guests arriving at Resurrection. Cory Zolandz mentioned that many are involved in working to improve the
Gathering Space since it is such a valuable asset to who we are and what we do. There is a focus on the lay-out, cleanliness, comfortability, and doing our best to make it a church space that is welcoming to all. Signups for different activities can now done electronically or through the binders which are also available. The large flat-panel TV screen, an important part of the
Gathering Space remodeling project, will provide a tremendous new way to feature photos, videos, information, and parish highlights in a way we could never achieve using display boards. Father Bill afirmed that this project has been approved. Dave Gargula has offered to connect with the Building and Grounds Committee regarding this project.
Thanks to all!
Finance Committee Update: Jim Nolan distributed the latest finance spreadsheet. The Offertory Collections were down 8% in the first quarter of the 2014 Fiscal Year (compared to same period in 2013). Jim Nolan mentioned that we should ask "Why?" Mass attendance has been relatively steady,although actual numbers are difficult to track.
By-laws Committee: Dick Schwer introduced this discussion. Dick stressed the importance of the attendance and participation of all members.
If a vote is required for some action, a quorum is needed. Dick emphasized that the by-laws can be a useful tool in supporting the work and guidance that the Pastoral Council seeks to provide. Dick reminded us that there are Parish Committees with representatives on Pastoral Council. They should hold elections every two years to send their representatives to Council. A complete copy of the by-laws will be sent to all in a separate email.
Dick proposed an amendment to eliminate the Parish and Family Committee which has not been active for past five years. In the ensuing discussion it was mentioned that members of the Parish Staff have picked up many of the responsibilities previously done by this committee. No vote was taken at this time. The Council wants to ensure that all of the previous functions which were the responsibility of the Parish and Family Committee have been taken up by others and not lost along the way.
Capital Campaign Update: Mike Reis reported that 37 families have responded thus far. Total contributions to date: $97,000. We are grateful for the generosity of our community.
Task Force: discussion tabled until November meeting.
Call Lists: Fr Bill reminded the Stewards that one of their responsibilities is to communicate with parishioners so as to encourage them in knowing that you bring their ideas and concerns to the Pastor as well as the Pastoral Council. The alphabetical groupings for stewards in terms of their responsibility to contact is:
Duffy and Hedrick
A to F
Leitch and Lepori G to L
McClory and Ramage M to R
Reis and Straub S to Z
Stewards can contact Debbie Seymour in the Parish Office to get complete copies of their contacts.
Father Bill added a point of wisdom:
"Knowing people really does make an important impact."