Parish of the Resurrection
Pastoral Council Meeting Minutes
December 10, 2017
Meeting Room 4 at Resurrection
 
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:31 p.m. by Al Mercatante.
 
Reflection: JoAnn Hedrick led a reflection on St. John the Baptist entitled “Humility Prepares the Way For Christ.”  St. John the Baptist stands out not only for his prophetic calling, but also for his virtue of humility.  He acknowledged his unworthiness, in that he was preparing the way for Jesus (“He must increase, and I must decrease.”)
 
Members Present: Joe Budd, Mary Louise Chesley-Cora, Anita Delaney, Deacon John Falkowski, Sharon Gidumal, Father Graney, JoAnn Hedrick, Rich Mayes, Al Mercatante, Mike Mitchell, Maritza Poza-Grise, Joe Quinn, Mike Reis, Jack Sanders, Jim Murray for Dick Schwer, Kathy Swain.
Member Absent:  Mike Rzucidlo.   
Guests: Donald Drane and Ruth Sanders.
 
Minutes Approved:  The minutes of the November meeting were approved.
 
Old Business:
Update on Community Welcoming Weekend (Jan 6 ^th-7 ^th)- Joe Q. noted that announcement went out for this weekend, and noted that lanyards with name tags should definitely be worn by Parish Council members that weekend.
 
Planning of parish’s 50 ^th anniversary celebration: someone is needed to spearhead this effort, but not necessary that this person do all the work.  Help will be needed from parishioners, and it was agreed that a request for help should be put in the bulletin.  Sharon had a person in mind, and it was noted that Ruth had helped with planning of the retreat portion of the prior celebration.  Father Graney mentioned that Patricia Herron did a lot of work in planning the meal and the day, and mentioned that maybe Father Gallagher’s speech during his future business might be incorporated into the 50 ^th anniversary.  Maritza emphasized the need to get a lot of volunteers of all ages involved, and Jack suggested contacting the faith groups to recruit volunteers. 
Jim raised the question of who would decide on the nature of the celebration, and said that the same people who decide on the nature of the celebration do not have to be the ones who go ahead with the work.  Maritza noted that an event committee could decide on the nature of the celebration, within certain boundaries.  Al suggested having a few people from the Parish Council work this out: Jack, Maritza, and Sharon volunteered to do this.  Father Graney said that Kim Shank would be a good idea person, and suggested checking with the education staff to see if they knew parents that would be willing to volunteer.
 
Stewards contacting parishioners: Al asked if stewards had obtained any feedback.  He noted that some e-mail addresses need to be updated, but that he also received some feedback already.  Sharon mentioned receiving a lot of feedback in conversations.  The question was raised of how the feedback from parishioners would be compiled.
 
Committee reports were then reviewed.  Below are the reports, with additional discussion in red.
 
Objective: Communicate more effectively to all parishioners about our Jesus-centered faith community
 

Activities/Accomplishments:

Since your last Status Report, what have you accomplished on your Objective & Goals work?

Submitted an announcement for bulletin informing parish of Welcoming Weekend: 1.6/7.18. Announcement invites those attending to wear nametags, to include last name. Announcement will run three weeks beginning 12.16/17. Read Perfectly Yourself by Matthew Kelly; prepared promotional text to be inserted inside cover along with parish information. Parish was granted access to the Flocknote (FL) digital communications software program for one year. Watched tutorial videos from FL on improving parish communication methods.

 

Challenges/Discoveries:	What did you do about the problems or challenges you encountered: actions taken, results achieved, people informed, etc.?
Committee would like council to reconsider wearing lanyards with nametags every week at Mass. We feel this may cause distraction by setting PC members apart from assembly. Regrettably, pastor was not informed of further deliberations on this matter before making announcement at liturgies. JQ takes responsibility for this lapse in communication.
Resources and Information Required: Do you envision a point where PC approval is needed prior to implementation of goals?	What additional resources or information do you require to continue to make progress? If so, from whom would you like assistance and for what actions?
Decision by council on wearing of lanyards on a weekly basis, or during Community Weekend and other special events. From Flocknote, need pricing for program after trial year, before we decide how we will be using software. From three parishes in area currently using Flocknote: How are you using program? Has it been effective? Problems, drawbacks? Schedule of PC members who will be stationed at greeting table(s) at Masses on Community Weekend.
Planned Activities	What are you planning to accomplish prior to your next scheduled Status Report?
ongoing: Prepare for Community Weekend; contact FL for pricing; contact FL administrators from parishes using program near future: Community Weekend; FL signup weekend; use FL to update parishioners contact info and preferences

 
Joe Q. expressed concern that the lanyards may be divisive, and that maybe they should be worn just for the Welcoming Weekend, rather than every weekend.
 
Joe B. said that more people might be encouraged to meet and talk after the 5:30PM Mass if coffee and donuts were offered afterward on Welcoming Weekend.  It was noted that cake had been successful in the past.  Maritza suggested that wine and cheese, or cheese and crackers, could be provided instead of donuts.  Jack mentioned that serving of food should be announced one week in advance so people would plan to stay after Mass.
 
Sharon and Maritza both shared that the lanyard got people to ask questions and talk, and Kathy emphasized that the lanyard was meant to be welcoming.  Ruth suggested that the lanyards could be worn only in the Gathering Space, so that they wouldn’t be distracting during Mass.  Sharon moved to adopt wearing of the lanyards only in the Gathering Space, JoAnn seconded, and the motion carried.
 
JoAnn shared a postcard she had received from Parkview Assembly of God as an example of a well-produced mailing used to welcome new people to church.
 
Kathy mentioned that the Online Directory had communication tools that overlap with the functionality of the Flocknote software.  Al suggested that the Communications Objective Team meet with the Improve Pastoral Council Team to compare notes and ideas.  Joe B. mentioned that everyone has their preferred mode(s) of communication, and that whatever communication tool we go with should respect people preferences regarding mode of communication and topics that they want to hear about.
 
JoAnn then sent out a sign-up sheet for volunteers for different Masses over Welcoming Weekend.
 
Joe Q. raised the question of whether having index cards for parishioners to fill out was the best way to go.  Maritza mentioned that many Protestant churches keep welcome cards in the pews at all times.  Jim suggested that getting information updates from parishioners might be best if done just before tax season.
 
Deacon John stated that at the staff meeting, it was agreed that the monitor in the Gathering Space should have a calendar of events.  He also mentioned that Debbie has maintained such a calendar on the website, and that it would be a matter of transferring the information to a format that could be presented on the monitor.  Maritza asked if more content could be displayed on the monitor, to attract other age groups.  Jack said that he’d like to see pictures on the monitor of parishioners in action, along with their stories.  Al asked who was responsible for content displayed on the monitor.  It was noted that someone will need to work with Debbie to get appropriate content formatted and transferred to monitor, and that someone would have to turn the monitor on before 8:15 Mass every Sunday morning.
 
Objective: Increase parish membership
 

Activities/Accomplishments:	Since your last Status Report, what have you accomplished on your Objective & Goals work?
Previous: gift of book. Present: recruiting people to hand them out; put parish info on each book      Brochure inviting people to Resurrection on supermarket bulletin boards Census form in calendar (new this year) Hopefully another way to reach Christmas people    Maintain a liberal baptismal policy.  It is welcoming and helps new parents deepen a relationship with parish New goal is to increase number of greeters each week throughout the year  (a welcoming feeling is one reason people give for selecting this parish for home parish)     Booked speaker for parish retreat for April 2019 and Lent 2020.  Speaker is represented on YouTube, Simeon Gallagher, OFMCap.    Along with Ebenezer United Methodist   sent a 1000 post cards with our Name and schedule       Composing a card to give to patients in the hospital: for “follow up”” contact Res or your parish.  About half of the patients that are on the list have “none”   as their parish.
What overlaps do you see with the objectives and goals of other Teams?	In the course of doing your project work, please note any overlaps you see with other Objective Team goals.
With Communications (external)   Advertise in a couple ways    Greeters are part of liturgy
Challenges/Discoveries:	What did you do about the problems or challenges you encountered: actions taken, results achieved, people informed, etc.?
People don’t like to decide before hand if they are going to a particular Mass on a particular Sunday.  Hardly any response to bulletin request for greeters at Christmas Mass.  So, have to invite one by one.
Resources and Information Required:              Do you envision a point where PC approval is needed prior to implementation of goals?	What additional resources or information do you require to continue to make progress? If so, from whom would you like assistance and for what actions?
Costs incurred will be covered by operating expenses of the parish.
Planned Activities	What are you planning to accomplish prior to your next scheduled Status Report?
Jan.  recruit a couple more members to the group.  Hopefully under 60 years of age March  Identify presentation, discussion, speakers, on high interest that could serve to attract new people to Resurrection.

 
Father Graney noted that 2018 calendars have a removable census form that parishioners could fill out.
 
Sharon asked what could be done in the way of a real estate-guided search for new parishioners.  Jack explained that any time a home is sold, there’s info along with settlement date.  A radius can be defined for the search.  Apartments would be a different proposition- it was asked if flyers could be distributed to nearby apartment complexes.  Al asked Jack if he could provide an example of the type of information that the sold-home search could provide.
 
Sharon asked if we have follow-up with the families of baptized children.  Father Graney mentioned that we have the information, but that we are resource-limited in terms of keeping in touch with the families, and suggested we might find a volunteer interested in tackling this.  Sharon suggested requesting a volunteer for this as part of Social Concerns- the idea was well received.
 
Objective: Develop new parish model in absence of a resident parish priest
 
 

Activities/Accomplishments:	Since your last Status Report, what have you accomplished on your Objective & Goals work?
Interviewed Fr. John Hynes Met with Finance Council to foreshadow budget impact in future Scheduled interviews with: Carol Pacione – St. Pius X – Dec. 8 Pete Schafer – Youngstown Diocese Dec 14 Interviews TBD: Deacon Fred Passauer - St. Bernadette, Severn MD Any others suggested by interviewees
What overlaps do you see with the objectives and goals of other Teams?	In the course of doing your project work, please note any overlaps you see with other Objective Team goals.
Primary intersection is with communication, as this team begins to devise communication, prayer and engagement plan with the extended Resurrection community in January-February
Challenges/Discoveries:	What did you do about the problems or challenges you encountered: actions taken, results achieved, people informed, etc.?
We are working closely with Fr. Bill at each step along the way. No significant challenges to date.  Key findings to date: Most critical to successfully operating under a different model is selecting the right candidate to be the Parish Leader, and a strong collaborative relationship with the Priest s/he will partner with.
Resources and Information Required: Do you envision a point where PC approval is needed prior to implementation of goals?	What additional resources or information do you require to continue to make progress? If so, from whom would you like assistance and for what actions?
We are engaging resources ad hoc when needed – eg. Jane Hanson, Mary Louise Chesley-Cora.  We are working closely with Fr. Bill and will begin meetings with Staff, PC, Finance Council in January. The final proposal for a new model, including budget impact will require Pastoral Council approval. Assistance needed: your daily prayers for discernment in our path in this major transition for Resurrection
Planned Activities	What are you planning to accomplish prior to your next scheduled Status Report?
“Expert” Interviews Engage Bishop Malooly and key Diocese stakeholders Prepare Summary Findings report and Proposal for new Model Engage Staff

 
Maritza shared that January is being targeted for interacting with Bishop Malooly.
 
Sharon said that most of the people providing her with feedback felt that the new parish model was of utmost importance to them.  It was mentioned that the contact in Youngstown emphasized that communication with the parish community was key.
 

 
Objective: Improve visibility and presence of Parish Council in Parish community
 

Activities/Accomplishments:	Since your last Status Report, what have you accomplished on your Objective & Goals work?
We have given out the nametags for parish council members to wear, and sent an email to Debbie to include an announcement that was made in church last weekend, and will be included in the 12/10 bulletin to let parishioners know what the nametags indicate and why the members are wearing them We have gotten some information about Instant Church Directory Online which makes us think it might be a good tool to keep the parish membership up to date and use it as a communication tool for the parish as well. If we go with this option for the directory, it would allow people to submit their own pictures, and we could print out a PDF version and have it copied and bound at Fedex or Staples for the 50th Anniversary in 2019 which would allow a little more time to get the information/pictures collected and organized. It leaves us with a system that can be maintained going forward.
What overlaps do you see with the objectives and goals of other Teams?	In the course of doing your project work, please note any overlaps you see with other Objective Team goals.
We see some overlaps with the Stewards because we will need them to verify and get some information/pictures for the Directory effort. We also see an overlap with the Communication committee where the Instant Church Directory online has some features that can be used for communication with people and group them by the activities and committees that they are on. Text messaging can be used – could be used to notify parishioners of inclement weather cancellations, you can export lists for mailing labels, etc.
Challenges/Discoveries:	What did you do about the problems or challenges you encountered: actions taken, results achieved, people informed, etc.?
Looking at multiple vendors for the Parish Directory, there were differences and trying to determine the best direction to go in was a challenge. Getting the information verified and getting people to submit pictures will be the next challenge. Need to verify the costs to the parish with the Instant Church Directory Online, and check into what online protections they have to guard the information.
Resources and Information Required: Do you envision a point where PC approval is needed prior to implementation of goals?	What additional resources or information do you require to continue to make progress? If so, from whom would you like assistance and for what actions?
Once we get an estimate of printing/copying the directory, we will need $$ to allow us to get the directories bound and copied.
Planned Activities:	What are you planning to accomplish prior to your next scheduled Status Report?
Verify information for Instant Parish Directory Online Verify printing/binding costs Propose schedule for Committees to man an info table in the gathering Space 1 weekend/month in 2018

 
 
Kathy talked about an Online Church Directory that could be updated at any time, and mentioned that one drawback would be that hard copies wouldn’t be provided for free.  The church would have to look into the cost of printing and binding hard copies for those who would only use a paper version.
 
Joe B. asked if a password would be required to access an online directory- Kathy replied yes, and said that a closer look would be taken at how personal information would be safeguarded.
 
Kathy mentioned that a table would be set up once a month (at all of the Masses), with different ministries attending the table.  This could be coordinated with the Social Concerns Team, with a proposal coming out soon for Table signup.
 
Al asked if the committee had talked about changing how the Parish Council operates, to try to improve things.  Kathy said no, and that its work has focused on improving visibility and accessibility of the Council.
 
Father Graney noted the difficulties in keeping the parish membership updated.

Objective: Communicate, Increase Participation in Social Concerns
 

Activities/Accomplishments:	Since your last Status Report, what have you accomplished on your Objective & Goals work?
Met with Sandy Landoll to share the vision of the Council and the Social Concerns improvement Committee and discuss possible ways to communicate information via website (or other means) as a way to highlight the involvement of Resurrection Parish and the people at Resurrection and possibly attract new parishioners We discussed what social concerns are financially supported by Resurrection, and which are managed by motivated individuals.  We learned that, while there are some descriptions on the Resurrection website of the Social Concerns, the information is not consistent, and it may be difficult for interested parties to get involved with a specific ministry unless
What overlaps do you see with the objectives and goals of other Teams?	In the course of doing your project work, please note any overlaps you see with other Objective Team goals.
Could be overlaps with Communications Team and Attract New Parishioners Team.
Challenges/Discoveries:	What did you do about the problems or challenges you encountered: actions taken, results achieved, people informed, etc.?
Social Concerns activities that are supported by Resurrection are actively coordinated or communicated broadly.  Summaries and descriptions are outdated.   It will take some work to summarize the information and present it in a format such that people can easily see what is happening, and how to get involved if desired.
Resources and Information Required: Do you envision a point where PC approval is needed prior to implementation of goals?	What additional resources or information do you require to continue to make progress? If so, from whom would you like assistance and for what actions?
Would be helpful to coordinate this activity into the Communications” and “Attract New Parishioners” Committees, as well as to have some marketing savvy in the writing of the Agencies in which Resurrection and parishioners are involved.
Planned Activities	What are you planning to accomplish prior to your next scheduled Status Report?
Summarize Social Concerns activities

 
It was noted that there is no current, organized summary of everything that’s done at the parish in terms of social concerns.  Sharon mentioned that Ebenezer has a huge book outlining the activities being done- we could do this, too.  Maritza suggested that our summary could be a living document that’s out there, and that it could be available before it’s finished- more important to have a resource out there, rather than having nothing until document is perfect.
 
It was noted that this summary document would be a living document that could become outdated quickly if not updated, very much like an online parish directory.
 
New Business:
A motion was made by Mary Louise to validate the election of trustees.  This was seconded by Sharon, and the motion was carried.
 
Rich Mayes then provided an update for the Property and Grounds Committee.  The draft of the report is included below, with additional discussion in red.
 

Activities/Accomplishments:

Since your last Status Report, what have you accomplished on your Objective & Goals work?

Since this is my first report in 3 years, I will highlight al lthat has been done during my tenure: Major Capital Projects: Roof replacement All shingled roof areas were replaced, including the lower flat rubber roof over the offices and storage areas. These areas were suffering multiple roof leaks Despite the roof repairs we had several areas that continued to leak.  These areas were primarily where stucco vertical walls intersected with shingled and flat roof. It was determined that it was not the roof leaking; the water is penetrating the stucco and travelling down into the building. Several years ago, the entire stucco surface was sealed with a special elastomeric paint design to seal stucco.  It appears that these vertical surfaces were not painted. The surfaces were painted using the same elastomeric paint and the leaking stopped completely. Most recently we experience leaking over the worship space due to seams breaking loose on the flat room roof. This roof is a black rubber roof kept in place using 2” stone. This roof has gone beyond its typical lifespan; we certainly got our money’s worth out of the roof The rubber roof was replaced just after Thanksgiving 2017. The new roof is white rubber roof which reflects heat in the summer, potentially reducing heat load on the HVAC system, which translates into lower energy bills. The GATHERING SPACE was improved several years ago with providing improved storage, better utilization of the space and trash containment. The net result was better engagement of parishioners after Mass.  We are no longer trapped by the donut tables. To improve our capabilities to sponsored events, e.g. funerals, parish food activities.  The electrical capacity of the space was improved by adding three additional 20-amp circuits.  This increased the capacity for crockpots, eliminating overloaded circuit breakers. To improve communications, a parishioner donated the 65” monitor currently mounted on the wall. In anticipation of kitchen improvements an additional 50-amp circuit was added to the kitchen for a planned double oven General Maintenance and Repair Office areas were painted Annual cleanup of rectory and church grounds Cleaned out culvert under the staff entrance sidewalk.  The area would flood terribly due to excessive clogging.  Plan to add stone around the entrance to culvert to prevent soil and plant debris from being washed into the culvert. Replace relays that control outdoor lighting Replace heater on baptismal fountain Painted hallway by storage areas Several toilets in the bathrooms were replaced due to frequent malfunction The staff bathroom suffered an in-wall water leak due to a solder joint leaking New carpet and baseboards were replaced in the office space and conference room 4 A section of the tile floor just outside the worship space was replaced due to uplifting (trip hazard) and cracking.  This is due to a poorly placed expansion joint in the cement subfloor.  We are trying a new technique for attaching the tile which will allow the subfloor to move without moving the tiles, so far so good. One of the urinals in the men’s bathroom fell off the wall.  A licensed plumber was called to reinstall the unit.  It was poorly mounted to the wall, causing the premature failure. Rectory Just replaced the garbage disposal Main sewer line to the street was routed out due to roots which were causing water to backup into the basement during heavy rains and snow melts.  Currently monitoring to determine if a sump pump is warranted. Cleanout main bath trap and repaired leaky shower valve. Replaced garage door opener. Change out filters for air handlers This is a challenge; it should be done quarterly but is getting done about every six months. I required inventory of several different filter sizes and it requires someone with some mechanical skills to do the job. It requires about 4 hours of work per quarter. Replacing cracked filter housing for the baptismal fountain: filter house inlet flange is cracked due to unsupported pipe putting too much stress on the flange.  The housing is in house and will be installed this month and add support for the piping. Ceiling tile replacement: I have been asked to replace damaged ceiling tiles in the worship space before Christmas celebration. Several fluorescent lights have been replaced Future Capital Expenditures Kitchen upgrade I have proposed a new kitchen design with improved storage and food prep island/peninsula New floor A large cement pad just outside the kitchen which will be accessed by replacing the windows to the left of the kitchen with a double glass door. The current food closet will be utilized for kitchen storage after the food closet is transitioned to Skyline. Future Maintenance Needs Painting need in the Gathering and Worship space Install heat rope on roof at entrance and area to the left of the glass block wall and staff entrance.  This will prevent icicles from forming during heavy snow.  I have the heat rope, just not the time to install.  I currently come in after a snow fall and use a snow rack to pull snow off the edge of the roof, about 4 ft.  This has minimized icicle formation.  This is important because the snow melt causes ice dams that cause melt water to backup into the building. Gutter cleaning

 

What overlaps do you see with the objectives and goals of other Teams?	In the course of doing your project work, please note any overlaps you see with other Objective Team goals.
None
Challenges/Discoveries:	What did you do about the problems or challenges you encountered: actions taken, results achieved, people informed, etc.?
I do need to give credit to other volunteers who have performed important tasks around the grounds and the rectory.  These tasks include cleaning up the grounds, cleaning gutters and eliminating trip hazards at the rectory.   Over the past years I find it a challenge to hold committee meetings, being more reactive than proactive to building and grounds needs.
Resources and Information Required: Do you envision a point where PC approval is needed prior to implementation of goals?	What additional resources or information do you require to continue to make progress? If so, from whom would you like assistance and for what actions?
Yes, all capital projects need approval from PC and funding from the finance council. I find both of these councils have been very supportive of my activities.
Planned Activities:
I have agreed with Al Mercatante to start up committee meetings to consider all building and grounds needs of the church and rectory.  I plan to call a committee meeting by the end of the first quarter and continue to hold meetings every quarter.  I will call for volunteers who would like to participate.
What are you planning to accomplish prior to your next scheduled Status Report?
Kitchen upgrade and patio. This was not done in a vacuum so there are several parishioners who had input on the design elements.  I will most likely present the plan to PC and FC in February for preliminary blessing.  If I get the green light I will proceed with implementation with a goal to complete the project before Easter.  If time does not look good I will push the project out after Easter.

 
Rich mentioned that the next major step for Property and Grounds is the renovation of the kitchen, and making a patio area for grilling in the area outside the windows near the kitchen.  Conceptual designs have been developed, and ideally this work could be done before Easter.  Al and Sharon asked if there was money to do this- it sounded like there was available money for this project, from the Sustaining Hope fund.
 
Rich indicated that the renovation designs were based on input from many people.  A new stove is part of the design.  As a result of zoning/permits, the stove would be limited to operations such as boiling and reheating (no frying in oil allowed.)  Rich has drawings that he can share next meeting.
 
It was mentioned that the Food Closet would be moving out, and that the newly available storage space will be good for other ministries.
 
JoAnn said that the Committee Report should also have included the parking lot work and HVAC work that Rich has overseen.
 
Mike R. mentioned that the work parties could be called meetings, and that painting of rooms should also be included in the report.  He also suggested rewording of the challenges/opportunities within the report.
 
Rich mentioned that he’s focused his efforts on the bigger projects, as well as the plumbing/electrical projects requiring his expertise.  This allows him to make the best use of his time, and allows others to give their time to smaller projects.  He also said that his efforts have tended to be more reactive than proactive, and that Debbie has done a great job of letting him know when things need to be looked at or fixed.
 
Father Graney mentioned that this committee has people more focused on action and getting things done than having meetings.  He also brought up the idea of doing a whole-building tour, seeing what maintenance is needed on a holistic basis, and then dividing up that work.  As a follow-up, Jim asked Rich if he could do an annual inspection to look at required maintenance.
 
Rich said that Ed Baum is his right-hand man for this work, and that they started with a big list, and started tackling items independently.  Al suggested that Rich get other people to work off the old list while seeing what new items need to be added, and Maritza noted that this document could be a living document on a shared file location, so people would be aware of needs and progress.
 
The process for implementing action steps by an objectives/goals team was then brought up, including criteria for seeking Parish Council approval before taking action.  The following criteria were suggested: impacting a standing committee; affecting the by-laws; affecting parish staff; requiring finances beyond designated amounts in budget; and requiring diocesan approval.  Mike R. pointed out that no money was specifically put in the budget for these objectives.  Father Graney said that the committee would need to talk with the staff member most closely associated with the spending of the money.  Maritza said that anything with financial implications should likely be brought forth to the Parish Council.
 
The question was raised of whether a shortened Parish Council meeting with holiday party was still wanted for this January’s meeting.  Father Graney said yes, and that forgoing the party for a longer meeting would not get much more work accomplished.  Rich brought up the possibility of keeping a longer meeting and having the party afterward, but no one was keen on that.  JoAnn said it would be best to go to the location, have the short meeting, and then have the part after that.  Maritza volunteered her place for the party, and will also send out a list with items that people are volunteering to bring.  The meeting will be on January 14 ^th at 3 PM.
 
Because of the timeline, the need was expressed for having a special meeting to discuss the findings of the New Parish Model committee.  JoAnn asked if this discussion could wait until the February meeting, but the committee said no.  The suggested date and time for this 60-90 minute meeting is January 28 ^th at 6:30 PM.
 
Al noted that there is still a vacancy for the steward position formerly held by Gerry Abrams.  One person had expressed interest to Al in filling the position.  If things do not work out, then there may be a need to nominate a special steward.  Maritza asked if we would want to change the Bylaws to reduce the number of stewards.  Mike R. mentioned that Dick Schwer was against changing the number of stewards.  Jim noted that there would be fewer people available for committee work with fewer stewards.  Father Graney suggested finding a willing appointee- if they would be willing to serve the remaining 18 months of the term, then that would be great.  Otherwise, it may be necessary to appoint someone for 6 months, and then elect someone for that position in the next round of elections.
 
Parish Buzz:
No Parish Buzz at this meeting.
 
 
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
 
Respectfully submitted, Mike Mitchell