June 12, 2016
The meeting was called to order by Mike Reis at 7:00PM
Members Present: Deb Buckels, JoAnn Hedrick, Donna Ramage, Mike Duffy, Mike Reis, Father Bill Graney, Joe McClory, Ruth Sanders, Mary Louise Chesley-Cora, Chip Schussler, Mike Rzucidlo, Dolores Lepori, Tom Leitch, Deacon John Falkowski, Tina Prior, Maritza Poza-Grise, Sharon Gidumal, Ruthann Maisonet
Members Absent: Patty Zaza , Rich Mayes, Ellen Turano
Reflection: Tom Leitch led us in a opening prayer, Reflections on a Vocation: Now there are different gifts, but the same spirit. There are different ministires, but the same Lord. And there are different activities, but the same God activates each give in each person… and many more- Thanks Tom.
Minutes: The minutes from the May meeting were approved as written.
Parish Buzz: Joan Buckels thanked Resurrection parish members who supported Family Promise initiative hosted by Ebenezer Methodist to provide housing to a homeless families for a week. Many volunteers with for various activities such as van driver, overnight shift person to name a few were needed to make this happen.
New Business: Sandy Landoval reviewed the
Social Concerns Budget- Five percent of Resurrections Offertory Collections are given to charitable organizations. See attached list for details. Sandy proposed a change on how the Outreach Funds will be allocated in future. In earlier meetings, Sandy described how it has been difficult to vet calls to helpline for Resurrection volunteers and funds were limited for each case. Family Promise has set up a program to work with local people in need. Sandy proposed that Resurrection donate funds for Outreach to Family Promise. They will vet and distribute funds and report to us how they used funds to help people in need. The proposal was unanimously approved by parish council.
Discussion of Role of Lay People in Church: Fr Bill led discussion on this topic. From the Column- View From Rome (article Fr Bill mailed to us), “When it comes to the priest shortage in Western Europe/US, the pope argued it is for lay people to take the lead.” The pope disagrees with statement, “No priests, no sacraments: and no sacraments no church.” The pope seems to be happy with fewer priests and a greater role for laity. Francis would like a church that is focused on mission rather than trying to maintain the stays quo.
Fr Bill stated that Resurrection Parish has reputation for innovation and a high volunteerism rate. However, the original members of the parish have been largely replaced by newer members. There is a need to make new people aware of our past. Give them opportunities to participate more fully in parish activities.
Fr Bill asked members present for comments:
Fewer priests to offer Eucharist to community will be a problem for many parishes soon. How do we move to Pope Francis’s view stated above?
Ordination of Women (not in my lifetime)
Bishop- more opportunity for Lay Community in Leadership
People do not feel welcome (rules about who can receive communion) LBGT community not welcome by Church.
How much can we change Rome? / But we can make an impact here. Need to create passion and excitement ourselves at Resurrection.
Welcoming guests and new parishioners so important! -As a guest at local Mosque, felt more welcome, than we make guests feel. -Sit in a different location and try to strike up conversation with those you do not know Just do it!
Build upon enthusiasm from Mission
People away from Church because they do not feel welcome
Family Events could be useful to lower barriers of participation for new members
Parish Council Summer Party: Donna handed passed around a signup sheet for food. A volunteer to host party at their home was sought. Maritza volunteered but will be on vacation the second week of July. For consistency of having meetings on the second Sunday of the month Fr Bill said he would inquire about other possibilities for the location.
Committee to Plan Parish Council Retreat: JoAnn, Delores, Maritza, and Ruthann volunteered to organize the Parish Retreat held at the second Sunday in September.
Pastors Comments- Meeting was closed with a prayer.