Parish of the Resurrection
Pastoral Council Meeting Minutes
February 11, 2018
Meeting Room 4 at Resurrection
 
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Al Mercatante.
 
Reflection: Anita Delaney reflected that God speaks in the silence of our hearts, and that we speak in the fullness of our hearts.  She then led a prayer that the council do God’s will as representatives of Parish of the Resurrection.
 
Confirmation of Susan Sheahan as permanent replacement for Gerry Abrams: Susan Sheahan was unanimously confirmed as a permanent replacement for Gerry Abrams on the Council.
 
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, Donna Ramage for Mike Rzucidlo, Jack Sanders, Dick Schwer, Susan Sheahan, Kathy Swain.
Guest: Nancy Maloney.
 
Minutes Approved:  Mike Reis approved Rich Mayes’s revisions to the Building and Grounds Committee report, which were added to December’s meeting minutes.  JoAnn moved to approve January’s meeting minutes, Susan seconded the motion, and the motion carried.
 
Old Business:
 
Planning of parish’s 50 ^th anniversary celebration: A proposed bulletin notice was passed around- the suggestion was made to change “April” to “spring” regarding the timing of the celebration.  Father Graney noted that the 50 ^th anniversary would be celebrated from the second Sunday of Easter, 2019, until the second Sunday of Easter, 2020.  He noted that the parish was founded in June 1969, and also mentioned that next month would be the 150 ^th anniversary for the Diocese of Wilmington.
 
Father Graney also noted that as part of the parish celebration, Father Simeon Gallagher would be giving renewal talks at weekend Masses, as well as talks on mornings and evenings from Monday through Thursday.  A celebratory liturgy leader would be needed.  Having a tent event at the parish (on a different weekend from the liturgical celebration, perhaps in June) was mentioned, instead of renting a hall and celebrating off the parish grounds.
 
A suggestion was made to advertise for volunteers to help on Flocknote and on Facebook.
 
Stewards’ update: Sharon mentioned that she had gotten feedback after Mass, mostly about the new parish model.  Joe B. also said that everyone has been talking about the new parish model, too.
 
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?
Purchased Suggestion Box and placed in Gathering Space. Have received good and useful input already. Created Flocknote groups for parish, pastoral council, and communications committee. Next is rollout for ministry leaders and parish. Several members of committee will be working with Debbie S. to create content for monitor.

 

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.
I can see where acting on ideas from suggestion box might tie in with Improving Pastoral Council, as members of council will be handling.
Challenges/Discoveries:	What did you do about the problems or challenges you encountered: actions taken, results achieved, people informed, etc.?
Getting comfortable with using Flocknote; introducing it to ministry leaders; and inviting parishioners to join is an ongoing challenge.
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 like council’s input on content to be displayed on monitor as it is developed by committee.
Consider the impact that implementing your goals or actions are likely to have on parishioners. What will you do to prepare parishioners for the changes you are proposing to implement?	Please describe your approach to inform parishioners of the changes you are proposing. What parish committees will be impacted by your proposed changes?
Parishioners should be aware of new suggestion box. Likewise with Flocknote. Have already begun using monitor.

 
Joe Q. asked whether we need to reply to comments on the Google page.  He also stated that the Flocknote page is set up with multiple groups to join.  Maritza asked about replying in “private mode” in Flocknote, and whether this reply went to just the original sender or to all people who received the initial notification.  Joe Q. mentioned that some adjusting of personal settings may be needed in Flocknote.
 
To get parishioners to sign up for Flocknote, Joe Q. noted that Flocknote recommends telling people one week in advance, before Signup Sunday, and then have people sign up with Flocknote at the church after Mass, either with a bulletin insert or other means.  A bulletin announcement may be helpful, as well as an announcement before the end of Mass.  Maritza suggested making the sign-up fun for parishioners, by incorporating something like “things you didn’t know about your pastor.”  The date for Flocknote rollout is yet to be determined.
 
May 19 ^th and 20 ^th is the next planned Community / Welcoming Weekend.
 
Al noted that committees will need to coordinate tables and weekends to prevent overlap.  This would need to be worked out between the Communication and Improve Parish Council committees.
 
 
Objective: Increase parish membership
 

Activities/Accomplishments:

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

Baptismal program has been re-established to maintain contact and encourage parents to practice faith and pass on to children.     Line up persons to enroll in online learning through Boston College. “Ministering with the LGBTQ community. Intent is to allow this community to feel welcome so as to integrate more easily in our parish community.  Members of this community will find mutual support or peer ministry.  This is aligned with the Pope’s ministry of accompaniment referred to in various places especially in the Joy of Love (post Synod document from Synod on family life).

 

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.
Communication committee.
Challenges/Discoveries:	What did you do about the problems or challenges you encountered: actions taken, results achieved, people informed, etc.?
Still inviting a few more parishioners to work on the committee.
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?
No.

 
 
Father Graney noted that supermarket handouts have been ordered, and that there was also something that could be put on the backs of chairs.
 
Susan expressed interest in joining this committee.
 
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 Sr. Connie Gilder – Mentor to PLCs, Diocesan Staff roles, Diocese of Baltimore                      Msgr. Dave Kelly – Vicar for Priests                      Msgr. Paul Garrity – Pastor of the Lexington Catholic Community (Collaborative), MA                      Fr. Paul Ritt, Pastor of the Lynnfield Catholic community (Collaborative)  MA                      Peter Schafer – Director of Lay Ministry and Leadership Formation, Diocese of Youngstown Met with Pastoral Council to review Summary Findings and Proposal for new Model Met with St. Catherine of Sienna Pastoral council to review our efforts per Fr. Hynes request. Scheduled 15 focus groups with 7 Faith Sharing groups, 6 after weekend Masses and 2 weekday sessions. As of Feb 7, we’ve had ~ 82 participants, (excludes the faith sharing group count not yet tallied.) Meeting with Bishop Malooly set for Feb 20, 2018
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 intersections: Communication Team: communication, prayer and engagement plan with the extended Resurrection community in January-February and beyond Improve Pastoral Council Team: review by-laws and update Pastoral Council approach to support the new parish model.
Challenges/Discoveries:	What did you do about the problems or challenges you encountered: actions taken, results achieved, people informed, etc.?
Key findings to date: Most critical to successfully operating under a different model is the Bishop’s support, selecting the rightly skilled and matched candidate to be the Parish Life Coordinator, a strong collaborative relationship with the Priest s/he will partner with, and supportive relationship with Staff. We met with Finance council. Funding for this position, while above the current cost basis, is believed to be manageable.

 

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?
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 (Please use the Timeline on page 2)	What are you planning to accomplish prior to your next scheduled Status Report? (Please use the Timeline on page 2)
Summarize Focus Group insights Prepare for meeting with Bishop, and meet on Feb 20 Begin to develop the Staffing and Selection strategy:  Job Description, Candidate Sourcing, Job posting approach, Search committee and process to engage diocese and Parish community Develop on-going New Model Parish Communication plan to engage and update the community

 
 

Finalize Option & Activate Readiness

Refine Preferred Model Engage Key Stakeholders

Gather Data & Benchmark 100% COMPLETE

 

Nov	Dec	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apri	May
Conduct “expert interviews”  to understand approaches, “better” practices and what to pay attention to.  Jane Hanson Mary Louise -done Fr. John Hynes – done Carol Pacione – St. Pius X – Dec. 8 Deacon Fred Passauer - St. Bernadette, Severn MD (TBD) Pete Schafer – Youngstown Diocese Dec 14 Others TBD		Engage Bishop Malooley and key Diocese stakeholders Prepare Summary Findings report and Proposal for new Model Engage Staff & PC for input Engage Finance Council to ensure financial implications align with 2018 budget	Review Resurrection by-laws for implications of a New Model Initiate Parish Communication plan   Refine role description & search strategy   Initiate candidate search		Initiate candidate search Establish candidate search team Begin candidate interviews Down-select to short list of candidates Select final candidate and hire in 3Q 2018 May and beyondà Select final candidate and hire in 3Q 2018 Begin search for sacramental ministers Transition and successful onboarding is the next phase of work.  Activating Parish communication plan, additional change management actions to ensure successful transition, etc. to be chartered separately

 
Maritza asked council members that hadn’t filled out a feedback form to complete one after the meeting.  She also called for a show of hands around support for the new parish model- the council unanimously showed support.  In further support, Maritza also provided a novena prayer asking for guidance.
 
Maritza provided collated results from feedback that had already been received.  167 people had participated in focus groups, with 350 people having attended church.  120 feedback forms had already been returned.  Feedback showed that 86% strongly supported the new model, with 13% showing lukewarm support, and 1% requesting more information about the new model, with respect to the absence of a resident priest.  Of the supportive comments, 60 or more people mentioned that this was a good response to the priest shortage, that it was good for lay people to step up, and that this was a good way for the parish to preserve its identity.  The most voiced concerns were around the degree of involvement and say of the parishioners in the establishment of the new model; how the process would be carried out in accordance with the bishop; how roles would be defined in the new model; and financial matters.
 
Al suggested that Maritza write a short article about this for the bulletin.  Kathy saw the questions raised as a great way to engage more parishioners in the process.  She also asked if we could tactfully ask the bishop what he needs from the parish in order to say “yes” to the proposal of a new model.  Jack asked if the bishop could provide thoughts on what we should be communicating to parishioners throughout this process to make things go more smoothly.  Susan suggested that the parish could show its support for the new model by starting a letter campaign.
 
 
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?
The team met to review the proposed scheduled for the gathering space tables, the information regarding the parish directory and the operation of the parish council meetings.  Debbie was contacted regarding the announcements in the bulletin and church prior to council meetings.
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.
Need to meet with the Communication Team to review the overlap for Flocknotes and information needed for a parish directory
Challenges/Discoveries:	What did you do about the problems or challenges you encountered: actions taken, results achieved, people informed, etc.?
It’s going to be challenging to get all the directory information updated, and pictures done depending on the option chosen
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 determine the best option for the directory, we will need some additional people to help
Consider the impact that implementing your goals or actions are likely to have on parishioners. What will you do to prepare parishioners for the changes you are proposing to implement?	Please describe your approach to inform parishioners of the changes you are proposing. What parish committees will be impacted by your proposed changes?
We will have bulletin announcements, announcements at the end of church and Tables in the gathering space to try and get the information that is needed
Planned Activities (Please use the Timeline on page 3)	What are you planning to accomplish prior to your next scheduled Status Report? (Please use the Timeline on page 2)
Meet with the Communications committee

 
Kathy acknowledged the overlap with the Communication committee, and agreed to set up a meeting with Joe Q.   She noted that the committee has continued working with Debbie to announce Pastoral Council meetings, and also presented a proposed gathering space table schedule.  Kathy requested feedback on this schedule, and asked for people to be responsible for time slots if the schedule looked alright.  The scheduling overlaps with both the Communcation and Social Concerns committees.
 
Kathy mentioned that the committee could not think of any ideas for making the Pastoral Council more effective at this time.  It was noted that a Bylaws change would be needed to make changes to how the council operates.
 
With respect to scheduling, Dick noted that PC nominations would be in April, since elections would be on the first and third Sundays of May.  Mike Reis asked why Finance Council would be at the table, since they don’t recruit new members.  Kathy noted that parishioners with professional finance experience might be willing to help out, and Deacon John said that it would be more informational to have Finance Council be represented at the table.  Maritza and Kathy both liked the transparency of having all committees out there in the public eye, so that people could see what it takes to run the parish.  Al asked who would figure out timing for the tables- Kathy will work with Joe Q. and Sharon on timing.
 
Objective: Communicate, Increase Participation in Social Concerns
 

Activities/Accomplishments:
Decided that the website information is either out of date or incomplete Met to discuss how to update info, get more parish participation in this activity and grow Social Concerns ministries
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.
There will be overlap with the communications committee in communicating to the parish.
Challenges/Discoveries:	What did you do about the problems or challenges you encountered: actions taken, results achieved, people informed, etc.?
Unsure about the mechanics of updating the website.  Discussed with Debbie Seymour how this is done. She will make changes suggested or show us how. We are not sure how to communicate with all those involved in Social Concerns.  We decided to use the bulletin, the Resurrection email distribution lists, the monitor in the gathering space, at a minimum.  We also decided it could be useful to schedule a Social Concerns Ministry weekend, to communicate what is being done now, and ask for updates where information is not complete.
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 will need help pulling in others involved in Social Concerns Ministries. We will need help from the Communications Committee on updating the website. We will want to use the monitor in the Gathering Space.
Consider the impact that implementing your goals or actions are likely to have on parishioners. What will you do to prepare parishioners for the changes you are proposing to implement?	Please describe your approach to inform parishioners of the changes you are proposing. What parish committees will be impacted by your proposed changes?
We would see engagement with the Communications Committee. We would like to publish a notice in the bulletin “calling all Social Concerns volunteers”, send out a note to the Resurrection parish and via Sandy’s email note informing people of this activity and asking for help.
Planned Activities (Please use the Timeline on page 3)	What are you planning to accomplish prior to your next scheduled Status Report? (Please use the Timeline on page 2)
Update information currently available in various places, draft bulletin writeup, emails to parishioners

 
Sharon noted that it’s a five-part plan:
< >Pull together what we know today Draft list of social concern/agency, description, volunteer opportunities, contact info See handout for draft of recommended format Get help completing the writeup Put “request for help” in bulletin. Have info and request for updates at tables after each Mass Compile/complete information- work on draft for website (will need PC Communications team help) Update website Continuously update website info, seek additional opportunities, seek parish input Impacts a standing committee Impacts Pastoral Council Bylaws Impacts parish staff Requires finances beyond amounts designated in the budget Requires diocesan approval Requires individual parishioner responses for personal information or the collection of individual parishioner responses 
Maritza raised the question of what is meant by impacting parish staff- a request to make copies, for instance, would not be submitted to PC for approval.  Dick felt that it should be self-evident that something would require discussion and approval.  Father Graney felt that it was good to have these criteria published in the minutes.
 
Finding a Youth Representative: No progress has been made in appointing someone for this position.  Dick noted that it was important to find a youth rep.
 
New Business:
 
Adult Formation Program and Coordinator: Deacon John mentioned that Mary Louise was the last person to have coordinator role, and that this is done more informally now by Father Corrigan and Mary Louise.  Mary Louise commented that there’s currently no direction with adult formation, and that it can be difficult to get participation in retreats and other activities.  She mentioned that there are online religious education materials such as The Journey (El Camino), which provides Scripture, video, and contemplative prayer for adults, RCIA candidates, teens, and lapsed Catholics.
 
Mary Louise and Deacon John both said that adult education is done at the parish level, rather than at the diocesan level.  For instance, there is no diocesan training for Eucharistic ministers.  Father McQuaide is the coordinator for the Office of Worship for the diocese, but that he’s pulled in many directions.  Mary Louise asked if we could consider finding an Adult Faith Formation Coordinator, recognizing that there would be budgetary issues, and that such a person may not be available.
 
Father Graney noted that Ruth Sanders and Cory Zolandz have been leading a small faith sharing group.  Deacon John mentioned the “Christ Renews His Parish” program, indicating that it’s hard to get participation for something like that, particularly from the thirty-to-forty-something age demographic.  He also mentioned that the younger audience is more often online.  Jack suggested getting volunteers to personally invite parishioners to faith sharing groups.  Mike M. mentioned that the parents of children in CFP might be a good group to target, and that it might be good to find space to do an adult formation program while the kids are in class- otherwise, the parents drop the kids off, drive home, and then drive back a little while later.
 
Maritza brought up the point that the Diocese of Youngstown has already done a lot of work in establishing adult formation programs, and that it would be helpful to have a small group of people articulate what adults want and need in the way of programs.  Al asked if anyone would be willing to take it on- Father Graney said that he and Jack can take a look at the directory and start work.
 
Naming committee for Pastoral Council nominations in April: Dick indicated he’d be willing to participate, but not lead, this committee.  He noted that 4 steward positions and 2 trustee positions are up for grabs.  Deacon John clarified that some of the people currently in those positions will be eligible to run again.  After a call for volunteers, JoAnn, Dick, and Mike M. will make up that committee.
 
Parish Buzz:
 
Father Graney noted that in St. Bernadette’s annual report, the term “reclaim ministry” is used to describe the church’s work to bring people back into the fold.  Additionally, the Paulist evangelization site uses the term “ministry of reconciliation.”
 
Father Graney also mentioned that the parish’s Facebook page is managed by a few people, to whom requests can be made to post material.  These people include Father Graney, Debbie Seymour, and a few others.
 
With respect to social concerns, Father Graney said that it would be better to “divide and conquer” the tasks so that the work needing to get done isn’t as overwhelming.  He also stated that some people, such as Debbie Seymour, already take a lot upon themselves, helping way beyond what they are asked to do.
 
 
JoAnn moved to adjourn, Anita seconded, and the motion carried.  The meeting was adjourned at 8:28 PM.
 
Respectfully submitted, Mike Mitchell