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Cluster News and Meeting Minutes: | |
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Cluster Plan for the Parishes of Church of the Resurrection, SS Cosmas and Damian and St. Rita
Vibrant Parish Life II Cluster Plan Initiatives Parish-wide Communication-June 8, 2008 Cluster Planning Meeting #8 Present: SS. Cosmas & Damian St. Rita Resurrection The meeting began at 3:10pm in room 114 of the Administration Center with an opening prayer, Persevere in Running the Race, and a scripture reading, Hebrews 12:1-3, led by Carol Twigger. Introduction and Meeting Overview
Catholic School serving this area and adjacent clusters.
(Specific headings for each goal were identified in the Diocesan Cluster Planning Handbook Appendix D)
Establish Meeting Date for Combined Parish and Finance Councils in Cluster the parish and finance councils within the cluster collectively. The power point presentation will take place at 7:00pm in Twinhaven on the campus of SS. Cosmas & Damian Parish. The inviting of pertinent staff members to the presentation is at the discretion of the respective pastors. Carol Twigger will arrange for refreshments of decaffeinated coffee and cookies. Develop at least one goal and a one year plan for the last priority area:
stable Catholic School serving this area and adjacent clusters.
a more defined name to specify the region served.
corporate donations, marketing committee.
of their home parish. This is viewed as a means to encourage parishioners to remain at their home parish, important to all. Presently, Resurrection subsidizes. SS. Cosmas & Damian has no agreement in place at this time. Carol Twigger will seek further consideration regarding this matter from the pastor and finance council.
Catherine Mazanec will word goal/goals, one year action plan, key resources and structures, and basic financial plan and budget for the school section of the proposed cluster plan draft based upon the meeting discussion. A copy will then be e-mailed to each member of the cluster planning committee for their input and approval. Discuss Preliminary Draft of One Year Plan for Goals Identified for the Other Priority Areas Priority Initiatives one through four were discerned in regards to goal/goals, the one year action plan, key resources and structures, as well as the basic financial plan and budget. Please note that any changes agreed upon at the meeting are printed in blue. Since the proposed draft remains in its initial stages at present, the entire draft is not included in the minutes, only the changes. If no changes were made at the meeting, the draft serves as is for presentation purposes to the joint parish and finance councils of the cluster and is so noted in red. pastors and parish team members to focus on other responsibilities.
Cluster Planning Meeting #7 Present: Resurrection SS. Cosmas & Damian St. Rita The meeting began at 3:10pm in the Galilee Room with an opening prayer, Persevere in Running the Race, and a scripture reading, Hebrews 12:1-3, led by Carol Twigger. Introduction and Meeting Overview An overview of the agenda presented by Catherine Mazanec followed which included the objectives listed below:
Youth Ministry (Paula Kampf, Faith Formation Director at SS. Cosmas & Damian Parish)
These three focal points were perceived as acceptable starting points by the cluster committee for the Youth Ministry program which is aligned with priority issue number two, Strengthen efforts to provide a welcoming and evangelizing presence for the growing numbers of racially and culturally diverse people. This initiative will serve as the first goal in this category and meets the criteria for evaluating opportunities as well as the development and implementation of a preliminary plan for each goal. Implications of Planning Process Timeline The timeline was then reviewed and attention was given to four specific meeting dates.
Begin Process of Evaluating Opportunities Attention was next directed to the process of evaluating key collaborative opportunities based on the following criteria with emphasis on the success and visibility of each opportunity.
Develop Preliminary Implementation Plan for Each Goal Guidelines for implementing the established goals were then focused upon.
Cluster Plan Outline The cluster planning team was also directed to consider the cluster plan outline for the next meeting and to identify anything critical for the individual parish to include in the plan as it relates to parish strengths and existing collaborations; key realities, trends, and their implications; and priority issues and related goals. Preliminary Goals Supporting the Five Priority Issues The process of evaluating each key objective supporting the Five Priority Issues commenced with adherence to the procedures outlined above. After much discussion and consideration, the selected goals were determined and agreed upon by all members of the cluster planning team present.
Summary Establishing goals for priority issue number five, Continue to monitor enrollment trends and collaborate to insure the long term presence of a strong, stable Catholic School serving this area and adjacent clusters, will be determined at the next meeting of the cluster planning committee. Other opportunities outside the five priority areas and any unaddressed issues will be discerned as well. Meeting Adjourned: 4:50pm Next Meeting: Monday, March 31, 2008 in room 114 of the Administration Center on the campus of SS. Cosmas & Damian Parish.
Cluster Planning Meeting #6 Present: St. Rita Resurrection SS. Cosmas & Damian Guests The meeting began at 3:07pm in St. Rita’s Resource Center with an opening prayer, One Body in Christ, read by Catherine Mazanec. Introduction and Meeting Overview
Discussion with Representatives of Epiphany Parish and The Thea Bowman Center Preliminary results of Epiphany’s Clustering Process: The parishes of Epiphany, St. Cecilia, and Our Lady of Peace are to cluster with the intent of one parish existing after the closing of two. A core issue in the clustering process is the maintaining of an African American Catholic presence in the area. A fear of the loss of parishioners exists due to geographical boundaries if two of the parishes were to close. A concern for the support of The Thea Bowman Center exists as well pending the results of the clustering process. The cluster is still learning more about the needs of the clustered parishes. General Discussion: How can our cluster help?
Summary: Further discussion and information is needed before a commitment is made as to a final collaborative initiative. A subcommittee needs to be formed to gather needed information, define the center, review support, and draft a proposal. Finance Councils at the respective parishes need to be consulted as does the pastor of SS. Cosmas & Damian. Lisa Frey will contact Carole Tremagilo and /or Mary Ann Tinus for more information. Overview of St. Rita School (Mary Petelin, Principal) St. Rita School, a National Blue Ribbon Award Winner, serves 470 students in 19 different districts. Fifty percent of the student body comes from Twinsburg. Due to the closing of SS. Cosmas & Damian School, St. Rita did not have a decline in enrollment as was seen throughout the diocese. Full enrollment maintains the school financially. If not, the budget deficit must be subsidized through the parish collection. Enrollment is not definite until August, so anticipated projections are made and tuition is set accordingly. Enrollment changes due to tuition cost, demographics, and the transient nature of the area. In order to successfully maintain enrollment, parents need to witness the school as a Eucharistic Community for their children in all aspects of education where values are instilled morally and spiritually when given the choice between a strong public school in the area and a Catholic school in the forefront which provides an education exceeding national academic standards while at the same time nurturing the spiritual development of the child. Because it is a parental choice, parents must want to build the Catholic community of tomorrow and realize that a Christ Centered education permeates who the students are and fosters a desire to continue on in life as faith practicing adult Catholics. General Discussion: How does cluster relate to school?
Summary: Presently, Resurrection and SS. Cosmas & Damian Parishes pay a higher tax because they do not have a school to subsidize. Since St. Rita is attracting students regionally, the cluster should pay the same assessment if all parishes in the cluster are supporting the school. Begin Process of Evaluating/Narrowing Collaborative Opportunities This process will continue into next month’s meeting with presentations concerning Youth Ministry from Paula Kampf and Social Justice from Deacon Ed Chernick. Summary In order to successfully prepare for next month’s meeting, cluster team members are to think about the three remaining possible collaborative initiatives (Strengthening pastoral care in an equitable manner, Providing a welcoming and evangelizing presence for a diverse people, and Engaging the faithful in regularly attending and participating in the Sunday Eucharistic Liturgy) in this manner:
The refining of the priority issues will take place over the next two meetings in order to best finalize the process. Review Planning Process Timeline The May 26, 2008 meeting has been rescheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2008 in observance of Memorial Day. Communication: Communicate to parishioners that two of the five priority issues (Church in the City Partnership and The long term presence of a Catholic school in the area) were the focus of the most recent cluster planning meeting and that no conclusion has been reached at this time. This communication is to be viewed by all members prior to being issued. Meeting Adjourned: 4:50pm Next Meeting: Monday, February 25, 2008 at Resurrection Parish
VPL II Cluster presents A Christmas Concert January 6, 2008 at 3 PM VIBRANT PARISH LIFE II Cluster Planning Process Church of the Resurrection, SS Cosmas & Damian and St. Rita Parish Communication 2 (December 2007)
Background and Process The Diocesan-wide Cluster Planning Process is well underway. The objective of the process is to enhance the vibrancy of parishes and to strengthen the mission, ministry and pastoral care of the Church. Our cluster is comprised of Church of the Resurrection, SS Cosmas & Damian and St. Rita. Our planning group has been meeting monthly since June and will complete its process in June 2008. At that time we will prepare and present our cluster plan to our parishes. After presenting to our member parishes, the plan will be refined and submitted to Bishop Lennon for review and approval.
Status Our planning group has identified an initial list of potential collaborative initiatives. At future meetings, we will evaluate and prioritize the initiatives, selecting those we agree to pursue jointly. During this process, we will provide additional updates to keep you informed of our progress.
Statement of Intent We have developed a statement of intent for our cluster. This statement reflects our desire to work collaboratively to better serve our parishioners and the wider community. It is reproduced below.
Statement of Intent Church of the Resurrection, SS. Cosmas and Damian and St. Rita
Although we are three distinct, vital and financially stable parishes, we understand the value of working together to provide a stronger Catholic presence in our communities. By working collaboratively, we will also be better able to support and be enriched by our partnerships with parishes in the City of Cleveland. Our goal is always to consider whether or not we can be more effective and achieve greater results working together on specific initiatives. Over time, this focus will deepen and strengthen our relationship, and we will view each other as partners in serving the common good, and in proclaiming and celebrating the good news.
Cluster Planning Meeting #5 Monday, November 26, 2007 SS. Cosmas & Damian
Present: SS. Cosmas & Damian Rev. John Singler, Deacon Ed Chernick, Carol Twigger, Paula Kampf, Deb Grgic, Camille Horvath
St. Rita Rev. Richard Burchell, Bob Slanina, Richard Cyr, Andrea Kneier
Resurrection Rev. J. Mark Hobson, Catherine Mazanec, Lisa Frey, Kay Mitro, Mary Ann Theby
The meeting began at 3:10pm in room 114 of the administration center with an opening prayer and scripture reading (1 Corinthians 10:23-26; 31-33) led by Carol Twigger.
Introduction and Meeting Overview Catherine Mazanec directed everyone’s attention to the agenda focused on the following objectives:
Final Planning Issues for Choir Event The choir event scheduled for 3:00pm on January 6, 2008, Epiphany Sunday, at SS. Cosmas & Damian Parish, will be a collaborative effort between the choirs in the cluster. Carol Twigger is in communication with the directors (Rob Keshock/SS. Cosmas & Damian; Bob McMurray/St. Rita; Meg Matuska/Resurrection) to solidify the concert aspect of the program.
Program: Parishioner will be welcomed in the gathering area of the church and receive color coded nametags. The colors will signify their home parish. The pastors, staff members, and cluster planning team members will receive color coded name tags as well. Once all have been assembled in the church, the event will begin with an introduction by the pastors. This introduction (scripture reading? prayer? blessing?) is to include the Vibrant Parish Life Prayer. The event will proceed with the choir presentation from each individual parish. Prior to each choir performance, the parish staff of the corresponding parish will be introduced. The choir performance will conclude with a collaborative presentation between the three parish choirs. The cluster planning team members will then invite all present to attend a reception in Twinhaven.
Hospitality: SS. Cosmas & Damian is to provide the liquid refreshments. St. Rita and Resurrection are to provide the bakery. A co-coordinator from each parish is to be chosen at that parish’s discretion to organize this portion. Carol Twigger is to gather the cups, napkins, etc…and to speak with Denise Turle for additional help in this area.
Communication: Each parish is to include a flyer of their choice in their church bulletins over the next few weeks inviting parishioners to attend the first clustering social event. Posters of some type were also suggested to encourage parishioner attendance.
Confirm Vision for Our Cluster
A draft of the cluster vision statement which is to capture the spirit of the clustering process was read aloud.
“The parishes in our cluster are financially stable, vital and independent. By working together and collaborating where possible, they will provide a stronger ministry to their parishioners and to the larger community in which they function. Their goal is always to consider whether they can be more effective and achieve greater results working together on specific initiatives. Over time, this focus will deepen and strengthen their relationship, and they will view each other as partners, serving the common good.”
The cluster planning team reviewed the statement’s content for accuracy in the reflection of a positive vision, and the strengthening of the mission of the church cluster for future collaboration, ongoing communication, and the development of new possibilities within the cluster. It was emphasized that this vision states the cluster’s description and not become a mission statement. The vision statement was reviewed for wording as well.
Content Suggestions:
Wording Suggestions:
The chairs will refine and continue to develop the vision statement’s content and wording in consideration of the suggestions provided. Once developed, the revised statement will be e-mailed to the group for further suggestions. The final vision statement must be agreed on by all team members. The goal is to provide a final copy of the vision statement to the parishioners during the seasons of Advent/Christmas in order to reach a greater majority of the parish population.
Confirm Involvement of Youth Ministry Leaders and Social Justice Organizations Youth Ministry and Social Justice Paula Kampf is to contact and coordinate a meeting with the Youth Ministry Leaders of St. Rita and Resurrection, and Deacon Ed Chernick is to contact and coordinate a meeting with the individuals responsible for the Social Justice Program at St. Rita and Resurrection (Lisa Frey). The goal is to discern through brainstorming efforts where each group may collaborate most effectively. Deacon Ed Chernick and Paula Kampf will provide feedback on these opportunities to the cluster planning committee.
Since CYO is already viewed as collaborative, and SS. Cosmas & Damian is in a different CYO district than the other two parishes, the program will remain as it is.
Continue Identifying Potential Collaborative Opportunities/Goals
For each of the remaining potential collaborative opportunities above, brainstorming ensued focusing on ways to effectively strengthen each area collaboratively and to ensure that it is aligned with one of the five priority issues identified by the bishop. Financial Support for Sister City Parishes: St. Rita and Resurrection are connected with Epiphany Parish. SS. Cosmas & Damian will join efforts to support as well, although a coordinator is needed for this endeavor.
Consensus was to commit at present to support the cluster of Epiphany Parish and develop further efforts depending on the cluster results. Lisa Frey is to find out where Epiphany’s Cluster is at in the clustering process at the present time and to invite someone from their cluster to come and explain to our cluster what is occurring for them as a result of their efforts. This category is directly aligned with a priority issue as outlined by the bishop. Separated & Divorced/Bereavement: No program currently exists for any of the parishes in the cluster. Individuals in this category at Resurrection were recommended to a more vital program outside of the parish.
It was determined that further discussion is needed and that the group would not commit to anything specific at this time, but return to the topic at a later date yet to be determined. It was announced at this time that an eight week marriage course will be offered at SS. Cosmas & Damian in the near future. This course is directed to couples who have been married for five to seven years and will be offered two times a year. Deacon Ed Chernick is the contact person. The Parish of St. Rita hosts a speaker for couples during World Marriage Day. Sacramental Preparation: The idea of collaborating for RCIA was once again suggested, but no discussion followed since it was determined not to be open to collaboration as decided upon at the last meeting.
Since sacramental uniformity is not within the cluster, it was decided that it is important to make parishioners aware of the theology aspect (initiation/canon law) so there is a consistent understanding of the differences at each parish and the reasoning for such. Summer Faith Preparation/GOF: These two possible collaborative initiatives were presented collectively. The Summer Faith Program offered at SS. Cosmas & Damian Parish is an intense one week faith formation program for youth in grades one through twelve. It is a condensed version of the former PSR program which is offered throughout the school year and is taught by professional teachers during the summer. Due to its overwhelming success, next year’s program will be modified into a two week program in order to accommodate the larger population and maintain an adequate student teacher ratio. One week will be offered for children in grades one through four and a second week will be offered for youth in grades five through twelve. This program is open to all youth in the cluster. The youth who attend the Summer Institute must also attend the eight Generations of Faith (GOF) events offered monthly throughout the traditional school year with their families. Each event is thematic and directly related to the liturgical calendar. GOF is also open to all, regardless of age. Resurrection hosts a Vacation Bible School in June as well as very well attended Junior High Summer Camp. The idea of collaborating on the Summer Faith Institute Program or the Structured Classroom Faith Formation/PSR did not evoke further brainstorming or discussion. Review Collaborative Initiatives by Priority Area The possible collaborative areas were reviewed and assessed considering the best way to support each initiative within the cluster most effectively, and ensure at least one goal/opportunity for each. Changes to the original are identified in blue.
It was determined that this initiative is fine as is.
The consideration of implementing a life teen program was eliminated so as not to discuss a specific program.
This was previously discussed in the meeting and was determined to be fine as is.
It was determined best to discuss St. Rita Parochial School separately after an overview is presented by the principal, Mrs. Mary Petelin, at the next meeting.
Communication Communication to the parishioners defining the cluster and the presentation of a brief overview will be drafted by Carol Twigger. This will be reviewed by the co chairs and then forwarded to the pastors for their review and comments. It will then be sent to all members of the Cluster Planning Committee before being distributed to the parishioners in a bulletin insert along with the final vision statement. The bulletin insert will be the same for all three parishes and distributed on the same date as well.
Summary In summation, the vision statement is to be solidified and articulate the voice of the cluster once it is refined and agreed upon. After the two presentations at the next meeting, the five priority issues are to be evaluated.
Meeting adjourned: 4:55pm
Next Meeting: Monday, January 28, 2008 at The Parish of St. Rita
Click below to download a pdf of Inserted in the bulletin of October 28, 2007 VIBRANT PARISH LIFE II Cluster Planning Process Church of the Resurrection, SS Cosmas & Damian and St. Rita Parish Communication 1 (October 2007)
Organization The Diocesan-wide Cluster Planning Process is underway! Parish-to-parish clusters have been identified throughout the Diocese, and each group has begun meeting. The objective of the process is to “enhance the vibrancy of parishes and to strengthen the mission, ministry and pastoral care of the Church in an equitable manner…” (excerpted from Bishop Richard Lennon’s letter of May 22nd to pastors and parish leaders).
Each parish within a cluster group is represented by five members: the pastor, a member of the parish team, a representative of Parish Council and Finance Council and an at-large member. The Solon-Twinsburg cluster includes Church of the Resurrection, SS Cosmas & Damian and St. Rita. Our cluster membership includes:
Resurrection: Rev. J. Mark Hobson, Lisa Frey, Mary Ann Theby, Catherine Mazanec, Kay Mitro
SS Cosmas and Damian: Rev. John Singler. Deb Grgic, Paula Kampf, Rev. Mr. Ed Chernick, Carol Twigger
St . Rita: Rev. Richard Burchell, Andrea Kneier, Tim Panzica, Richard Cyr, Bob Slanina, Daphne Held
Process Timeline Our cluster planning group will meet once a month. Our first meeting was held in July, and our process is scheduled to conclude in June 2008, when we will prepare and present our cluster plan to our parishes. After presenting to our member parishes, the plan will be refined and submitted to Bishop Lennon for review and approval.
Communications We will be providing you with updates throughout our process. Each parish will be provided with the same communication, Bulletin insert or Bulletin announcement so that all parishioners have the same information. As the process unfolds, we may convene joint meetings of the member parishes to share information or obtain input.
Priority Issues Agreed to At our initial meeting, the cluster planning committee agreed that the following five priority issues will guide our efforts.
Planning Process and Initial Findings
After initial meetings to organize our process and select our Co-Chairs and Communications Liaison, we spent some time getting to know each other better. Here are the results of this initial part of the process.
Our Co-Chairs are: Bob Slanina (St. Rita) and Catherine Mazanec (Resurrection). Carol Twigger (SS Cosmas & Damian) will serve as Communications Liaison and will also function as a Co-Chair.
DID YOU KNOW? The population that we serve:
Our Parish Communities (statistics shown are for 2006):
Financial Position
During the balance of the process, the cluster planning group will surface opportunities to collaborate among themselves. They will also identify ways in which, working together (and perhaps including other suburban clusters), they may reach out and support some of our poorer city parishes. Some initiatives may require us to establish subcommittees (e.g., youth ministry).
After the next meeting, scheduled for October 29th, we will be sharing some of the ideas and initiatives that surface in brainstorming sessions. We will then prioritize among the initiatives, creating a vision and an implementation plan for each initiative we agree to pursue. We anticipate interaction with our parish communities during this process.
Stay tuned for more updates!
Cluster Planning News
We have now embarked on the next step in the Vibrant Parish Life II process, which involves the development of a detailed plan for how our cluster (Resurrection, St. Rita, and Ss. Cosmas and Damian) will collaborate in the future to insure a continued vibrant Catholic presence in our area. Each parish has been asked to supply five committee members, inclusive of two Parish Staff members (Fr. Mark & Lisa Frey,) a Parish Council representative (Mary Ann Theby,) a Finance Council representative (Catherine Mazanec,) and a parishioner at large (Kay Mitro.)
First Cluster Meeting minutes follows the second meeting. Cluster Planning Meeting #2 Monday, August 27, 2007 Ss. Cosmas & Damian Church
Present: Ss. Cosmas & Damian- Rev. John Singler, Deb Grgic, Paula Kampf, Rev. Mr. Ed Chernick, Carol Twigger Resurrection - Lisa Frey, Mary Ann Theby, Catherine Mazanec, Rev. J. Mark Hobson, Kay Mitro St. Rita - Andrea Kneier, Rev. Richard Burchell, Tim Panzica, Richard Cyr, Daphne Held, Bob Slanina
The meeting began at 3:05 PM in room 113 of the Administration Building.
Fr. Hobson distributed copies of the minutes from the first meeting in July. He also distributed a list of CPC members and their e-mail addresses. There was one correction regarding the correct spelling of Mary Ann Theby’s name. There were no other corrections to either document from the group.
Fr. Hobson noted for the group that the agenda for this meeting is situated in the context of prayer to emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit in our discernment of leadership. The meeting then proceeded with the prayer provided, followed by the discernment of leadership as called for by the agenda supplied in the Cluster Planning and Coordination Handbook for Step Five. We adapted the Discernment Process for CPC Team Leaders supplied in Appendix B of the Handbook as follows:
The role of Cluster Chairperson was read from page 20 of the Handbook followed by a discussion of the gifts necessary for this position. Bob Slanina (St. Rita,) Catherine Mazanec (Resurrection,) and Carol Twigger (Ss. Cosmas & Damian) were proposed as candidates and accepted nomination.
It was noted that the Vice Chair’s role is similar to that of the Chair, calling for similar gifts. It was suggested that they could be discerned together as co-chairs.
A prayer to the Holy Spirit was offered.
Candidates shared information about their relevant past experience as well as their reflections on their availability, their desire, and their gifts for leadership on the CPC. The group was invited to ask questions of the candidates for leadership and to offer words of affirmation. The candidates’ responses indicated that all were open to new and creative ideas, and that they saw their positions as encouraging the collaboration of the whole team in the development of ideas and goals for our cluster plan.
It was noted by Tim Panzica that we had three qualified candidates – one from each parish in the cluster – and that perhaps they could form together the leadership team we need. It was noted that the role of Cluster Secretary calls for a special type of skill different than the other three positions. Further conversation acknowledged that a person taking notes accurately cannot fully participate in the meeting. It was proposed that a person not on the CPC be sought to serve as a secretary for the meetings. Fr. Singler and Paula Kampf indicated that they knew of a capable and potentially willing party from Ss. Cosmas and Damian. It was agreed not to elect a CPC secretary, but to secure another volunteer for this purpose. Fr. Singler and Paula Kampf will pursue their lead.
The description of the Communication Liaison Person was then read.
It was proposed by Tim Panzica and Fr. Hobson that the three candidates have some time to talk among themselves to see if they might negotiate how best the roles of Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Communication Liaison might be carried out by the three of them.
Upon their return, the three announced the following leadership positions: Cluster Co Chair Persons……… Bob Slanina (St. Rita) Catherine Mazanec (Resurrection) Communications Liaison………. Carol Twigger (Ss. Cosmas & Damian)
The CPC Team unanimously accepted the choice of leadership.
The possibility of hiring a facilitator for future meetings was discussed. All agreed there was no felt need for a facilitator at this time. It was noted that the group would be open to entertaining the possibility in the future if the need arises.
Fr. Hobson reminded the group that the next meeting will entail the sharing of information about our parishes which will require the following documents, all of which are listed on the agenda for Step 6 on page 15 of the Handbook:
Documents Supplied by the Diocese of Cleveland
Updated VPL Phase I Self-Study Reports including:
5 Year Parish Financial Trends Report
Members of the Team were encouraged to review the content of these documents prior to the next meeting.
Meeting was adjourned at 4:35 PM
Next Meeting: September 24, 3:00 PM at St. Rita Church (Resource Center)
Cluster Planning and Coordination Meeting #1 Monday, July 16, 2007 Church of the Resurrection
Present: Ss. Cosmas & Damian Rev. John Singler, Deb Grgic, Paula Kampf, Rev. Mr. Ed Chernick Resurrection Lisa Frey, Mary Ann Theby, Rev. J. Mark Hobson, Terry Battaglia St. Rita Andrea Kneier, Rev. Richard Burchell, Tim Panzica, Richard Cyr, BobSlanina
The meeting began at 1:45 PM in the Worship Space with prayer and sharing as directed by the agenda supplied in the Cluster Planning and Coordination Handbook for Step Four.
Prayer was followed by silent reflection, one on one sharing, and large group sharing around our fears and hopes for the Vibrant Parish Life process.
The committee then moved to a meeting room to view the video supplied by the diocese. Some brief comments were shared regarding the video.
Fr. Hobson from Resurrection chaired the meeting. He reviewed with the members of the committee the priority issues for cluster planning listed in the Bishop’s May, 2007 letter to the cluster and distributed a copy to each member. The five priority issues are:
The group agreed that these priority issues seemed appropriate for our cluster. Fr. Hobson reminded the committeee that our final plans will be evaluated by the diocese on the basis of their fidelity to these priorities.
The issue of setting a calendar of meetings to accommodate the various steps in the Cluster Planning Process was raised. The committee agreed that it appeared that the steps could be facilitated by a monthly meeting. It was agreed that meetings could be added or cancelled to adapt to the needs of the committee as they unfold. Monday was acceptable to those present as a good day to meet. Although daytime seemed preferable to most because of already vibrant parish schedules in the evening, it was agreed to move the meeting time to 3:00 PM to better accommodate those whose work schedules are less flexible. We agreed to the fourth Monday of the month.
The following was agreed upon as a tentative calendar for the process:
August 27………............................................................Step 5 select CPC team leaders September 24 ……......………………………………....Step 6 review key information; discern strengths, needs, priorities
October 29 (fourth Monday is annual priests’ convocation)..Step 6
November 26………………………………………….....Step 7 discern specific cluster plans: address the five priority issues
No December Meeting: Merry Christmas!
January 28…………………………………………….....Step 7
February 25…………………………………………..….Step 7
March 31 (fourth Monday is Easter Monday)………..……Step 7
April 28………………………………………………….Step 8 share preliminary cluster plans
May 26…………………………………………………...Step 9 refine plans in response to consultation / share revision w/ parishes
June 23…...........................................................................Step 10 develop and submit Cluster Plan to Diocese The attention of the committee was then drawn to page 20 of the Handbook and the information regarding the leadership roles for the committee. Fr. Hobson stated that his role as convener of the committee was temporary until the leadership was elected at the next meeting. The committeee members were invited to read over the Roles Involved in Cluster Planning and Coordination in preparation for the discernment of leadership that will take place at the next meeting. Meeting was adjourned at 3:45 PM
Next Meeting: August 27, 3:00 PM at Ss. Cosmas & Damian
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