PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

MEETING OF 2/28/07

Roll call: Katie Burke, Mike Behnke, Kathy Rinehart, Murray Mayo, Fr. Mark, Lisa Frey, Sandy Patrick, Terry Battaglia, Dave Mazanec, Bob Schultek, Jacki Calavitta, Louise Cox, and David Pastor

Opening Prayer: Lisa Frey.

Minutes Approved: Minutes of the last meeting held January 17th, were approved and seconded.

Business Items:

Clustering:

First on the agenda was a discussion regarding clustering. Resurrection received its letter regarding the parishes that we will be clustering with. Fr. Mark would like to send a letter back to the Bishop and re-explain our new energies and where he sees us in our new expanded area.

The Parish staff also received from Suzanne Horvath a list of new institutions that are now within our boundaries. The list will definitely present a challenge for us as a parish. Fr. Mark asked if there was a commitment from Council to reach out to this and see what each of these institutions to see what they need in terms of Spiritual guidance. At the same time, we need to determine what our “true” boundaries really are. As part of our new cluster, we need to make the other 2 parishes aware of our new commitments to these organizations and ask for their help to minister to each. A form letter will be drafted indicating that St. Jude’s is no longer an active parish and that they should contact us if a need arises.

ACTION: Council will go out with brochures to do 1 on 1 interviews to see what their Spiritual needs are. A form letter and list of questions will be developed so that everyone is consistent in what they are asking. Mike Behnke, along with Murray Mayo will head up the initial phase of this project.

 

Homilies:

Suggestion was received from someone in the parish to tape and publish the weekly homilies. Dave Pastor indicated that it was a lot of work for a small group of people that were requesting it. Fr. Mark agreed and said that the homily is an experience that you need to hear in person rather than on tape or in written form. A consensus was reached that will not be publishing the homily in any format.

Laity in the Church:

Council reconfirmed its commitment to host S. Kate Kuenstler PHJC, JCD on May 16th. Bob Schultek will help plan the event.

Marginalized in the Church:

Kathy indicated that Donna Kelly Rego was unable to attend on March 4th. However, using her notes, Terry Battaglia will facilitate the discussion.

March Council Meeting: Various topics discussed.

Bob Schultek voiced that we sometimes loose our continuity when we try to bring new members up to speed with the current topics of Council. Fr. Mark also indicated that Council unknowingly has done a really good job of influencing new people and been very welcoming. Dave Mazanec would like to see Council revisit the bylaws going forward.

Discernment:

Is voting or discernment better? With regard to discernment, Bob Schultek indicated that the process is more voluntary and allows a person to make a commitment. It was agreed that the current agenda of Council needs to run into next year. Bob will help train/transfer the process to an old Council member, as well as a new member.

 

Respectfully submitted,
Sandy Patrick
March 18, 2007