PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES MEETING OF 9/20/2006 Roll call: Jacki Calavitta,
Katie Burke, Mary Ann Theby, Mike Behnke, Kathy Rinehart, Murry Mayo, Jane
Hogan, Fr. Mark, Lisa Frey, Louise Cox, David Pastor, Sandy Patrick, Terry
Battaglia, Meg Matusek Open Prayer: Kathy started our meeting with a simple prayer asking that we open our ears to hear what the Spirit is asking us to do this coming year. Minutes Approved: Minutes of the last meeting held June 21, 2006, were approved and seconded. Kathy then informed the council of Tony Kuhel’s resignation and reviewed the agenda for this meeting. Discussion Items: Dennis Bodziony gave an update on the churches financial statements. Distribution to the general assembly will include the first 4 pages that we received at our meeting. This will be added to the bulletin in the next week or two. Dennis reminded us that any outstanding pledge monies that are received through the debt reduction envelopes are applied to the pledge first. As of July 1st, the maintenance envelope monies will be set aside for large expenditures in the coming months/years. Dennis explained that our Diocesan assessment (tax) is 16-17% and includes Sunday/Christmas/Easter but no special envelopes. He also explained that the assessment is added to monies collected through the Catholic Charities appeal for Diocesan activities. Lisa reminded us that the Charity/Justice envelope is not assessed as well as the dept reduction envelopes. Fr. Mark indicated that the parish is more favorable to special collections. Dennis also indicated that a debt reduction drive will be reviewed in 2007. VPL2 – Katie gave an update on the current proposals that will be submitted. The cover letter that is attached reflects our letter to the Bishop a couple of years ago regarding the priest shortage. Louise asked based on Proposal #1 how many families would this effect. Jackie responded that is was approximately 10,000. Katie indicated that all of the Chagrin Valley parishes want to cluster with us. Louise asked if we should have looked at the inner-ring parishes (Bedford/Maple Hts/etc.). She also asked if St. Jude voiced about joining us. Fr. Mark indicated that there is a proposal that St. Jude’s close and the Diocese will name a parish that they’ll be joined with. If this became Resurrection, we’d take over the geography that they now serve. Lisa indicated that this was the most vibrant proposal in the spirit of VPL. Fr. Mark also indicated that if this were to happen, we’d probably bring someone from their staff here to help with the transition. Kathy asked for a roundtable discussion on what everyone thought about each proposal. Kathy voiced that these were both a good start with big opportunities referencing our list from retreat; Jane also agreed that they were good ideas and that the committee did a thorough job. Dave Pastor agreed with comments already made. Dave Mazanec asked how many people currently attend St. Jude; Fr. Mark indicated roughly 180 families. Mike Behnke said that this was a natural progression and an opportunity to take what is being handed to us and improve upon it. Murray also indicated the great job that the committee did thus far. Kathy asked for a voice motion to accept the proposals; approval was given with 1 nay. Louise gave an update on the next phase of the education piece. She
indicated that the next poster display was put up this evening and
will also be in the bulletin. A VPL II forum to educate the community
will be held on October 25th. The forum itself will be run by Fr. Mark
and Katie, but the other committee members are asked to attend in case
small roundtable discussions need to be had. A frequently asked questions
sheet will be developed and handed out at the forum. Also, October
1st and October 15th there will be handouts in the church bulletin,
with a pulpit announcement on October 8th. Bylaws discussion – A discussion that the bylaws need to be revisited was short and to the point. Dave Mazanec with the help of Mary Ann Theby and Lisa Frey will take a look at what needs to be done to bring them up to date. Open Space – Fr. Mark once again talked about our blank agenda
for the year and how we need to speak to the things that give us energy.
He reminded us that members need to step forward to educate us on the
topics we’ve come up with. Topics for the evening should take
up the first hour of each meeting with general discussion and reporting
items to follow. Dave Pastor and Mary Ann Theby will work on Hospitality
which is our first topic being presented at the October 18th meeting.
During our next meeting we’ll be following up with the rest of
the committee to see what each of us will be volunteering for. Reporting Items: Some events making headlines include: The second annual Volunteer Fair is scheduled for the weekend of September 30 – October 1. We are in the process of updating committee information. The Just Neighbors program continues. Floating greeter schedules through September were distributed. There will be a potluck supper on Thursday, October 12 at 6:00 before the evening liturgy. Justice Commission is sponsoring a Fair Trade Boutique on Sunday, October 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Name Tag Sunday will be held on October 22nd. Respectfully submitted, Sandy Patrick |