Pastoral Council
Minutes of the meeting on
October 27, 2009
Present: Dee BelleIsle, Erle P Blanchard, Diana Ginter, Tom Ginter, Jeannette Hoag, Frank Duffy, Fr. Bob, Marc Cousineau, Ron Koron, Greg McGinn.
Also present: Rosanne Santos
Following the opening prayer the minutes of the meeting on September 22 were approved.
Ron Koron provided the finance report. For the end of September, cash on hand was $66,000. There was a $28,205 net operating surplus at month’s end the only major capital expense for the fiscal year thus far was a new telephone system for the rectory. Ron noted that weekly collections and second collections were both less than in the prior year. With Cheryl Fitzgerald’s departure, the parish was currently paying two religious education salaries, for Dick Lizotte and Teresa Jackson. Brenda Lance is also assisting as Religious Ed secretary.
Marc Cousineau advised that a “Thank You” reception for Cheryl was slated for November 8 following the 10:30 AM Mass. Carrie Richters was coordinating baked goods from families in Religious Ed and the Women’s Society would furnish sandwiches and beverages.
Marc also updated the Council on the parish newsletter and thanked the Pat and Jack Sheehan for their efforts in reviving this valuable communications tool. Marc suggested that members give feedback to the Sheehan’s on their own assessment of the newsletter and also comments from parishioners. Members expressed satisfaction with the content and focus of the newsletter articles and the use of photographs. It was noted that a heavier grade of paper would improve the appearance of the photos.
Dee BelleIsle noted that plans were underway for the annual pot luck dinner and feast day celebration at IC set for December 8 at 6PM.
Erle Blanchard provided information about the November foods collection which would be used in support of the community-wide Thanksgiving basket project. Additionally, cash donations were being accepted for the distribution of other food which would be prepared and organized November 20 – 24. There was discussion about the high school youth group providing assistance on Sunday Nov 22.
Marc Cousineau advised that Loaves and Fishes had receiver nearly $14,000 from the special collection on Columbus weekend and several subsequent donations. The fund was well positioned to furnish cash an anticipated greater need for assistance.
Frank Duffy advised that the parish Christmas dinner party was scheduled for Monday, December 14 at the Lake Sunapee Country Club. The cost was $26 per person. The Men’s Club planned to honor its long term members who were no longer able to attend regularly due to age or illness with a lifetime membership.
Diana Ginter noted that planning was on track for the Holiday Fair set for November 14. She asked for the assistance of some waiters from youth ministry to assist in the “café.” She also noted that there were two raffles, one for an assortment of gifts and prizes to be awarded at the Fair, and a second for the doll house to be chosen at the Parish Gathering Day in December. The women’s Society also planned to adopt families for holiday gifts as well as arrange for the “giving tree” for the whole parish on the First Sunday of Advent.
Tom Ginter noted that Walt Kangas was in need of younger and more agile assistance for a variety of odd jobs. Frank Duffy suggested assistance from youth ministry.
Jeanette Hoag reported for Christian formation that the Agape group was focusing this year on “The Life of the Church.” An Advent adult ed series is planned on “The Bible and the Mass.” Cheryl was continuing her presentation on Henri Nouwen with the contemplative dialogue group. A parish wide gathering for “Whole Parish Catechesis” was scheduled for Sunday December 6 following the 10:30 AM Mass and would also include the participation of the Magdalene College Choir.
Marc Cousineau read from a report submitted on Liturgy that was furnished by Deb Russell. A Healing Mass with the Anointing of the Sick was set for Nov 1. The All Souls remembrance will take place on Nov 8. Advent booklets will be distributed at all the Masses on Nov21/22. The Advent penance service is scheduled for Wednesday, December 16.
Marc lead a discussion on planning that was based on the materials distributed at the Diocesan presentation in June, “Feed My Sheep.” There was discussion of the generational overview and the generational profiles. In preparation for the November Council meeting, Marc provided copies of the power point slides used in the key note discussion at the June presentation and then asked members to use the slides while considering four specific areas: Mass Attendance, Technology, Leadership, and Volunteers, looking at each area and how these relate to our committees.
Next Meeting: Tuesday, November 17.