Parish Council Minutes 3/21/2007

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In attendance: Fr. Greg Schaut, Deacon Dick Beercheck, Lynne Zullo, Pat Singleton, Ron Ruble, Steve Kovach, Carol Masek, Bob Walsh, Mary Zavoda, Kelsey Robertson.
Excused: Fr. Tom Hagedorn, Fr. Joe Pednekar
Meeting Start Time: 7:00 PM
Gospel Reading and Reflection
February minutes were reviewed and approved, minor changes.

Old Business

Smoking Ban: We received new adhesive signs for the smoking ban. Smoking policy was discussed and questions from visitors addressed.

Commissions: Bob Walsh presented, no changes were made to the broad structure of the commissions. There are still the original 5, with discussion of adding a school board under the education commission. Parish Council members could be asked to serve on the initial startup of the school board Research Committee, until regular members are recruited and leaders selected.

Clustering: Deacon Beercheck presented details; eleven parishes have requested changes. Bishop Lennon is keeping the names of the parishes confidential until decisions are made and announced, in April/May. Dick offered these figures: from a high of 1.5 million Catholics, the diocese is down to 450 thousand. More than 60 parishes are running a financial liability, out of more than 200.

Pat asked if the original clustering team would be meeting again to discuss results; Deacon Beercheck said yes, but with the delays for change requests and review, a date has not been set.

Capital Fund update: progress good; roughly halfway through the 3-year commitment, a bit more than half the funds collected.

Welcoming Ministry Recruitment: Welcoming is beginning to expand and preparing to recruit individual parishioners as well as organizations.

Carol Masek suggested getting assistance with directing traffic in the parking lot during well attended Masses. Debbie Klypchak mentioned that we had signs at one time that designated a specific entrance and an exit path, wondered if we have them still.

Mary Zavoda wondered if we should get more energetic with recruiting volunteers for parish ministries and functions, and we discussed the difficulties in recruiting. John mentioned that often the people who already volunteer a lot can't really do more, but often know someone who can help.

New Business

RCIA/Easter Vigil: Pat asked for volunteers to bake for RCIA Reception after Easter Vigil. Debbie Klypchak mentioned that she had seen other parishes put out a bulletin insert with color pictures of the RCIA candidates and catechumens, suggested putting up their pictures on a sign so the members of the parish might know them to say hello.

Music Ministry: Music Director John Franks reported that we are receiving a new (used) piano, in better condition than our existing one. John discussed possibly changing choir practice schedules next season, having children's choir meet on a different night. Also, John will be discussing with Mr. Stroh the possibility of moving the younger kids to a new group, since they learn at a different speed than the older kids. John is looking at the possibility and cost of repairing some damaged tone bells, so they can be used again, and Pat asked about the possibility of a spring concert. John said he'd very much like to, but with the transition, next year is more likely.

Youth Ministries: Pat gave an update on Jr. Holy Name Society activities, the success of the soup and bake sales, and on other youth ministries. The possibility of a float for the Fourth of July parade, the start of Living Stations practice. She also mentioned the presence of Jr. Holy Name Societies at other parishes, such as St. Timothy's and St. Monica's. Jr. Holy Name is looking at other activities, including cleaning the pews, and raising money for USCCB peace ministries, and may volunteer to help with the Drug Mart cookout.

Visitor Comments: One of our visitors brought up his dissatisfaction with what he believes is inconsistent treatment, feeling that some people are ignored by the parish unless their help is needed. Lynne thanked him for bringing his complaints forward, and mentioned that we need to hear parishioner's comments and complaints; often, people don't tell us what's wrong, they just leave.

One of the visiting parents suggested that people would be more involved if it were less of a commitment, and if they weren't afraid of being pressured into more volunteering.

It was suggested that some of the people our Hunger Center helps could use additional assistance, house cleaning, other assistance. It would be good to try to set up something, if it can be coordinated. Pat mentioned the attempt to get scheduled snow shoveling, and the problems caused by unpredictable weather patterns.

School: Steve Kovach suggested listing revenues from recycling, to help parish understand just how useful these additional revenue streams can be and to encourage greater participation. Fr. Greg mentioned that should probably be a school project, and should be discussed with Mr. Stroh. Fr. Greg offered to check and report back to council, and also on revenues from other sources, such as the Campbell's label drive.

Lynne discussed establishment of a Parent/Teacher Advisory Board, different from PTU in that this board could offer oversight of discipline and policies, assist in coordinating fund raising efforts, teacher development, and special education development. Composition, leadership structure, and terms of service are all to be determined.

Lynne called for a vote on authorizing a Research Committee for this purpose. Pat suggested it might be better to defer this to the commissions. Mary Zavoda asked for clarification that this call was just for fact finding and planning, and that members were not to be selected at this time. Visiting parents concerned about effect that not having such a board has on new enrollments, and the effect of persistent rumors about school closings. Council agreed to authorize a Research Committee, with the school board to be a topic for next meeting.

Lynne closed the meeting by asking members to consider possibilities for a male youth representative to council.