SUMMARY:
Motion passed to adopt minutes from February 7th meeting.
Reports to Pastoral Council from standing Committees.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Next Pastoral Council meeting is Wednesday, April 4, 2007.
Call to order: Cathy called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm and asked Fr. McCain to lead us in an opening prayer.
VERIFICATION OF QUORUM:
Roll Call: The following PC members were present: Tom Berg, Holly Holderby, Steve Morris, Eris Rodriguez, Cathy Timmer, Tim Troy; Fr. McCain and Patrick Reeder (ex-officio members).
Guests: Bob Cretti, Christian Enrichment Committee.
Adoption of Minutes of Previous Meeting: Cathy made a motion to adopt the minutes of the previous meeting. Steve seconded the motion and all were in favor.
MATTERS OF INTEREST:
Bob Cretti, Chair of the Christian Enrichment Committee, presented to the PC a survey form that has been distributed to the various Church organizations. The survey asks for input of desired matters of interest (such as presentations, studies, prayer meetings) and also asks for suggested dates and times (Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, am or pm). The Committee will compile the information and then be able to plan for upcoming programs and events. Bob asked the PC members to complete the survey. Bob said that he would keep us informed and the PC thanked him.
Committee Reports:
Communications Committee: The web page now includes the Sunday bulletin and updated information for some of the Church organizations and ministries.
Youth Committee: Steve and Tim reported that they are focused on resumes for the hiring of a Youth Minister. There are several resumes that have been received and they will begin interviewing candidates. They are searching for a stellar candidate and are optimistic at the response they are receiving. Steve said he wants to keep the first Sunday of the month 5:00 pm Mass as a Youth Mass. He said that the Youth are participating as greeters, lectors, and do the collections.
Spiritual Growth Committee: No report.
Community Formation Committee: No report.
(Ad-Hoc) Parish Hall Committee: No report
Reports of Officers and Other OLL Boards:
Chair: No report.
Vice Chair: No report.
Secretary: No report.
Stewardship: Patrick presented to the PC an OLL Monthly Giving Plan Program pamphlet. The pamphlet stresses the importance of Good Stewardship and encourages parishioners to participate in the Monthly Giving Plan, enabling the parish to meet goals. Patrick said that the pamphlet would be mailed to all registered parishioners, with the exception of the ones who were already enrolled in the program. He also said that he would schedule a weekend where representatives would be available, after all Masses, to answer questions and concerns regarding the Monthly Giving Plan. Patrick said that the pamphlet also contained pledge donations to the Archdiocese Annual Appeal. He said that $43,000 has been received towards the AAA appeal/assessment.
Hispanic Directiva: No report.
Finance Board: Fr. McCain said that the Finance Board was very doubtful that the parish would produce 15 million dollars for the Capital Campaign and did not recommend that we proceed with that amount in realistic focus.
School Board: Fr. McCain said that the School Board has submitted its budget. The tuition per child will be $5,800, which will be an 8.6% increase with 80% going to teacher’s salaries and benefits.
NEW BUSINESS:
Two volunteers from each of the parish organizations are needed to participate in the "Washing of the Feet" on Holy Thursday.
A Chair is needed in May, to spearhead the Nominating Committee, which will encourage parishioners to run for open seats on the Pastoral Council.
A Chair is also need to organize the 4th of July parade and the parish picnic.
OLD BUSINESS:
Capital Campaign. Patrick did extensive research and presented the PC with correspondence from Deacon John Norris at the Archdiocesan Office of Stewardship and Development, as well as from Linhares & Olwell Associates, LLC, Fund Raising Counsel. Both provided insightful information that will need to be heavily considered before pursuing a Capital Campaign.
FROM THE PASTOR:
Fr. McCain asked the PC members how they felt about pursuing a Capital Campaign with the goal of 15 million in light of the Finance Boards recommendation.
COMMENTS FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Steve Morris said that he had a changed perspective and did not feel that we could achieve the goal of 15 million dollars. He said he felt 5 million would be a more realistic amount. At that amount, the parish would only be able to fix or patch up existing buildings and not have the futuristic goal of building a new school. Tim said his concern was that if you only have the goal of 5 million dollars, that’s all you get. Holly said she had concern for a 15 million dollar Capital Campaign in a parish that had yet to reach its AAA appeal assessment.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm. Father led us in a closing prayer asking Our Lady of Loretto to intercede for us.
Respectfully submitted,
Holly Holderby, Secretary