Parish History

PARISH COUNCIL

St. Mary's Parish Council came into existence in Feb ruary 2, 1969. Again an out growth of the Ecumenical Council, its purposes were threefold: 1) To encourage a more prominent lay involve ment in the life of the Parish Community; 2) To establish and serve as a medium of communication between the priest and laity regarding the spiritual and material needs of the Parish Community; 3) To advise and assist the Pastor in the administration and development of spiritual and material matters in the Parish.

Members of the first Parish Council were Miss Ann Connors, Mrs. Elizabeth Creehan, Mr. Edward Cruess, Miss Mary Landa, Mr. William LaPointe, Mr. John Miniter and Mr. William Ryan. The two Trustees of the Parish, Mr. Edward Crowe and Mr. Richard Rourke, were also included in the Council membership, along with the Church custodian, Mr. Joseph Gondek. St. Mary's Parish Council, which meets at least four times annually, has in a comparatively short existence provided a needed voice to the laity of the Church community. Presently headed by President William Ryan, the Council is an excellent position to guide the activities of St. Mary's as she begins her second hundred years.

Elected members of the Church Council with Father James Woonan (center) and Father Paul Wirkus are (On the rail) William LaPointe, Elizabeth Creehan and Richard Rourke; rear, Edward Crowe, Edward Cruess, William Ryan, Anne Connors and John Miniter. The Council traditionally includes also the president of St. Mary's Guild rid one other person appointed by the pastor.