ST. MARY STAR OF THE SEA, PARISH COUNCIL
Council minutes for REGULAR meeting of September 30, 2002
President Barbara Karsky called the meeting of St. Mary's Parish Council to order in
the Church basement at 7:04 P. M. Present were Fr. John Golas, Deacon Michael
Sponzo, Barbara Karsky, Jane Derasadourian, Rosemary Frombach, Tom Carrier, Susan
Lewis, Laure Welch, Elizabeth Creehan, Neil Lynch, Ed O'Reilly, Jon LeBlanc, Mary
Yale, and Pat Messina plus Karen Herbert representing the Education Committee and
Charles Kenniston, parishioner, as observer.
Barbara called on Fr. Golas who asked for a moment of silence followed by a gospel
reading with comments. The council then broke into small groups to discuss the theme of
produce and its relation to the new season. In to the new members, Barbara
then asked each of the Council members to her/himself.
MINUTES: It was moved (Rosemary, Ed) and carried unanimously
that the Minutes of the June 10, 2002 meeting be accepted.
EDUCATION: Karen commented on the excellent start to CCD. She
noted that there will be a Spring Lenten series which will be announced in the
Church bulletin. Jane followed up by informing the Council that there are presently
approximately 140 youngsters in the Confirmation class. She discussed some of
the materials new this year and noted that she is still in need of a 9th grade
teacher.
LITURGY: Jon presented an update on the issue of hymn selection
for requested Masses. It was moved (Rosemary/Laure) that the policy governing
hymn selection in Masses for loved ones be placed in the Church bulletin. Carried
unanimously. Barbara appointed a subcommittee made up of Laure, Rosemary, and
Ed. to implement and oversee the policy. Following a report from Jon, it was moved
(Susan/Laurie) that the Council support the placement of a suggestion box, for
the use of parishioners, at a convenient location in the Church for the purpose
of enl1ancing the worship and overall spiritual life of St Mary's. Carried unanimously.
Only signed suggestions will be considered.
Jon next reported that the Committee would like to put a notice in the bulletin stating
that new ushers are needed; that when the quota of sixteen is met, a meeting of them be
held to discuss and standardize procedures. He saw also the need for a meeting of lectors
for the same purpose.
Jon then discussed a letter from a parishioner expressing concern over what the author
considered improper dress for Mass. After considerable discussion, the Council agreed
that some positive statement on the matter needed to be placed in the bulletin. In the
meantime, the Liturgy' Committee will craft a response to the person who registered the
complaint.
RESPECT FOR LIFE COMITTEE: Barbara discussed the Truth Squad
scheduled for October 22. She noted that October 6 is "Respect for Life" Sunday
and that, on that day, those attending Mass will receive baby bottles to be filled
with loose change during the following four weeks and then returned. Funds raised
will be donated to the Unionville Pregnancy Center .
NEW CHURCH UPDATE: Fr. Golas discussed his frustration at the
delay in getting drawings for the upper design, especially significant in a church
of the type envisaged. Until these can be completed, little can be done.
NEW. BUSINESS: Fr. Golas informed the Council that a Cemetery
Committee, headed by Bob Archer, is being formed, the purpose of which is to oversee
the operation of St. Mary's cemetery and to establish maintenance policies. The
committee will work with Paula and with Frank Ahern. Barbara asked the Council
if it would support Sharon Lynch's attendance at a conference on Earth Ministry
at the Hartford Seminary on October 29, receiving a positive response. Jon raised
the need for painting and refurbishing of the Hart house. Fr. Galas agreed adding
that the rectory too was in need of painting. No action was taken. Barbara had
new members sign up for various Council committees. In response to a concern raised
by Neil that the newly proposed Unionville Historic District might restrict how
we use our present Church buildings, Fr. Golas stated that he has requested they
be exempted from the District.
The next meeting of the Parish Council will take place on Monday, November l8,
2002, with an anticipated starting time of 7 P. M. Fr. Golas concluded this evening's
meeting with a Hail Mary after which Barbara adjourned the meeting at 8:53 P.M.
Cornelius Lynch, Secretary