ST. MARY STAR OF THE SEA, PARISH COUNCIL
Council minutes for REGULAR meeting of March 24, 2002
President Barbara Karsky called the meeting to order at 7 :06 P. M. Present were Barbara
Karsky, Pres.; Rosemary Frombach, V. P.; Neil Lynch, Sec'y; Fr. John Golas; Deacons Michael
Sponzo (till 7:35) and Tom Sutak; Tom Carrier, Jon LeBlanc, Pat Messina, Ed O'Reilly, Laure
Welch; Trustee Ed Cruess, Sr.; and Jane Derasadourian (till 8:03). Absent were Carole Charette,
Susan Lewis, MaryJane Oliveira, Mary Yale, MaryLou Meigs, and Trustee Elizabeth Creehan.
Barbara called on Fr. Golas who, following a moment of reflection, read, with comments,
the gospel (John 3: 14-21) of the following Sunday. He then charged the Council members to
discuss among themselves how "light" figures in their lives.
MINUTES: MOVED (Ed. C./Jon) to accept the Minutes of the January 27, 2003 meeting.
Carried unanimously .
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Jane informed the Council that Bishop Peter Rosazza will officiate
at the confirmation of 61 tenth graders at St. Mary's on May 4. She expressed her appreciation of
the superb job done this year by the teachers in the program. She passed around a sample of the
certificate that each candidate for confirmation will receive.
Barbara expressed an interest among parishioners for more bible study. Deacon Mike
responded that much of RCIA deals with bible study for anyone who wishes to get involved. Fr.
Golas added that Small Christian Communities in the Parish use the Bible as the focus of their
discussions.
LITURGY: Jon reported that meetings have been held with lectors, ushers, eucharistic ministers,
and altar servers. The committee is also reviewing the hymnals. The possibility of an
appreciation dinner for those involved in the various ministries was raised. Organizing for Holy
Week will be the major concern of the Committee in the coming weeks. In response to a
suggestion from a parishioner regarding the volume of the church organ, it was recommended that
an attempt would be made to reduce it. Fr. Golas cautioned the Council that a pipe organ is not
as responsive to such a modification as an electronic one would be. Deacon Tom reviewed the
directive that a bowing of the head as an act of reverence before receiving holy communion be
enacted. He also discussed the proper understanding of the Rite of Peace as a passing on of the
peace of Christ rather than a personal greeting to those nearby. It was suggested that lectors and
eucharistic ministers, as the most visible ministry , take the lead in these matters.
WEBSITE: Ed continues to input data, including brief biops of clergy and staff. A mission
statement from the Parish Council is needed. Starting April 9, the address of the Parish website is
www.Stmary-Unionville.org
NEW CHURCH UPDATE: Fr. Golas reported that the beam structure is almost completed and
that the framing of walls has begun. No decision will be reached on the present structure until the
new church is '"up and running" when a determination will be made regarding the needs of the
Parish.
OLD BUSINESS: Deacon Tom reported that, in response to Rudy Wu11fs presentation at the
Council's January meeting, an Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction was held on
February 28 and that Tom had received positive feedback from among the 30-35 people present.
Perpetual Adoration requires permission from the bishop and must be held in a facility separate
from the main church. It is not recommended that such adoration be pursued at St. Mary's at this
time. He made available a listing of churches in Connecticut where perpetual adoration is
available.
NEW BUSINESS: Barbara appointed a nominating committee consisting of Tom, Rosemary, and
Neil to organize and carry out this year's Parish Council election.
Fr. Golas suggested that planning for inauguration events regarding the new church needs
to get under way. Ideas are welcome. Fr. Golas also asked Neil if he would update the history of
St. Mary's since the 1976 centennial. Ed C. volunteered to work with Neil on this project.
Pat reported on the very successful soup and bread evening; the $600 proceeds were sent
to Catholic Relief Service.
The next meeting of the Parish Council will take place on Monday, April 28, 2003 with an
anticipated starting time of 7 P. M. The Council joined Fr. Golas in reciting the Hail Mary after
which Barbara adjourned the meeting at 8:45 P. M.
Cornelius Lynch, Secretary