ST. MARY STAR OF THE SEA, PARISH COUNCIL
Council minutes for REGULAR meeting of April 28, 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; Tom Carrier,
Carole Charette, Jon LeBlanc, Pat Messina, Ed O'Reilly, Laure Welch, Mary Yale; Trustees
Elizabeth Creehan and Ed Cruess, Sr. Absent were Deacons Michael Sponzo and Tom Sutak;
Susan Lewis, MaryJane Oliveira, Jane Derasadourian, and MaryLou Meigs.
Barbara called on Fr. Golas who, following a moment of reflection, read Luke's gospel for
the coming Sunday, noting its appealing to all of our senses. He then charged the Council
members to discuss among themselves the role of the senses in their lives.
MINUTES: Moved (Rosemary, Laure) to accept the Minutes of the March 24,2003 meeting.
Carried unanimously.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION: Fr. Golas distributed copies of MaryLou's report for the past year.
He discussed anticipated changes most of them having to do with liability. Background checks,
including fingerprinting, on all catechists will be required as well as having two catechists in each
class. Fr. also foresees a change in structure for grades seven and eight emanating from a need
for more flexibility at this level. It was also reported that sixty candidates for confirmation will be
presented to Bishop Rosazza on May 4. On another matter, Fr. Golas thanked the Women's
Guild for hosting receptions for our new communicants.
Barbara reported on the recent Lenten series, noting that there was a good turnout and a
positive response to the presentations. It is hoped that the series will be repeated next year.
LITURGY: Jon reviewed the recently held Parish mission which he thought went well with good
attendance. He hopes to continue the offering in 2004 and to perhaps do something similar for
Advent. The committee is researching the purchase of hymnals separate from the missalette. A
new policy on lectors is being put together, part of which will require that lectors be confirmed.
Mentoring new readers will also be included in the planned requirements. Jon also informed the
council that altar servers are being trained to assist at exposition and benediction.
WEBSITE: Ed 0' reported that the website is going well with a number of users tapping into it.
He noted which links have received the most hits.
NEW CHURCH UPDATE: Fr. Golas reported that, while still under budget, there have been cost
overruns and he anticipates others. These include utility costs for moving poles as well as
expenses incurred in moving and refurbishing the organ. Plans for installing the present church's
stained glass windows in the new structure are presently on hold. The next phase of the building
involves mechanical work, roof insulation, and framing of the cupola. Christmas remains as the
tentative date for completion of the new St. Mary's.
OLD BUSINESS:
Tom C reported on the Parish Council elections, noting that nominations had been received at
Sunday's masses and that the committee is following up by contacting nominees as to their
willingness to serve.
Barbara reminded the Council that elections of officers for next year will take place at the June
meeting. Neil suggested that the Council by-laws be reviewed in connection with both council
elections and choosing of officers.
Ed. C discussed the church picnic to be held on June 8. The Knights of Columbus will take care
of refreshments. The Guild will also help with the event.
Neil commented on his efforts so far in updating the church history since the 1976 centennial. Ed
0' suggested using the web site as a vehicle for seeking information.
NEW BUSINESS:
The next and final meeting of the Parish Council will take place on Monday, June 9,2003. It will
include newly elected members of the Council and will begin with a reception at 6 P. M. in the
rectory followed by the regular meeting at 7 in the church hall.
There being no further business, the Council joined Fr. Golas in reciting the Hail Mary,
after which Barbara adjourned the meeting at 9:08 P. M.
Cornelius Lynch, Secretary
ST. MARY STAR OF THE SEA PRAY FOR US.