ST. MARY STAR OF THE SEA, PARISH COUNCIL


Council minutes for REGULAR meeting of September 22, 2003

President Rosemary Frombach called the first meeting of the Parish Council year to order at 7 P. M. Present were Rosemary Frombach, Pres.; Robert Bonato, V. P.; Neil Lynch, Sec'y; Fr. John Golas; Deacons Michael Sponzo and Tom Sutak; elected members Tom Carrier, Carol Charette, Jim Doyle, Jon LeBlanc, Pat Messina, Ed O'Reilly, Judy Welcome, Mary Yale; Trustees Elizabeth Creehan, Ed Cruess, Sr.; Jane Derasadourian and MaryLou Meigs; Guests Sharon Lynch (Small Christian Communities and new church Interior Design Committee); Bob Murphy (Respect Life Committee); Bob Archer (Cemetery Committee); June Machuga (Choir); Paula Sutak (Human Needs Committee). Absent was elected member MaryJane Oliveira.

Rosemary called on Fr. Golas who, follow\'ling a moment of reflection, read Mark's gospel for the coming Sunday, followed by comments on the gospel. He then charged the Council to discuss among themselves how the message relates to their everyday lives.

MINUTES: It was pointed out that the Minutes were for the meeting of June 9, not 8. MOVED (Jon, Bob), that the Minutes of June 9, as corrected, be accepted. Carried unanimously.

LITURGY: Jon reported that a primary responsibility of the Liturgy Committee is to prepare for a smooth transition to the new St. Mary's. All ministries-altar servers, cantors, choir, lectors, ushers-need to be mobilized for that goal. He noted that people are needed to act as liaisons from these groups. He reported also that the committee is assisting in the incorporation of the new organist, Rick Daddario, into the life of St. Mary's. The Appreciation Dinner is planned for early November.

Ed(Website) needs schedules for the various activities planned for the coming year plus a new Fall message from Fr. Golas. While receiving approximately 2,500 hits on the church's website, he would like to increase that significantly. He would like more people to submit information.

Rosemary discussed the responsibilities of the Parish Council members, which include signing up for one of the many committees that report to the Council. With that in mind, she had the various representatives of the committees and ministries briefly summarize their activities, which were as follows:

Sharon (Small Christian Communities)-- Few parishioners presently involved; however, once new church in operation, she anticipates more to commit as Fr. Golas has a strong interest in this ministry . Sharon also discussed the progress of the Interior Design subcommittee noting that much of the color scheme ties in with the newly designed stained glass windows.

Jane (Confirmation)-Group will meet 3 times a month for around an hour and a half each time; goal to get candidates to serve the community including Maple Village residents plus making connections with the inner city. (Jane left at 7:35.)

MaryLou (K-8--82 classes in operation; more in Hart House this year, two teachers in each class, otherwise. She also discussed Operation Christmas Child, in which some classes will be packing shoebox gifts for needy children. Fr. Golas discussed further steps being taken to establish a safe environment for the children which will require, next year, attendance for teachers at a seminar on this subject. He noted that the church's insurance holder is nervous over the youngsters being in so many different environments when attending classes in private homes. (MaryLou left at 7:50.)

Bob A. (Cemetery)--New laminated signs being put in. Considerable work being done on Section A. Steve is no longer responsible for mowing the grass; consumed too much time.

Paula (Human Needs)-reaching out to other organizations in need of help, e.g., the local Haunted House planned for Happy Hill.

Bob M. (Respect Life)-0ctober is Respect Life Month. Fr. Golas agreed to pay for anyone interested in attending an October 4 Conference on the Church's moral teachings. A collection is planned for Crisis Pregnancy Center.

Mary (Women's Guild)-Discussed the Guild's raffle presently going on as well as mentioning the annual Pasta Supper at Marinelli's to be held in October.

Deacon Mike (RCIA)-Hoping for a rejuvenation of members. He also discussed a future presentation on contemporary moral issues; a repeat of the Echoes of Faith program, made available to parishioners last year for the first time; and a mission planned for the future.

Pat Messina (Social Action)-Discussed Center Edge Project, a presentation of which is to made in the Church Hall September 24.

NEW CHURCH UPDATE: Fr. Golas reported that there is presently $64,000 in the contingency fund but new decisions, such as the use of tile, will chip away at that. The costs for the two stained glass rose windows being installed are coming from the church's savings account. We are still pretty much on budget. A "bridge" loan will be necessary until the full pledge money comes in.

OLD BUSINESS: The annual Church picnic, deferred from June to September, was held with success at the Knights of Columbus grounds.

NEW BUSINESS: Judy Welcome raised the possibility of having a parish directory to facilitate getting to know more members of St. Mary's community. Fr. Golas would like to have a committee work on that once the new church is up and running. Rosemary expressed a desire to establish a procedure for parishioners wishing to come before the Council.

The next meeting of the Council will be on Monday, November 10, 2003 in the Church Hall with an anticipated starting time of 7 P.M. Fr. Golas led the Council in a recitation of the Lord's Prayer. There being no further business, Rosemary adjourned the meeting at 9: lO P.M.

Cornelius Lynch, Secretary
ST. MARY STAR OF THE SEA PRAY FOR US.