ST. MARY STAR OF THE SEA, PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of Parish Council Regular meeting, March, 2005
At 7:00 pm, President Bob Bonato opened the meeting.
-Pastor, Father John Golas led the council in reflection, a gospel reading, sharing and prayer.
-In attendance were the council members Robert Bonato President, James Doyle Vice President, Neil Lynch, Historian, Joseph Fish Secretary, Ed O'Reilly, Thomas Carrier, Rick Daddario, Pat and Paul Robotham, Judy Welcome and Maury Goldberg. Trustees Ed Cruess, Sr. and Clare Archer, Deacon Michael Sponzo and Father John Golas were also present. Absent was Carole Charette
-January meeting notes had previously been distributed. Two corrections- the Reading was from St. Matthew, and the Human Needs committee distributed to 25 families served by the Hispanic Health Council and eight Farmington residents. A motion to accept the amended minutes was made and passed by voice vote.
-Two items were passed around- the Hail and Farewell Brochure and the letter taken from the cornerstone written by Fr. James Noonan about the centennial event.
Committee Reports:
Religious Education
-Deacon Mike reported on the Lenten Program in Adult Education, the theme being the Year of the Eucharist. The attendance was low and several ideas were brought forth as to ways to increase attendance.
-The RCIA program has two new catechists. The program is based on Scripture and a source book, as well as videos on the Mass.
-Mary Lou Meigs reported that five new junior lectors and eight new altar servers have been trained for 2005. There is a parent-child retreat to be held March 21st and 22nd. First Communion for all second graders will be April 30th.
-Children and their parents are invited to learn about and pray the Stations of the Cross with Deacon Tom on March eleventh.
Confirmation - Jane Derasadourian reported the Confirmation candidates in the ninth grade have almost perfect attendance. Confirmation is scheduled for May 1st with the last meeting for ninth graders on April third.
There was a tour of the Cathedral in Hartford on the thirteenth of February that was very well presented.
LEAP:
-Karen Herbert reported that the 8th grade program is going well. The January Lock-in event was a great success with 26 teens and six adults enjoying the overnight activities which included playing games, dance revolution, cooking and eating. The movie 'The Passion of the Christ' was viewed and discussed. Participants reflected on the witnessing of the Holy Spirit throughout the activity. The committee expects to have the next Lock-in event on a Friday night in order to get two days to recuperate.
-There is a parish project to turn the cellar in the town Teen Center into a Teen club this spring. Rich Kaiser is preparing the drawings for the project. Support for the project is coming from the group, Americares Homefront, the town and the Men's retreat group.
Finance Committee
-Ken Muccino presented the following information; in 2004 there was an operating surplus of $48,000. In FY2005, there is an operating surplus expected but the costs of one time expenses will be some $115,000. As of 2/28 there remains $211K of debt on the new church and $240K in uncollected pledges.
Social Justice Committee
-Pat Messina reported on attending CT Metro Patterns "Farmington in 2030 "which is part of the Center Edge initiative. Also mentioned was Catholic Concern Day which will be on the seventh of April.
Liturgy
-Rosemary Frombach reported that the canvass for the Parish Mass schedule changes suggest moving the 9:30 start time to 9:00. The possible change and other options will be discussed at the next Council Meeting.
Women's Guild
-A report from Marilyn Slabinski stated a Food sale would be in March and April; a Fashion Show will be held in April at the Senior Center; the last meeting was held at Calvary Retreat Center; and an Irish supper was held in March.
Website
-Ed O'Reilly reported the website had thirteen thousand hits in February. He continues to update its appearance.
Human Needs
-Paula Sutak reported that 67 stuffed toy bears were collected and donated to the Fire Department.
-The food drive will be held in April. Also, the next committee meeting would be on March thirteenth.
Ceremony for Old and New Church Committee
-Ed O'Reilly reported that the anniversary ceremony was well received by those attending. A presentation by Cornelius Lynch, Historian and a display of memorabilia were highlights of the event.
FUN
-Rich Daddarrio reported that the 'Welcoming Reception' went well and the possibility of making an annual event is being discussed. The most recent game night had 24 people attending; the next game night is planned for March fifth. The Parish ski trip will be on March sixth. On March nineteenth, the parish Easter Egg Hunt will be held, possibly in conjunction with the Knights of Columbus. The softball evenings in the summer drew as many as 38 people and this year there will be four teams.
Legion of Mary
-Father Golas reported two groups presently meet; one has started the process to become a recognized Presidium. The morning group has five members; the evening group has seven members.
Cemetery/Building and Grounds Committee
-A report from Bob Archer said a punch list had been sent to the architect, Rich Kaiser to be forwarded to the builder, Doug Margison. The committee is looking forward to plantings in the cemetery in the spring.
Old Church Building
-Father Golas reported the demolition permit process will continue with Mark Jones making the application to the town in late March. The bell from the old church will be saved and displayed appropriately.
Old Business
-Bob reviewed old agenda items: Trust House Fundraiser, April 3; Carol Watt sent information that the Photo Directory committee will start signups on the weekend of March thirteenth for the sittings in the Hart House.
New Business
-There was a motion made and passed to table discussion on the Sunday Mass schedule until the May meeting.
-A Prayer Scarf Ministry, rotating with St Patrick's parish has eleven people signed up for either crocheting or knitting, reported by leader Pat Robotham.
Tom Carrier reviewed the dates for the election of Parish Council. Up to ten candidates are being asked for from the parish. The announcement for candidates will be made at the masses on the second and third and ninth and tenth of April; nominations will be taken during the masses on April the sixteenth and seventeenth, with voting on May 7-8
-A date for the Parish Picnic will be determined at the next meeting. The picnic will be in either June or July with Jim Doyle heading the committee in association with the FUN committee.
Other Notes
-Parishioners were asked to remember Adeline(Addy) Ryan and her family in their prayers.
-The Respect Life Meeting is on March third.
-May first is the date for the Sacrament of Confirmation this year.
-Father Golas will be recognized by the Knights of Columbus at Saint Matthew's parish in Bristol at their Exemplification of members on April tenth as the Fourth Degree statewide honoree.
-Thank you notes were received for the masses given for George Wolf and Adeline Ryan.
-Thank you notes would be sent from the council to the following non-council members for their efforts:
Laura Strong for blue tablecloth sewing
Dick Selinga for the screen-holding divider
Wilbur Charette for removal of the cornerstone and generous use of equipment
Ken Muccino for his time-consuming work on the new budget
Bob Archer for his continuing challenges with maintaining the building
Pat Messina and Judy Reilly for the Soup and Bread Fundraiser
Ed Mack for his refurbishing the Hospitality Room wainscoting and other work
Bob Dube and George Marcello for help in the Hospitality Room
Laura Roberts for arranging the Easter Egg Hunt
Maureen Moskowitz for arranging the ski trip
Sylvie Doyle and Charley Herbert for heading up the Retreat Groups
Sharon Lynch for the Trust House Fundraiser
-Father Golas led the Council in a closing prayer. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted, Joseph Fish, Secretary
-Next meeting: Tuesday, May 3.