ST. MARY STAR OF THE SEA, PARISH COUNCIL


Minutes of Parish Council regular meeting, Jan. 11, 2006
President, Bob Bonato opened the meeting at 7:00 by inviting Fr. Golas to lead us in a moment of quiet, followed by the following Sunday’s gospel reading, a sharing on a related topic and prayer.

Attendance: Fr. John Golas, Deacon Mike Sponzo, Claire Archer, Trustee, Bob Bonato, P Jim Doyle, VP, Janice Rimiller, Pat Robotham, Bob Slabinski, Nelson Waters, Judy Welcome, Barbara Wolf. Absent were Rick Daddario, Joe Fish, Sec., Maury Goldberg, Jamee Herbert, and Paul Robotham.

Minutes of the Nov. 1 meeting previously sent were accepted with minor correction.

Standing Committee Reports:

Small Christian Community
 Fr. Golas reported that presently 4 or 5 parishioners are meeting with him and Bro. Bob Moriarty as a core group to set the direction of this endeavor. It can be defined as a parish renewal process whereby there is a spiritual restructuring. Its practice helps to heighten the alignment of one’s life with one’s faith using reflection, prayer and scripture. Anyone is welcome to join this group.

RCIA
 Deacon Mike Sponzo reported that his team of five has been preparing two candidates and two adults for confirmation and that it is going on schedule.

Liturgy, Chairman, Jon LeBlanc
 Deacon Mike Sponzo reported on the initiative to address missions and adult education. A subgroup including PC members Maurice Goldberg, Janice Rimiller and Barbara Wolf along with Carol Charette and Laure Welch designed a survey for parishioners. It hopes to gather information on what type of educational programs St. Mary should offer, as well as when, duration, etc. The protoype has 11 brief questions. The survey was a direct outcome of the mission statement developed: “To promote the deepening faith of our parishioners’ religious beliefs through continued education”. Other suggestions to be discussed by other groups include 1) the creation of a dedicated “Adult Faith Formation Leader” who would coordinate all adult educational offerings. (This person should also coordinate with the Small Christian Community effort.) 2) Include in the Parish Council by-laws an Adult Education Committee to work with the Leader. (Presently the “Education Committee” hasn’t been formed.) 3) Encourage participation in programs by increased efforts at promotion of programs.

Additional Liturgy Committee business from the Nov. 21 meeting minutes(additional committee members needed to volunteer): A Mass of Intention on Nov. 16 was well attended, considering the audience being sought. It was for family of deceased members of St. Mary during the year. It’s planned to repeat it next year with some enhancement. The ceremony was poignant with a warm sermon by Fr. Golas, wonderful choir music and candle lighting while names were read.
  • The issue of a Family Mass would be put back on the agenda to re-discuss whether its importance warranted one.
  • A question was raised by Bob as to whether instruction should be made at mass on how to receive Holy Communion.
  • The Ushers are doing a good job filling seats.
  • New altar servers are picking up the nuances of the position.
  • New Ministers of Holy Communion are serving.
  • Clapping at Mass for music being performed is going to be discouraged as it “breaks the rhythm of the Mass”.
  • The sound system has had some improved modifications and more are being looked into.
  • The next meeting is at 7 pm on Monday, February 6.

    Religious Education
     Mary Lou Meigs indicated in a note that the “Child Lures” program is planned to be presented twice in the spring on Saturdays. It provides important information in an engaging, non-threatening format and parents need to encourage attendance by their children.

    Human Needs
     Great success was achieved during the Christmas season due to the hard efforts of this committee. Those on the recipient end of the food and gifts were enormously appreciative, whether child or adult. The problem of some people taking a ‘person-specific’ gift tag from the tree and then not returning that gift proved to be difficult to resolve and will be looked into next year.

    Finance Committee
     No report due to year-end work and pending meeting on January 25. Report to parishioners soon.

    Legion of Mary
     Fr. Golas reported continued successful outreach of these praesidia to both new church registrants and to homebound. The junior group, grades 6-10, is growing in number. On April 2nd we will host the overriding group, ACIES, as they conduct the renewal promise to our and area praesidia.

    Music Committee
     Rick Daddario indicated in a note his genuine appreciation to all who contributed to the music program for the Advent/Christmas season. He singled out Donna LeBlanc, her assistants and the children for a wonderful pageant presentation. He will work with the cantors and choir to begin teaching new songs to the congregation and encourage greater singing participation.
    Rick has recorded a piano CD with the donation of help from Mark Robinson and he is grateful for the large response for orders. The proceeds will be donated to the church.
    Rick is working with a company who will suggest acoustical improvements in the gathering space. The sanctuary has had some improvements in sound and more tweaking of equipment is expected.

    FUN Committee
  • The Christmas Ornament Workshop was a huge success and just a great activity keeping children busy and happy on a Sunday afternoon. Santa even visited and is considering making them honorary elves for their fine projects. Thanks Rick and your committee.
  • The Second Welcoming Reception for New Parishioners will be on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2-4 pm.
  • The Second Annual Family Ski Trip to Mt. Snow, Vermont is planned for Saturday, Mar. 4.
  • The committee will meet on Sunday, Jan. 22 and all are welcome to join.

    Website, Ed O’Reilly
    Those running events need to continually update info to Ed to keep the site current. All need to keep checking out the site for innovative, interesting features as well as information.

    Prayer Shawl
     Pat Robotham mentioned that as well as shawls, the group will be making neck scarves for persons having larynx disabilities. The ecumenical group will work at St. Patrick’s this Friday and will be at our gathering space soon. All are welcome to come and learn how to create these requested items.

    Retreats
     Sylvie Doyle spoke about the upcoming Feb. 3-5 Women’s Retreat at all masses and is encouraged by the response. The Men’s Retreat is the weekend of Feb. 24-26.

    Building and Grounds Committee, Bob Archer
    Commuter-parking location signage has been placed by the town as well as some for the senior housing complex. Some were placed by the committee at the Hart House driveway. Other concerns are being handled and a budget for next year’s maintenance is being prepared.

    By-Laws Committee
     Under Unfinished Business, Vice President, Jim Doyle reported that the committee has done some ground work and will have a preliminary product in time to discuss, make an announcement for a vote and vote on it this year. Changes will be minor since the Archdiocese hasn’t updated its 1988 guidelines. It will be a matter of making it current and the wording clarified to work well for St. Mary’s. We added a Teen Member to the Parish Council this year.

    New Business:
     Landscape Committee- Members volunteered to help in planning for the landscaping of the area where the former church was. Claire Archer, Judy Welcome, and Barbara Wolf. Fr. Golas has the names of several from the Old Church Committee as well. It well get under way shortly.

    Ministry Fair- This idea was tabled citing the timing, and some concerns from a previously held event. Judy suggested that a list of committees and contact persons be given to new parishioners.

    Fr. Golas 25th Anniversary of Ordination Reception- On Sunday, Sept. 24 at 11:00 am we will sponsor a Mass for Fr. Golas. We will host a reception afterward(?). The committee will formulate plans, booklet, invitations, speaker, etc. The Ladies Guild will be invited to participate on the committee. Others are welcome. Volunteered: Claire Archer, Janice Rimiller, Pat Robotham, Judy Welcome, Barbara Wolf, and Bob Bonato whose term on the Parish Council will have expired. Fr. Golas’ actual date of Ordination was September 26, 1981.

    Habitat for Humanity- Pat Robotham asked for support, primarily physically, to work with Paul in Hartford on the week of Sept. 10-17. Houses will be built on Garden St. The motto is “Building on Faith”. Other than Paul presently supervising work in Hartford, most recently St. Mary’s men helped at the house in Farmington, and last year at one in Hartford. The Parish Council will help coordinate this worthwhile activity.

    Winter Special Olympics- Pat brought to our attention the need for volunteers to help and cheer-on the Olympians performing snow-sport activities in Simsbury on the March 4-5 weekend.

    Good of the Order
     Thank yous- Last month additional thank you notes other than those in the minutes went out to Donna LeBlanc, Steve Perry, Dick Selinga, and the Photo Directory chair, Carol Watt and her committee. New thank yous are due for Sylvie Doyle, Mary Ann Dubin, and Charley Herbert for chairing the Retreats; Ken Muccino for his year-end and budget work; Sandy Purrier and her Decorations Committee.

    Well Wishes- We wish both Fr. Golas and Fr. Meade good luck on their workshops and time off.

    Fr. Golas led the council in a closing prayer.

    The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 pm.
    Notes taken by Barbara Wolf in absence of secretary. Submitted by R. Bonato

    Next Meeting: 7 pm, Tuesday, March 7. (Other meetings, May 2 and June 6.)