St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church

Pastoral Council Minutes

January 23, 2008

 

Meeting called to order at 7:10

Attendees: (Members) Rich McKean, Kathy McKenna, Rhonda Alesczyck, Gary Sapienza, Kathy Boyer, Nivia CiFuentes, Betsy McBride; (Ex-Officio)  Sr. Ruthann O’Mara, Sr. Bernadette Mary Leahy, Deacon Ernie Picknally, George Tutwiler; (Parishioners)  Rita Vogt, Mary Ann Meloni, Lonnie Monaco, Dennis Rooney, Catherine Broome

Absent:  (Excused) Fr. Ed Lipinski, Fr. Vince Orum, Joey Scavuzzo, Marcia Miller, Sr. Ruthann O’Mara (late); (unexcused) Tom Corbett

 

Prayer: led Sr. Bernadette

 

President’s Report:  Rich McKean

In order to finalize Bylaw revisions, discussed need to revisit how we fill vacancies on Pastoral Council.  It was decided that, when elections occur, those two people receiving the next highest votes (after Members selected) would be asked to serve as alternates.  This would allow them to be current on issues facing the Council should they need to step up prior to another election.  They would not need to attend every meeting, but would be encouraged to attend often enough to be informed.  PC voted to submit Bylaws with revisions to Parish Administrator for review and approval.  On the subject of the Organizational Chart, Council members discussed where to place Rosary group, Men’s Prayer Group, and Knights of Columbus.  The discussion was tabled with no resolution.  On the subject of the Finance Council’s efforts to review the books of the Parish finances, President asked Council members to support them.  A letter to the Bishop from the Finance Council in support of installing Fr. Vince Orum as Administrator was read into the record.  (copy attached).  It was suggested that Pastoral Council also write a letter in support of Fr. Vince and Betsy McBride volunteered to do so (attached)   

 

Parish Planning Update:  Denise Caruso was not able to attend. 

George Tutwiler provided a brief update about decision timeline and members asked for update on website.  Follow up necessary. 

 

Finance Report:  Rita Vogt, Finance Committee Chair

Working many hours and with the support of the Administrator, General Ledger was reviewed and several cuts have been made.  Mary Jo Schumin was let go after many years of service to the parish, strictly for financial reasons.  Music Minister Nancy Werner-Kaiser will stay on and will work with Liturgy Committee to fulfill duties.  Jim Rotondo is now full time.  Cuts are not completed.  Asked for better cooperation between Finance Council, Parish Council and School Finance Committee and School Board.  Asked for joint meeting with all Boards and Councils.  Diocesan audit suggested all accounting done on Quick Books.  Letter to Rich McKean dated 1-18-08 from Jim Crew, of School Board read into record.  Decision to table discussions on interaction between Parish and School tabled until return of Fr. Vincent.  George Tutwiler indicated Diocese is working on plan to separate finances of schools and parishes.

 

School Report:  Pat Higgins – not in attendance – sent in report

School taking applications for next year.  Interest shown and contracts signed indicates the possibility of good enrollment numbers.  Two categories of tuition for next year; Catholic and Non-Catholic.  For Catholic students tuition is $3200 for first child, 2nd child $2500, 3rd child $1900.  Non-Catholic students will be charged $4200 per child.  Fees set by Diocese.  Financial aid available.

 

Liturgy Committee Report:  Mary Ann Meloni

At meeting of January 12, 2008 discussed planning for Lent.  Finalized plan to be placed in bulletin.  Arts and Environment coordinator Esther Coar reported on supplies tossed from Rectory basement in effort to deal with mice infestation.  Discussed need for funding to replace needed supplies.  Plans underway for regular training sessions for Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Servers and lectors as well as yearly meetings with all involved in service ministries.  Meeting with Nancy Werner-Kaiser on January 27th to discuss job description and duties.  Next Liturgy Committee meeting scheduled for February 16, 2008. 

 

Buildings and Grounds: Joey Scavuzzo – not in attendance – sent in report

Ready for snow.  George Tutwiler indicated that A&J Landscaping is contracted to remove all snow from roads, parking lots and sidewalks by 6am in the event of a night snow.  Suggestions encouraged for new playground/park between school and Stonegate.  PC revisited suggestion to place benches around common area (between school and church) and members indicated no objection.  Follow up necessary. 

 

Parish Life/Spiritual Life:  Sr. Ruthann O’Mara

Prayer Committee:  There are now five “prayer partners.”  Maryann Bufanio, Mary Sharon Monaco, Connie O’Neill, Lois Picknally and Bernice Taylor.  Numerous requests to prayer line each week.

Youth Group:  Tery Mattera is coordinating activities.  Schedule for 2008-09 activities forthcoming.

PC member Scavuzzo shared in his report suggested someone NOT currently chairing another committee to be designated to handle all parish youth activities.  Suggested activities for youth after 4:30 masses.  Feels strongly that we must get youth involved more. 

Retreat Committee:  Two Lenten retreats planned and scheduled.  Details will be in bulletin.

Family, Youth Social Justice Committee:  All three committees will sponsor “multi-cultural event” in Spring ’08.  More information forthcoming as plans develop.

Young Adult Committee:  Members made a short presentation to PC and will be speaking at Masses.  Coordinators:  Ally Meloni, JD Hull, and Rose Dominianio.  Asked for support of PC.  Will be open to young adults 21-40 and will be participating in Stations of Cross, with refreshments and discussion immediately following.

 

Religious Education Report:  Adeline Gramlich CRE –not present – sent in report

Added two more students in first grade.  One student in 6th grade brings total enrollment in CCD to 25.  Working to set up retreat from Confirmation candidates.  Meeting held for parts of First Communion students.  Working on First Penance service for February 9th.  Working with A&E to plan decorations for First Penance, First Communion and Confirmation.  Anyone interested in helping with CCD should contact Adeline.  Following is a list of teachers, aides and hall monitors:  Linda Yeager, Sister Rita, Gerri DiStefano, Joe Fagan, Sister Ruth Ann, George Hamburger, Amanda Midili, Brittani McKnight, Kristin Tulani and John Messina.  PC members discussed need to publicly thank these volunteers.  Follow up needed.

 

Parish Calendar: Betsy McBride

Notice went out asking for set meeting or event dates.  Received several.  Reiterated need to send dates to PC secretary to prevent conflicts. 

 

Parishioner Comments:

Catherine Broome requested better effort for PR for Parish.  Kathy Boyer suggested article and pictures supplied to Star Herald would likely make the paper.  Betsy McBride will try to start PR effort for special events at the parish. 

 

Announcements:

Lenten Programs:

            Stations every Friday

            Fr. Dan Joyce, February 19 and 26

            Gothic Stations –Good Friday

            Monte Carlo Night – March 1

 

Next meeting scheduled for February 20.  Location to be determined. 

Closing prayer led by Deacon Ernie

Meeting adjourned:            9:00

 

Respectfully submitted:  Betsy McBride