St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church
6306 Browning Road
Pennsauken, NJ 08109
(856) 662-9338
Pastoral Council Minutes
October 10, 2007
Meeting called to order at 7:10
Attendees: Rich McKean, Kathy McKenna, Linda Heininger, Sr. Bernadette, Rhonda Alesczyck, Deacon Ernie, Rita Vogt, Catherine Broome, Sam Loperfido, Anthony Leone, Tom Corbett, Joey Scavuzzo, Rose Davis
Absent (excused): Fr. Lipinski, Gary Sapienza
Absent: Marcia Miller
Guests: Mike Gross, NJ Regional Equity Coalition
Denise Caruso, Parish Planning Team
Prayer: led by Rich McKean
Presentation from
Guests:
Mr. Gross asked that we ask Fr. Lipinski to allow flyer in bulletin and message on website about the Nov 4, 2007 statewide meeting about equity in housing and property taxes. Voted by show of hands to do so.
Ms. Caruso reported that she will be the liaison between Planning Team and Pastoral Council and can attend monthly meetings. Pastoral Council will be meeting every two weeks for foreseeable future, so will ask for reports after planning meetings.
She reported on results of 9/25/07 Deanery meeting:
Finances are now main focus of planning. Planning teams can consider working with parishes outside Deanery. Concerning Immaculate Heart of Mary (whose church building was sold), Bishop wants them to consider going to St. Cecilia’s and inherit St. C’s debt. Fr. Joseph (of IHM) doesn’t want to do this and is looking at Transfiguration as an alternative. Fr. Anthony (of St. Peter’s) suggested St. Stephens consider working with Queen of Heaven in Cherry Hill.
Deanery meeting on 10/11/07 will start fresh. George Tutwiler will serve on Finance Team, Tery Mattera on Buildings Team, Denise Caruso on Liturgy Team, and Craig Otto on Demographics Team. All reconfiguration recommendations need to assume 3 priests for Pennsauken/Merchantville region.
Final plan to be submitted 1/22/08.
Council requested regular updates to parishioners. Ms. Caruso expressed need to be united. All agreed.
Administrator’s Report: N/A
Sr. Bernadette reported that we have two parishioners in Lourdes Hospital: George Tutwiler’s mother-in-law, Tom Benedito. We will be getting a Parochial Vicar: Fr. Vincent Orum, from St. Joe’s Swedesboro.
President’s Report:
Parish Council members so far: Rich McKean, Tom Corbett, Betsy McBride, Kathy McKenna, Linda Heininger, Rhonda Aleszczyk (pronounced Aleezik), Marcia Miller, Joey Scavuzzo, Gary Sapienza
Ex officio: Deacon Ernie Picknally, Sr. Bernadette Mary Leahy, Sr. Ruthann O’Mara, George Tutwiler, Pat Higgins
One parishioner submitted a bio for the proposed PC election, Kathleen Boyer, site manager for Stonegate. By consensus, it was decided to ask her to serve on the PC. It was also decided to ask Dennis Rooney to join PC.
Structure: A draft of an organizational chart was handed out. Rich McKean and Rita Vogt will review, discuss and report. Bylaws will be reviewed by Kathy McKenna and Linda Heininger.
Finance Report: N/A
Religious Education
Report:
St. Stephen’s School will remain open and independent
CCD report will be requested of CRE Adeline Gramlich
Liturgy Committee
Report:
Mary Ann Meloni has agreed to chair the Liturgy committee (in formation – to include Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Servers, Lectors, A&E, Music, Feast Days, Liturgical calendar)
Buildings and
Grounds:
Joey Scavuzzo asked to be put in charge of Buildings and Grounds. By consensus, it was decided that Joey would assume George Tutwiler’s responsibilities and establish committee.
Parish Life:
Spiritual Life committees to meet 10/21. Sr. Ruthann O’Mara will report at 10/25 meeting.
Guest suggested that PC discuss need for Bereavement committee. Additionally, Rosary group and Nursing Home volunteers need to be included in ministry
Parish Calendar:
PC secretary reported that emails and calls were being made to those ministry leaders who do not have meetings and events on Parish calendar. Change was made to the website and deadline was set for 10/31 for set meeting and event dates. Calendar was purchased for Rectory office, coordination with office and school going smoothly.
Ms. Aleszcyzk indicated there may be a conflict with proposed Confirmation date of 2/29/08 and PTA Monte Carlo night of 3/1/08. Many volunteers of school fundraiser are also parents of Confirmandees.
Fundraising committee members present would like parish raffle to start April 1, with drawing first weekend of June. Need to check House of Charity Annual Appeal dates.
DISCERNMENT:
On agenda to discuss Parish Vitality indicators from Star Herald of 10/5/07. Time did not permit.
ACTION ITEMS:
Weekend yard sale!! Need bags, need cookies, need volunteers, need to pray for good weather.
Bylaw revision review. Organizational Chart review. Contact prospective PC members.
Next Meeting: October 24, 2007 – Rectory Basement
7:00pm
Closing Prayer, led by Rich McKean
Meeting adjourned: 9:00
Respectfully submitted: Betsy McBride