Pastoral Council Minutes

October 25, 2006

Members Present: Nancy Halloran, Pat Higgins, Betsy McBride, Richard McKean, Kathy McKenna, Marcia Miller, Jim Rotondo, Gary Sapienza, George Tutwiler, Dana Veneziani, Sr. Bernadette Leahy, SSJ, Sr. Ruthann O’Mara, SSJ, Father Stan Witcoskie.

Absent: Rhonda Aleszczyk, Linda Heininger

Opening Prayer: Sr. Ruthann O’Mara, SSJ

Old Business:

• The By-Laws Committee (Kathy, Marcia & Gary) reported that our Parish’s 5-year plan, awaiting to be determined by the results of our Diocesan Planning Session 9/28/06 and the Bishop’s final recommendations on the Six Pastoral Priorities, will be delegated to the appropriate ministry committees (i.e. financial goals to Finance Committee, vocation needs to Sr. Ruthann’s Vocations Committee). The School’s 5-year plan, which is in place, was developed under the guidelines of the Diocese. Our Mission Statement will soon be visible in the church and the cover of the bulletin. Until now its only been posted in the rectory and our website. Another decision to “increase visibility” of the ministries was to post a Parish Directory in our bulletin. This will debut on November 5^th.
• Property Maintenance issues will be on hold until the Spring when an “Adopt-a-Garden” program will be initiated to maintain the four quadrants of our parish grounds.
• The Results of our Diocesan Planning Session will be posted in the Nov. 12^th bulletin
• Defibulators: George reported that the church may receive a donated defibulator.

One suitable for the school can be purchased for $1,100 plus a $175 mounting kit.

Reports:

School: Principal, Mrs. Pat Higgins, reported our current school census of K-8 is 202 with one new 2^nd grader expected. Representatives from the local Catholic high schools have visited recently to promote their schools. A new emergency plan is in effect, lunch/yard coverage has improved, and general operations have been running smoothly.

Finance: George reported that $92K of our $95K debt is to the Diocese and the church still owes the school about $46K in subsidies. Our church’s ordinary income is down $13K and a pulpit pledge reminder will be coming soon in an attempt to help the church get back on track.

Stonegate: Progressing well, occupancy could now be February 1, 2007. The ongoing delay of the rectory driveway is due to an “off-property water flow into wetlands” issue as per George.

Journey to Bethlehem: Betsy handed out the sample flyer for this great event, 5,000 copies have been ordered for distribution and the flyer is available for download on our church website. We will not advertise in the Star Herald due to the high cost. Progress is being made with PR, Scene Ministries planning, fabrics, animal handlers, lighting and baked goods.

Spiritual Life Committee: Sr. Ruthann reported that there are 9 committees, each with a Chairperson, and a Working Retreat is set for November 4^th from 9am-12:30pm in the school gym. Each committee is to create an Action Plan for the year and Sr. Ruthann will communicate these goals to the Pastoral Council.

Pastor’s Report:

• Additional lighting: Coming soon between the school and the church circle.
• School Security improvements are a top priority. Estimates are being assessed for the installation of surveillance cameras on each wing/both floors, with a 4-quadrant TV screen for the office. The voice box has been activated on the front door of the school and we are looking at options to install a 2^nd set of doors between the front doors and the 1^st floor hallway, in the lobby area for added security.
• A Pastoral Administrator for Stonegate, to be named, will act as a liaison between the students of our school and the residents of Stonegate Senior Housing.
• MySpace and Parents: NJ State Police recently made a presentation at our school regarding the issues and dangers of MySpace.com. The children were very attentive and responsive. Another presentation will be scheduled on a Report Card Night to encourage increased attendance by parents (possibly mandatory).

New Business

• SJREOP (South Jersey Regional Equity Organizing Project): As a parish we will continue to support their cause by publicizing their November 16^th event (state-wide meeting with legislators) in Atlantic City in our bulletin. Sign-up sheets continue to be available in the lobby of the church and if a bus is too expensive, we will consider either vans or carpooling.
• Youth Liturgy: We discussed the importance of making these liturgies consistent to meeting the needs of youth in our parish and perhaps every 4:30pm Sunday Mass could someday meet those expectations in addition to the current 3^rd Sunday of the month liturgy. Official Youth Group membership could improve participation and communication for this ministry as opposed to “just showing up for events”. Membership cards with contact information, hobbies & interests, could be helpful.
• Marcia will provide Organ Donation flyers for our bulletin the weekend of November 11/12, “Sabbath Weekend”. The Falco-Caruso-Leonard Funeral Home will assist us in gathering presentation materials and ideas for that weekend’s Masses.
• We are considering continuing the Tuesday Night Rosary after October, the month of the Rosary, as this has been very well attended. The chapel will be used in the winter.
• The walking of dogs on our property (some without leashes) was discussed. It is possible we may need to post signs to help control this safety and sanitation issue.

Next Pastoral Council Meeting: Wednesday, November 29, 2006 @ 7pm in the Rectory.

The meeting was closed by a prayer by Father Stan.

Respectfully submitted by Jim Rotondo