Holy Redeemer Parish Council Minutes, Amended
January 23, 2008
7:30pm
1. Father George opened the meeting with a prayer.
2. Father reserved his comments for opportunities to speak during the meeting.
3. Rita Thompson had no comments.
4. Minutes for November 28, 2007 were approved as amended.
5. Updates from designated parish representatives:
a. Social Justice – Dave Fortuna
· Dave will post his list of community resources for single mothers on the parish website.
· Carol Savard is still waiting for information from Afghanistan. When she gets an address, she will publicize the need for supplies.
· Brenda Cooley spoke with the woman who asked Father George about collecting blankets for troops. Brenda will put a notice in the bulletin.
· Safe Haven: Mary Wassmann asked if anyone had offered to chair Safe Haven. There were no volunteers; Father will get a chairperson. Brenda will inquire about the week of March 9th . If the week is still open, Father said that the parish will do it
b. Liturgy – Kathy Nieman
· Kathy reported the attendance at Christmas masses: 5:00p.m. – 353
7:00 “ “ – 268
Midnight – 201
10:00a.m. – 101
Noon – 119
Total – 1042
· 32 people responded to the Call to Serve.
· Last week new parishioners were blessed at all the masses.
· February 18th, Presidents’ Day, will be a Day of Prayer. Mass will be celebrated at 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
· Lenten Activities: Ash Wednesday – February 6th
Simple Meal – Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Evening Prayer – Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.
Stations of the Cross – Fridays at 7:30 (except Mar. 7)
Confession – Wednesdays, 6:30 to 8:00
Community Reconciliation – March 10th
Bible study will start February 14th (4 Thursdays)
· The next Council meeting conflicts with Evening Prayer, so the meeting will begin at 8:00 p.m. Committee reports should be e-mailed ahead of time.
c. School – Sean Ballantine
· There is still a problem with water pooling on the roof.
· Next week is Catholic Schools Week.
· The Advisory Board is considering two budget proposals for 2008-2009 based on an anticipated enrollment of 240 students (current enrollment is 250):
(1) Increase tuition 8 or 9%
(2) Charge each family a $75 fee to build up a reserve for maintenance.
d. Youth – Elise Un
· The spring retreat will be held at a new center in Emmitsburg.
· The Youth Group will set up a meeting with Marie Winterson to present their ideas.
e. Christian Formation – Lynn Baker
· The RCIA program has three adult and two child catechumens; RCIC has four adult and two child candidates. The Rite of Sending will be here on Sunday, February 10, and the Rite of Election will be Sunday, February 17, at the Shrine.
· The School of Religion had an increase in numbers and consistent attendance for grades preschool through 6. However, 7th grade and high school numbers are low this year. We will be evaluating the Monday night program (would Sunday morning or afternoon work better?) and may consider making Confirmation a two-year program. We will also be reevaluating our high school program.
· SOR received a $500 grant from the Catholic Business Network and will add to its AV library.
· Our 31 candidates for Confirmation had their Day of Reconciliation on Sunday, January 13. Their Inscription Mass (12 noon) and Prayer Partner Weekend will be February 23 and 24. Rehearsals for the Living Stations will begin February 28. The retreat will be March 7 – 9 at Camp Maria in Leonardtown, and Confirmation is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, with Bishop Gonzalez presiding.
· We have 31 candidates for First Reconciliation/Eucharist. They will have their First Reconciliation Day of Reflection on January 26. Reconciliation will take place Saturday morning, January 26. The children will then attend 5:00 Mass with a pizza supper afterwards. The First Eucharist Day of Reflection will be April 19. Parents can choose Family First Eucharist, Group First Eucharist, or both. A reception will follow the Group Eucharist.
f. Finance- Father George (Mike Wilson was absent)
· The Finance Council accepted the school budget.
· Father was approached for permission to conduct a fundraising activity involving baseball trading cards on church property. The parish would receive 50% of table rental fees (about $300). After discussion the Council agreed that this would set a bad precedent.
g. Facilities Planning – Father George (Bob Pizzano was absent)
· Work cannot start on the convent until the nuns leave which will probably be late this summer. There is a possibility of using the 2nd floor for the School of Religion.
· There are still some problems with the roof.
· We are in the pre-planning stage of moving the church offices to the convent.
· The janitorial contract will be reviewed.
· The energy audit figures need to be organized.
· We are getting a lighting expert to increase light but not heat in the sanctuary.
· There is a question about whether the FM Audio Hearing Loop is working.
· Work is still needed on the distribution of heat.
6. Old Business
· Safe Haven – See Social Justice above.
· Janitorial contract – Bob Pizzano was not present.
· Papal visit – The number of tickets allotted depends on the number of parishioners.
· FM audio hearing loop – This has not been looked into yet.
7. New Business
· Council elections, which will be handled by Vice-chair Mary Wassman, are scheduled for April. Three members (Brenda Cooley, Bob Pissano, and Mary) will be replaced.
· The question of giving the Facilities Committee a seat on the Council was raised.
8. Comments from parishioners in attendance
· Carol Macknis has added materials from bulletin inserts to the parish website.
· She asked that people give her any information that they want publicized.
9. The next meeting will be Wednesday, March 19, 2008, at 8:00.
10. Father George closed the meeting with a prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Mollie Huitema