Holy Redeemer Parish Council Minutes

September 19, 2007

 

 

 

1.                  Father George opened the meeting with a prayer.

 

2.                  Rita Thompson welcomed the new council members: Elise Un, Brenda Cooley, Dave Fortuna, and Mollie Huitema.

 

3.                  Pastor’s report:

    1. Money intake is a little behind, about $400.
    2. The school roof was a total surprise, $105,000 after $150,000 for the new boilers.
    3. A skylight in the church is too expensive.  The committee is looking into sidelights and other changes such as painting. Etc.

 

4.      Chairperson’s report  (Rita Thompson):

    1. Members should familiarize themselves with the Archdiocese’s Parish Pastoral Council Guidelines.
    2. Members should publicize the Council and relay concerns of parishioners to the Council.
    3. Official records and a summary of Council business will be available on the parish’s website. An announcement to this effect will be placed in the bulletin.

 

5.      The minutes for the July meeting were approved.

 

6.      Updates from designated parish representatives:

    1. Social Justice – no representative at this time.  Janet Cantwell, Dave Fortuna, and anyone else interested in this area of parish life will talk with Father George following tonight’s meeting.
    2. Liturgy  (Kathy Nieman)

·        November 2nd is the first Friday and the Feast of All Souls.  The Mass of Remembrance is scheduled for that evening.

·        Bible Study will start this Thursday.

·        The Ministry to the Bereaved is sponsoring a talk on preparing a will on October 9th.  The speaker will be a representative from the Hospice of the Chesapeake.  This ministry is also involved in the Mass of Remembrance.

·        The Blessing of Animals will take place on the first Saturday of October.

·        The usually scheduled Mass will be celebrated on Columbus Day.

    1. School  (Sean Ballantine)

·         The School Budget Committee met on September 5th.  The current enrollment is 248; the budget for the school year was based on 240 students.

·        There are three new staff members this year. 

·        After discussion of the school/archdiocesan policy for hiring teachers, it was determined that all guidelines had been followed. The guidelines do not require advertising an opening.  Bob Pizzano said that even though the guidelines had been followed, the perception remains that the procedure of “parking lot” hiring was used this school year, and this matter needs to be addressed.  Sean will take this concern to the School Advisory Board.  Brenda Coley suggested introducing new faculty and their background at the first Home and School meeting so that parents will be aware of the teachers’ classroom experience.  Mary Wassman suggested that the teachers’ educational backgrounds be included in the introductions.

    1. Youth  (Elise Un)

                 Twenty juniors and two seniors will participate in the retreat this weekend.

e.       Christian Formation  (Lynn Baker)

                 No report.

f.        Finance Committee  (Mike Wilson)

·        The committee is working on a letter to the parishioners.

·        Last year we did some major improvements (see Father’s remarks above).

·        We need to encourage people to continue giving generously.

 

7.      Old Business

    1. Bob Pizzano reported that the higher church roof is completed and the lower roof is being worked on.  The insulation will be improved, and the sanctuary will be brightened with sidelights and paint.  The roof work has taken most of the savings; therefore, roofing over the parish offices has been postponed.  Father will ask the Archdiocese for permission to hold a special collection (the Archdiocese will not take its usual 14%) to help cover the cost of the roofing.
    2. Father George sent a letter to 30 Category 1 School Families (not sent to families who gave close to $1,000).  He received eight responses.  Three families will make up their payments.
    3. Two people expressed interest in working on Social Justice projects (see 6. a above). Bob Pizzano suggested writing a statement to clarify the objectives and list the current programs in which the parish is involved.  Janet Cantwell thinks we should look at the letter put out by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to see where our parish stands.

 

8.      New Business

a.       Bob Pizzano reported that things are not going well with the Bazaar.  Several booths still need chairpersons, and they are still looking for a vice-chair couple.

He challenged council members to send in three names for co-chairs.  He said they are targeting parents of 1st and 2nd graders who are new to the school.  The Irish Dinner may not be possible.

    1. Bob Pizzano passed out a proposed 5 Year Plan for plant maintenance and improvements.  He is willing to chair a committee to oversee these projects and will place a notice in the bulletin asking for volunteers.
    2. Other new items: 

·        A new janitorial contract is still under consideration.

·        An energy audit with PEPCO will be arranged.

    1. Kathy Nieman suggested placing a notice in the bulletin to make people aware of what is happening.  Also, Mrs. Jones will publish anything in the Monthly Letter to Parents.

                                                                                      

9.      Comments/Questions from Parishioners in Attendance

    1. Are parents of the School of Religion sent letters asking for help?  The answer is yes.
    2. Carol Macknis explained the need for people to get information to her so she can keep the website current.
    3. What is the debt of the parish?  Father George’s answer was that there is no debt, but we will soon run out of savings.  Monthly increases in the collection are needed.
    4. What is the subsidy of the parish to the school?  The parish pays ½ of the gas, electricity, and insurance costs.

 

10.   The next meeting will be Wednesday, November 28.

 

11.   Father George closed the meeting with a prayer.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Mollie Huitema