FRANCIS DE SALES PASTORAL COUNCIL

MINUTES – Oct. 20, 2016

 

Members of the Saint Francis de Sales Pastoral Council met on October 20, 2016 in the church for silent prayer and readings by Heather Fama.   The membership then convened in the church hall and the meeting was called to order by President Henry Bobbin.  Those attending in addition to Henry included Father Paul, Annette Jennings, John Rist, Dr. Charles Bou-Abboud, Heather Fama, Phyllis Vealey, Jamie Bowen, Dr. Bert Cruz, John Sadowski, Ed Habib, Lisa Figueroa, Karen Creager, Sandy Genung, Benita Goode, and Terry Rojas.  Heather introduced Angella Warvel as our new member who will be representing the Youth Group.

 

Henry inquired about absent members. Annette reminded members to notify one of the officers if they will be absent; this was also requested in an earlier email.

 

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as emailed.

 

Reports:

Six of the seven committee reports were emailed last week; the seventh report was read by Angella.

 

Couples for Christ:

Father asked about the Christian Life program and why he was not consulted on this.   Bert explained that it was an orientation for Couples for Christ. Terry said people will be coming from Maryland and will contact Father. As pastor, Father Paul reminded them that he should be consulted in advance to give approval.

Christian Formation:

Father said he had spoken with Sister regarding her question about the CF students and this was an oversight.

Knights of Columbus:

Bear reminded David to forward financial issues to the Finance Committee not the PC.

Ladies of St. Francis:

Father said he thought two people were volunteering to bring snacks for RCIA. Benita said not all volunteers bring food so the Ladies have to take care of it. She added that the upcoming bazaar will be the 36th in our parish.

Liturgy:

Father said some kindergarten students will be dressing as saints for All Saints Day.

School:

Terry inquired if the students could be informed about Our Lady of Fatima. Father referred her to Karen Wynne and Sister Janice. Henry added that the students did a great job at the Rocket Boys Festival.

According to Father, N. Bennett now has a trach and no surgery has been scheduled. She has a positive attitude but it is an uphill battle. More than $5,000 for her medical expenses was donated by parents. She has not yet utilized her sick leave. There is a full time sub in Ms. Bennett’s fourth grade class.

Youth:

Recent activities – youth Mass (Sept. 18) with students from Sts. Peter and Paul, youth representative selected; Lock-In (Oct. 8 & 9); youth Mass (Oct. 16) with students from Sts. Peter and Paul, programs on the Ninja, life with Christ, and witnessing.

Future activities – youth Mass (Nov. 13)

Concern, Proposal, or Questions- give youth more say in after-Mass activities; have a suggestion box to solicit youth activities or service needs. Father said the youth could put a notice in the bulletin and hang a suggestion box.

Bear commented that a group of Knights from OH had left 400 rosaries for distribution.

Unfinished Business:

Karen spoke with Roberta Meadows who worked with a singles group in FL. Roberta is willing to initiate something in our parish; she will contact Father Paul. Mary Taylor will assist.

Annette requested members respond to emails asking a question.

New Business:

None

Focus Topic: Forward in Faith

 

Annette said she was glad to know that there is an interest in education as this is a way to grow in our faith. It also lends itself to fellowship in our parish.

 

Jamie spoke of the volunteer issue in the report. He feels the lack of time and fear keeps people from volunteering. If there are volunteer needs, individuals with specific skills need to be approached. Bear concurred; he added that strangers should be welcomed. Some churches ask visitors to stand according to Bert. Perhaps youth do not participate or feel welcome per Angella. Heather suggested a youth representative speak after each Mass. Henry said the Knights might give visitors a prayer card.

 

Father said he feels that there is a “serious, serious problem that people are not welcomed into the parish.” Several members agreed and added that as new members, they were not approached. Heather suggested a welcoming committee. Father expressed his concerns about “good worship, good music, and good preaching.”

 

Ed mentioned Father’s class on prayer as an educational resource and said other speakers could be considered. Parishioners should be reminded of our library. Terry suggested retreats. Angella thought the youth could benefit from an intense study of the Mass.

 

Based on our Forward in Faith report, Father asked members to serve on one of the following committees: education (John S., Angella-youth); fellowship (Jamie – chair, John R., Heather); evangelization (Phyllis – chair, Ed, Henry); and activation/involvement (Karen – chair, Benita, Bear, Bert, Terry). Committees are to report at our November meeting.

 

Comments, Questions, Concerns, and Feedback for Pastor:

 

Father expressed his appreciation for the birthday bash. “It was a good experience and my family felt welcome.” He said he was surprised at the number of meals prepared after funerals–thirty-four to date. The Youth Lock-in went well as did the organ dedication. Mike Farris put forth a great deal of effort in the organ project and a remembrance plaque was hung to reflect this.

 

The Our Lady of Nations Novena was “amazing” with some exceptional speakers. This was a good way to involve others. It also focused on the Year of Mercy. Parishioners will be asked to vote on their Mass time preferences for Thanksgiving Day (8:30 or 10 am) and Christmas (10 pm or midnight).

 

The church website is up and running thanks to several committed individuals. Mark can post the PC minutes on the website. Father will be airing two minute spots on Catholic radio and these will also be on the website.

 

Father reminded members to acknowledge others who read, cook, etc.

 

Benita inquired if shut-ins participated Forward in Faith. Father said some were invited. Annette had one included in her group. Phyllis has two to submit.

Our next meeting will be Thursday, Nov. 17 at 6:30 pm. We will gather in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament; Jamie will have a scripture reading or prayer. There will be no December meeting.   Father closed our meeting with prayer and we adjourned at 7:57 pm.

 

Annette Jennings

Secretary