- FRANCIS DE SALES PASTORAL COUNCIL
MINUTES – Sept. 15, 2016
Members of the Saint Francis de Sales Pastoral Council met on September 15, 2016 in the church for silent prayer. 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, and Terry Rojas. Benita Goode was absent and notified the Executive Committee in advance. Minutes of the previous meeting were approved as emailed. There were no introductions.
Reports:
Six of the seven committee reports were emailed last week; the seventh report was emailed on this date. John R. inquired about the maintenance referenced in the Knights’ report. Father said this has been referred to the finance committee. With regard to the school report, Father said one of the teachers has stage IV oral cancer. This is a “burden to the kids and teachers…please pray for her.”
Unfinished Business:
All those present approved the By-Laws which were amended and emailed to the members.
John S. reported that he spoke with the lady about the divorce group and suggested that she and a few individuals speak with Father. No one has approached Father. Karen commented on some of the existing groups (card players, Ladies of St. Francis, Anna’s Angels) however, none of these focus on divorcees and activities. Karen offered to contact two ladies she knows. John inquired about a bulletin announcement but declined to do this himself. The inquiring lady may pursue this if she chooses.
Heather said the youth have not initiated fund raising for NCYC and asked those present for their support. 2015 links were included in her Sept. 13 memo/email; 2017 links are not available. In 2015 the cost was $500 for each of the sixteen student attendees. Ed inquired about grade levels of students and if some have gone twice. Heather added that all funds were pooled together this past year as it was too difficult to keep track of who raised what.
Father suggested fundraising be discussed at the upcoming youth meeting next week and one big fund raiser be held before Christmas. John S. suggested a special collection or an envelope. Father said no to the envelopes and added that the kids should raise some of the monies. Heather said some parishioners felt that there were too many fundraisers. The next World Youth Day will be in Panama.
New Business:
Terry said she was asked to plan something with the rosary as next year will be the 100th anniversary appearance of Our Lady in Fatima. Terry spoke at length regarding possibly doing something as a parish. Annette suggested she pursue this with the Liturgy Committee and Father concurred.
Terry also commented on the “inactivity” of our parish and noted that nationwide children are leaving the church at the age of eleven. She commended Fr. Paul on his relationship and rapport with the children.
Lisa said the lock-in/retreat for the youth is planned for Oct. 8-9. This is an effort to keep high school students involved.
Focus Topic: Forward in Faith – Sept 24
Father said this will begin at 1:00 pm until completion. He added that the response has been less than good and thinks people will commit at the last minute. Henry said people do not know what to expect. Father said it will be a good experience for attendees and hopefully insightful to the Parish Council.
Father distributed a handout entitled “Guidelines for Small Group Facilitators” and briefly pointed out ways to generate discussions. Council members need to be in the gym thirty minutes before parishioners arrive and will meet with Sister Carole Riley. Father hopes to have name tags available.
Comments, Questions, Concerns, and Feedback for Pastor
Jamie asked if the parish and/or school could help N. Bennett with her medical expenses. Father said he has spoken with K. Wynne and plans to help. Ms. Bennett has thirty days of sick leave. Phyllis commented on the Mass when Father blessed Ms. Bennett; Phyllis felt this alleviated a lot of fear.
Father said he was “disappointed with the response to Forward in Faith but will get over it.” He is looking forward to continuing education programs this fall and to youth activities. He added that there are a number of generous parishioners with time, talents, and resources but more is needed. “The more who do it, the better the parish becomes. The better the parish becomes, more will want to be a part of it.” Commend parishioners positively. He added that school and the RCIA are off to a good start and faith formation is gearing up.
Lisa asked if there was a stewardship committee and Father said no.
Terry reported that most of the individuals involved in Couples for Christ are Filipinos and others are welcome. Father commented that some people think this is a charismatic group.
Our next meeting will be Thursday, October 20, at 6:30 pm. We will meet in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Heather will have a scripture reading or prayer. This meeting closed with prayers and adjourned at 7:52 pm.
Annette Jennings
Secretary