Draft Minutes of the November 2, 2009 Holy Family Parish Council Meeting
McCabe Room of the Social Center
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by president Tim Kirby. Fr. Dick led the Samaritan Prayer.
Present: Fr. Dick, Deacon Jim Collichio, Tim Kirby, Bob Ballard, Phil Ciarico, Joe Gehl, Cas Pruski, Francis Dibley, Jim Adduci, Adrienne Daniels, Matt Ballard, Sue Szyikowski and Nicole McGurn.
The minutes of the September 14, 2009 meeting were reviewed and accepted as written after motions by Deacon Jim and Adrienne Daniels.
It was suggested by Phil that the meeting agenda format listing Any Additions to the Agenda be simply included under New Business so as not to change the orderly progression of the agenda. Suggestion will be taken into consideration.
Updates:
Fr. Dick reported on the Stewardship Program and said that our program’s financial consultant is pleased with the response to date and that this is a good indication of parishioner willingness to support the program.
Fr. Dick reported on the roofing projects and stated that the church roof is well underway. The school gutters have some problem areas in need of correcting and that the contractors will be bringing in additional staff and equipment to ensure that both areas get completed in a timely fashion.
Tim gave an update on the cost and scope of the School Insulation Project. The use of volunteers should keep the cost to a minimum. Detailed structural aspects of the attic as well as some of the preliminary work necessary to ready the installation were discussed. Joe Gehl and Adrienne Daniels motioned to authorize Tim to obtain the materials needed. Motions were carried. A work party will be announced for volunteers to sign up. Cas suggested that volunteers be made aware of any personal protective gear they should have.
Joe spoke on the progress on refurbishing the front entrance doors to the church. A completed estimate is still being formulated by one of the contractors involved in this bid. It was suggested to consult with the Diocesan Department of Buildings and Properties should other estimates be desired.
Committee Reports:
Phil distributed the financial report for the parish’s checking account activity. He said the reporting format has remained unchanged because this is a standard accounting system used by the diocese and us.
Fr. Dick announced that as cost cutting measures, the parish office will be closed on Tuesdays and cheaper health insurance options are being looked into.
We are still in the process of completing the change of our corporation name and have been experiencing some delays at HSBC. As a result we have been unable to pursue the bulk mail permit application.
Fr. Dick spoke on the recent healthcare debate and commented on the recent viewpoints posted by the Social Justice and Respect Life Committees. Both present valid arguments but as a parish, we are compelled to support those parts of legislation that are within the teachings of the Church.
Fr. Dick reported on the upcoming Re-energize Holy Family Session that will take place in the lyceum on November 30th at 7 p.m. Evangelization guest speaker, Lorine Duquin will present ideas aimed at “sparking up procedures to take up the faith”. Nicole recommended that all parish ministry coordinators and leaders be invited to attend. Fr. Dick said announcements promoting this would be forthcoming in the weeks to come.
Parish Concerns:
Fr. Dick invited feedback from council members regarding how do we become more open and welcoming to those who don’t “contribute” toward their spiritual development as prescribed by the Catholic Church. Do we get tough on those who pick and choose on what rules and regulations to follow? …. Or do we show compassion and understanding towards those who are unable to comply? Various viewpoints were shared among the members. No decision made regarding this topic.
New Business:
Nicole read a letter from Kevin Sheehan regarding the recent stop work order issued on the roof project by the village code enforcer and felt that there could have been intervention that would have prevented it from happening. Matt spoke on the topic and clarified and corrected some of the statements made in the letter, as well as verbal accusations some have assumed to be true. Matt indicated that local municipal politics were allowed to spill over to the parish. Both Matt and Bob detailed their on-going work to pursue local landmark designation for the St. Mary’s church, rectory and adjacent grounds, as well as the former school and property owned by the Beckers, and the ballpark owned by the St. Mary’s Athletic Club. The areas sought are a tribute to the Polish immigrants who made important contributions to the development of Albion and beyond. Both private property owners are excited and supportive of this but Fr. Dick said the diocese objects to such designations out of concern that it may jeopardize potential transactions. The Ballards assured the council that their motives have never been and are not malicious in nature. Bob asked that council members correct those who insist on holding on to these misconceptions.
Closing Prayer:
Deacon Jim led the Our Father as the closing prayer. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
Next meeting: January 4, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert F. Ballard,
Recording Secretary
11/3/09
Aproved Minutes of the July 13, 2009 Holy Family Parish Council Meeting
Room M-1 of the Social Center
Present: Fr. Dick, Deacon Jim Collichio, Tim Kirby, Bob Ballard, Phil Ciarico, Joe Gehl, Nicole McGurn, Cas Pruski, Sue Szyikowski, Francis Dibley, Jim Adduci, Nancy Sedita, and Matt Ballard.
Absent/Excused: Adrienne Daniels.
The recording of these minutes began at 7:36 p.m. after a motion by Cas Pruski and second by Jim Collichio to nominate Bob Ballard as recording secretary to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Mike Grabowski from the council. Bob accepted the nomination and the motions were carried. It was further noted that per the bylaws, the pastor would appoint a member to fill the remainder of the vacant term.
Additional items for the agenda: The council approved a proposal presented by Nicole on behalf of the Hillside GLOW Program of Orleans County to use the social center during the summer months for meetings and childcare during the meetings. Two rooms would be needed once per month in July and August from approximately 5:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. This support group for parents of children with disabilities would meet in one room while childcare would be provided in another room. This use is not to impose any burden on the parish. Nicole will provide director Alicia Grandy with a building use form to complete. Dates and rooms for use will be determined later.
Old Business: The letter written to GED regarding the termination of their use of the building, effective September 1st has yet to be sent. Fr. Dick was asked to do so without any further delay.
Updates
Roofing projects: Fr. Dick reported that R.A. Haitz Roofing still has gutter patching and replacement and cleanup work to do on the St. Joe’s Social Center and the St. Mary’s Rectory. Concerns were expressed over some lawn damage and the deteriorated conditions of the fascia boards at St. Mary’s, as well as the lack of attention given to the porch roofs. Phil will call Haitz regarding a completion date on the above items and assured the members that payment would not be made until the work was finished. Phil and Joe motioned that Cas contact Lou Becker regarding his offer to take and dispose of the old non-copper gutter/downspouts. Fr. Dick said he instructed Mike to store old copper gutters in garage until it can be sold for salvage. This is to be done quickly as where it is stored is a hazard. Fr. Dick announced that the roof and gutter project for St. Joseph’s Church is scheduled to begin in September.
Use of St. Mary’s Rectory: Fr. Dick announced that four men from the seminary will be staying at the rectory for two weeks beginning July 19 as part of their summer field program. He asked if Laurie Ballard could prepare the living quarters for them. Nicole offered to assist in determining what has to be done and purchased to accommodate them.
Evangelization Program: Fr. Dick reported on the upcoming pilot program that we will be involved in that will begin in August. The diocesan team has asked Fr. Dick to supply them with a parish profile to aid in their preparation towards customizing this program to our parish. He distributed to the members an introduction to what evangelization entails and the three goals associated with this concept.
New $4000 Grant has been received from the diocese. Fr. Dick shared that it will be used to renovate the resource room of the social center and transform it into a multi-purpose resource center for Family Based Formation and Youth Ministry programs which are currently in the planning/discussion phase. Fr. Dick will be meeting with Mike Grabowski and Carly Ward who will be handling some of the room transformations. Informational meetings will be forthcoming in August for an anticipated implementation date to begin sometime in September.
Mass Times: Fr. Dick spoke on the Sunday Mass consolidation proposal that calls for an 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Mass schedule. Religious education classes will begin with the last Mass followed by classroom instruction until 12:00 p.m. As of now the plan calls for the traditional choir to minister at the earlier Mass and the Folk Choir to minister at the later one. Concerns are still being reviewed over relocation of Mass intentions already booked through the end of 2009. Hopes are that this could come as early as September but realistically may not happen until January 2010.
Cemetery Rates: Fr. Dick said that the new cemetery rates for purchases and burials are more in line with other cemeteries and are uniform with other Catholic parishes within the county.
Finance Committee Report: Phil spoke on the spreadsheets distributed to members and fielded some of the questions regarding numbers that appeared troubling. After a lengthy discussion, it was suggested that an improved format for reporting be used at future meetings so that a truer reflection of financial activity can be presented. The current method creates too much confusion and often is misleading..
Follow up from the last parish council meeting regarding the sale of St. Mary’s: A discussion regarding the underutilized status of the St. Mary’s Campus led to a proposal to get rid of the property. Bob distributed copies of a 2007 letter from Bishop Kmiec to us where he indicated that an oratory campus could provide many opportunities for use based on our strategic plan to build parish ministries and programs (but not for weekend liturgies). Members were given opportunities to comment. Statements were made from the floor that despite the great potential that St. Mary’s could provide, there is no intention by the parish to increase the use of that campus in the foreseeable future. These statements were not challenged. Phil and Deacon Jim motioned to close and dispose of (sell, donate, etc.) the St. Mary’s property. A show of hands vote was taken with the result being 10 ayes, 0 nays and 1 abstention. The council asked that Fr. Dick proceed with the next step per diocesan guidelines.
A motion was made by Phil and seconded by Nicole to dispense with the remainder of the agenda and close the meeting at 9:16 p.m. Carried. Deacon Jim led the closing prayer.
Next meeting: Monday, September 14, 2009
Respectfully submitted,
Robert F. Ballard,
Secretary
7/15/09
Approved Minutes of the September 14, 2009 Holy Family Parish Council Meeting
McCabe Room of the Social Center
The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. by president Tim Kirby. Fr. Dick led the opening prayer.
Present: Fr. Dick, Deacon Jim Collichio, Tim Kirby, Bob Ballard, Phil Ciarico, Joe Gehl, Cas Pruski, Francis Dibley, Jim Adduci, Nancy Sedita, Adrienne Daniels, and Matt Ballard.
Absent/Excused: Sue Szyikowski and Nicole McGurn
The minutes of the July 13, 2009 meeting were accepted as written after motions by Matt Ballard and Joe Gehl.
Fr. Dick spoke on the Strategic Plan for our parish the next few years with possibly giving considerations to listing our priorities. Examples such as program emphases, directions we want to go or steer away from, areas of parish life that need strengthening, etc. He also itemized the listing of seven areas of concern that the diocese came up with back in 2007 during the Journey in Faith and Grace. Copies of our original areas of focus (strategic plan) were distributed for review and comparison to that of the diocese.
Deacon Jim brought into discussion whether or not we were living up to our parish mission statement by meeting the needs of the people and that we shouldn’t be overly distracted with money issues. Tim pointed out that our facilities are quite restricted for providing many opportunities for reaching out. The Council felt that perhaps the works of the Albion Ministerium could be better utilized for ecumenical movements by promoting involvement in community caring services such as GOMOC, Hospice, St. Vincent DePaul Society, the Community Kitchen, etc.
Another important issue discussed involved weekend Mass attendance. Fr. Dick stated that only 25% or roughly 550 parishioners currently attend regularly with collection totals continuing to shrink. Adrienne suggested profiling a different ministry each week in the bulletin with background and contact information. This idea was suggested during the Time & Talent Survey campaign but was never implemented. Bob pointed out that many of the responders from that survey have yet to be called upon to serve in the ministries they expressed an interest in. The question then arose on how do we reach out and how do we increase attendance. There was no further discussion on this subject.
Updates:
- Roofing projects – Fr. Dick reported that the work on St. Mary’s rectory is complete but that the work on the school and church at the St. Joseph Campus has yet to begin. He said we will take all old copper gutters from both sites to the salvage center. Bob said he checked with Ed Arnold Salvage Center in Corfu today and they are paying $1.80 per pound.
- Parish Council Vacancies – Fr. Dick has not made an appointment to fill the current vacancy.
- Mass Times – Fr. Dick reported that many people have adapted to the new Mass schedule but that there appears to be some shortages in the liturgical roles re: extraordinary ministers of communion. It was noted by all that the weekly bulletin continues to list many errors on the front cover and is long overdue for correcting. Fr. Dick said he is aware of the problem. Fr. Dick also stated that there is a tentative plan to have the two Sunday choirs switch Mass times during the seasons of Advent and Lent in order to provide people the experience of hearing more traditional sacred music associated with these special times. In keeping with our goal to evangelize, Phil suggested we also list the Mass times of Catholic Churches around the region just in case people are unable to fit our new Mass times into their schedules, that they can meet their Sunday obligations.
Committee Reports:
- Tim spoke on the status of insulating the buildings. After consulting with contractors, it looks like the job to do the church will be cost prohibitive and that it will not be pursued. However the school building is feasible and could begin with volunteers as early as November.
- Phil spoke on the refurbishing of the side entrance door to the church and the door to the school by volunteers Joe Gehl and Dave O’Brien. However the three sets of the front doors to the church require professional attention due to damaged wood and stained glass. He stated that this expense would be borne by a parishioner donation. Similarly, the church will be fitted with a high quality Bose sound system that will replace our failing PA system. This too, will be paid for by a parishioner donation.
- Finance – Phil distributed financial reports for the period ending the 2008-09 fiscal year. The surplus has again been attributed to tapping into parish savings. Phil stated that much of the parish deficits are due to rising diocesan assessments upon our parish without relief. He said there should be a better reporting format by the next meeting and that the finance committee is currently working on the budget for the current fiscal year.
New Business
Fr. Dick and the Council approved a request presented by Matt on behalf of the Orleans Genealogical Society to once again use the St. Mary’s Campus for their annual Christmas meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m. after motions by Jim Collichio and Adrienne Daniels. Deacon Jim led the Our Father as the closing prayer.
Next meeting: November 2nd at 7 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert F. Ballard,
Recording Secretary
9/15/09
