Holy Cross Parish Council Minutes
November 6, 2007
Present: Kris Chatfield, Gabriela Probst, Kathy Geroski, Jim Miles, Adrian Law, Angie Pavon, Sam Beale, Cass Catroppa, David Hernandez, Helen Homrich and Theresa O’Donnell. Not Present: Fr. Patrick, Dale Bennett, and Jim Moleta.
The meeting was opened with a prayer.
· Distribution and Approval of Minutes – Minutes from the October meeting were distributed and reviewed. Motion to approve the minutes was seconded. Minutes approved.
· Old Business – Sam reported that someone had been out to look at the A/C problem in the education building and there is a bad bearing in the main shaft. We are awaiting several repair estimates and will move forward when those are received.
· Committee Reports – Worship and Spiritual Growth, and Human Concerns had no report. For Education, Theresa reported Sr. Pilar is concerned about space problems in the Education Building. We need additional dedicated rooms for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, as that program is expanding. Currently, the Level II Atrium has to be set up and taken down completely each week. We would also like to have Level III CGS at some point, but space will not permit this. The Hispanic OCIA class also needs a dedicated space for the young people, as the families come through OCIA together. She is also having difficulty accommodating groups in the evening. The Youth Minister reported to Theresa that the Youth Program is going well, but he would like to see the Parish Council establish a permanent plan of action for the middle school and high school programs. This would be in place so that as youth ministers rotate in and out of the parish, the program would remain consistent. Cass added that currently, Sr. Pilar’s position description does not include middle school and high school formation, and that she is not considered to be the DRE. Several people suggested that Sr. Pilar, Aida and Rich be invited to a future Parish Council meeting to discuss these issues. Theresa also reported that Lorraine Steele has requested that we consider upgrading the room where OCIA is held. Currently, the furniture and carpet are very old, and the room is not very nice. A speaker is needed for Adult Education on 11/18 to talk about Advent Preperation. Sam reported for Parish Life. Reaching Out is looking for a bilingual writer. Angie will talk to Sr. Carmen about putting a notice in the bulletin. The FAMILIA men’s group is holding a 2nd Men’s Evening of Reflection on November 28th. The night will include Mass, dinner and a speaker. Angie reported that the Hispanic community is holding a Why Be Catholic retreat this Saturday. Mass will be held every night during the week of November 12th – 24th. There is a party on 11/17 to celebrate the anniversary of Fr. Arturo’s ordination. A Novena will be said from 12/2 – 12/10 for Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Feast and procession for Our Lady will be 12/12.
· Task Force Reports – Gabriela reported that the Welcome Task Force identified the following as the most pressing items to address: a) hold periodic welcome “parties” – wine and cheese or coffees; b) have the deacons ask new members and visitors to stand before Mass and be welcomed. This will help regular parishioners identify new people, so we can introduce ourselves after Mass. c) create a phone committee to make calls to new members. d) ensure that the welcome desk is staffed after every Mass (perhaps get a different person to handle this scheduling) and make some sort of sign to identify the welcome desk. e) re-start the “ministry minute” during mass on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. The Computer/Newsletter task force presented and format they had created for the email newsletter. It would contain small bits of information, with a link under each that would take the reader to the website for additional information about that topic. Jim and Adrian are researching tools to create an email subscription list.
· Additional Items – Cass indicated that currently there is no one leading the Eucharistic Ministers. Phyllis Jean McNeil keeps up the database that identifies when each EM needs to complete additional training and be commissioned. There is an issue right now about whether chalices are being purified before they are washed, and there seems to be confusion about standards of what is to be done. In addition, there is no one handling training, or calling new people interested in becoming a Eucharistic Minister. Helen to talk to Fr. Patrick about this. Gabriela raised the issue of holding a Latin Mass at the church. Several people indicated that they would like to come to something like this. It was suggested that we talk to Fr. Patrick about having one, as a special event, and seeing what the response is. If there is a large interest in this, perhaps this could become a monthly event.
· Next Meeting – Our next meeting is scheduled for December 11, 2007.
Meeting was adjourned with a prayer.
Respectfully Submitted, Kris Chatfield