Holy Cross Parish Council Minutes
January 8, 2008
Present: Kris Chatfield, Gabriela Probst, Kathy Geroski, Jim Miles, Adrian Law, Fr. Patrick, Sam Beale, Theresa O’ Donnell, Helen Homrich and Yvonne Taveras. Not Present: Angie Pavon, Cass Catroppa, Dale Bennett, and Jim Moleta.
The meeting was opened with a prayer.
· Pastor’s Comments – Fr. Patrick indicated that as Pastor, he often has to make decisions that are not popular with everyone, and asked for the Parish Council’s support when this occurs. Discussion regarding email notification occurred. Adrian indicated that he has met with Theresa to get her up and running with Comcast webmail for the parish e-newsletter. Jim Miles is working on getting software that will allow people to sign up on the website to receive the e-newsletter. Theresa will ask Cass to pull together any email information we have in the parish database, so she can make sure that everyone with an email address I getting the e-newsletter. Fr. Patrick stressed the importance of getting this up and running ASAP, especially for the Hispanic community. Yvonne to talk with Sr. to ensure that the Hispanic community is providing email information so they can receive updates. Theresa given carte blanche by Fr. Patrick to get this resolved.
· Distribution and Approval of Minutes – Minutes from the December meeting were distributed and reviewed. Motion to approve the minutes was seconded. Minutes approved.
· Youth Program – Rich Haaland attended the meeting to discuss the future of Youth Group. Rich is leaving Holy Cross due to new job responsibilities, and will no longer be the Youth Leader. There is one person who is currently helping him who will continue with the program, but at least one additional person is needed to head the Youth Program. One person cannot do all the work required. Plans are in place to continue to Youth Group through the spring, but planning for next year needs to occur. The Youth Group has grown significantly over the past year and Rich would like to see this continue.
· Confirmation Preparation – Gabriela presented a suggested alternative for the current Confirmation Preparation program. Another parish uses Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for students preparing for Confirmation. Middle school and high school age students go through the training program to be trained as catechists, and then work in the Atrium in their church as instructors for the children. This would serve an educational need for these young people, as well as provide additional catechists for a program that has the potential to continue expanding. Gabriela and Kris will follow up with information regarding cost for the program and Theresa will talk with Suzanne Summers about money available to pay for the program. Kris has already spoken with Suzanne about the program itself, and she indicated an interest in pursuing it.
· Break-Ins/Accidents – There have been several car break-ins and several hit and run accidents that have occurred in the parking lot. There is an extensive camera network already put in place around the church with a 2 week DVR capability. Per Fr. Patrick, there is not much else that can be done without locking down the church.
· Holiday Mass Schedule – Gabriela raised the issue of Christmas Eve versus Christmas Day Masses, and questioned why choirs, etc., are all scheduled for Christmas Eve, as opposed to having a large Mass on Christmas morning. Fr. Patrick will take this under advisement for next year. The issue of Easter Mass on Sunday evening was raised. It was decided that there would be a 5:30 Sunday Mass scheduled.
· Committee Reports – Helen reported for Worship and Spiritual Growth that she talked with Phyllis Jean and there is no email database for Eucharistic Ministers. Phyllis Jean was interested in pursuing a training class for ministers, but wanted to be sure that existing ministers who were due for re-training were included. Helen will schedule a date with Deacon Robicheaux, and make sure an announcement goes in the bulletin. Teens will be included as long as they are 16 and have been confirmed. Education re-emphasized the need for more space. Yvonne to bring up the idea of staggering Spanish CCD on Saturday as they do at IHM, in order to explore the possibility of giving more classrooms permanent space as Atriums for CGS. Parish Life reported that there will be Stations of the Cross for children on Good Friday morning. This will be presented by Challenge and Conquest. Stewardship and Human Concerns had not report.
· Next Meeting – Our next meeting is scheduled for February 5, 2008.
Meeting was adjourned with a prayer.
Respectfully Submitted, Kris Chatfield