ST. JOHN PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES FROM JANUARY 6, 2003

Msgr. Art Valenzano opened the meeting with a prayer.  The November minutes were approved.

Council Members in attendance: Bob Andrews, Joe Cinquino, Terry Jones, Mike Oster, Peggy Rager, Joe Rankin, Fran Rock, Paul Rock, Pat Scheper, Frank Tontala, Dawn Walsh, Clolita Williams, Gail Young, and Ken Yuhas. 	
Council Members absent: Tom Greene, Mike Rodgers    
Guests: Charlie Swinderman

Parishioner Concerns:  Dawn Walsh mentioned that a cartoon in the Carroll County Times was derogatory toward the Catholic faith, specifically to the Mother of God.  There was much discussion about our response; it was decided that Msgr. Art would contact the editor, stating our dissatisfaction.

OLD BUSINESS:  
	Master Plan 2003 - Terry Jones reported that the building of the church is going well.  We are slightly behind schedule because of weather.  They are working on the decking, installing heating duct work, and the walls in the back are going up; the steel is 99% complete.  We are working with a company in Peru for the purchase of stained glass windows.  We also have a contract for a crucifix and statue of St. John and the Blessed Mother.  Mike Oster expressed concern for the limited parking situation.

	Religious Education - Bob Andrews reported that the Confirmation Program started in December, with 177 students, 23 per class.  The teens participated in a nursing home service project and will go on a Confirmation retreat in January.   The Entertainment Book fundraiser made over $9000, $2000 for Life Teen.  The Edge and Life Teen held a live nativity, and Life Teen went caroling for Carroll Hospice.  

	Development - Mike Oster reported that the committee is wrapping up the first part of Phase 2.  They have been approaching people who have never given as well as new parishioners; they have not raised as much money as they had hoped.  We still need to raise $2.2 million.  Mike would like to finish the entire campaign by the end of May.  Terry Jones spoke with the Archdiocese, and because we are building a larger church, they will be contributing $100,000 toward our campaign.  Also, the Lenten Appeal will begin in February; we are still sponsoring a parish in Western Maryland.  

	Liturgy - Joe Rankin reviewed the Liturgical Renewal Modifications; the changes have gone smoothly.  All changes went into effect the first week of Advent.  The purpose for the changes is to unify all Catholic churches around the world.  The Liturgical Ministers Mini-Retreat will be held at Carroll Community College on January 18th; all pastoral council members are invited to attend.

	Management & Finance - Paul Rock reported that the Christmas offertory was $74,400, 14% over last year.  We will be in a “borrowing” mode in June because of the building of the church.  The committee will be responding to internal controls recommended by the management letter.  

	Outreach - Frank Tontala reported that new hotel cards with a revised mass schedule have been distributed to area hotels.  The Evangelist will be sent to parishioners by the end of January.  Mike Oster and Gail Young suggested that Colleen Hattrup write an article on the Capital Campaign for The Evangelist. It was also suggested that Terry Jones give an update on church construction.  Pro-Life is sponsoring a bus to Washington D.C. on January 22nd.  The Spanish Ministry had a mass on December 12th, celebrating Our Lady of Guadelupe.  The nursery is progressing slowly, with better participation at the 10:30 mass.  Fr. Leo has started the Welcoming Ministry; there are 4 speakers at each session, which lasts about 20-30 minutes; at the end of the session, registration takes place.

	Sesquicentennial Committee - Fran Rock reported that 109 8x8 and 444 4x8 bricks have been sold, raising $49,650, minus $11,000 expenses.  We are closing Phase 1 of the orders.  The second phase will begin in February.  The proceeds are earmarked for furnishings in the new church.  Many activities are planned to celebrate the Sesquicentennial, one of which will be a Gala on May 3rd. 

NEW BUSINESS:
Ken Yuhas formed a nominations committee for Pastoral council vacancies.  Ken will chair, Gail Young will co-chair, and Tom Greene and Dawn Walsh will assist.  Terry Jones reported that the steps to the school are being repaired.  

Announcements - Attendance at Christmas masses was down because of the weather, but the offertory was good.  We now have a contract with an organist.  A new music director has been hired and will start next month.  As part of the 150th Anniversary, Fr. Leo will be taking a pilgrimage to Rome on November  3- 13.  Bishop Malooly will try to be here for the dedication of the new church.  Thank you to Becky Martin and the Wisdom Club for the mass and reception to start our 150th anniversary year of celebration.

						Submitted by, 
						Peggy Rager, Recording Secretary