ST. JOHN PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FROM JANUARY 5, 2004 Msgr. Art Valenzano opened the meeting with a prayer. The November minutes were approved. Council members in attendance: Bob Andrews, John Bryan, Mike Oster, Peggy Rager, Joe Rankin, Fran Rock, Paul Rock, Janet Tenney, Frank Tontala, Dawn Walsh, Clolita Williams Council members absent: Tom Greene, Terry Jones, Mike Rodgers, Pat Scheper, Gail Young Staff in Attendance: Msgr. Art Valenzano, Fr. Brian Nolan, Seminarian Jim Sorra, Agnes Geraghty, Pat Brink Parishioner Concerns ==================== Frank Tontala mentioned that a parishioner wanted clarification on the church's policy on children in church. Msgr. Art said that the church welcomes children; it is a parent's decision if their child is a distraction to those around them. If a child is preparing for Communion, he/she should be attending mass. There are several options for younger children such as the Children's Liturgy and the nursery. Frank also questioned whether the outside entrance into the cafeteria was the best entrance for events. That issue will be addressed. OLD BUSINESS: Outreach & Evangelization ========================= Msgr. Art said that in December, about 400 people attended a mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe. The diocese is recruiting Spanish speaking priests in order to “grow” this ministry. We are striving to offer more services to this community. Denise Diegel has contacted a person who will translate the Welcoming information into Spanish. Frank reported that the Ministry handbook has been revised, and there are also new Welcoming packets. Fr. Brian is working on getting ministry brochures in a rack in the back of the church. The nursery had light attendance over the holidays. Peggy was concerned that the ushers at church were unaware of the location or existence of the nursery. That issue will be addressed at the Liturgical Minister's Retreat. Religious Education =================== Paul Gallagher will give a report at the March meeting. Development =========== Msgr. Art said that the diocese is asking us to become more involved in the Lenten Appeal. This year, our goal is $115,000; we would like more people to participate in this program. We will be supporting St. Michael's parish in Allegheny county and St. William of York in Baltimore city. Contributions will also be used to help with the educational system in Haiti. Mike Oster reported that the development committee has to strategize on how to raise the last $500,000 of the Capital Campaign. We will continue to contact new families and go back to those families who have never contributed. Agnes said that pledges are coming in steadily. Management & Finance ==================== Paul reported that of the $8 million pledged, all but $2 million has been collected. We need $2 million to complete the master plan. We have borrowed $544,000. The Christmas collection was $78,000, which was an improvement from last year. Attendance for the Christmas masses was 8500. Following this sesquicentennial year, we will now refocus on the day to day management of the parish; the committee is considering an annual audit to assist the parish to improve in various areas. School Report ============= Pat Brink reported the initiation of the PowerSchool program, a web based student information system which generates student progress reports. With intensive training for staff and parents, it is going well. 33% of the school participated in the county health department's 2 week physical activity challenge, Project ACES; St. John received a $200 award. The school is requiring all parents to go through the STAND process. The school continues to be involved in several outreach projects. Catholic Schools' week begins January 24th. The school is not at its capacity of 630, but there is a short waiting list for certain grades. Master Plan 2003 ================ Fran reported that the rose window will be installed soon. The fellowship hall, which will consist of 2 large rooms, will go for bid in February, and may be ready by February 2005. Liturgy ======= The Liturgical Minister's Retreat will be held on January 17th at Carroll Community College; the topic for the retreat will be “Liturgy - Ever Ancient, Ever New”. Christmas Bazaar ================ Gross - $28,700, net - $25,612; this is an 8.3% decrease because of the snow. Announcements ============= Thank you to the leadership of the council and church for a banner year in 2003. Msgr. Art announced that at the U.S. Bishops conference, a standard of compliance for a safe environment was compiled. An independent audit was performed and will come out next week. The Baltimore Diocese received a good report. Meeting adjourned. Submitted by, Peggy Rager, Recording Secretary