ST. JOHN PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 3, 2003

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

Council Members in attendance:  Bob Andrews, Joe Cinquino, Tom Greene, Terry Jones, Mike Oster, Peggy Rager, Joe Rankin, Fran Rock, Paul Rock, Mike Rodgers, Pat Scheper, Gail Young, and Ken Yuhas
Council Members Absent: Frank Tontala, Dawn Walsh, Clolita Williams	
Staff in Attendance: Fr. Leo, Fr. Brian, Seminarian Michael, Pat Brink, Agnes Geraghty	
Guests: Denise Diegel, Charlie Swinderman

Parishioner concerns:  There is a concern about serving the deaf community.  There was much discussion about the need for an interpreter, advertising in the bulletin, contacting the diocese, etc.  Ken Yuhas suggested that we research this issue and make recommendations for the next meeting.

OLD BUSINESS:
	Master Plan 2003 - Terry Jones reported that construction of the church is 50 days behind schedule because of weather conditions.  The contractor promised that the church will be completed on time; we have not re-scheduled any dates yet.  Msgr. Art has arranged for new date, October 28th, if needed.  The plans for the “old church” are going forward; the architect is working on a schematic design.  

	Religious Education - Bob Andrews indicated that there are opportunities for adult formation on the 2nd Monday of every month.  RCIA is starting a new program that will start in the beginning of the calendar year and end in the fall, rather than the traditional September/October start, ending at Easter.  It will only be opened to individuals who have been baptized.

	Development - Mike Oster reported on the ongoing Capital Campaign chaired by Gail Young and Ralph Arnold.  They are “wrapping up” the solicitation of new parishioners and those who have never given.  In mid-April to May, the committee will target the large group who has already given $2500 or less.  We are hoping to raise the final $2 million.  There will be a 4 week phonathon; each ministry will sponsor an evening of calling based at the BB&T office on Main Street.  Council members are asked to volunteer on one of the nights.  Details about the phonathon will be in the bulletin and announced at weekend masses.  We are asking parishioners to contribute to the Cardinal's Lenten Appeal; we will contribute our money to parishes in Western Maryland and Haiti.  Pastoral Council members are asked to solicit donations from people on a list of last year's contributors. 

	Liturgy - Joe Rankin reported that the Liturgical Ministers Mini-Retreat was a tremendous success.  The objectives were accomplished.  Participants appreciated the opportunity to meet others involved in their own and other liturgical ministries and share ideas, concerns and prayer.  Msgr. Art's keynote address was wonderful.  
Fr. Leo commented on the Music Ministry situation.  The Music ministry position was offered to someone, but the person declined.  Regina McCurdy is the Acting Music Ministry Director; she is in the process of stabilizing and unifying the music groups.  Regina will still be the principal organist; we are still looking for a permanent organist.

	Management & Finance - Paul Rock met with his committee 2 weeks ago and these are the findings.  Because of the church construction, and timing of expenditures, there will be a negative cash flow by June.  The line of credit from the Archdiocese will be helpful.  The operating budget through December 2002 was OK, with utility expenses within budget.  We received a letter from the Archdiocese about fundraising responsibilities and liability.   As long as Pastoral Council members are performing council business, they will not be liable.  The committee has also been responding to the management letter. 

	Outreach - The Pro-life Committee organized a trip to the March for Life in Washington on January 22nd, with 100 participants.  The nursery is doing well at the 10:30 mass with inconsistent participation at the 8:45 mass. Terry suggested making a permanent nursery sign, similar to the 2nd collection sign. Under the guidance of Fr. Leo, the registration of new parishioners has been very successful.  The Welcoming sessions on the first Sunday of the month have been very informative with good attendance.  Denise Diegel reported that the Spanish ministry is going well with 50 regular attendees (the majority are Mexican men), a choir, and bilingual altar servers.  

	Sesquicentennial Committee - Fran Rock reported that everything is going well.  The first batch of bricks has been sent to the engraver.  The committee is still unsure if there will be a Pictorial Directory this year.

NEW BUSINESS: 
Fr. Leo's pilgrimage to Rome is growing and a ticket for a free trip will be raffled.  
Nominations committee - We have a list of 7 people willing to run for the Pastoral Council; we still need one more candidate.  

Announcements - Our parish mission is March 29 - April 3. Please encourage participation.  With the safety of our children in mind, next year, all volunteers will be required to go through a criminal background check.  

							Submitted by Peggy Rager, Recording Secretary