ST. JOHN PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER 4, 2002 Msgr. Art Valenzano opened the meeting with a prayer. The September minutes were approved. Council Members in attendance: Bob Andrews, Joe Cinquino, Tom Greene, Terry Jones, Mike Oster, Peggy Rager, Joe Rankin, Paul Rock, Mike Rodgers, Frank Tontala, Dawn Walsh, Clolita Williams, Gail Young, and Ken Yuhas. Council Members absent: Fran Rock and Pat Scheper Staff in Attendance: Pat Brink, Seminarian Michael DeAscanis, Fr. Brian Nolan, and Fr. Leo Patalinghug Parishioner Concerns -------------------- Ken Yuhas mentioned that some parishioners were concerned about the campaign literature left on cars during mass. Msgr. Art said that it was not approved by the parish. OLD BUSINESS: Master Plan 2003 ---------------- Terry Jones reported that the church building is on schedule. The steeple will go up next week and then the roof. The lights for the parking lot will not be put in for another 4 weeks. Temporary lights will be erected for safety reasons. Plans are continuing for the Fellowship Hall. Liturgy ------- Joe Rankin reported that mass attendance is up by 13% for the time period June 2001-June 2002. Fr. Leo indicated the goal is to become more welcoming. A welcoming packet has been developed with parish information and a letter from the pastor. In order to register in the parish, you will have to attend a Welcoming/Registration meeting, the first one in January. The mini-retreat for Liturgical ministers will be held on Jan. 18, 2003 at Carroll Community College. Fr. Leo reported that effective the first week of Advent, there will be some modifications for the altar servers, lectors, and Eucharistic ministers. Management & Finance -------------------- Paul Rock thanked the Stewardship speakers. The committee received the audit report and its recommendations and created a response, reflected in the goals. Paul is investigating personnel needs. A site manager (Terry Jones) will be monitoring the construction process of the new church. The committee will revise the strategic plan in the next 6-9 months. Ken Yuhas asked about the Communications position; Paul suggested looking for a parishioner who could work on a volunteer basis. Outreach & Evangelization ------------------------- Frank Tontala reported that the goals are the same as last year. The nursery will begin Nov. 17th at the 8:45 and 10:30 masses. The Parish Ministry handbook will be published this month. Updated hotel cards will be sent to local hotels. “The Evangelist” will be sent in January. St. Vincent de Paul has a 5 year plan; their goal will be to put more of a spiritual component into their work, performing Catholic outreach as well as social work. Many parish Outreach programs are available such as Prison Ministry (Fr. Brian), Monday night men's scripture study (Seminarian Tyson), Catholic Campus ministry at McDaniel College (a small but strong group), Legion of Mary (Dawn Walsh), Divorced, Widowed and Single Group, and Married Couples Date Night (Fr. Brian - 4th Saturday of the month). Religious Education ------------------- Dawn Walsh and Susanne Connole are the committee's newest members. Bob Andrews reported the committee's goals will remain the same as last year. Certification of catechists will remain a very important goal. There will be a mandatory meeting for Religious Education teachers on November 5th and 7th. The Religious Education department's successful fundraiser raised $7000. Development - Mike Oster reported that Phase 2 will begin with visits to 2543 homes, utilizing 15 team captains, with 10-12 volunteers per team. 981 new parishioners will be visited; calls will be made to 1562 homes for those who did not have the opportunity to give previously. Finally those who have given before will be approached again. The goal of this phase is $1,625,000; $10,000 has already been raised. There are still “naming” opportunities available as well. Gail Young also mentioned opportunities for planned giving, such as asking older couples who have moved from the area to be sponsors for their home parish. Sesquicentennial Committee - The Pictorial Directory has been postponed until spring. Memorial bricks are still available for sale; $26,250 has already been raised. On the last page of the 2003 calendar, there will be a list of events for the Sesquicentennial. Cardinal Keeler will dedicate the new church on Sept. 28, 2003 at the 12 noon mass. On Sunday, Jan. 5, 2003, Bishop Malooly will say the 12 noon mass, beginning our Sesquicentennial year. Bishop Malooly will end the year by saying the 6:30 mass on Dec. 27, 2003. New Business ------------ Fr. Leo interviewed 4 people for the Director of Music. They hope to have him/her on board by January 2003. It was also decided that we honor Teresa Greene for her years of service to the Religious Education program with a public acknowledgement at a future mass. Announcements ------------- Msgr. Art said that Bishop Malooly is starting a regional council and will need 2 representatives from each parish. Fran Rock was nominated to be a board representative at Timber Ridge. We will need some people to coordinate our Lenten Appeal. Last year we had a good response to the Lenten Appeal; we were able to give $10,000 to the 2 parishes in Western Maryland. Meeting adjourned. Submitted by Peggy Rager, Recording Secretary