St. John Pastoral Council Meeting
November 1, 2004

The meeting was opened with the reading, responsorial psalm and Gospel for All Saint’s Day.  We discussed our thoughts on the readings and Msgr. Art led us in prayer.

Council members in attendance:  Ralph Arnold, John Bryan, Jeannie Carbo, Denise Diegel, Tom Greene, Terry Jones, Becky Martin, Mike Oster, Peggy Rager, Fran Rock, Paul Rock, Janet Tenney, Frank Tontala, Steve Torbeck, Dawn Walsh, Clolita Williams

Council members absent: Joe Rankin, Pat Scheper	

Staff in Attendance: Msgr. Art Valenzano, Fr. Leo Patalinghug, Agnes Geraghty

Guests: Charlie Swinderman, Patty Corbin

Parishioner concerns:  
Frank Tontala received an e-mail concerning the limited number of handicap parking spaces.  Terry Jones has added 4 more spaces, which is well above the required amount.  Agnes Geraghty mentioned that at many masses, there are several individuals in wheelchairs.  We will monitor the situation. Frank also mentioned the Christian Coalition flyers that were left on cars this past weekend.  Msgr. Art is aware of the situation and as in the past, he will ask this group to stop the distribution of these or any other flyers.  Peggy Rager mentioned that a parishioner would like to see the installation of automatic handicap doors at the entrance to the church; Terry Jones will price the doors; at the present time, we are in compliance for handicap regulations.  Steve Torbeck mentioned there were concerns from several parishioners that the window seal is broken on the NW side of the church; Terry will investigate the matter.

OLD BUSINESS:
Renovation of the Old Church 
Terry Jones reported that the bid has been accepted from the contractor; it will cost $1.9 million.  We also hope to do additional site work which includes more parking, curbs, etc.  The entire project would cost $2.4 million.  Work on the old church will begin in mid-November and be completed by April 15, 2005.  If we do the additional site work (cost of $600,000), we would not start until the summer of 2005.

Outreach & Evangelization
Frank Tontala reported that in responding to the strategic goals of Outreach & Evangelization, the committee has assigned specific people to be “responsible” for every goal.  The Pro-Life Group had 100 people who stood on the corner of Rte. 140 and Wimert Ave. on October 2nd (Right to Life Sunday).  In addition to praying the rosary, they placed pink and blue crosses on the hill.  Terry Jones mentioned that there have been some concerns from the community that the crosses are on the highway; we have to make sure that the crosses stay on St. John property.  The St. Vincent de Paul Society has absorbed the ministries of the “Loaves and Fishes”.  Our chapter, 55 strong, the largest in the Archdiocese, will be prominently featured in an Archdiocesan video on the Society.  In the last year, through their efforts, $94,000 was donated to the poor and needy in our area.  Denise Diegel reported on the progress of the Hispanic ministry and shared their mission statement with her handout.  120 people attended the Spanish mass on Oct. 31st.  On Dec. 12th, they will celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and have a reception after Mass.  Spanish Songbooks have been purchased.  The Spanish mass will be included in the Stewardship campaign.


Religious Education 
Becky Martin distributed a handout and reported on the 3 strategic goals of the committee.  Religious Education would like to continue to reach out to the entire parish and give people more opportunities to join the many available programs.  
School Report 
No report.  At the next meeting, Pat Brink will report on enrollment and the reasons for decline in enrollment.  Dawn Walsh mentioned that in some areas, the school website is currently not up-to-date.  Frank will talk with Pat and update the information and Tom Greene will investigate as well.  

School Board Report 
Tom Witmer was not able to attend the meeting but sent a report which was distributed.  The school board is in a time of transition and will continue to implement the new guidelines outlined by the Archdiocese.  In November, the School Operations committee of the Board will conduct a formal, independent School Inspection and Safety Audit of the school; a report will be given to the council at the January meeting.

Development 
No report; the committee will meet in November.

Liturgy 
Fr. Leo reported that the committee will meet on November 15th and devise strategic goals.  A Liturgy update was given to the parish on the weekend of October 24th; it will become an annual update.  The timing of the Long Term Service Award will be decided at the Nov. 15th meeting.  Fr. Leo also reported on the Christmas and New Year’s Mass schedule.  The Annual Liturgical Retreat will be held at Carroll Community College on January 29, 2005; Bishop Bennett will no longer be able to attend, so there will be a presentation on the theological, spiritual and personal aspects of the Mass.  

Management & Finance 
Paul Rock reported that stewardship talks will be given at the masses on the weekend of November 6th.  Financial statements have been sent to parishioners.  Members from the Finance Committee and BB&T visited the Archdiocese to discuss plans for financing the renovation of the old church and expansion of our budget.  We are awaiting Archdiocesan approval following a meeting on November 10th.

Plan of Implementation for Strategic Goals and Objectives 
Tom would like to see that goals and objectives from all committees are coordinated into one document like a 3 year operating plan.  Frank will coordinate this effort with the assistance of Fr. Leo and Clolita Williams.  The plan will be given to the Executive committee and presented to the council at the January meeting.  A final document will be presented to the parish by May 2005.  

NEW BUSINESS:
Clolita suggested that we hold a ministry fair in the parish.  Mike Oster suggested that it should be the inaugural event in the new Fellowship Hall.  

Announcements:  
Msgr. Art reported that Sr. Bernadette is recovering here and is still very weak.  The Christmas Bazaar will be held on December 4th.  We agreed that the contributions from our portion of the Lenten Appeal will continue to be split between St. Michael’s in Frostburg, Haiti, and St. William of York.  Deacon Jack’s wife, Anne, continues to experience poor health and Deacon Jack needs our prayers for her and assistance in his many ministries.  On the weekend of Christ the King, RCIA II candidates will be brought into the Church.  The Spaghetti Dinner is on Friday, Nov. 6th.
Meeting adjourned.

					Submitted by Peggy Rager, Recording Secretary