Faith Formation-Service-Liturgy-Stewardship-Evangelization s1

FAITH FORMATION-SERVICE-LITURGY-STEWARDSHIP-EVANGELIZATION

ST. STEPHEN PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

September 9, 2015

“We, the parish of St. Stephen, will carry out the mission of Jesus Christ, as a welcoming, worshipping, Catholic Community by sharing, growing and living the Gospel.”

In Attendance: Father Larry Kolson, Father Paul Breczinski, Steve Ramp, Drew Bonthron, Jeannette Falbo, Sr. Angela DeFontes, Bob Melewski, Mary Bateman, Lisa Myers, Laura Holland, Mary Morgan, Duffy Laws, Jim Kalinosky, Janet Bitzelberger, Rob Hott

Members Unable to Attend: Chris Deaver, Kellie Reynolds, Renee Eppig, Anne Fox, Tim McNamara, Mary Patrick

Opening Prayer and Welcome: Drew Bonthron opened the meeting at 7:00 pm with a short prayer. Members in attendance introduced themselves. Drew explained the goal this year to further improve the operation of the PPC by shifting from an agenda orientation toward informational meetings with more discernment, investigating, reporting and recommending. Routine items (i.e. Minutes, Agenda and Committee updates) will be sent out prior to meetings. PPC members are asked to review these items and send any questions to Drew Bonthron or Mary Morgan prior to the upcoming meeting. Questions will be forwarded to the appropriate person so that responses can be prepared and addressed at the meeting. All members recited the Parish Mission Statement.

Pastor’s Comments: Fr. Larry explained that the Parish consolidation and evangelization planning is beginning in less than 1 month. The Archbishop’s Pastoral Letter discusses the ideas about the consolidation and evangelization. The last 3 pages outline the process which could take 1-3 years.

Routine Council Business: Finance questions from previous minutes/orientation meeting were addressed by Bob Melewski. There are several components of the School and Archdiocesan support ($208,132.65). Tuition assistance to the school is $5,000/month from September through June ($50,000 total). We get back about 1/3 of what is given to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. Last year we gave back approximately $53,000. This was lower than the typical amount of $58,000-59,000 because of donations to the Capital Campaign. We pay a graduated Archdiocesan Tax on income which averages approximately 13%. Last year this amounted to nearly $153,000. An example of other Operating Expense is the Rain Tax which was $2000. The next payment has dropped about 20%. At the end of September the Parish will pay $1,600-1,800 for this tax. PPC Meeting Sept. 9, 2015 Page 2

The e-giving option allows for monthly and one-time giving. On the e-giving site there are 2 forms. The first form allows selection for monthly giving to offertory, maintenance, or both. The second allows one time giving (e.g. Catholic Review, Christmas/Easter offering, Altar flowers, Holy Days of Obligation, Faith Formation payment or tuition payment). There is space available to itemize what is to be paid and the amount. Approximately 15-18% of parishioners utilize e-giving. The benefit is money is handled less so there is a decrease in possible errors (e.g. counting discrepancy, envelope crediting error, lost checks). A second benefit is a more consistent income for the parish since there is a significant drop in income between Easter and Christmas (i.e. the increase in vacations correlates to a decrease in Mass attendance/donations). Fr. Larry opened a discussion about publishing income in the bulletin. One concern is that the amount may not be accurate because of e-giving (varying donation dates and amounts). Father Larry will talk about Stewardship during Masses in November. Bob reiterated that overall, the Parish spent more money than it took in. This is due to paying down the Parish Cathedraticum debt and money spent to complete projects designated for the Capital Campaign. The August report shows that the Parish has reached more than 50% of the Capital Campaign goal, but is running a little behind our spending for projects.

Committee Reports: Faith Formation: Sr. Angela and Duffy Laws Sunday Faith Formation enrollment is great and has wonderful catechists. There are 3 new catechists. There were some catechist openings that could not be filled so veteran catechists are willing to increase their class size. There is a new program based on the Sunday readings being implemented. All training has been completed. Catechetical Sunday is September 20th. Catechists will be commissioned at each Mass. There will be a flyer in the bulletin listing each catechist and their years of service. Mrs. Patrick is also including some teachers from the School along with their years of service. This is being done to recognize ongoing evangelization. The RCIA program has 5 people registered at present. There are 2 (possibly 3) children in Catholic school who want to become Catholic. Kathy Melewski will be working with these children. On Wednesday, September 2nd, the Archdiocese held its Catechetical Award Ceremony. Kathy Melewski was honored as St. Stephen’s Catechist of the Year. Drew Bonthron was honored with the Enthusiasm Award for Evangelization. Congratulations to Kathy and Drew on these well-deserved awards. Duffy explained that the Parish theme “Living God’s Mercy” will have a 3 prong approach. Kerry Rand will lead the communications/activities at the School. Sr. Angela and Kellie Reynolds are working on presenting different aspects of the Works of Mercy. Duffy Laws is working on information for the bulletin and catechesis. The Festival of Faith will be on May 15, 2016 (Pentecost Sunday). PPC Meeting Sept. 9, 2015 Page 3

Service : Janet Bitzelberger for Kellie Reynolds The summer was quiet and the next meeting date has not been set yet. The car wash has been cancelled. Duffy talked about the Prayer Walk with Bishop Madden to be held on September 15th at St. Edward’s Parish (5:30pm-7:30pm). The evening begins with a meal. This is followed by a walk, prayers and Scripture readings. There is a period for reflection after the walk. Duffy shared that the residents of the neighborhood deeply appreciate participants being aware of their struggles. It is a very moving experience.

Liturgy: Fr. Paul Plans are being discussed for the upcoming Advent season. Jeannette Falbo will be helping to organize the ushers and their ministry. She will utilize input from the ushers to increase communication, create a handbook, and promote CPR training. Jim Kalinosky will address security issues with the ushers. Adoration will be held all day on Sept 11th concluding with Solemn Vespers and Benediction. There are 30 min slots that need to be filled. A sign-up sheet was passed around. Information/sign-up availability were shared with Facebook, Church, Ladies of Charity and the School and the Sign-up Genius online. Fr. Paul polished and refurbished a set of bells. Rob Hott lacquered them . A leather strap handle is being made for them. Rob Hott shared that a new Paschal Candle stand has been purchased and the stand has been moved closer to the Lecturn. The old stand had become loose and unstable. The cost of the stand was $2900. The Parish is accepting donations to offset the cost. There will also be 2 Holy Water fonts installed beside the 2 main doors at the back of the Church. The fonts have been paid for through a parishioner donation.

Music: Robb Hott Christina Massimei has been selected to be a cantor during the Papal Mass on Wednesday, September 22nd in Washington D. C. EWTN will broadcast the Mass which begins at 4:15 pm. Please keep Christina in your prayers. Christina has requested prayers for her grandfather who will be celebrating his birthday while hospitalized. The Archdiocese is holding a Papal “Mass in the Grass” gathering at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen. The Papal Mass in Philadelphia will be broadcast outdoors on large screens.

Evangelization: Jeannette Falbo The Discovering Christ experience has 152 registrants! There is a waiting list currently with 2 people. People on the waiting list can be added to the program if some registrants fail to attend. The plan is for 17 tables of 9 participants. The Following Christ experience is scheduled March 30, 2016-May 11, 2016. The Faith Formation and Evangelization Ministries have selected the book “Mercy in the City” by Kerry Weber as the book to be given to parishioners this Christmas. The cost has been decreased to $3 per book. Work continues on securing speakers for the Speaker Series. Mary Ellen Russell, Executive Director of The Maryland Catholic Conference will speak on 12/2/ 2015 on topics such as immigration and assisted suicide. Sr. Rose Mary Eve Holter will speak on 12/16/2015. Late update: Sr. Rose Mary Eve will speak on December 2 and Mary Ellen Russell from Maryland Catholic Conference on January 20. PPC Meeting Sept. 9, 2015 Page 4

The committee is trying to secure Kerry Weber for a date to be determined. Arrangements are also being made for a panel discussion with several participants and a moderator. There will be a Parish dance on 11/7/2015. A sign-up sheet was passed around for volunteers to help plan “Dancing with the St. Stephen’s Stars”. Discussions thus far have included enlisting the Father’s Club for assistance, no charge for the dance, possible wine and beer with light set-ups, obtaining a DJ and a dance demonstration by Arthur Murray.

Presentations and discussions: Future PPC meetings are Oct 8, 2015 (lead by Mary Morgan) and Nov 5, 2015. We will check on continuing to hold meetings in the School’s Art Room. The December and February meetings will need to be rescheduled because of conflicts. The meetings for April and May will need to be rescheduled due to the Following Christ experience. All PPC members are asked to check their schedules regarding the availability of Thursday evenings. Fr. Larry shared that Fr. Josh Laws will be celebrating 10:45 and 12:15 Mass on September 20th. St. Steven, Kenya has sent gifts for Fr. Josh and they will be given to him at the 10:45 Mass. The Kenya committee purchased a chalice and paten to be given to St. Steven, Kenya. Fr. Josh will be able to deliver these to our sister parish. A Committee Assignment sheet was distributed to each member. There is still a need for a chairperson with Fr. Paul on the Liturgy Committee and a chairperson on the Service Committee with Kellie Reynolds. Drew explained that during the PPC Orientation on August 22, 2015 a list was created identifying areas that are working well and areas that need improvement. This list has been attached to the minutes. A discussion focused on the following: 1. A liaison between the PPC and the School Board could be accomplished by a Board member attending PPC meetings or a PPC member attending Board meetings. Drew Bonthron will contact Mrs. Patrick about expectations. 2. The Liturgy Committee will evaluate expanding Communion under both forms. Christ the King is the next Mass that will include Communion under both forms. 3. There is a need to reach out to people who want to help but are unaware of the needs. The possibility of placing needs in the bulletin using a “Help Wanted” format is being explored. 4. Improving Parish communication and Marketing of events by consistently utilizing all available outlets (Bulletin, Facebook and Social media). Anne Fox does an excellent job with the bulletin. There is a need for one person to oversee that information makes it to all outlets (e.g. the Parish Center secretary). Publishing the Parish’s social media addresses in the bulletin may be beneficial to increase use of these resources. Suggestion made to use Facebook to “promote” five programs in the next few months not typically on FB (such as casseroles, Boy Scouts fruit drive) to perhaps spread the word to new folks. Closing Prayer: Duffy led the Closing Prayer by reading “Instruments of God” by Joyce Rupp. This was followed by reflection questions and “A Litany of Being God’s Instruments of Goodness” The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:30 pm. Respectfully submitted, Mary Morgan St. Stephen Parish Pastoral Council Orientation Session Saturday, August 22, 2015

* indicates mentioned by multiple groups

Team Works well Needs Improvement Priority/ Action Marketing efforts* Liaison from PPC to school (maybe a rep from PPC on School Board?) Web Presence Expand communion under both forms Group 1 Try new stuff Spring picnic and Fall dance for entire parish with subgoals to have meeting with all ministry leads and to improve “succession planning” Evangelization efforts Reach out to fill special needs (e.g. drivers for events) Liturgy preparedness* Marketing inconsistency-not everything is on Facebook (e.g. Our Daily Bread; Group 2 RCIA) Wide range of services Improve access and training for prayer ministry for those homebound Effective ministers* Theme for Evangelization (and Faith E giving support for Holy Days Formation) Congregation Singing at Masses School/ FF families have more participation in Mass and stronger Group 3 relationship between school/FF and parish Openness of communication with parish Strengthen families to combat societal leaders challenges (e.g. drugs) Marketing* Targeted marketing to those under age 30 Group 4 Liturgy* Challenges to maintain a large campus Effective preaching to active audience* More efficient use of space (Scout Building?) Roving PPC Meeting?

Group 1: Duffy Laws; Renee Eppig; Drew Bonthron Group 2: Janet Bitzelberger, Chris Deaver, Jim Kalinosky Group 3: Anne Fox; Mary Morgan; Lisa Myers Group 4: Fr. Paul Breczinski, Jeannette Falbo, Fr. Larry Kolson