Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Pastoral Council Meeting Pastoral Council Minutes March 3, 2015 – 6:30 P.M. Rosa Road Parish Center
Present: Fr. Bob Longobucco, Deacon Tom Sharrow, Celeste Rossetti, Joe Farry, Paul O’Brien, Sharon Koegl, Larry Grimmer, Karen Mills, Ken Choi, Edwin Cano and Shawn Bushway
Absent: Carl Garkowski, Carol Mondello, Pat Palicastro and Danielle Rice
Opening Prayer: Celeste Rossetti
Introduction of 3 possible new members: Ken Choi – Former member of St. Vincent’s; relocated to Niskayuna 10 years ago and has regularly attended mass at St. Kateri during the 10 year period. Edwin Cano – member of the men’s group, has attended St. Kateri for 7 years; children are altar servers and his wife is a catechist for 7th graders Shawn Bushway – UAlbany professor, member of the men’s group; has attended St. Kateri for 3 years; children are altar servers
Introduction of current members of the council
Circulated 1/6/15 minutes for approval
Old Business:
Parking Lot – Lou Lecce is developing property on Union Street and in order for it to be successful he is interested in using parking spots in the church/school lot. He will finance the resurfacing and restriping of the portion of the lot he will utilize. There will be 2 entrances from Union Street and 1 entrance from Troy Place. In addition, he will finance the construction of a new playground and pay one third of the snow plow bill. He needs to present information to the planning board by March 19th. Tom suggested getting estimates for restriping of the entire lot.
Family Promise Update (Sharon) – As of Monday we have been assigned our first week (May 24th). It was slow getting approval. We have about 30 volunteers but are in need of overnight volunteers. All volunteers will need virtus training. We still need to purchase cots and air mattresses. Robin Izzo will be in charge of the meals. Day Center will be at the Lutheran Church near St. Peter’s Father Bob provided background information for everyone who is not familiar with the program: national program 86 cities DSS screens for us local residents looking to find a home within about 6 weeks families stay in each location for 1 week (Sunday night to Sunday morning) provide breakfast and dinner; help to make lunches children attend school in their district adults search for jobs during the day through the regional center
Convent Update: The architect estimated $350,000 for the rehab of the convent which would include 4 classrooms, the kitchen, handicap access to the building and the bathrooms and an office. The building would be used for the nursery school and pre-k programs. In order to be useful, the work would need to be completed by September for the start of the new school year. In addition to the convent, the steps at Union Street need to be repaired and masonry work needs to be done.
Ideas for financing the projects: 1) Reach out to parishioner(s) in the bulletin for large donation(s) which could include naming rights 2) Capital Campaign – must be approved by the diocese 3) Loan 4) Reserves
Celeste suggested we meet with the finance committee to discuss the options for financing this project.
Father Bob suggested that this would be an opportunity for everyone to contribute and some money should come from reserves.
New Parishioner Reception: Joe, Paul and Pat met. They need to come up with a date some time after Lent.
Sister Parish Recommendation: We have been working with the Parish of San Agustin in Mexico for 13 years. At the end of this year we need to determine if we will continue to assist this parish or if there is a need for our assistance elsewhere. 1% of our collections go directly to our Sister Parish, none to administrative costs. It was suggested that we ask the parish for suggestions by reaching out to them in the bulletin.
Ministry Assignments: Faith Formation – Carol Mondello and Danielle Rice School Board – Paul O’Brien Prayer & Worship – Celeste Rossetti Finance Committee – Sharon Koegl, Larry Grimmer and Carl Garkowski Need volunteers for Evangelization and Adult Faith Formation.
There will be a ministry fair on 2 weekends in May.
Heart of Christ Gala: raised approximately $25,000
Family Fun Fair: raised approximately $223
Holy Week: Union Street
Closing Prayer: Provided by Joe and led by Father Bob
Remaining Meetings: Our remaining meeting is June 2nd. We will have any emergency meetings as needed.
Meeting adjourned: 8 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Karen M. Mills