Pastoral Council Meeting Minutes January 20, 2016

Present: Chris Barrett, Gary Buddie, Nick Burakow, Ed Holzhauer, Ken Gerber, Conchita Kniipp, Loretta Lavanco, Preston Thornton, Carol Traen, Joe Day

Absent: Fr. Sal, Jim Colby, JoAnn Ernandes

Opening Prayer: Conchita Knipp offered an opening and closing prayer.

Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the December 16 meeting were approved.

Old Business:

1. Ministry invite: - Diane McVaney spoke for the Lazarus Committee. She has been part of this committee from the beginning when the idea was presented by Pat Marlar to comfort those grieving and allow them to visit with their family and friends. She loves the idea of this ministry. There are 4 leaders and over 40 volunteers to assist. Challenges are when the person also has a large involvement in the community. Deaths are never anticipated. Chris goes through the list of leaders to see who is available. He also announces the funeral at the Masses and encourages people to bring finger food. They had their first meeting last year and discussed potential problems. Most times the judgment for more food has to be made at the funeral Mass. The food is budgeted through the parish finances and on occasion the family makes a donation to the parish which is given to this fund. Burying the dead is a Corporal work of mercy. Spiritual work of mercy comforting the sorrowful.

2. Volunteer Breakfast - Generally things have worked well. It was recommended that the only change might be to provide more bacon. Assignments will be given by Gary. Council members are to be there at 7 am. At least 9 Skillets will be needed. Chris would love assistance with the cleanup. Sign-up sheets will be in the lobby. Announcements from the altar.

3. Equipping the parish: We are in year 3 of Evangelization Plan. Reps from various ministries met and completed questionnaires as to their needs. Both practical and spiritual.

4. Next Month’s Ministry Invitee – Gary and Chris will speak to the Cemetery Committee. Bill is the only one left who knows all there is involved. He could bring another member of his committee. This is a very important ministry.

5. PPC Annual Social: Jim presented a list of needs for the menu items and other needs. The date is February 27, after Mass at the Waverly Club House. Gary will bring music. Bring our own drinks. 6. St. Joseph Statue: A letter was prepared re: the request to place the statue in the parking lot. It was reviewed by the council. Suggestions were made and there will be a revision made.

7. Heavenly Hash: Mary has announced she is going to transition out of doing Heavenly Hash. We are looking for someone to take her place. There will be an article in Heavenly Hash.

8. SML 50th anniversary: A letter was shared that was sent to all other parishes, approximately 30 additional parishes. It outlined the idea of what the committee would like to do. They will be selecting a venue, a combined choir of all parishes, a prayer service approachable by water and cars.

New Business:

1. Called to Serve: Vision Carol Traen: Councils need to express a clear and shared vision in order to participate in God’s vision. It will give us a sense of purpose and meaning. Discernment is an important part of vision. “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” – Proverbs 29-18

2. Nursing Position Contract Renewal: Carilion’s contract with RCC re: Tami’s employment, is ending in October. Chris is meeting with Philip Bouknight and the Carilion Rep to discuss renewing it.

3. MSG “Men Still Growing” Chris met with 12 men and will meet again to form a format for this spirituality group for men.

4. Call to serve: Will be presented by Jim Colby. Topic is “Expectations”

5. Catholic School Tuition Assistance. – Melissa did some research re: this. Rusty who has a background in private school administration will meet with Melissa to formulate a proposal. There could be a member from this council to join with them and be able to present the proposal to the next head of this parish.

Announcements -- The February meeting will be on Feb. 17 or Thursday, Feb 18 if Fr. Sal is able to attend, at 6:30 PM. The opening prayer, closing prayer and faith sharing will be provided by Ed Holzhauer.

Respectfully submitted, Loretta Lavanco