St. Mary Refuge of Sinners

Parish Pastoral Council

Meeting Minutes

October 18, 2010

 

 

Attending: Jeffrey Cornwell, Lee Weldon, Pat Nugent, Fr. Bill Lawler, Rosemary Robbins, Barbara Steiner, Jackie Davis, Laura Weldon

 

Opening Prayer Offered by Fr. Bill

 

September 20 minutes:  Minutes approved with following changes: date at top of report should read as September 20, 2010, under Social Concerns line should read “ …will host a follow up presentation at each Mass the weekend of 10/23…”

 

Committee Reports Notes and Additions

 

Parish and Family Life:  Under the direction of Evelyn Alexander, plans for the parish anniversary celebration continue.  Pending approval by Fr. Bill, PFL will like to host a campfire sing-a-long in the side parking lot of the Minette Dick Hall on Friday, November 12 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.  PFL will provide all materials including s’mores and hot beverages.  Fr. Lawler approved.

PFL will also host the reception following the community ecumenical Thanksgiving service being held this year at St. Mary’s.  PFL will send out an email and notice to the bulletin requesting food donations.

 

New Business

 

Fr. Bill has declared and David Bambrick’s seat on parish council open due to non-attendance and will remain open until the next cycle of parish council elections.

 

Reminder was given that items for the bulletin must be submitted to the parish secretary at least 10 days prior to expected publication.

 

Fr. Bill introduced a discussion regarding beginning the process of developing a yearly, 5 year and even 10 year plan in terms of the physical plant, fiscal as well as spiritual activities for the parish. It was determined that since the parish council just completed a discernment process in March that defined council goals, it would be appropriate to have the five parish committees complete a discernment process as well.  Jackie Davis and Jeff Cornwell will develop and distribute to the committees a framework that upon completion will outline the basic goals and expected outcomes of each committee.  These reports will be incorporated into the council’s goals and used to develop a comprehensive plan for the parish that will be discussed and reviewed at an annual meeting the date of which will be determined soon.  It was discussed that the finance council should participate in this process as well.  Jeff Cornwell will speak to George Fox about participating in monthly Parish Council meetings.

 

Parish Council Prayer Schedule

Please be prepared to offer an opening and closing prayer.

If you know you will not be available your scheduled day, please find a substitute or prepare and send something to Laura Weldon in advance.  ljw414@yahoo.com  or lw12798@gulls.salisbury.edu.

 

11/15               Jeff Cornwell                                      12/20               Lee Weldon

1/17                 Pat Nugent                                          2/21                 Rosemary Robbins

3/21                 Barbara Steiner                                   418                  Laura Weldon

5/16                 Joe Haberman                                     6/20                 Fr. Bill Lawler

 

 

Next Meeting The next Parish Council meeting will be held on November 15^th at 7 pm in the parish library meeting room.

 

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:35 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Laura J. Weldon

Secretary

 

St. Mary Refuge of Sinners

Parish Pastoral Council

Meeting Minutes

July 19, 2010

 

 

Attending: Laura Weldon, Lee Weldon, Jeffrey Cornwell, Fr. Bill Lawler, Tom Bosley, Bob Paolucci, Joe Habermann

 

 Opening Prayer  Offered by Fr. Bill

 

Parish Financial Report   Finance committee chair Tom Bosley presented the June 30, 2010 end of year fiscal report.  He noted: that the parish was coming off a horrendous year in terms of  the overall state of not only the nation’s but the parish’s economy which saw the necessity of cashing in approximately $25,000 of the parish’s investments to satisfy the budget and that the 2010 budget was written to be extremely conservative with a predicted deficit of $39,000.   In summary, the parish ended the year in the black with a variance from the projected budget of only $398.  This is due to an unexpected increase in Donations/Gifts/Bequests and Fr. Lawler’s strict attention to making sure the parish stayed on budget.  Tom reminded the Council that the projected cash flow deficit for fiscal year June 30, 2011 is $4,389 which will require continued vigilance to ensure the parish not only doesn’t exceed this amount, but in fact can also reduce this amount.  Any impact that current sex abuse litigation will have on parish finances remains to be seen.  For the moment, the news is “cautiously” good.  Fr. Bill will write a follow up letter to be sent to the members of the parish reviewing the report and encouraging continued participation in the Increased Offertory Campaign.  Jeff Cornwell suggested an accompanying letter written and signed by the members of the Parish Council illustrating its support as well. Fr. Bill and council members present agreed.

Tom has officially stepped down as chair of the Finance Committee to serve in a leadership position on the St. Mary Star of the Sea Golden Hill Foundation.  The Council extends many heart-felt thanks for his diligent, dedicated service to the parish.  Fr. Bill announced that George Fox has graciously agreed to serve as the new chair of the committee.

The financial report was voted on and approved by the Council.

 

July 2010 Minutes   The minutes were reviewed, voted on and approved as written.

 

Committee Reports   Meeting minutes from the Christian Formation Committee, Liturgy Committee  and the Pastor’s Report have been distributed to the members of the Council.  Fr. Bill emphasizes the need for other parish ministries to submit timely meeting minutes for Council review and discussion.  Jeff will send out email reminders to the ministry committee chairpersons two weeks prior to the monthly Parish Council meeting with two follow up reminders.

 

Liturgy Committee:  Two main points Fr. Bill made about the most recent Liturgy Committee meeting include the ongoing discussion regarding communication and organization issues among the numerous sub ministries within the Liturgy Committee and how to improve overall hospitality efforts.  Although not an issue at Star of the Sea because of its small, close knit community, the Cambridge campus faces more of a challenge because its larger size, multiple mass times, number of visitors, and late comers to mass make it more difficult to ensure that everyone feels welcome.  However, Fr. Bill noted, St. Mary’s Cambridge has a friendly, welcoming nature.  It just needs to find a more organized way to make sure that we connect with as many people as we can.

Fr. Bill, noted in his Pastor’s Letter that St. Mary’s will be hosting the Ecumenical Thanksgiving service on Tuesday, November 23^rd with a reception to be held afterwards over in the gym.  Help is needed to provide refreshments.  Laura Weldon will send out a mass email to recruit for help.

 

Social Concerns:  Jeff Cornwell reported on the timely and interesting meeting on immigration held last night hosted by the Social Concerns and Hispanic Ministry Committees.  The guest speaker was Brother Chris Posch.  Clear from the discussion in regards to the St. Mary parish community was that immigrants are critical to our region not only in terms of the local economy but also to our parish community.  The Hispanic members of our parish constitute 25% of the parish membership.  In response to the issues and to encourage further discussion the Social Concerns Committee will host a follow up meeting on October 24th with Fr. Bill offering a theological perspective on immigration issues.  In addition, after the November elections, there will be future discussions on present immigration law, its impact on families and a study of how other parishes are impacted by immigration issues and how they are responding to them.

 

Parish and Family Life   Laura Weldon happily reported a big boost of support from Evelyn Alexander and the parish cantors.  The parish anniversary celebration will be held Sunday, January, 16^th starting with a special mass and followed by a catered luncheon in the gym.  A commemorative booklet will be produced.  Ads will be sold to pay for the booklet and reduce the cost of the luncheon to make it affordable so that all can attend and enjoy.

On Saturday, October 23^rd, PFL and Youth Ministry is sponsoring a field trip to the John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington DC.  Everyone is cordially invited.  Transportation details are being finalized.

In November, PFL would like to offer an evening campfire sing-a-long in the side parking lot of the parish hall and featuring s’mores and family fellowship in mid November.  Fr. Bill asked Laura to write up a proposal for his and the Council’s consideration.

 

Next Meeting   The next Parish Council meeting will be held Monday, October 18^th at 7 pm in the parish library meeting room.

 

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Laura J. Weldon

Secretary

 

 

St. Mary Refuge of Sinners

Parish Pastoral Council

Meeting Minutes

July 19, 2010

 

 

Attending: Rosemary Robbins, Laura Weldon, Lee Weldon, Jackie Davis, Jeffrey Cornwell,

Fr. Bill Lawler, Barbara Steiner

 

Opening Prayer offered by Lee Weldon

 

Review of Parish Council minutes from the June 21, 2010  Note the following correction: spelling error p. 2 find/fund,  p. 2 paryaer/prayer.

Minutes from the June 2010 meeting were approved with the above listed changes.

 

Parish Council Contact Info:  Jeff Cornwell passed around a current listing of contact information of council members and asked that everyone review his/her information to check for correctness. 

 

Committee Reports:

Liturgy Committee:  The committee has met but there are no minutes available as of this meeting.

Parish and Family Life:  Held its first “Hot Dog Hospitality” Sunday, July 11^th in front of the church after 11 am Mass in honor of the youth and adult volunteers of Pitcher and Basin.  The event was well-received.  Another similar hospitality will be held this coming Sunday to welcome the next wave of Pitcher and Basin volunteers. Parish volunteers have been and will continue to cook a hot breakfast on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the weeks that the volunteers are here.

 In September Hot Dog hospitality will be held Sunday, September 19^th after 11 am Mass to celebrate the kick-off of another year of the parish’s Religious Education programs.  Plans are moving forward for the Cambridge campus’ anniversary celebration.

Social Concerns: Please refer to the attached meeting minutes from the committee.  There was an observation made by Jackie Davis regarding Habitat for Humanity’s ranking as the nation’s 8^th largest homebuilder.  Lee Weldon shared updates regarding completed projects of Habitat’s in Talbot and Dorchester Counties and the plans for future projects.

Building and Grounds:  Lee Weldon shared notes of his conversations with Colleen Bromwell regarding the parish fact-finding process towards the layout of a cemetery on the Cambridge parish campus.  Father Bill reported preliminary soil testing has been done and results are not in as of this meeting.  Other details to be considered are soil type, water table depth and whether the site needs further soil build up and grading.  This project is still in the early exploratory stage.  At this point in time, it does not look as if the current legal issues that the Diocese and parish are working on will be an issue for the cemetery project.

The classroom painting project is set to begin during the beginning of August.

Christian Formation Committee; Rosemary Robbins reports that all the student records are up to date and she is in the process of ordering and preparing materials for this fall’s religious education programs.  As of this meeting there will be 16 children preparing for both  First Eucharist and Reconciliation as well as 16 teenagers preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation.  Laura Weldon noted that in two years if current enrollment remains at the same level, there will be over 20 teens preparing for Confirmation.

Financial News:  Despite concerns regarding the legal status of the parish’s investments, Fr. Lawler reports that current weekly parish income is improving and at this moment there is a small surplus.  However, the parish’s investment income is at risk due to the four pending lawsuits the parish faces in regards to sex abuse cases.  Laura Weldon asked if any income raised by fund raisers or gifts made to the parish would be at-risk as well due to pending litigation.  At this point, Fr. Lawler replied yes, but that all parish funds and income need to continually be funneled through the parish office so that there is a clear paper trail, not only for parish and Diocesan records but for any possible legal proceedings.

 

Other Business

There was a brief discussion regarding the replacement of the Cambridge campus’ tabernacle.  Fr. Lawler reported that Lisa Flynn wants Youth Ministry to raise the funds for its replacement.  At this time, with the other financial issues the council and parish must consider, this project will be bumped down the priority list.

 

Next Meeting:  The Parish Council will next meet on Monday, September 20th   at 7pm in the Library meeting room.  It would be appreciated if all parish ministries would submit their committee meeting minutes prior to this date for Council review.  Please submit to ljw414@yahoo.com.

 

Closing:  The council recited the Lord’s Prayer and the meeting adjourned.

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Laura J. Weldon

 

 

 

St. Mary Refuge of Sinners

Parish Pastoral Council

Meeting Minutes

June 21, 2010

 

 

Attending:Rosemary Robbins, Laura Weldon, Lee Weldon, Jackie Davis, Jeffrey Cornwell,

Fr. Bill Lawler, Patrick Nugent, Joe Habermann, Barbara Steiner, Margarita Marquez

 

Opening Prayer offered by Joe Habermann

 

Review of Parish Council minutes from the May 17, 2010  Note the following correction: item # 2 to read “Attendance sheet and welcome to new members Jackie Davis in attendance and David Bambrick who was absent.”

 

Parish Council Contact Info:  Jeff Cornwell will update with new members contact information and provide all members with a copy for future reference.

 

Committee Reports:

Social Concerns: Pat Nugent provided a review of the Social Concerns committee report provided to each member of council.  Please refer to the attached copy for more specific information about the committee.

             Discussion about the differences between the hospitality events hosted at Star of the Sea     

and Cambridge churches.  All agreed that the distance between the Cambridge church and the parish hall deters a lot of parishioners from staying to attend for post-Mass events.  There has been good success staging hospitality events in front of the church or inside in case of inclement weather.  They are usually well-attended.  It was suggested that the type of refreshment or theme of the hospitality be changed for variety.

There was a discussion about one day the parish being able to perhaps raise money to construct a larger, permanent addition that would provide more room for fellowship.

 

Building and Grounds:  Lee Weldon reported both he and Colleen Bromwell contacted Dan Brandwie of the City of Cambridge’s Public Works Department and have begun inquiring about specific city, county and state policies that may have to be considered in order to create and maintain a cemetery on parish property.  In addition, Fr. Lawler has contacted the diocese and it was suggested the following considerations be made: a plan for land management, research into soil type and any possible drainage issues, and having a cost estimate drawn up.  All members agreed that it is encouraging that the information gathering portion of this project is making forward progress.  The Building and Grounds committee will continue to gather information, meet to decide on the next plan of action, and have something to report to the Parish Council as soon as possible.

In other news, the Building and Grounds Committee will ask Debbie Herr-Cornwell for her input as a professional landscaper as to the maintenance of the parish property as a whole.  The committee will report back to the Parish Council at the July meeting in regards to this action.

 

Christian Formation Committee; Rosemary Robbins reported that she and Fr. Lawler inspected the six classroom spaces in regards to having them painted.  Bob Hammerton, the parish building manager and member of the Building and Grounds Committee contacted the local Sherwin Williams store and began the process of gathering prices.  At this point, it was decided by the Council that this project will be handed over to the Building and Grounds Committee to complete and carry out.  Parishioner Carlos Granados has offered to assemble a team of volunteers to carry out the painting.  A progress report on the project will be presented at the regularly scheduled July meeting of the Parish Council.

Parish and Family Life: Laura Weldon reports that plans for the Cambridge campus 125^th anniversary is moving along. They are looking at a crab feast, with pit beef, hot dogs and hamburgers as well as all kinds of other foods to be offered in September or October.  Several small find raisers will be held to help defray the costs.  In addition, small informative articles about the Cambridge parish as well as the Star of the Sea campus (in preparation for the 250^th anniversary) will be submitted to the local papers to not only generate wider community interest but also parish interest.  The parish survey will be conducted at about the same time as the crab feast.  Laura submitted copies of four surveys used at parishes across the country and asked that Father review them to determine which questions he would like to see on the Parish survey and suggest others he would like to have included on the St. Mary Parish survey.

 

Annual Parish Budget : Father Bill presented the proposed annual parish budget for fiscal year 2010-2011.  A detailed copy is attached.  At this point, the budget anticipates a surplus of $511.  However, things that might affect any surplus (deficit) are how the parish investments perform during the next year and any developments in the diocesan bankruptcy proceedings and expenses related to child sex abuse litigation.

 

Next Meeting:  The Parish Council will next meet on Monday, July 19^th   at 7pm in the Library meeting room.  It would be appreciated if all parish ministries would submit their committee meeting minutes prior to this date for Council review.  Please submit to ljw414@yahoo.com.

 

Closing:  Fr. Lawler provided a brief closing paryaer and the meeting was adjourned at 8:20pm.

 

 

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Laura J. Weldon

 

 

St. Mary Refuge of Sinners and St. Mary Star of the Sea

Parish Pastoral Council Minutes of April 19, 2010

 

 

Members attending  were: Father Bill Lawler, Carol Griffith, Jenny Nugent, Jeffrey Cornwell, Rosemary Robbins DRE, Margarita Marquez Hispanic Minister, Mary Jo Bosley, Laura Weldon, Barbara Steiner, Joe Habermann  and Tom Bosley representing the Finance Council.  Lee Weldon was excused for work reasons.

Jenny Nugent, President, called the meeting to order.

Laura Weldon offered an opening prayer. 

The Minutes  from the March meeting were approved as written.

Written reports were previously sent by e-mail from St. Mary Star of the Sea Pastoral Care Committee (liaison Mary Jo Bosley) and Hispanic Ministry Report (from liaison Carol Griffith).

 

Laura Weldon announced that Matt Stubbs will head the newly formed Parish and Family Life Committee. The first project for this group will be a survey of the parish.  The purpose will be two fold. The first part will be a general census gathering the ages of family members etc. The second part of the survey will seek feedback on what types of programs and ministries should be offered by our parish.  The target date for the survey is in September. Father Lawler asked to see the survey before it goes out to the parish.

Jenny Nugent asked if anyone needs additional copies of the evaluation tool offered by Laura Weldon at a past meeting, she would be glad to furnish it.

 

Concerning Parish Council Elections: Jenny said that as there are four openings on council and four nominees, will an election be necessary? After discussion, it was decided that the picture/biography posters will be posted in the churches on the first weekend in May. The Sunday they are put up Father will ask the parish’s approval by acclamation. Those who have offered to serve are Dave Bambrick, Pat Nugent, Jackie Davis, and Lee Weldon for a second term.  Chris Flynn has offered to attend council meetings as parish webmaster.

 

Concerning 125^th Anniversary Celebration: The 125^th anniversary of the Catholic Church in Cambridge will focus on the establishment of St. John’s Church in Cambridge in 1885. St. John’s was located in the area where the present District Court is now located. Joe Habermann said that Susan Applegarth of the Golden Hill Foundation is also undertaking a study of the history of St. Mary Star of the Sea Church in Golden Hill.  (Mary Jo had furnished history cards about this church to the members present). Father Lawler said he was well aware that the Star of the Sea Church, being the first, had the older history.  When an appropriate anniversary comes up for the Golden Hill Church, he assured those present that we will celebrate that well.  Father stated that this celebration is focused on the Church in Cambridge. Laura Weldon will begin to plan for the 125^th Anniversary Celebration after May 22^nd.

 

Concerning Parish Council Rotation Plans: Jenny Nugent and Mary Jo Bosley will rotate off after serving three year terms.  Lee Weldon will serve a second term and Chris Flynn will serve as web site representative.

New President will be Jeff Cornwall.  He will need a Vice-President and a Secretary to come forward and volunteer by the next meeting. New members Nugent, Davis and Bambrick, mentioned above, will come aboard.

 

Concerning Finance Committee Report:  Tom Bosley, chairman of the Finance Committee, was present to explain the March 31, 2010 Third Quarter Summary Financial Report to the Council members and to answer any questions they may have. Members were each given a copy of this report.

Tom prefaced his report by reminding members that last year the parish had to sell off some of its investments to meet basic operating expenses of the parish.  This year we are in a better position because of three things, each with about a one third weight.  First is the increased offertory contributions, next the increase in gifts and bequests, and third the unrealized gains (which means the investments have not been sold, so it really is a gain on paper only) on our investment account. Tom said that as of March 31, 2010 unrestricted cash and investments totaled $96,379, and that these funds represent the parish’s total liquidity and amount to 31% of the actual prior years expenses of the parish.   Father Lawler interjected that our investment account, a “rainy day fund”, is not at this time really unrestricted. It is currently tied up in the Diocesan Bankruptcy proceedings.  We would need to petition the court for a specific purpose and amount if we were to need to use any of our funds which would take time.  Father informed the group that our parish has joined a suit, along with other parishes, to have these funds removed from the bankruptcy proceedings. Tom offered these items of note:  1.) Total Ordinary Income was $23,274 above budget primarily due to Weekly Offertory Income being $16,003 above budget and the Christmas, Holy Days and Rents being $8,751 above budget.  

2.) Special purpose income was $3,425 above budget primarily because of a special charity event (Kenny Mejia’s Dinner) which was money in and out to the family.  Unfortunately, the Monthly Building and Maintenance Collection fell $2,295 below budget.

3.) Extra Ordinary Income was helped by donations and gifts being $14,410 above budget and the unrealized income on investments being $16, 578 above budget. Jeff asked for a clarification of extra ordinary income and Tom said it was one time donations and specific purpose gifts which are not assessed an 11% tax by the Diocese as is the ordinary income.

4.) Total expenses were $12,324 above budget due to the fact that although all the parish insurance expenses are budgeted throughout the whole year on a monthly basis, several large insurance bills are received during the third quarter. Insurance costs will level out during the fourth quarter. Also the parish expenses were impacted by the extremely cold and snowy winter weather and related expenses.

The parish had a surplus of income over expenses of $15,629 rather than the expected deficit of a minus $29,737. Tom reminded council that this was primarily generated by the unrealized gain on investments, larger than expected donations and gifts, and the increased offertory campaign.   Tom said that the parish is in a break even cash flow position and that he is hopeful that this position should improve slightly in the fourth quarter.

Tom and the Finance Council recommend that the Pastor continue to communicate to the parish the importance of fulfilling the parishioners’ pledges made as part of the increased offertory campaign.

They also recommended that renewed emphasis should be put on the monthly Building and Maintenance Collection.

Tom Bosley also offered some comments on his analysis of the Increased Offertory Campaign.

He said that BJ Wallace had said that the average increase in individual contributions was $9.  Tom said that if that amount was extrapolated to 150 parishioners, the increase would generate $73,000 over a year’s time. He said in the five months since the increased offertory was in effect, we have only received $14,000 above the prior year’s collection, while we were expecting $30,678 if the pledges  were honored. This downward trend is disturbing.  Of the 275 registered members of the parish 154 returned the pledge cards—a 56% rate of return.  If the $9 increase had come in as expected, the parish financial position would be fine.  It is not coming. Half the parish only contributes when they are actually there at Mass rather than to mail their contribution when they need to be absent.  Mary Jo thought some parish education was needed on the fact that expenses go on whether you are in church to drop your offering in the basket or not.  Father Lawler said it is his job to preach the Gospel and that he did not plan to address financial issues more than a few times a year. Members asked, “What are our options?” Tom said that as part of the Increased Offertory Campaign (a specific methodology laid out by the Diocese) there will be some reminder letters sent out by mail at about six months after the start of the program.Barbara Steiner reminded council that in the “Vision to Life” capitol campaign the parish had surpassed its goals. Laura Weldon said that she knew of some parishioners who had lost jobs and asked Tom to be sensitive to that. Tom asked her for those names to avoid the June “reminder” letters being sent to those people who are presently struggling with job loss.

Father Lawler said that on a happier financial note, the Bishop’s Annual Appeal response has been good so far with about three fourths of the target pledged already.  He said our Diocesan assigned target for that campaign is $23,900.

 

Jenny Nugent, bringing the last meeting under her presidency to a conclusion, thanked all present for their prayers for her husband Pat.  She said she has enjoyed working with this council, and was thankful for the support and enthusiasm of its members.

Father Lawler, on behalf of the parish and personally, thanked Jenny for her service, for doing a fine job, and especially complimented her on keeping council “on track.”  Father said it was awfully hard to “herd cats”. (My note: Did Senor Gato tell him to say that?)

 Next Meeting: The next meeting will be May 17, 2010 at 7 p.m. at M. Dick Hall under the leadership of Jeff Cornwall. Jeff also thanked Mary Jo for her three years of service as Secretary.  Jeff accepted the giant binder book to look over and will be adding these minutes to it. He will then turn it into the Parish office for safe keeping as it contains the entire parish Council Minutes and the e-mailed Committee Reports for the last three years.

 

Joe Habermann offered the Closing Prayer, the Lord’s Prayer in Spanish, and then the meeting was  adjourned.  

 

Unofficial Minutes

Respectfully submitted for the last time by,

 

Mary Jo Bosley

Secretary (retiring)

 

My thanks to Barbara Steiner who did an excellent job taking the minutes for me for the two months that I was post-op from knee surgery and for a visit with my grandsons.

 

 

 

Liaison Report St. Mary Star of the Sea Pastoral Care Committee

 

September 23, 2009

 

Landscaping: We have been asked by the cemetery committee members to begin  to spread the extra mulch from trees removed into a berm to keep down the weeds at the back of the cemetery. (Between the cemetery and where the woods begin)

Scheduled Fall Gardening Day for Saturday Oct. 17^th, with rain date Saturday Oct. 24^th. Mary Habermann to make posters to enlist volunteers. Posters will say to bring gloves and tools. Ed Airey will get six bags of Miracle Grow soil for the little garden strip on the path to the meeting building. Hostas need to be removed, and daffodil bulbs need to be replanted. Crepe myrtles need trimming, requiring ladder and loper, and maybe saws.  Committee members to provide drinks.  Follow up phone calls will probably be necessary. Weeding and more trimming and mulch spreading needed.

Mary Jo will send out a save the date e-mail. Start time to be 9:00 a.m.

Baptismal Font: Mary Jo presented concept sketches by artist/architect Dave Gibbons for the approval of the committee. She has also contacted metal artist Paul Lockhart who has asked her to send him a copy of the concept drawings. She next needs to contact various potters concerning their ability to create an appropriate bowl. This project is necessary because Fr. Lawler decreed we cannot have any more Baptisms unless we have a permanent Baptismal Font.

Cemetery: Colleen Curran Bromwell has been contacted because the recently cleaned stones are turning green.  The bill will not be paid until the condition is corrected. Cemetery committee members are convinced a mistake was made.

Maintenance: Ed Airey will check the flashing on the meeting building after this meeting. He cannot get Tom’s Fire Equipment to return his calls.  Concerning the peeling drywall tape at the junction of the wall and the ceiling in the meeting hall— although the addition of molding will correct this, it was decided that as it is a cosmetic problem. It can wait indefinitely until Joe Habermann recovers from his second shoulder operation to supervise volunteer efforts.

Star of the Sea Golden Hill Foundation: The raffle is going well with Neil Birchmier heading it up, and is heading towards its goal of a sell out to raise $2500.  Raffle items include five prizes including a Fishing trip or cruise for six valued at $650 donated by Henry Gootee, $100 at Old Salty’s Restaurant, $75 at Ave Studio, $50 Walmart Gift Card, and $25 gift Certificate at Pear Tree South. Only 500 tickets at $5 each will be sold. All prizes have been donated.

Parish Council Report:  Mary Jo will send her report by e-mail as the minutes for

the meeting that was just two days ago are not yet completed.

Fellowship:  Fellowship after Mass will be on October 11^th to coincide with the annual Foundation Meeting.  Officers of the Foundation will be in charge of set up for the food and room. As usual parishioners will bring pot luck and the meeting will be held during the breakfast.

Ministry to the Sick:  Ceily Adams is doing better, but still cannot drive.

Ministry continues for Lehman and Ceily with combined efforts of Deacon Bob and lay ministers Sara and Helen bringing communion, and the bulletin too!

Next Meeting:  The next meeting will be Nov. 5, at 5:00 p.m.

 

Committee members, following prayer and adjournment, spent the dinner hour together with spouses and any other parishioners who cared to join them at Old Salty’s Restaurant.

 

Liaison report submitted to the parish council by Mary Jo Bosley.

. Mary Refuge of Sinners and St. Mary Star of the Sea

Finance Council Minutes of September 15, 2009

 

 

Members attending were: Father Lawler, Tom Bosley, Barbara Danko, George Fox and Edie Welle.  All members were present.

Special guest, Deborah Fols attended from the Diocese of Wilmington.

Barbara Wallace was appointed temporary Secretary. 

 

OPENING PRAYER:

Father Lawler read from the Gospel according to Mark.  Topics for reflection were:  “Who do we say Jesus is?” and “How does this knowledge affect our financial decisions regarding our parish?” After some time to reflect, the meeting was turned over to Tom Bosley, Chairperson.

 

OLD BUSINESS: 

There were no minutes to read, but Tom gave a summary recap of the July and August Financial Reports, emphasizing the $3,000 deficit that was in line with the budgeted deficit of $30,000 for the year.  Tom said that if income and expenses remain the same the parish will deplete its reserves in two years. The parishioners should be congratulated for paying off the mortgage, and continuing to make regular extra contributions to help pay for maintenance and repairs.  The monthly Building and Maintenance collection fund is included in the 2010 budget and a deficit is still projected with little or no increases to income or expenses.  Additional reasons for the poor financial condition are aging parishioners, no growth, the recession and a major hit to investments.

 

NEW BUSINESS: 

No report for Parish Council as quarter ends 9/30/09.

 

With help from the Diocese of Wilmington, the Finance Council will launch an Increased Offertory Campaign.  Deborah Fols’ advice to the members included giving parishioners detailed financial information, educating them regarding what it takes to run our parish, showing historical changes in attendance, sacraments, giving, etc., recognizing successes and detailing exactly how the money is spent, Tom Bosley said that detailing finances in the bulletin would be too lengthy and limited by the attention and interest of readers.  Deborah responded that it takes repetition (17 times) before someone “gets it” and that there are other ways to inform parishioners, such as, the website and peer-to-peer communication. She emphasized the importance of the “voice of laity” in financial matters.  The committee agreed to provide the necessary information and manpower to encourage parishioners to develop a plan for giving.

 

Deborah Fols provided a summary of how the campaign will work.

1.      Compile data. (Edie Welle & Barbara Wallace)

2.      Tell parishioners what will happen and why.  Be realistic.

·         Oct 18 – bulletin announcement

·         Oct 19 – introduction letter (CDOW & Fr. Lawler)

·         Oct 25 – Lay presentation with handout (Finance Council)

·         Oct 26 – second letter (CDOW & Fr. Lawler)

3.      Get the commitment.

·         Nov 1 – In-pew solicitation

·         Nov 8 – Pledge Day

4.      Track the results.

·         Follow-up letter for no response (CDOW)

·         Thank you letter (CDOW)

5.      Renew annually.

 

The next meeting will be Tue, Oct 6 at 11 AM in the Rectory.

 

Fr. Lawler adjourned the meeting at 12:45 PM.

 

Unofficial Minutes,

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Barbara J. Wallace