St. John Chrysostom Parish
Parish Pastoral Council
September 16, 2009 Meeting Minutes (Submitted by Jean Mulcahy
Present:
Father Bajorek, Theresa Hedlund, Joanne Hersker, Bill Hushion, Jean Mulcahy, Bill Murray, Judy Sennett, Theresa White.
Prayer / Enrichment:
Father Bajorek opened the meeting with a brief introduction to the book "Called By The Spirit, Formed By The Word" that we typically follow for Prayer/Enrichment. The purpose is two-fold: (1) learning about the role of the Parish Pastoral Council, and (2) inviting God's Spirit into our hearts, to find out what God wants us to do. This book provides a format that includes a Focus, Prayer and Formation, Suggested Scripture Reading, Silent Prayer, Sharing, and Closing Prayer, and includes alternate Scripture passages and frequently, additional readings that focus on the underlying theology. Councilors take turns leading the Prayer/Enrichment at Council meetings. Father Bajorek asked the leader to provide print outs of the Scripture Readings when s/he leads the Prayer/Enrichment, and suggested that Councilors try to read the Scripture Readings and additional readings in advance of the meeting. The book provides a structure/framework that Councilors are invited to use, but Councilors are also welcome to choose another format for the Prayer/Enrichment.
Theresa Hedlund led the Prayer/Enrichment from "Called By The Spirit, Formed By The Word", Year 1, Session 5, which focuses on attentiveness to the Lord's will (discernment) as the Council's method of decision-making. The discernment process includes prayerful reflection, gathering facts, communal dialogue (not debate) and confirmation. Councilors were especially positive about the prayerful reflection aspect of discernment, and valued the importance placed on prayerful reflection in our meeting format (beginning with Prayer/Enrichment, closing with Benediction). Father Bajorek reiterated the characteristics St. Paul lists in Galatians 5:22-23 (Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control) that are the mark of confirmation in the discernment process.
Minutes Approval: Minutes from the February 18, 2009 meeting were approved.
Finance Update: (Father Bajorek)
The Finance Council met last night, and reviewed and approved the financial report for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2009. We had a slight deficit (~$3,000), reduced significantly from what had been projected in May (~$37,000) due to the response of many families to the May special appeal. The shortfall through May is attributable to reduced collections during Church renovation (Gym liturgies/Christmas) and the economy. A Finance Council member will speak at all Masses October 3-4 about the financial report for FYE June 30, 2009. The financial report will be inserted in October 4 Bulletin, and published in the December Angelus.
Our school subsidy is roughly 50% (Archdiocesan guidelines are 25-35%), due to our low enrollment (under 200). One topic for Parish Pastoral Council, probably in conjunction with Finance Council, this year will be to look carefully at how we can best fulfill our mission to educate our children in the faith.
Census/Block Collection began 2-3 weeks ago, so far it is slightly ahead of last year.
Capital Campaign contributions received as of June 30, 2009 are ~$1,670,000; we have an additional ~$90,000 in matching gifts and interest income. Outstanding pledges are ~$290,000, of which ~$105,000. is possibly uncollectible (deaths, families moving away, etc.) Expenditures to date are ~$1, 370,000, leaving a balance of ~$390,000.
School and CCD Updates: (Father Bajorek, Theresa Hedlund)
SJC School opening went well, sixth grade has eleven students. CCD opening also went well; enrollment is comparable to last year and a good sign is first grade enrollments are "up" this year, with some still coming in. We have 57+ catechists who will be commissioned at Catechetical Sunday at 9:30 am Mass on September 20.
Building Committee Update: (Father Bajorek)
We presented our plan for exterior renovations (new roadway, widening of existing roadway, handicapped parking, etc.) to the Nether Providence Township Planning Commission on September 9. The Planning Commissioners were knowledgeable, bright and fair; and they found our basic plan was OK, requesting a few clarifications and suggesting a few, very minor, changes. The major issue is water management. This had been a critical problem in the past, but the situation has improved over recent years, since it is now addressed in major Township projects (e.g., High School and Middle School renovations/expansions, Wallingford Nursing Home addition). The Planning Commission believes that our project, which includes expansion of our existing water retention basin, would actually improve the current water situation. We will submit our plan, revised with the clarifications and the minor changes they requested, on October 5. We anticipate the Planning Commission will then recommend acceptance of our project to the Township Commissioners at their meeting on October 8. The work would likely begin in Spring (possibly Summer) 2010.
Archdiocesan Capital Campaign
We are in fourth and last phase of parishes, scheduled to begin January 2010. Pledge drive will be for a limited time frame (probably 2-3 months, similar to our own Capital Campaign) and contributions can be payable over up to five years. We (the parish) will receive 35% of the contributions.
Administrative Tasks
Three open positions for Parish Pastoral Council Members:
Father Bajorek will approach someone he has in mind for an appointed member;
On September 19-20 and 26-27, Father Bajorek will announce openings for two elected members, asking for nominations (including self-nominations) to be sent to him, to the Parish House, or to PPC email address by September 30.
On October 4, Father Bajorek will announce nominees / new members.
Contact Information: Judy Sennett's corrected email will be sent to Councilors.
Volunteers:
Vice Chair: Bill Hushion; Secretary: Jean Mulcahy
PPC Email: Theresa Hedlund
Finance Council Representative: Bill Murray; Backup: Theresa White
Cluster Representative and Backup: tbd, as needed
Prayer/Enrichment Leads and Meeting Minutes: Councilors volunteered.
Closing Prayer: Benediction, in Blessed Sacrament Chapel
Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 7:15pm, Stevenson Center
Prayer: Father Bajorek
Minutes: Theresa Hedlund