Pastoral Council Meeting
March 9, 2010
Meeting minutes
Those able to attend:
Fr. Don, Pastor
Marion DeMott, Leslie Lanigan, Michael Lanigan, Ernie Merlino,
Jessie Otto, Owen Rees, Lillian
Smith, Barbara Walsh
Unable to attend: Tony Baratta, Team Representative Barbara
Grace
We were led in prayer by Owen Rees.
1). Review of February 10, 2010 Minutes
Our meeting began with discussing the fact that there are only 33 parishes in the Diocese that are “in the black.” The question was posed – How is it that these parishes are able to be in this position? Fr. Don advised that he would be addressing our budgetary problems in the coming Bulletin. Discussion segued into the costs of various programs, and weddings were used as a case in point. It was reported that the donation for a wedding at St. Mary’s is currently $500.00, which includes our Music Ministry. The current amount for a wedding at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church is $1,200.00. It was reported that St. Mary’s originally asked for a minimal donation, and it is very hard to increase the amount significantly in short order.
Owen and Frank Mangilomini met to discuss the “wish list,” and copy of what was mentioned will be made available for the Pastoral Council. Fr. Don will be addressing these “wishes” in future Bulletins.
There will be a meeting Monday, February 11, 2010 with David Grinere to discuss installing solar panels. This would eventually hope to serve as a cost saving measure and would also be a “green” measure. Fr. Don will be able to provide the Council with more information about such an undertaking at our next meeting.
The concerns raised at our last meeting concerning placement of first aid kits has been taken care of. The question of hosting a Soup Supper this year was discussed; and the decision has been made to host this event next year due to scheduling questions and time factors, as Holy Week is fast approaching.
The Council reiterated that we
always remember to focus on our Spirituality in all that we do.
2). “The Open Door”
Discussion continued on the ever present question – How do we reach out and encourage those living in our community to come to St. Mary’s? It was suggested that we take advantage of the large attendance present at our Easter celebrations to welcome everyone to St. Mary’s – those that are always with us, those that join us infrequently, and those that are joining us for the first time. Fr. Don had a wonderful welcome that he thought would be appropriate, and the Council agreed wholeheartedly. The welcome will be delivered from the pulpit on Easter at every Mass.
It was suggested that we place a copies of our Mass schedule at the Thrift Shop. Barbara Walsh will work on some cards that could be handed out. It was further suggested that we have available Bulletins for the Thrift Shop and for the Pantry, two places that are frequented by members of our community. The suggestion was made that copies of the Parish and School calendars be made available. How best to accomplish this will be delved into at a future meeting.
The Council began to examine other
forms of communication with our community. We should consider using several
avenues already open to us, including but not limited to, advertising in the
“Great South Bay,” “PennySaver,” and the “East Islip Pride.” It was reported
that making announcements of upcoming events in the Community Event sections of
these publications are without cost. Further investigation will be
forthcoming.
3). Miscellany
Our next meeting will be April 10
at 9:30am in the Joseph Room. Marian DeMott will lead us in prayer.
May God’s Peace and Blessings be with you all!
Respectfully submitted,
Leslie A. Lanigan
Pastor