2011 - 2012
St. Mary's Pastoral
Council
Ernie Merlino - Chairperson
Anthony Baratta Leslie Lanigan
Michael Lanigan Ernie Merlino
Jessie Otto
Cathy Roberts
Stephen Ruland Barbara Walsh
Pastoral Council Meeting
October 8, 2011
Meeting minutes
Those able to attend: Leslie Lanigan, Michael Lanigan,
Ernie Merlino, Jessie Otto,
Cathy Roberts, Stephen Ruland, Barbara Walsh
Fr. Don, Pastor
Excused: Tony Baratta, Jack Abruzzo staff representative
1). Approval of September 10, 2011 minutes
The minutes from the September
meeting were approved. The proposed dates for the 2011 – 2012
Pastoral Council meetings were also approved with the singular change for the
February meeting. This meeting will now take place on February 18, and the
appropriate calendar adjustment has been made (see appended file).
2). Pastoral Council membership
The Council will have one (1) new
member appointed to it shortly.
3). Parish Census
In order to accomplish updating and maintaining an accurate and current parish database, it was determined that a “simple” parish census be conducted. Leslie will develop a questionnaire with basic family questions, and upon Fr. Don’s approval, will begin the process of adjudicating the survey. This survey will be conducted by mail and by pew cards. Upon return of all the questionnaires, the parish data base will be amended and will reflect a more accurate representation of St. Mary parish. The survey will include such information as name and address, email address, phone number, and age range.
Juxtaposed to discussion of the survey, discussion ensued concerning welcoming new parishioners. It was remarked that personal contact and invitation are important factors in involving new parishioners in our parish life and ministry. How best to accomplish such contact and invitation will be prayerfully considered at a future meeting of the Council.
The Council considered how best to maintain communication with both “new” and “old” parishioners. Utilization of electronic media in addition to the time tried methods of mail and Bulletin use were discussed. Not all methods of contact will apply to all members of our parish and there are many variables to consider. Our talks segued into discussion of the concept that culture has begun to dictate perception. Consideration was given to the concept that smaller faith communities within the larger umbrella of “parish” might more fully developed. The Council discussed the premise that the parish should focus more on those who are here and attending Mass already and solidifying that base before considering expansion of that base.
Our next meeting will be December 10, 2011 at 9:30am in the Joseph Room.
2011 – 2012 Pastoral Council Meeting Dates
Term dates already agreed upon:
September 10, 2011
October 08, 2011
November 12, 2011
December 10, 2011
Proposed meeting dates:
January 7, 2012
February 18, 2012
March 10, 2012
April 14, 2012
May 12, 2012
June 09, 2012
Meetings suspended July and August unless requested by Fr. Don.
Proposed 2012 – 2013 dates:
September 08, 2012
October 13, 2012
November 10, 2012
December 15, 2012
Respectfully submitted,
Leslie A. Lanigan
Pastor