Parish Council Meeting Minutes

 

January 12, 2004

 

The meeting opened in the Chapel at 8:00 p.m.

 

The following members were in attendance:  Father Bob, David Apy, Bob Welch, Kathy Batdorf, Kimberly Connolly, Marge Gryta, John Hegarty, Bob Hickey, Nancy Lee,  Linda Reeves, Jan Santanello, Pam Schaible, Anna Marie Todaro, John Ur,  Mary Vacarelli, Tom Walsh, and Peggy Whiteside.

 

CONSENSUS:

David Apy, President, gave an overview of consensus and how it works at St. Anselm.  Dave explained that council members come to decisions by the process of consensus rather than by majority rule.  Every council member’s input is important to the decision-making process, and it is through the process of consensus that a decision will be reached.  The three basis steps in the consensus process are:  gather the data; reflect prayerfully on the data; listen respectfully to see the virtue in sharing of the data, and come to a decision.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

 

Program Coordinator                                                                    Nancy Lee

·        Next Companions season begins February 22 and will follow a new program "Crossroad to Easter Life."

·        $5,400 was collected for Father Bob's anniversary gift.

 

Human Concerns                                                                           Tom Walsh

·        Committee meeting - January 26. 

·        Proposed agenda items include Atlantic Belmont, Spring Aids Dinner, Racetrack Ministry and Hispanic Ministry.

 

Youth Ministry                                                                                 Kimberly Connolly

·        Kickoff meeting was held on the previous day with 35 in attendance.

·        Upcoming ski trip has 24 sign-ups.

·        Diocesean Retreat will have 11 attendees, along with 12 other parishes at the end of January.

 

Religious Education                                                                      Jan Santanello

·        Total of 40 people attended the first Bible Study meeting.

·        New option for religious education will be introduced as a 2-week summer program, equivalent to 30 hours of instruction.  100 families expressed interest in this format.

 

                                                                                                            Pam Schiable

·        One new member in attendance at the last committee meeting.

·        Planning to conduct survey of all current programs, as well as a separate survey of the confirmation class for feedback on that program.

·        Considering the need for a new age 19-24 group; will communicate w/Dottie Hutter of YACHT (age 18-35 group) to suggest they advertise in more detail.

·        Suggested website links for the Youth Ministry.

·        Newsletter will contain highlights of Religious Ed. classes.

·        "Did You Know?" column containing weekly facts to be included in bulletin.

 

 

Liturgy                                                                                               Marge Gryta

·        Two persons attended the Lenten Planning Meeting in response to appeal for planning volunteers.

·        New Winter Ordinary Time banner will be introduced this weekend.

·        College of St. Elizabeth trip will be announced in this week's bulletin.

 

Administration of Properties                                                       John Hegarty

During Workforce Weekend (this past weekend), the manger was disassembled.

 

Parish Life                                                                                        Kathy Batdorf

·        St. Nick party was smaller this year, but successful; 60 children in attendance.

·        Wellness screening report will be available next month.

·        Blessed Sacrament Choir - January 24.

·        Irish Night - March 6.

·        Parish Picnic needs leader; will check Time & Talent surveys.

 

Stewardship                                                                                    Bob Hickey

·        Witness Sunday regarding treasure took place this past weekend.

·        More proactive feedback on intent cards is needed, e.g., acknowledgement letters, more frequent reports, and thank you notes.

·        Updates on outflow of parish funds may positively influence intent card responses and treasure in general; Bob will explore other possibilities for this program.

·        Finance Committee needs a bookkeeper; searching first within the parish.  Two outside inquiries have been received.  Anticipates 6 to 8 hours per week at $15 to $20 as a competitive hourly rate.  Must confirm funds available in budget. 

·        Council will review budget items.

·        Time & Talent Committee needs 2 - 3 new members.

·        New member booklet prepared by Registration Team has gone out for printing.

·        Kathy Doney will lead effort to solicit more Registration Team members.

·        Finance Committee will meet on February 2.

·        Copies of new Charter distributed; Financial Advisory Board is now a sub-committee of Stewardship; provision included for membership rotation.  The role of this sub-committee is to act in an advisory capacity to Father Bob and the Parish Council. 

·        Inquiry about funds expended by COR, and any outstanding commitments in '04.

 

 

Parish Census                                                                                Dave Apy

·        Distributed outline of the process; Nancy Lee will lead this effort.

·        Volunteers are neeed to receive responses after masses and answer questions.

·        Census results affect dioceses assessment.

·        Presents a good opportunity to receive opinions about the parish.

·        Surveys will include request for e-mail addresses along with appropriate disclaimer statement, as well as reminders about the website and other events.

 

Facility Expansion/Property Conveyance                               Dave Apy

·        Ad hoc committee, possibly comprised of committee representatives, was suggested for the purpose of investigating (a) current and future needs; and (b) financial feasibility.  Council unanimously agreed that an investigative committee should be created.  Volunteers were asked to contact Dave or the office; President will request several committees to appoint representatives to serve on this committee.

·        Hospice facility:  Two real estate appraisals have been sent to the diocese for review.

 

2004 Budget Update                                                                     Dave Apy

Hold for next meeting at Bob Hickey's request.

 

Musicians' Platform Update                                                        Father Bob

Issue raised about relocating musicians from behind the altar to improve sound quality and for liturgical concerns.  Proposed purchase of a custom-built, modular wood platform to be located right of the altar.  Price quoted by Liturgical Artist is $20K.  Finance Committee will review the budget to determine feasibility of this expenditure.  It was also suggested that the musicians test-run performances in the proposed new area to confirm need for the platform.  V.P. may be able to recommend another builder for comparison.

 

Old and New Business                                                                 Dave Apy

·        Spiritual Life may have a new Chairperson; Social Justice vacancy has not been filled.

·        Welcome Party scheduled during Father Bob's vacation will take place in the Council meeting room.

·        Pastoral Council Day announcement distributed; RSVP to Dave.

·        Refreshments signup sheet circulated.

·        Binders and By-Laws distributed to new members.

·        Parish Council Directory will be available next month.

·        Background checks (Diocese mandated) required for all persons supervising children age 18 and under when parents are not present.  Jan Santanello will create a list of applicable names.  Tinton Falls Police Department will conduct this activity on-site in the spring.  Costs covered by Parish funds.

 

Meeting adjourned at 9:56 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Anna Marie Todaro