MINUTES OF THE ST. LOUIS PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING
June 5, 2001
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Monsignor Luca Susan Miller Lynne Layug Mike Smith
J. R. Swancar Kevin Murphy Al DeRemigis Marilyn Rhodovi
Mary Dan Juliana Kopec Bob Kipke
Paul Blanchard Dana Perzynski Deirdre Lindsey
George Andre Tittle Nancy VanWinter Kevin McCarthy
Trum Soule Mark Weaver Pat Marlatt
Lynda Anderson Malcolm Joseph Craig Palmer
Staff & Visitors
Fr. Greg Ferri Jenny Thompson
Kevin Murphy called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
Monsignor Luca opened the meeting with a prayer of hope that we would all open our minds and hearts to the responsibilities of our positions, always relying on Gods' love and guidance.
The minutes of the May meeting were approved with two grammatical corrections.
Jenny was recognized as the representative of the Money Counting Team, a group that works diligently to make sure that all monies coming into the parish on a weekly basis are counted and properly recorded. They also count the special collections. Jenny was further recognized for her many years of service to the parish as a volunteer in many areas. She has been a Eucharistic minister, chairperson of the money raffle for the picnic. She leads the Stations of the Cross in the chapel on a regular basis. She and her family have prepared their family recipe of cucumbers for the annual picnic for many years. These are just a few of the contributions Jenny has made over the years. The Pastoral Council thanks her for her continued devotion to the parish.
Pastor's Report:
Monsignor thanked Jenny Thompson again for the service her family has provided to our parish for over 50 years.
Monsignor presented the "Welcome Video" that was created to give new parishioners some background about the parish and introduce them to our pastor. It was very well put together and will be an outstanding addition to the welcoming program for the future. Andre Tittle and parishioner, Austin Steo are to be applauded for their perseverance in having the video done so quickly and professionally.
Monsignor welcomed Malcolm Joseph back from his short illness and wished him the best.
We further welcomed our seminarian Patrick Peach who will be with us this year. He will be introduced to the parish through his involvement in the Clarksville Picnic, the building committee and the Pastoral Council, to name but a few areas.
Response to the renovation of the Chapel was outstanding and over 85% is complete. The Stations of the Cross along with the statues are being restored. The marble of the baptismal font and pulpit are also being restore. We hope that this renovation will set the tone for all that will be done in the future on the campus. We have been able to save the facade of the old confessional during the renovation and although the repairs and improvements were somewhat over the original estimate, we have been able to cover almost all of the costs. Mrs. Sylvia James George has created prints of the Chapel which she will be selling and donating the proceeds to the parish to help offset the overage. A dedication of the renovated chapel will be on August 27, 2001.
Staff Report:
Father Greg Ferri was our staff representative for the month. Fr. Greg works closely with the respect life committee to support their efforts. He works with 60-70 middle school youth to train them as alter servers. He has done an outstanding job with this group, helping them to become more aware of their importance in the celebration of the Mass. There has been a marked improvement in their performance these past years. Father Greg was happy to say that he was looking forward to celebrating his anniversary in the priesthood in June. He acknowledged that consistency in training the youth and educating them has brought this maturity about. Father thanked all of the parents for their support these past years and admitted that he will miss the seniors that will be going off to college in the fall.
Building Committee
Pat Marlatt announced that there were 4 bids being considered for the construction of the new rectory. Final negotiations with the lowest bidder are being held. Alternates are bid with the packages. The Diocese will award the contract in the next few weeks. The only funds being used for this project are the funds from the sale of the convent and private donations. No Heritage of Hope funds will be used. Consolidation of the two properties has been completed and we have resubmitted the exemption paperwork for the total property.
With no other business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m. and everyone gathered in the Church for our Mass of Affirmation and Commissioning.
7:30 P.M.