MINUTES PARISH COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 3, 2007
1. Meeting called to order by Anita Fenton
2. Father Foley opened the meeting with a prayer and the visitors from the Pastoral
Planning Committee continued with their opening prayers. Members and visitors
then read the Mission Statement. Minutes were approved from the last meeting.
Father Foley then suspended our regular meeting to allow visitors to speak.
3. Present: Father Foley, Anita Fenton, Deacon Joe, Paul Franco, Janet Rauktis,
Mark Brennan, Vinny Matulaitis, Mary Sullivan, Diane Long, and Kathy
Johnson from the Christ the King Parish Council and Martha Powers and Les
Waguespack from the pastoral Planning Committee
Martha explained that the purpose of the Pastoral Planning Committee is to listen,
gather information, and send this information to the bishop, Les has been involved
in Pastoral Planning since the 1990s, He apologized for taking over our meeting,
but his main job is to listen. He said that the bishop wants to visit each parish
council meeting in the diocese, but this would be impossible, so he and Martha are
here to give us a chance to reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of Christ the
King Parish.
Martha was impressed with the booklet of ministries she was given. She spoke
about the masses she and Les attended over the weekend. She noted that there
were a lot of children and programs for them. She asked about programs for
adults. We told her about the Evenings of Recollection, Stations of the Cross,
Religious Education classes run by Father Riley and Kathy Gushing, Bereavement
and Post-Bereavement Committees, RCIA, Rosary every morning, Social
activities. Penance Service, and delivery of the Eucharist to many places.
Les commented that there was not much involvement with the RCIA classes.
Father explained that a class of two is a full class. We could run the program for
as many people needed the class. He also said that people come in to receive other
sacraments.
Martha commented on our saying we need a pastoral associate. Since Sister
Bernadette retired, there is a need for someone to step in. One of the duties of the
pastoral associate would be outreach to the elderly. She also commented on the
jump in revenue. This was explained as a result of a revenue enhancement
undertaking last year. Revenue went up quite a bit, but we had some unexpected
expenses, (i.e. fundraising expense, and windows). We want to run the parish out
of the budget, and not use gifts to pay for the pastoral associate
Martha asked if we felt healthy enough to survive into the future. We answered
"absolutely" and Martha agreed. She asked if we would be able to absorb new
parishioners if other parishes began to close. Father stated that we have already
begun to see new parishioners. They are coming because of the services we
provide. Anita stated that people are coming through word of mouth. New
members know that they will be welcomed and will get the services they need and
want.
Les stated that Christ the King has 1600 families listed, and wanted to know how
many are active in structuring and delivering services. Father said that about 500
families are involved. He stated that the philosophy here is that all groups are here
to help out with the parish. No group stands alone; all are active in parish life.
Les then asked about evangelization to those who don't come to church. Some
people from closed parishes may not be able to get to a new church. How can we
service them? Have we discussed adopting a parish? Father Foley answered these
questions. We tried twinning with Our Lady of Fatima, but it fell apart with the
change of staff there. He talked about the bishop's desire to have large
communities rather than small isolated communities. Outreach would grow as the
need arises, but this takes time and education to develop. We need to work on a
plan to accept and integrate new members into the parish without making them
feel like "interlopers". The CYC is one example of accepting and welcoming
members of different parishes.
Les questioned our lack of ethnic diversity. He noted that we could have incoming
ethnicities that need to be serviced. Father explained that we do have people of
different ethnic backgrounds in the parish but it is not always apparent. We have
Hispanic, African American and Asian families as parishioners. We cannot create
diversity but we can and will accept all people. There will be a challenge of
language and culture, which the diocese is working on by looking to get more
bilingual priests.
Les asked about specific initiatives for vocations. Father stated that there is a need
for more vocations, but there will continue to be a decline in vocations for the near
future; it happened in Europe and it is happening here, now. Martha said that
young people being around faith-filled priests who enjoy what they are doing is an
important step in encouraging more vocations.
Final Question from Martha: Three things to be proud of and three that need
improvement
Most proud of in parish: 1) entire community from Father down is a family
2) spiritually in good shape
3) children are involved and happy
Areas of Improvement : 1) physically old buiIding
2) need for pastoral associate to minister the elderly
3) every parish has room to grow
Father said that families need change and parishes need change. He is most proud
of adapting to changes and continues to be able to serve all the needs of the
parishioners. We will try to accommodate all who come to us within the
parameters of the church.
Vinnie said we are lucky at Christ the King to have had priests who allow growing
to happen. They have allowed parishioners to start ministries as they see the need
arise. Father said that it is healthy for people to see a need and find a way to work
together to address the need. He said that one of the biggest blessings at Christ the
King is talent - the parish is loaded with talent.
Les asked what the diocese could do for us. Father noted that the chancery is no
longer a resource for the parishes. There is a very small group of people working
there, and they are unable to be a help with parish ministries. They are a financial
resource, but parishes need to look to themselves to create programs to serve the
people. Anita asked that resources for a part-time pastoral assistant be considered.
The meeting was concluded with a prayer, followed by the Hail Mary led by
Deacon Joe. The next meeting will be January 8th at 7:30 p.m. All parish
organizations should send a representative to the meeting.
New members are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Please see Father Foley.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Johnson
Parish C'ouncil Secretary