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Pastoral Council

St. Mary of the Assumption

Minutes of the Oct 20, 2011 Meeting

I.          Opening Prayer

Mimi Smith called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.  Ruth Long led the opening prayer.

II.        Minutes of the Sept 15, 2011 Meeting

Council members reviewed the minutes of the September 15, 2011 meeting, which were also posted on the parish website.  Those council members not present received the minutes by email prior to the meeting.  There were no amendments.  Rob Braswell moved to approve the minutes as written and Beth Burch seconded the motion.

III.       Committee Reports

A.  Knights of Columbus

Knights of Columbus member Wm. Tommy Harper updated the Council on current service to the parish and works of charity.  Recent works include:

·         Feeding the homeless: Mr. Harper reported that earlier this month, approximately 80 individuals were served by the Knights. 

·         Other outreach included the Tootsie Roll Fundraiser benefitting the mentally disabled.

·         There is a dinner being planned for 30 OCT, recognizing outreach to seniors in the parish.  

·         A St. Mary of the Assumption parishioner was the big winner, taking top prize in the KoC Car Raffle.

B.  Liturgy Committee

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament for Vocations:  The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed, and a two-day adoration is planned the week of 07 November, during Father Foley’s retreat.

Lessons in Carols:  The annual lessons in carols event is planned for 2:00 p.m. on the first Sunday in Advent, 27 November.  Council members noted that this event has an ecumenical appeal.  As a parish event, it will feature St. Mary’s school students and others from the parish community.  Rob Braswell reported that he had helped create a banner that advertised the event in previous years.  He offered to check its condition to see if it can be used again, with “overlay” modifications to update the date and time.

C. CYO Report

Fund Raisers:  Mr. Braswell updated the council on current CYO activities and projects.  He reported that at the end of the last year, the organization’s financial state was in the red.  Fund raisers are being held, with others planned to mitigate the situation, including: Famous Dave’s Bar-b-q sales; Capri-Sun Pouch return (20 cents/each); catalog sales; Zumba lessons; and a Car Wash.  HSA has visibility on all planned fund raisers, and serves as a check on the organization’s fiscal health.

Athletics:  The soccer season is winding down.  CYO leadership is exploring possible locations for holding basketball practices.  The commissioners in place have been doing an excellent job.

D.  Hospitality Ministry

Council members noted that ministry groups in the parish are planning to take over responsibility of monthly hospitality gatherings that take place the first Sunday of the month, after Masses.  Arimatheans are on the schedule to assist the first weekend of November.  

E.  Welcome Committee Ministry

Two people signed up at the Ministry Fair, expressing interest in a St. Mary of the Assumption Welcome Committee.  It is hoped that, once kicked off, this ministry will serve as one means of greeting people as they arrive for Mass.  Deacon Klco requests that individuals interested in participating in this committee view a short informational video prior to serving.  Rob Braswell agreed to look for name badges that can be used by individuals in the ministry.  Council members noted that the younger members, including students, youth group participants and others, may be ideal for this ministry.

IV.       Indicators of Vitality

Parish Vitality:  Fr. Foley previously requested that council members review and give prayerful consideration to a survey concerning the vitality of the parish and its ministries.  This will be discussed in greater detail at a future meeting.

V.        Pastoral Council Elections

Council members were not able to identify the number of prospective candidates needed to put forward a ballot to the parish.  An election date is TBD.

VI.       Parish Activities

Cemetery Clean-up:  Plans are set for clean-up of the St. Mary of the Assumption Mount Carmel Cemetery on 29 OCT.  A Veterans Day Mass is planned for 06 NOV at the cemetery. 

Lenten Devotion:  Advanced plans were made for Mark Forrest to perform during a Lenten Prayer Vigil on 16 March.

VII.     Closing Prayer and Adjournment

Deacon Klco led the closing prayer.  Participants agreed to adjourn unanimously.  Meeting was adjourned at 8:45.

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