Opening. Following sandwiches, etc. provided by Sue Cowan, as well as an opening Prayer of Hope from a collection of St. Anthony devotions, the meeting began at 4:12 p.m.
Present: Fr. Vic, Chris O'Brien, John Sedbrook, Sue Cowan, and Chris Wagar.
Approval of February 2020 minutes. Minutes had been circulated previously by email, and were approved.
Pastor's Report. On account of the corona virus lockdown, we have not been able to meet since February, and now that some restrictions are lifted, the Masses that are currently allowed are seeing low attendance because of people's comfort level. But the live-streaming is going well; we must keep our spirits up and rely on the grace of God to get us through this. Father Vic has been appointed Vicar of Finance for the diocese, an honor for the parish. He had his first meeting with his team on July 1.
Financial Reports. We reviewed 3 months of reports. In spite of the quarantine, people are continuing with good financial support; we are receiving generous special donations and gifts of equipment, such as a $4000 video camera. We have a balance of $115,000 in our checking account. We have received the ACA rebate from the diocese, a $500 PIN-2 grant from the Catholic Foundation, and in addition a special fund of $1020, also for PIN-2.
Communication.
(a) Ladies ministry will be installing new officers. Yard sale: Sept. 12.
(b)Knights of Columbus. No train rides this year. The Knights are presently unable to fund PREPARES at $500/month.
(c) PIN requests continue steadily, especially for new moms without any money. For transportation from ER, the form to use the funds is reviewed by social worker Diana Barnard and ok'd if appropriate. If she is not available, the Head of Nursing will review and reimburse. These two persons along with Chris Wagar and Father Vic are having a focus meeting with a representative from the Catholic Foundation, which is interested in publicizing our Person in Need program.
(d) the Ad Hoc committee met at the church regarding scaled-back church improvement projects associated with the sound system. Wiring for lighting above the altar is in progress; new ceiling tiles and track lighting are to be installed, and the sound system itself is to be installed at the end of July.
(e) Fr. Connall, who supervised numerous church remodels, was at the meeting as an advisor. He noted the beauty of the tabernacle and suggested it be moved to a more prominent position.
Old business.
(a) Pictorial directory. We will omit the group picture of the council that was originally planned.
(b) Choir keyboard moved to placeholder status.
(c) Church security. Jon Wagar and other ushers will be on the alert, but at this time we cannot maintain previously established protocols, as the Bishop's recommendations include keeping doors open for ventilation.
New business. Chris W. and Fr. Vic will compose a PIN-2 announcement for the bulletin.
Quiet time before Mass. Noise is especially distracting for those watching online. Tactful signs will be displayed to indicate live-streaming in progress. Ushers will help convey the message, and reminder by Rick is to continue.
Caretaker Council. The term for Chris Wagar, our Chair, expires this month. She faithfully served two complete terms and led the PAC to achieve many great accomplishments. With the loss of Jim Hines, we are currently down to four members. In the circumstances, we decided not to recruit or select any new members over the summer, when we don’t meet anyway. Sue Cowan will serve as interim Chair. All joined Father Vic in profound thanks to Chris for all her hard work and wishing her success in her endeavors.
Placeholder. Choir keyboard.
Next Meeting. Tuesday, September 15, at 4 p.m. Host. Father Vic.
Closing Prayer. 5:25 p.m. Sue. Prayer for Peace of Mind, from St. Anthony devotions.
1. Opening. With Subway sandwiches and trimmings provided by Ed, who also said the opening prayer, the meeting began at 5:12 p.m. Present: Fr. Vic, Chris O'Brien, Ed Galbicka, John Sedbrook, Sue Cowan, and Jim Hines, who chaired in Chris Wagar's absence. Elizabeth Willyard was present briefly, to take a group photo, which we decided to postpone until our Chair returns from her bereavement journey. 2. Approval of January 2020 minutes. Minutes had been circulated previously by email, and were approved.
3. Pastor's Report(a). Lenten schedule Will be in the bulletin this weekend. (b). Rose chasuble. Has arrived. Thanks to the generosity of Virginia Brown. (c). Thank-you letter received from a PIN family we helped to return home to Wisconsin. (d). Received $21,000 be quest in the Will of parishioner Tim Koenig. 4. Financial Reports. We have met the target of $100,000 in our account, with no outstanding bills. Our net operating income since July is just over $22,000. Buildings and Grounds amount is large, probably due to snow removal costs.
5. Communication.
6. Maintenance Committee: PREPARES building fault rectified. Persons in Need: Funds from PIN #1 account were approved for use in PIN#2, the new account earmarked for medical supplies and needs such as transportation home from the E.R. 2020 Projects: Easter retreat: Pending notification by Sister Leslie, who has been delayed by the death of her father. Social: June 14 approved as the date for the Annual Picnic, to be held at the Church premises. Building: Altar chairs to be decided. LED lights approved. Sound system pending; bid was not correctly detailed and is being resubmitted. Garage Sale: originally scheduled for May 16, now moved forward to late May, possibly the 30th.
7. Old Business. Pictorial directory awaits group photo of the Parish Advisory Council, tentatively set for next Sunday immediately after Mass.
8. Keyboard. Bev has not yet had an opportunity to try out other options.
9. New Business. An Ad Hoc Committee will be composed of one or two representatives from each of the ministries, to discuss and prioritize the many projects we would like to pursue for the material improvement of our premises.
10. Knights of Columbus. The Knights are adopting a more open policy, opening up their ceremonies and commitments to parishioners. They have committed to finance the PREPARES program. They made $674 from the bar at the recent Soroptimists' Crab Feed; the Soroptimists are delighted with our facilities and have already scheduled their event for next year. A meat raffle is planned for March 1st, and an informal Italian Dinner is planned for May 2. Knights who hold a carry permit met with the Sheriff's Department for two hours regarding Church security. A handout was provided, outlining a low-key but vigilant system to be supervised by the head usher and to include inspecting the premises inside and out and locking the entrances immediately before Mass. A deputy is regularly assigned for on-call church duty on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. Parishioners will be asked to “see something; say something” and to call 911 if a dangerous situation seems to be developing.
11. Next meeting. Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at 5 p.m. Host: Sue.
12. Closing Prayer (6:20 p.m.) Ed, a beautiful prayer for our parish, in line with our Mission Statement
St. Anthony Parish Advisory Council Meeting
January 21, 2020