Parish Council Meeting Minutes
June 6, 2007

Tara Bellefleur will be chair, Mike Deneen will be vice-chair though still 3 seats available.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH – Dick Wowak / Marilyn McGoldrick

Trying to work with Knights of Columbus to make a trip to St. Peter Claver in New Orleans.

CCD/YOUTH GROUP – Bobbi Moran

Forty-two 42 Young women and men received the sacrament of confirmation on May 12 from Bishop Peter Rosazza.   I will be reviewing the service and what we can do to improve upon it with Fr. Cody and Pat Piano at the end of June. I am in the process of reviewing the curriculum for grades 6-10 and our Youth Group. The Y.G. finished the year with a speaker and a breakfast in Milligan Hall.  The day was well attended and the students enjoyed the speaker. I am reviewing volunteer teachers for next year as well as the calendar.  The registrations took place in April.  I have had a successful registration and do not anticipate having to re-register students this fall,I will put out additional forms in the rear of the church.

FINANCE COUNCIL REPORT – no report

PASTORAL ASSOCIATE UPDATE – Pat Piano

Adult Education - Annual Scripture Lecture held on Tuesday, May 8

West Hartford Catholic Adult Enrichment Team - Since the Fall of 2006 St. Timothy Adult Education Committee has been meeting with members of Sts. Peter Claver, Thomas the Apostle and St. Helena working together on programs.

Save the Dates: 

Wednesday, Sept. 26 and Thursday, Sept. 27

Combined effort to bring in a National Speaker to address issues that surround our growing as a more welcoming parish. Theresa McGrath volunteered to help Pat get the word out about the event.

Who:     Carrie Kemp a nationally known speaker in the area of stewardship and evangelization.

Where:  St. Peter Claver, Wednesday, Sept. 26 St. Timothy, Thursday, Sept. 27

Goal:    To bring together all active members of all four faith communities to develop and foster a true spirit of belonging to ones parish.

Focus Points:

Issues Surrounding Being a More Welcoming Parish

Differences between ministry and volunteerism.

Development of the concept of evangelization

Needed not only by those who are inactive or outside our faith but for those of us sitting in the pews.

Misconceptions surrounding evangelization caused by evangelicals (fundamentalist) approaches.

Inactive Catholics.

Some questions around our own welcoming:

Is there a spirit of joy in what we do that is inviting to others, making them want to be involved???

Are we creating a spirit of belonging? How do we do that?

Are their turf wars?  Are we willing to let others share in the joy of ministry?

What are the tools we need to discern if we really want to know  how
            welcoming we are?

What do we have to do as a parish to continue to grow and be a parish that is called excellent?

Hopes: That anyone in the parish that has, or would like to take an active role in any of what we do, will make every effort to come to both nights.  Yet, if available for only one night, it will be worth time and energy.

N.B.  Fr. Tom Sas, priest in residence at St. Peter Claver and director of ongoing education for priest in the archdiocese, will be having Carrie Kemp speak to all the clergy while she is here doing our project.

Liturgy Committee - Met on Monday, May 15

Reviewed Easter and Holy Week made suggestions for next year.  Anointing of the Sick planned for Sunday, June 10 at 10:30.  Thanked 11 Altar servers who are moving on Sunday, June 3 at the 8:30 Mass.  Communion stations expand  to six during all of the year except in the summer…down to four.  Three Masses seems to be going very smoothly after a year.

Environment Committee - Met Sunday, May 6

Reviewed Easter Holy Week decorations and made suggestions for next year.  We now have Lisa Gillis taking pictures of all our big celebrations so we have concrete reminders of what works and what doesn’t.  (Lisa and her husband Tom are new parish members.)

RCIA - The RCIA Team had a reunion with all those who have come into the church in the last two years.  The purpose is to reconnect and see how they are doing?  Encourage where necessary.  Great time had by all.  We do not have any Catechumens or Candidates at this time.

PARISH LIFE/SOCIAL COMMITTEE – Paul Travers

Sent out a flyer for the UCONN/ Maine football game September 8^th.   October 7^th will be first Hospitality Sunday which will include a Ministry Fair.

FACILITIES/BUILDING AND GROUNDS – Tom Policelli

The archbishop’s consultant has put together a schematic view of redesigned look for the parking lot.  Narrowing the driveway for 1 car (12 feet wide), putting in wooding fence, very heavy on the aesthetics.   Question on snow removal.   Finance Council meeting to look at the cost quote and the new design.  The bid on the aluminum siding on the rectory was $32, 843. To change the windows on the rectory to Anderson Windows the bid is $35,400.  Pavement in front of the Church bid is $15,152 and the sidewalk bid is $10,219. Two handicap ramps will be put in front of the school.   

EVANGELIZATION – John Alissi     Continue to send out letters to new residents.

REVIEW OF OLD BUSINESS:

NEW BUSINESS:

Gary DeMichele – Nominated for President by Paul Travers, seconded by Tom.  Approved.
Paul Travers – Nominated for Vice President by Dick Wowak, seconded by Tom. Approved.
David Moran – Nominated for Secretary by Gary DeMichele, seconded by Tom.  Approved.

4. Chimes of the Bells - The issue has been resolved.  The bells need to be programmed and then it will ring. Can program well in advance but latest is a week beforehand to notify Pat Pruitt.
5. Parish Council Retreat - Carmen Brickner is going to facilitate a council retreat in the summer (September 5^th from 7PM – 9PM) to help new members with the new duties of the Council
6. Committee Liaisons for 2007 – 2008

            Finance Committee – Tom Policelli

School Committee – Marilyn McGoldrick

Facilities – Ned Wentworth

CCD / Youth Group – Theresa McGrath

Parish Life – Paul Travers (Ned and Theresa will be assistants)

Community Outreach – Mary Ruddat

Evangelization – Dick Wowak

7. Parish Family Report - The Parish went from 935 families to 969 families.

At  9:20 pm, Paul motioned to adjourn the meeting, this was seconded by Tom.  Pat Piano closed with a prayer.

Respectfully submitted,     David Moran