The Church of Saint Timothy
Minutes of Parish Council Meeting
April  8,  2009

President Paul Travers called the meeting to order at 7:35 pm.  Members in attendance were Joan McGauley, Theresa McGrath, Mary Ruddat, Ned Wentworth, David Moran, Marilyn McGoldrick, Tom Policelli, Jayne O’Donnell, Bobbi Moran, Bette Marafino. Ex-officio Fr. Henry Cody, Pat Pruitt, Cici Baker.  Guests: Joanne Moran, Brooke O’Donnell, Matt McGrath.

The first order of business was a continued discussion from the last Parish Council meeting.  Joanne Moran and Jayne O’Donnell gave an overview of the Mission and Goals of the Voice of the Faithful (VOTF) since its inception in 2002.  They explained how VOTF came to Saint Timothy’s and there area-wide affiliation with other parishes.  In the diocese of Hartford, Archbishop Mansell has given permission for VOTF to meet on church grounds.  Both Jayne O’Donnell and Joanne Moran emphasized that the Hartford area VOTF had nothing to do with House Bill 1098, which had been withdrawn by the Judiciary Committee in the Legislature.

Minute's correction:  There was one correction to the minutes of March 11, 2009.  New processional candles instead of crosses were donated by the Bartus family.  It was MSP that the minutes of the March 11^th Council meeting not be officially approved until the minutes reflect the breadth, depth of our discussion of VOTF and its relationship to House Bill 1098.  The minutes should include the letter from Hartford VOTF and the letter from the Bridgeport VOTF.  These revisions to the minutes will be sent separately for Council approval.

C O M M I T T E   R E P O R T S

CCD/YOUTH GROUPS:  Bobbi Moran reported that grades 6-9 will have their final class of the school year on April 26^th.  April 26th will be the last date for parents to register their children for the 2009-2010 school years.  Bobbi offered thanks to the following volunteer Catechists in the program: Maureen Karisson, Michael Cassidy, Peter Doelger, Cliff & Catherine Thermer, Jason Salas, Ellen Blaschinski, Ann Alfano, Bernie Moran, Ned Wentworth.  Samantha Moran, Sean Murphy, Jake Spignesi along with Fr. Cody helped at the overnight retreat.  Professor Radko spoke to the 10^th grade class.  Several members of the parish recommended him to speak.  His presentation was not well-received by the young audience.  Bobbi Moran mentioned that in the future she needs to personally interview the speakers to see if they are appropriate for the involved age groups.

Brendan McGrath will have his feet washed at Holy Thursday services as a representative of the Confirmation Class.  Marie Callahan and four Confirmation candidates; Amy Poulton, Christina Cianci, Lauren Chelli and Maggie Hauser will play a musical piece at Confirmation services.  Rehearsal for Confirmation will take place on May 1^st at 7:00 pm.

LITURGY/ENVIRONMENT:   Pat Piano reported that the Liturgy committee is preparing for Holy Week and the Triduum. There will be an additional Mass at 12:00 noon on Easter Sunday.  Mass for the Deaf will be offered at 10:30 on Easter Sunday. RCIA candidate Kylie Mead Steadman will be baptized, make First Communion and receive the sacrament of Confirmation at the Easter Vigil.  The Environment Committee met on Sunday, March 22^nd to complete plans for Holy Week and Easter.

ADULT EDUCATION: 

1) The forum on the three Abrahamic Religions was a “great success”.  A large part of the successful turnout was advertising the event via email.  This is something we should continue to pursue to reach more of our members and the community.

2)  Dr. John Collins spoke at the annual Scripture Lecture on Monday, April 6^th. The turnout was good, but could have been better.  Encouraging parishioners to read and study the Bible is a challenge.  There is an ongoing scripture group that meets every Monday at 9:00 am in the Music room at Saint Timothy’s School.

3)  There will be a forum on the Environment on Tuesday, May 12^th at 7:00 pm. Representatives from the Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Urban Affairs and a Hartford Activist will speak.  Special attention will be given to the high incidence of asthma in Hartford.

STEWARDSHIP/EVANGELIZATION COMMITTEE:  Letters have been sent to committee heads regarding the Ministry Fair which will be held the weekend of May 31^st. The goal of the Fair is to empower more people to be involved in parish life.  The Pastoral Care team continues to visit hospitals, homebound and frail, elderly and anyone who is ill and needs a visit.

FACILITIES:  Ned Wentworth reported that there is continuing concern over the concrete sidewalk in the front.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH:  Mary Ruddat reported that projects reported in March are the same.

FINANCE COMMITTEE:  Tom Policelli reported that there is a Finance Committee meeting on May 5^th.

PARISH LIFE/SOCIAL COMMITTEE:  David Moran said there was a successful Easter Egg Hunt after the 10:30 Mass on April 5^th; thanks to Mary Zemen for organizing this event. April 5^th was also Hospitality Sunday and David thanked Tom Varney along with the Knights and Theresa McGrath for helping.  There will be a party to celebrate Fr. Frascadore’s 50^th anniversary of Ordination.

SCHOOL BOARD/EDUCATION:  Marilyn McGoldrick reported that the School Board will meet on April 27^th.  The annual Tiger Ball will be on April 25^th.  She also mentioned that parking in front of the gate continues to be a problem and suggested that there should be a sign on the gate stating “Emergency- Do Not Park”.  She will speak with the Facilities committee.

NEW BUSINESS:

1)  Parish Council Elections- Pat Pruitt reminded us of upcoming Parish Council elections.  She will email to the Council the names of those members who will be up for election.  Pat requested that anyone who wants to stay on, let her know by April 20^th.  Nomination forms will be in the pews the weekend of April 25^th    It was suggested that a digital picture and biography of nominees would help voters.  Voting should occur by May 17^th.

2)  There will be a luncheon for Fr. Frascadore after the 10^th Mass on May 17^th. In O’Connell Hall.

3)  Theresa McGrath questioned the approval of speakers for the CCD classes. She asked who should approve speakers and is this something the diocese should do.

The meeting adjourned at 9:10 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Bette Marafino, Secretary