Present: G. Creedon, C. Gretzinger, F. Hobbs, A. Rowley, M. Beaston, M. Alves, P. Kiko, C. Sullivan, D. Hutt, P. Quinn, K. Moriarity
Ms. Gretzinger called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM.
Minutes of the June 2 meeting were accepted after agreeing to certain minor changes.
Fr. Creedon provided the Pastoral Team Report.
Mr. Sullivan provided an overview of the FY2000 Budget
Ms. Moriarity briefed the Council on the status of the Community Center:
The Council discussed the importance of presenting the appropriate and accurate image of the Parish to the Diocese during the next several months, as the plans for the Parish Community Center continue to develop. The urban character of St. Charles is in stark contrast with the suburban parishes in other parts of the Diocese. The effort will soon span into both internal (Council, Committee) and external (St Charles parish community, the Arlington Diocese, and Arlington County government) dimensions.
Ms. Hobbs briefly reviewed plans for this year's Volunteer Fair. The theme will be "Share the Spirit". Parish registration will also be available during the Fair.
Commissioning of Council members will be held after mass on October 2 and 3.
The continual need for canned food was reiterated.
Ms. Hobbs agreed to serve as the Council Recording Secretary for FY2000. Mr. Grady will assist Ms. Gretzinger as Council Vice-chair.
Ms. Gretzinger summarized continued development of the St. Charles Prayer Tree and Circle of Caring.
Mr. Alves highlighted recent changes in the Community Building committee and noted the success and warm reception of recent Web Development classes sponsored by the Community Building Committee
Additional bulletin board space for the Neighborhoods
Mr. Kiko reported that the School enjoyed an enrollment of 238 students. Efforts are underway to establish an Alumni organization.
Mr. Grady briefly highlighted recent changes in the Social Justice committee.
Ms. Gretzinger adjourned the meeting at 9:35PM.
On June 2, 1999 at 7:30pm the meeting was called to order and Gilda Ferer led the opening prayer. Council members present were Mark Alves, Bill Coen, Monica Craven, Fr. Gerry Creedon, Gilda Ferer, Mike Grady, Carolyn Gretzinger, Maggie Jones, Naomi Klaus, John Teem, and Regina Trodden. Mr. Kiko joined the meeting later. Tricia Clark represented the Pastoral Team.
Reading the minutes was waived. A few, minor corrections were made to the minutes. Mr. Teem moved that the minutes be approved as amended; Ms. Jones seconded the motion which passed unanimously with Ms. Craven, Ms. Ferer, and Ms. Klaus abstaining because they were not present at the prior meeting.
Pastoral Team
Ms. Clark reported for the Pastoral Team. She said that there had been no changes to the June calendar and requested those in charge of activities be conscientious about using the calendar form and turning it in to Luli Hittle.
Assessment of Progress in Achieving 1999 Parish Goals
Fr. Creedon reviewed the parish vision statement, strategic goals, mission statement, and parish goals. There followed a general discussion of the parish’s achievements and disappointments. Mr. Teem said that it had been very difficult to recruit neighborhood volunteers, but that recently well-qualified volunteers had come forward to fill the vacancies.
Mr. Grady called attention to the success of the job fair with developing the job descriptions, etc. Follow-up had been weaker. In Social Justice, Amy Sander is now coordinating volunteers. Mr. Grady observed that there is a need to follow up on those who come forward to volunteer, both in the short term and the long term, and to inspire those already serving.
Ms. Trodden said that the blending of the Latino and Anglo communities seemed to be beginning to take hold, citing the example of the parish observance of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. She urged that the parish continue to do things around holidays, such as St. Patrick’s Day, because people seem to respond well to these occasions.
Mr. Coen noted that collections this year have exceeded last year’s collections and the increase projected in the budget. He also noted the contributions to Social Justice appeals and to our sister parish in Haiti.
Mr. Grady recalled the great progress made toward a parish center including the work done on the parish vision statement and strategic goals. Ms. Gretzinger pointed out the town meetings, the work done by the neighborhoods, and the survey of the parish to make the consideration of the parish center as open and inclusive as possible.
Ms. Trodden praised the report to the parish on the issues which had come forward from the request for New Year’s resolutions. She said the report is a good way of communicating with the parish and indicates that the Council does respond to suggestions.
As for shortcomings, Ms. Gretzinger said that an inventory of volunteer talents had not been developed. Mr. Alves said that aside from the special liturgies and the parish mission, he was not satisfied with the progress toward the goal of reinvigorating spiritual and liturgical programs. Mr. Grady commented that individual spirituality, as distinct from that of the community and groups, seems to be given fairly short shrift. Ms. Trodden offered that the Come and See programs are a place where individual spirituality can grow. She also cited the examples of Bible Study groups and the Lenten booklets.
Mr. Alves said that he thought the parish survey had been good, although he had heard from some people who had not filled it out because they felt some of the questions were “loaded.”
Members of the Parish Council then filled out questionnaires assessing progress in reaching the goals set for fiscal year 1999. Ms. Gretzinger said that the information would be used in the annual report to the parish.
Parish Calendar
(In the course of the discussion about the “Parish Program Plan,” the Council decided to change the name to Parish Calendar and, to save confusion, that is the way to which it is referred throughout these minutes.)
Ms. Gretzinger said that she had received additional activities and dates from the Education and Social Justice ministries to be added to the parish calendar for the fiscal year 2000 (which starts July 1, 1999). Fr. Creedon commented that the regular Tuesday meetings of the RCIA had not been on the first calendar and that conflicts over the use of the library might have arisen. Staff and Council need to keep looking for ways to improve the system of compiling and updating the parish calendar. Ms. Gretzinger said that the file is now on the parish computer. Ms. Klaus said that it is important not to make the calendar so rigid that it becomes restrictive and new activities can not be accommodated. Mr. Grady suggested posting the quarterly calendar above the mailboxes, so that it will be reminder to Council representatives to check it.
Mr. Alves moved that the Council endorse the program plan as amended by the additions from the Social Justice and Education ministries. Mr. Grady moved to amend the motion to change the name from “Parish Program Plan” to “Parish Calendar;” Ms. Ferer seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. Mr. Grady seconded Mr. Alves’ original motion which carried unanimously.
Fiscal Year 2000 Budget
Mr. Coen reported that the new, church roof has now been completely paid for. Collections this year have been greater than the increase of six per cent projected in this year’s budget. The projected increase in collections in the Fiscal Year 2000 budget has been increased to 10% and all money collected above 6% of this year’s collections has been earmarked to replenish the capital reserve. (At 8:40 Phil Kiko joined the meeting.) In response to a question from Mr. Grady, Mr. Coen said that the increase in revenue appears to be due mainly to growth in the number of parishioners.
Fr. Creedon reported that the parish might have another resident priest. There is an offer from a Paulist deacon who is bilingual and who would like to work with the Latino community and Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults.
In response to a question from Ms. Klaus, Ms. Gretzinger said that adjustments had been made to the Fiscal year 2000 budget for neighborhoods, youth, the web site, new parish secretary, and postage. She acknowledged that contributions to parish savings should be part of the plan, but said that budgeting a 10% increase in revenue would encourage everyone to work to increase it. She said that the facilities plan is important, but that support for volunteers is also critical. Fr. Creedon reiterated that if the parish makes the assumption that there will be a 10% increase in revenue, then everyone must work to meet that goal. He said that when appeals are made for more money, about one third of the people keep increasing their commitment. He also said that program people tend to overstate their needs and often wind up spending less than they had anticipated.
Mr. Alves asked about the line item marked “other.” Mr. Coen replied that $2800 was for Parish Council and the remainder was unspecified Community Building Ministry programs. Ms. Trodden asked whether her replacement Neighborhood C representative would be restricted to the amount in the budget for which she had asked and precluded from introducing a new program. Mr. Coen answered that the budget is like a guideline and there should be enough flexibility to accommodate such changes.
Mr. Grady moved to accept the budget with the thanks of the Council to Mr. Coen and his committee. Mr. Teem seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
Later, Mr. Coen asked that the minutes reflect the Council’s sense that the final budget may be adjusted to reflect the actual, year-end figures from fiscal year 1999. There was no objection.
Parish Council Nominations
Mr. Grady asked that the Council accept by acclamation, rather than election, Dale Labbe-Anhut as the Neighborhood C representative, Monica Beaston as the Neighborhood D representative, and Allan Rowley as the Neighborhood F representative. Mr. Teem moved that the three be accepted effective with the first Council meeting in September and the motion carried unanimously. There will be an announcement in the bulletin and the new Council members will be commissioned in October.
Ms. Ferer said that she may have identified a new Latin American Community representative and had hoped to be able to present the name for acceptance by the Council at that night’s meeting. Mr. Grady said that the nominee should be included in all events for new Council members. There was no objection.
Parish Center Committee
Ms. Craven said that Cathleen Moriarty, an architect, had joined the Parish Center Committee. The Committee has given her all the information it has gathered up to now. She has identified three primary needs: a large, indoor space, parking, and small, meeting rooms. She has met with her former professor at Catholic University for help on some aspects with which she is less familiar. The tasks for the next phase of planning are
Fr. Creedon added that it is important to integrate the school into this plan and to coordinate the infrastructures of church, school, and parish center.
Mr. Alves asked who is in charge of items that fall between the day-to-day facilities management and this strategic plan. Ms. Craven answered that the Committee is working very closely with Tim Brady. Mr. Alves asked about parking and Ms. Craven replied that there is nothing on site. After discussion of some possible alternatives, Mr. Grady asked that the Facilities Committee explore possible ways of increasing available parking.
Parish Goals for Fiscal Year 2000
Fr. Creedon asked the Council to establish parish goals for Fiscal Year 2000. The areas suggested by the Pastoral Team as the basis for parish goals are jubilee justice (2000 is a jubilee year in the Church), parish center development, formation for ministry leaders and volunteers, multiculturalism, and outreach to inactive Catholics. Fr. Creedon complimented Mr. Grady and the Social Justice Ministry on the restructuring that had been accomplished in the past year. In response to Fr. Creedon’s question, Mr. Teem suggested that a goal be to complete the parish center design and that the funding campaign for the parish center be planned and begun.
Mr. Grady observed that the Council keeps coming back to establishing goals of some kind every few months. He suggested that the Council build on the work it has already done in the strategic planning and that the annual goals be specific objectives related to one of the strategic goals. He proposed that, related to the fourth strategic goal (“To be a circle of caring and concern through our neighborhoods, especially for the vulnerable and the poor.”), an objective of making the Circle of Caring viable.
Ms. Ferer suggested, in relation to the first strategic goal (“To strengthen the faith of our members, invite others to join us and engage ecumenically in the work of justice and dialogue.”), an objective of each person involved in the parish inviting another person to accompany him or her to a meeting or other activity. She also suggested that the outreach which was started with Neighborhood A be continued and expanded to other Latino neighborhoods. Ms. Trodden said that she would like to see an initiative for inactive Catholics, likewise advancing the first strategic goal. She cited the example of the parish to which she belongs in Delaware which has a large banner encouraging lapsed Catholics to “come home.”
Ms. Jones proposed the objective of the parish working toward the second strategic goal (“To offer the workplace the illumination of faith.”) by offering the Clarendon community the chance to renew and express its faith at St. Charles. Mr. Grady drew an analogy to a baseball businessman’s special, promoting an activity in the middle of the day.
Mr. Alves proposed that the parish continue working on the Fiscal Year 1999 goal (objective) of reinvigorating the spiritual and liturgical programs.
Mr. Coen suggested the objective of saving $35,000 to $40,000 next, fiscal year. He said that the success of the parish center depends on good management of present resources.
Fr. Creedon said that the parish should strengthen its presence in the secular community, standing up more effectively for those who are most vulnerable; e.g., working for more affordable housing. He also suggested tying together work place and school to better serve parents who work outside the home. He said that youth should be more visible in parish celebrations citing the example of a program St. Charles School students had done, including a song about the massacre in Littleton, Colorado. He endorsed Mr. Grady’s idea of working toward the strategic goals developed by the Council earlier this year.
In furthering both the third strategic goal (“To celebrate the cultural and generational diversity of our members as well as our call to communion in all areas of parish life.”) and last year’s parish goal of reinvigorating spiritual and liturgical programs, Ms. Gretzinger suggested that parish liturgies and programs incorporate multiculturalism, for example, a parish celebration of Martin Luther King Day.
Mr. Kiko said that he agreed with the things that had been said and that at the end of the year he would like to be able to point to something tangible the parish had accomplished; that the Council feel as if it had advanced the ball.
Ms. Gretzinger thanked all the members of the Parish Council for their hard work and cooperation. She reminded the Council that it had started in October, 1997, with a clean slate and that now we have functioning neighborhoods, structured ministries, and that the Council had pretty much met the schedule for developing the Fiscal Year 2000 calendar and budget that had been set in December.
Closing
Fr. Creedon said that the Paulists have selected ten pastors from around the country and sent them questionnaires about evangelization. St. Charles was chosen as one of the parishes based on its reputation. They may ask the parish to pilot some Jubilee Year program. Fr. Creedon and Ms. Gretzinger then gave each Council member a Book of Prayers for the New Millennium with a note of thanks from Fr. Creedon. Fr. Creedon gave Ms. Gretzinger The Gift of Peace by Cardinal Bernardine in appreciation for her work as Council Chair.
Mr. Grady said that he has been involved in many organizations and that St. Charles is blessed with two outstanding leaders in Fr. Creedon and Ms. Gretzinger, especially Ms. Gretzinger. Such leaders are essential to an organization’s success. He thanked both of them very much. Ms. Gretzinger said that she hoped people would continue to feel that St. Charles is a welcoming and vibrant parish. Fr. Creedon noted that Mr. Coen is not only leaving the Parish Council, but moving to Geneva and that he and his wife are expecting a baby. He wished them well.
Fr. Creedon led the closing prayer.
The meeting adjourned at 9:56pm.
The meeting was called to order at 7:33 PM on Wednesday, May 5, 1999.
Ms. Prisco read 1 Cor 12 and led the Council in a few minutes of reflection. Council members present were Mark Alves, Bill Coen, Fr. Gerry Creedon, Mike Grady, Carolyn Gretzinger, Fran Hobbs, Maggie Jones, Phil Kiko, Janice Prisco, Regina Troden, and John Team. Gilda Ferer was represented by Beronica Salas. Ms. Anne Marie Kaufmann represented the Pastoral Team. In the absence of the Council's Secretary, Ms. Naomi Klaus, Mr. Grady agreed to record the minutes of the meeting.
Mr. Alves moved to approve the minutes of the April 14 meeting with five minor corrections. Mr. Teem seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
Pastoral Team Report
Ms. Kaufmann distributed to the respective Neighborhood Representatives new parish registrations and updates to the lists of registration. Some parishioners had not yet been assigned to neighborhoods. It was noted that Neighborhood A registrations continue to decrease due in part or in whole to decreasing numbers of domiciles and residents in that area of Arlington.
It was noted that notice of a meeting on May 18 of the Parish Center Committee was missing from the parish calendar distributed with last Sunday's Bulletin.
The Council was informed of the repose of Patricia Connover; her funeral is scheduled for Thursday, May 6. She is survived in the area only by her sister, Josephine. All were invited to the Thursday liturgy.
Ms. Gretzinger discussed the FY2000 Parish Program Plan Updates distributed on April 28; she emphasized key events and dates in the FY2000 Plan (see 12-month calendar).. She highlighted the Catholic Business Network / Catholic Schools Partnership Awards Dinner to be held on May 7, 2000. Father Creedon announced festivities scheduled for May 7, 1999 sponsored by the Knights of Columbus benefiting Borromeo Housing. She noted that the "final" Plan will be updated and distributed with the June meeting agenda; and that the Council would approve the plan at that meeting.
Father Creedon talked of the importance of the Plan to his own schedule planning. He suggested that while we have made good progress in identifying the year's activities, there is still more for which the Plan could be utilized. He suggested that the Plan could be used as the basis of reflection on whether what the Parish is doing in fact represents the values of the Parish. Goal setting was one of the activities associated with the budgeting process. Using those goals and the Parish Plan, can we identify threads or themes during the year? Do we need a more "theoretical", overarching, top-down look at the Parish's activities. He indicated his interest (next year) of using the strategic planning accomplished this year to develop more specific parish-wide plans. Setting strategic goals is an important and necessary step. Now we must look at what we are going to do. Next year will be an appropriate time to take a refreshed look at the organizations of the Ministries and ask ourselves whether our structure continues to represents the needs and values and strategies of the Parish.
Discussion followed. Father Creedon mentioned that he will work with the Pastoral Team to begin this introspective look at the Strategic Goals and Parish Plan. Mr. Kiko pointed to the need to set priorities. Ms. Kaufmann suggested that while the Parish Strategic Goals are good, she felt the need to supplement them with shorter term goals. Mr. Kiko indicated that the Education Committee had taken steps in that direction. He pointed to the value of reflecting on our goals and ask how many had been achieved. This exercise, Mr. Kiko continued, will show where the weaknesses and strengths of the Parish and the Ministries lie. Father Creedon asked whether there are Parish goals that "pop out" of the Plan? He reiterated his suggestion that the Pastoral Team take a first-look at this. Ms. Gretzinger mentioned that February (mid-fiscal-year) was typically a time for reflection and readjustments to the Plan, and the results of the Pastoral Team's investigation could be used as a springboard for that reflection. She also reminded us that the Monthly Reports are to reflect the achievement of Ministry goals. The discussion concluded with Fr. Creedon indicating the Pastoral Team would work on these issues in the coming months.
Mr. Alves commented on the problem of synchronizing the yearly Parish Plan with the monthly calendars inserted in the Bulletin. He requested that he be notified of any changes to either listing to ensure the accuracy of the web-based calendar. Father Creedon indicated that his intention and desire is to review/edit the monthly calendar before it is printed. Ms. Gretzinger pointed out that on each Parish Council meeting agenda we had established an item under 'Pastoral Team Report' called 'Calendar Updates' so that the Team member who attends the Council meeting that month could present any changes/updates to the calendar. Ms. Troden suggested a more traditional monthly layout that showed the day of the week of events, not just the ordinal day. It was generally agreed that minimally the weekday would be added to the listing; Father Creedon would pass this on to Fr. Mendez (who prepares the Bulletin calendar).
Mr. Coen presented the latest iterations of the FY1999 Financial Performance Report and the FY2000 Budget. A $55K (positive) variance in the current year's expenditures must be considered in light of an anticipated major expense to repair the Heating and Ventilation systems (est. $25K). Nevertheless, because of increased Collections on Sunday and good control of expenses, the year-to-date financial performance of the Parish is better than the baseline plan. Mr. Alves highlighted the value of Bequests to the Parish, and recommended increased promotion of this important revenue source. Comments were made about past "Will Nights" in which attorneys presented information to parishioners. Ms Trodden mentioned that some had suggested a memorial fund to be established in memory of Marissa Yatco; Fr. Creedon acknowledged the attractiveness of such a proposal.
With regard to the Budget, Mr. Coen began by indicating that perhaps as much as two-thirds of the Parish expenditures were well defined and could be easily planned. He commended Mr. Mayorga and his team for giving increased visibility to need repairs and improvements to the Church, Rectory, and School physical plants. This in turn enabled better budgeting for these expenses. Mr. Coen mentioned that salary escalation was estimated at 3% for the year.
Spirited discussion over the Neighborhood budgets was prompted by reference to the Postage line item in Administrative Expenses. Postage represents the single largest expense for the Neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Representatives had submitted budget requests ranging from less than $500 to more than $1800. The Budget as presented allocated $600 to each Neighborhood, including Neighborhood A. Mr. Team and Ms. Jones indicated that this would not even cover the postage expense in some neighborhoods. In response to Mr. Coen's explanation that he has no recourse but to base budgets on the current actual expenditures; the Neighborhood Representatives indicated that many expenses are absorbed by the Representatives themselves and this practice should not be reflected in the Budgets. They indicated that the Budget Requests submitted in March reflected actual expenses. Mr. Coen reminded all that a Budget is only a working document and pressing needs are always accommodated. Nevertheless, the Neighborhood Budgets need to be revisited. There was agreement that minimally there would be an aggregate - but separate - line item for Neighborhood Postage; and that other allocations would reflect the size and historic activities within each individual Neighborhood.
During the discussion about Postage, Mr. Teem indicated that his experiences opened the question whether mailings sent as the "not for profit" mailings (third class) were in fact delivered in timely fashion.
Mr. Alves asked where the Community Building expenses were covered in the submitted Budget. This led to questions concerning a "Other" category; and Mr. Coen agreed to provide further detail before the end of the week. Mr. Gretzinger asked where the Parish Council expenses were covered; and Mr. Coen agreed to provide that information as well. In both cases, he assured the Council that these items were indeed covered, he was simply unsure of under which specific line item. Fr. Creedon asked that the "vehicle allowance" for clergy be scrutinized, indicating that this line item should not include all vehicle expenses incurred by the Parish - only the Rectory's car expenses.
New Business
Ms. Gretzinger reported that only one nominee in each of the Neighborhoods needing representation next year (C, D, and F) has surfaced despite intense efforts to identify more nominees.
Ms. Trodden and Ms. Jones agreed to contact the Anhut's and the Rowry's respectively and request that they identify the Representative or Record for each Neighborhood, recognizing that both partners will support the Neighborhood activities. The Council expressed their preference that at Council meetings one individual participate in the Council discussions and deliberations.
During discussion over a proposal to cancel parish-wide elections and simply endorse by Council vote the identified candidates, both Ms. Troden and Fr. Creedon expressed concerns over perceptions amongst the parishioners based either on the Council's actions, or based upon the limited selection of candidates. Fr. Creedon recommended that we clearly document any decisions made in this regard. Mr. Grady agreed to write an announcement for the Sunday Bulletin indicating the process and rationale for the Council's actions. Mr. Grady moved (seconded by Ms. Jones) that the issue of Council endorsement of Representatives for Neighborhoods C, D, and F be tabled until the June meeting pending response of a Bulletin announcement of the nominees and Council's plan to cancel the upcoming general parish election of Representatives. The motion was unanimously passed.
In that same action, Mr. Grady moved that Mr. Mark Pando be endorsed by the Council to complete Ms. Gretzinger's term as the Neighborhood B representative, due to her continuing position as Council Chair. (See April minutes). And finally that Mr. Charlie Sullivan be endorsed as the Stewardship Representative, effective upon Mr. Coen's planned departure from the area. Both endorsements passed without objection.
In other new business, Ms. Gretzinger made note of a Catholic Young Adults conference at Catholic University which she attended on Saturday, May 1, 1999. Over 150 attended the day-long event which underscored the Church's intention to renew their outreach to young adults. Information received during the conference was passed to Mr. Alves.
Fr. Creedon mentioned that the Parish would host a public meeting on Thursday, May 13, at 7PM sponsored by the Northern Virginia Interfaith Coalition for Justice. Fr. Creedon also reported that a parishioner has surfaced who may volunteer as coordinator for the Liturgy.
Ministry Highlights
Ms. Hobbs reported that Mr. Glyne Goodridge has tentatively agreed to take over the Circle of Caring. Mr. Alves reported that Music for Moms netted more than $2500 for Borromeo Housing. CAFE is considering an ecumenical speakers series in June. A "Sharing Circle" is being planned as an outgrowth of Marriage Encounter. Fr. Creedon reported that Monica Craven (Neighborhood E) and Andrea Pampaloni have agreed to co-chair the planning committee for a Parish Hall. The committee is meeting with representatives from St. Agnes who recently completed a successful major capital improvement initiative.
Fr. Creedon led a closing prayer and the meeting adjourned at 9:40.
The meeting was called to order at 7:36 P.M. on Wednesday, April 14, 1999. Ms. Trodden led the Council in a prayer. Council members present were Mark Alves, Bill Coen, Monica Craven, Fr. Gerry Creedon, Gilda Ferer, Mike Grady, Carolyn Gretzinger, Fran Hobbs, Naomi Klaus, Regina Trodden, and John Teem. Ms. Anne Marie Kaufmann represented the Pastoral Team and joined the meeting at 7:45. Janice Priso joined the meeting at 7:56 and Phil Kiko at 8:20.
Mr. Alves moved to approve the minutes of the March 3 meeting corrected to reflect that Mr. Grady had been present. Ms. Hobbs seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
Old Business -- Parish Council Elections
COUNCIL MEMBERS: Three year term. Elected
(Neighborhoods) or selected (Ministries) by "Group" (as set
forth below) in April; formally installed in September.
RESIGNATIONS: In the event of a resignation the seat will be filled for the remaining term by an individual recruited and voted by the Council.
CHAIR: Two year term. Voted by the Council in April of every odd-numbered year (i.e., 1999, 2001, 2003, . . .) The candidate must have served at least two years on the Council. Note: the Chair need not be selected from the currently installed Council. However, if selected from the current Council, the position being vacated would be treated as a resignation. The Chair may not serve more than two consecutive terms without a super majority (75%) vote of the Council and the approval of the Pastor.
VICE CHAIR, SECRETARY: One year term. Voted in September of every year from the currently installed Council.
There followed a lengthy discussion. In response to a question, Mr. Grady said that he supposed the Council would want to have a nominating committee, at least for the position of Chair. Another issue discussed was whether to substitute "appointed" for "recruited and voted" before "by the Council" in the paragraph captioned "RESIGNATIONS." No motion was made.
Ms. Craven moved to amend Mr. Grady's motion to insert "It is recommended that" before "the candidate" at the beginning of the third sentence of the paragraph captioned "CHAIR." Mr. Teem seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
Mr. Grady moved to amend his motion by adding a second sentence to the paragraph captioned "RESIGNATIONS," to read "If the Chair resigns, the Vice Chair shall complete the remaining term of the Chair and his or her position shall be treated as a resignation." Ms. Craven seconded the motion to amend which carried unanimously.
Mr. Grady again moved to amend his motion by inserting "of a neighborhood representative" after "resignation" in the first sentence of the paragraph captioned "RESIGNATIONS" and to insert another sentence between the first and second sentences of that paragraph: "In the event of the resignation of a ministry representative, the seat will be filled by the ministry for the remaining term of the resigning representative." Ms. Trodden seconded the motion to amend which carried unanimously. (Ms. Prisco joined the meeting at this point.)
Finally, Mr. Grady moved to amend the motion by deleting the parenthetical "(2 members)" from the end of the description of Group I and Ms. Craven seconded the motion to amend which carried unanimously.
Then Mr. Grady's main motion as amended was voted upon -- the motion to modify the Parish Council election process as follows:
COUNCIL MEMBERS: Three year term. Elected
(Neighborhoods) or selected (Ministries) by "Group" (as set
forth below) in April; formally installed in September.
RESIGNATIONS: In the event of a resignation of a neighborhood representative, the seat will be filled for the remaining term by an individual recruited and voted by the Council. In the event of a resignation of a ministry representative, the seat will be filled by the ministry for the remaining term of the resigning representative. If the Chair resigns, the Vice Chair shall complete the remaining term of the Chair and his or her position shall be treated as a resignation.
CHAIR: Two year term. Voted by the Council in April of every odd-numbered year (i.e., 1999, 2001, 2003, . . .). It is recommended that the candidate have served at least two years on the Council. Note: the Chair need not be selected from the currently installed Council. However, if selected from the current Council, the position being vacated would be treated as a resignation. The Chair may not serve more than two consecutive terms without a super majority (75%) vote of the Council and the approval of the Pastor.
VICE CHAIR, SECRETARY: One year term. Voted in September of every year from the currently installed Council.
Mr. Grady's main motion as amended carried unanimously.
By consensus the Council agreed to go ahead with the election of the Chair, this being the April meeting. Mr. Grady nominated Ms. Gretzinger and Mr. Teem seconded the motion. No other nominations were received and the Council voted unanimously (Ms. Gretzinger abstaining) to elect Ms. Gretzinger Chair for another term. With the adoption of the new election process, Ms. Gretzinger's neighborhood seat will be vacant at the beginning of her second term as Chair. The process provides that her serving as Chair will be treated as a resignation of her neighborhood position. Again, according to the new process, the Neighborhood B seat will be filled for Ms. Gretzinger's remaining term by an individual recruited and voted by the Council. Mr. Grady, a Neighborhood B representative, volunteered to help identify and recruit a candidate to be presented to the Council at a later meeting.
Pastoral Team
Ms. Kaufmann reported that the lists of new parishioners, who seem to be primarily young professionals, were distributed to the neighborhood representatives during Lent. They seemed to be mostly young professionals. Five telephone lines have been added to the parish office. Fr. Creedon is recruiting a new, bilingual secretary to work 30 hours Monday through Thursday. Susana Moncayo's other assignments such as translating the bulletin for the Spanish mass, coordinating baptisms and so forth make it difficult for her to answer the telephone as well. Ms. Trodden asked about the Circle of Caring. Fr. Creedon said that he would be meeting with Brigid Doherty the next day and that she would be taking the lead in recruiting a new leader.
Old Business -- Financial Report/Annual Planning and Budgeting Process
Mr. Coen reported that first collections are up 12% as of April 7, which probably overstates the annual increase since Easter was included in this year's figures, but not in last year's. The parish has not withdrawn any money from the capital improvement fund, but neither has it added any. (Mr. Kiko joined the meeting at this point.) Mr. Coen said that the Finance Committee is projecting a five per cent increase in the first collection for planning purposes. The budget for extraordinary items (e.g., bequests) for this year is $50,000 and so far this year $35,000 has been received. There is a projected increase in administrative expenses for next year for telephone lines, rental of a new copier, and salary for a new secretary. To sum up, current performance this year is better than expected, and preparation of next year's budget is proceeding well, ahead of last year's process.
Ms. Gretzinger said that the May Parish Council meeting will be devoted to discussing the draft Fiscal Year 2000 Parish Program Plan and Budget. Fr. Creedon said that St. Charles School is requesting a major increase in its subsidy. For ten years, the subsidy has been $100,000 a year and the parish is eager to do something to assist the school's budget. Further, it is likely that because of staff changes and retirements, the school may be able to save $10,000 next year. Whatever the appropriate subsidy is determined to be this year, Fr. Creedon would like it to include an escalator for inflation. He went on to say that the diocese has no standard for a parish's subsidy to its school. The average appears to be 14%, which is what the St. Charles subsidy is.
Ms. Trodden questioned the accuracy of Neighborhood C's $14 expense for the year to date. Mr. Coen replied that it is supposed to be a net figure, and that he would check on it. Ms. Trodden also asked whether the postage paid for neighborhood mailings is included in the parish administrative budget.
Old Business -- Strategic Planning/Parish Center Feasibility Study
Ms. Craven said that this committee has changed its name and now is called the Parish Center Committee. The committee is redirecting its efforts to the steps necessary to build a parish center. In the parish survey, 78% of those responding said they would support a parish center financially. In Genie Norris and Jim Murphy's report, they had recommended that the committee be expanded to gain functional expertise in the areas into which it is now moving. The committee will meet monthly on Tuesdays and Andrea Pampaloni and Ms. Craven will co-chair the committee. Within a month the committee expects to have a schedule for the activities of this next phase.
Mr. Alves asked about the results of the parish survey. Ms. Craven said that it will be condensed and put in the bulletin. Ms. Ferer said that the preceding Sunday she had taken survey forms to the cafeteria after the Spanish Mass and asked people to fill them out. Twelve had completed the survey on the spot and others had promised to return them later. Those with whom Ms. Ferer talked supported a parish center. Mr. Alves urged that publishing short, summary bullets of the results even before all the results are tabulated would be useful and important to let people know the results quickly.
A visitor had commented that the Palm Sunday bulletin had no Mass times. The Mass times and the other parish information usually printed on the front had been omitted because of the art work. It was suggested that when bulletin artwork precludes printing the basic parish information such as Mass times, etc. on the cover, a box with that information be printed on the inside of the bulletin.
Mr. Grady suggested that the Stewardship Committee consider the possibility of reserving more of the parking spaces in the lot for the handicapped.
Old Business -- Neighborhood A
The Council's discussion of the vacant Neighborhood A seat begun at the last meeting resumed. Ms. Craven said that she had been attending meetings at Ft. Myer Heights and found that the Van Bellinghams, longtime parishioners, may be purchasing a condominium there. Fr. Creedon said that going through the list of parishioners and identifying those who live in Neighborhood A might be one way of finding some people to organize it. Ms. Ferer said that she had looked at the list, but did not recognize any names. Ms. Trodden suggested that potential organizers or representatives might be more responsive to a request from a priest than from another parishioner. Mr. Grady proposed that Neighborhoods A and B be combined for a time until A could get organized. Ms. Gretzinger said that Neighborhood B already has over 300 households.
Mr. Grady then suggested that perhaps some of the households in Neighborhood B could split off and join Neighborhood A. Fr. Creedon suggested that perhaps some group in Neighborhood B could help and advise in organizing Neighborhood A. Ms. Gretzinger said that some neighborhood identity had already been established in B, particularly at the Belvedere, and she would be reluctant to risk damaging that. Ms. Ferer commented that the Latino Community is not really aware of neighborhoods.
Fr. Creedon said that he had been working with Ms. Jones on finding three coordinators for Neighborhood F because it is so large. Ms. Trodden offered that the Latino Community appears to already be a social and spiritual community. Fr. Creedon said that approximately one third of those attending Mass on Sunday are Latino and that the parish is seeking ways of integrating the Latino community with the rest of the parish.
New Business -- Highlights from Ministry and Neighborhood Reports
Mr. Grady reported that there had been a Circle of Caring dinner on March 20.
Mr. Teem said that there is a Neighborhood D Bible study group which meets on Mondays which has two parishioners from Neighborhood B, one from C, three from D, and one from F. Mr. Teem also said that 46 parishioners had come to Neighborhood D's Lenten gathering and that approximately 60 pounds of food had been collected for AFAC.
Ms. Gretzinger said that Fr. Byron, Betty Childers, and Fr. Creedon spoke at Neighborhood B's Lenten event. Representatives from Olsson's Books and Records, who also had come, sold 23 of Fr. Byron's book and had contributed 10% of the proceeds (about $40) to St. Charles.
Ms. Trodden said that Neighborhood C had contributed 108 pounds of food to AFAC. It had also been able to fund one Haiti scholarship through the sale of T-shirts.
Fr. Creedon complimented the Liturgy Committee on the Easter celebrations. Ms. Trodden commended those responsible for the parish landscaping.
Ms. Craven said that Brigid Doherty had had to fill in as speaker at the Neighborhood E Lenten gathering which both Fr. Creedon and Bishop Grullon of the Dominican Republic had been able to attend for a short time.
Mr. Alves said that 30 people had participated in the Come and See Cursillo retreat and that the evaluations returned showed that it had been well received.
Ms. Ferer said that 19 had been baptized at the Spanish Easter Vigil.
Fr. Creedon led the closing prayer.
The meeting adjourned at 9:30.
The meeting was called to order at 7:34 P.M. on Wednesday, March 3, 1999. Fr. Creedon led the Council in a prayer. Council members present were Mark Alves, Bill Coen, Monica Craven, Fr. Gerry Creedon, Gilda Ferer, Mike Grady, Carolyn Gretzinger, Fran Hobbs, Maggie Jones, Phil Kiko, Naomi Klaus, Janice Prisco, and Regina Trodden. Ms. Marilyn Krause represented the Pastoral Team. John Teem joined the meeting at 7:42.
The minutes of the January 6 meeting were approved unanimously with one minor correction.
Pastoral Team
Ms. Krause reported that there is a new committee of the Liturgy Ministry, Liturgy Planning. They will try to improve communication among the groups involved in liturgies, such as being sure that the ushers are aware when there is a second collection. They want to make announcements in an effective way. They will also introduce some new things, such as the rite of oils on Holy Thursday which our parish has not been doing. The committee hopes to make parish worship a thing of beauty and reflection, particularly the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA).
Ms. Gretzinger asked whether parish council representatives will be asked to participate in the Holy Thursday liturgy as they did last year. Ms. Krause asked parish council neighborhood representatives to identify a volunteer from their areas to participate in this year's liturgy and to give her the names.
In calendar changes, the Catholic School Awards Dinner will be held
April 18 and Music for Moms has moved from May 9 to
May 2.
Old Business -- Annual Planning
Mr. Coen said that he believed that the planning process had been less painful this second year. Ms. Krause said that it had been hard to get budgets from subministries. Some of them do not necessarily know all that needs to be included in the budget. Mr. Grady commented that he had found the process much easier this year. He had taken an assertive attitude, sent a letter, and all but two subministries had responded timely. Mr. Kiko said that he had not found the budget proper to be a problem, it was the other parts of the planning process, which he acknowledged are necessary. Mr. Teem said that he had found the forms helpful. Ms. Ferer said that there has been some confusion with the Latin American Community's budget and where it should be presented.
Mr. Coen reminded everyone that next Thursday, March 11, each of the ministries would have 15 minutes to make a presentation and he said that the ministries with support for their numbers had fared the best in the budget process last year. Father Creedon said he is likely to scrutinize goals and objectives more closely next year, as he had had an opportunity to do this year with the youth ministry.
There followed a discussion of the organization of the education ministry which the representatives identified as being unclear. There are four members of the Pastoral Team with responsibility for programs identified as part of the education ministry -- Sr. Benedict for St. Charles School, Jean Sweeney for counseling, Anne Marie Kaufmann for youth programs, and Marilyn Krause, for the other programs. Kathy Rafferty who has responsibility for RCIA is also paid staff. Except for Sr. Benedict, each Pastoral Team member also has responsibility for a program in another ministry. It is not clear whether each reports to Marilyn Krause, the Minister of Religious Education, or directly to Father Creedon. Also, Deacon John Mallon has responsibility for Marriage Preparation and it is not clear how that fits into the organization.
Ms. Klaus wondered whether other ministries felt a need to review their organizational structures. The general consensus was that the current structures for other ministries seem to be working.
Follow-up to Parish Council/Pastoral Team Meeting -- Strategic Goals
Fr. Creedon said that at the joint meeting of the Parish Council and the
Pastoral Team, a motto -- "Feel the Spirit" --
and a vision statement -- "As a herald of God's Reign and in
the Spirit of hope, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Parish will be a joyful
Christ-centered community living in solidarity and justice with our
neighbors near and far." -- had been adopted. As the next
step in the strategic planning process Parish Council and Pastoral Team
members were asked to submit strategic goals. Thirteen goals were
received. Mr. James Murphy and the Strategic Planning Committee had
assessed them, and synthesized them into five goals related to the
elements of the vision statement. A discussion of the distinctions among
mission, vision, goals, strategies, and objectives followed.
Ms. Craven moved that the five following goals by the Strategic Planning
committee be endorsed by the Council:
Mr. Grady seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
Follow-up to Parish Council/Pastoral Team Meeting -- Parish Survey
Ms. Gretzinger reported that the final version of the parish survey is ready to be copied and mailed, one to each household in the parish.
Parish Center Feasibility Study
Ms. Craven said that the committee had consulted the county's economic development office about restraints on a possible center and for ideas. The committee has also consulted the diocese's Office of Construction Management for guidance as it develops alternatives. The committee hopes to recruit the services of Cathy Moriarity, an architect in the parish, to develop a footprint for the center. Mr. Kiko suggested that the committee consult George Macdonald because he has at least three sets of plans prepared the last time a parish center was considered. Finally, the committee has met with six other parishes which have recently built parish centers about lessons they have learned in the process.
New Business
With the agenda for the night's meeting, Ms. Klaus circulated a summary of issues regarding elections to the Parish Council and the offices. The term of council members is three years; however, at its organizational meeting a year and a half ago, the Council had decided that some members would serve for two years, some for three, and some for four so that the terms would be staggered. The following members had agreed to serve a two-year initial term: Mr. Coen, Stewardship; Ms. Ferer, Latin American Community; Mr. Teem, Neighborhood D; and Ms. Trodden, Neighborhood C. In addition, Ms. Jones will be stepping down as Neighborhood F representative at the end of this year. Furthermore, the Chair's term is two years which will expire at the end of this year. Ms. Gretzinger is unable to continue serving as both Chair and representative of Neighborhood B after this fiscal year.
Mr. Alves had proposed that the Council consider whether the Parish Council Chair should continue to have responsibility for a ministry or neighborhood in light of the major commitments now understood to be expected of the Chair. Mr. Teem reported that in preparation for the election to replace him and Ms. Trodden, they had sent out letters recruiting nominations. The schedule they had prepared was for nomination forms to be collected on March 20 and 21; for an election committee to be named and meet the candidates on April 10 and 11, and for voting to take place April 17 and 18.
After a detailed discussion, Mr. Grady moved that the Council accept the procedure for electing neighborhood representatives; i.e., (1) that there be an electoral committee consisting of those representatives not retiring at the end of this year, plus one other representative from the Council, (2) that elections be held at a convenient time in April and that the electoral committee recommend an election process to the Council for its approval, (3) that the newly elected Parish Council members work cooperatively with the outgoing members over the summer to assure a smooth transition, and (4) that the new Parish Council members be formally installed in September. Ms. Trodden seconded the motion which carried without dissent.
Mr. Grady also moved that the office of Chair of the Parish Council be a separate position without other parish responsibilities and that the Chair be chosen from among the members of the Parish Council in the spring of the expiring term. Ms. Craven seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
The Council decided to table further discussion of this subject until the next meeting.
New Business -- Highlights from Ministry and Neighborhood Reports
Ms. Klaus reported that a group of youth and adult leaders had gone to St. Louis for the papal visit.
Ms. Trodden said that she had received a complaint from a man who uses a wheelchair. He had come for Mass at noon on Ash Wednesday and found the two handicapped spaces occupied. He was unable to attend Mass. He would like more handicapped spaces near the door of the church and wants the County to designate another on Fairfax Drive. Ms. Craven said that she would bring it up with the County office.
Mr. Teem led the closing prayer.
The meeting adjourned at 9:31.
The meeting was called to order at 7:34 P.M. on Wednesday, January 6, 1999. Mr. Alves led the Council in a prayer. Mr. Alves led the Council in a prayer. Council members present were Mark Alves, Bill Coen, Monica Craven, Fr. Gerry Creedon, Gilda Ferer, Carolyn Gretzinger, Fran Hobbs, Maggie Jones, Phil Kiko, Naomi Klaus, Regina Trodden, and John Teem. Ms. Jean Sweeney represented the Pastoral Team.
A few corrections were made to the minutes. Mr. Alves moved that the minutes of the December 2, 1998, meeting be accepted as corrected. Ms. Trodden seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
Pastoral Team
Copies of the new parish directory were distributed to each Council member. Ms. Sweeney said that there had been no changes to the calendar. There will be a jubilee solidarity program every Tuesday night in Lent after the soup kitchen. The furniture in the cafeteria will be rearranged for the soup kitchens to make it more hospitable. Ms. Hobbs suggested that instead of having the Knights of Columbus prepare and serve the soup, that the parish return to having parishioners prepare the soup. Ms. Hobbs felt that there would be enough volunteer cooks to assure an adequate amount of food. Ms. Sweeney said that Ms. Hobbs should check with Brigid Doherty on switching from the Knights of Columbus. Mr. Alves pointed out having the parish prepare the soup itself would allow the Knights to devote their time and money to other projects. Fr. Creedon wondered whether more people would attend if the kitchen started later, at 7:00 for example. Ms. Sweeney noted that time is needed to rearrange the cafeteria furniture after extended day. She concluded by saying that different groups in the parish would sponsor the evening programs and recruit the speakers.
Old Business -- Annual Planning
Ms. Gretzinger reported that Tricia Clark had drafted a summary form for each ministry and neighborhood to use in submitting the events planned for the next fiscal year. These forms should simplify the task of compiling the parish calendar. Fr. Creedon said that he hopes the calendar becomes a starting point for discussions, similar to the discussion that evening about changes to the soup kitchens. Mr. Alves said that as the Community Building ministry does its annual planning, each subministry is preparing its own forms. He asked whether these should each be submitted as prepared or rolled up into one plan for Community Building. Mr. Coen said that Mr. Alves should address his question to the Finance Committee member assigned to the Community Building ministry. Ms. Gretzinger added that for the Program Plan preparation, the summary form she had just distributed is to include input from the subministries.
Financial Report
Mr. Coen distributed copies of the parish financial statement for the first six months of the current fiscal year. Highlights of the financial performance are that revenue from the first Sunday collections are up 11.5% over last year and total income is up 14%. The increase in expenses are in items that we want to increase. The diocesan assessment is up because the parish’s income increased. Administrative costs are up because of the new position of Youth Minister. Mr. Alves asked whether a provision has been made for the capital reserve. Mr. Coen said that he was not aware of any capital costs over budget this year and the Finance Committee hopes to add to the capital improvement reserve. He said that Council members could telephone him or e-mail him with further questions. Ms. Gretzinger asked where the Parish Council expenditures were reflected and Mr. Coen replied that they are under Hospitality.
Ms. Gretzinger called to everyone’s attention that the next Parish Council meeting will be on February 10, a joint meeting with the Pastoral Team. Because Genie Norris and Jim Murphy had not yet arrived, the Council turned to new business.
New Business -- Liturgy Planning
Fr. Creedon said that at its last meeting, the Liturgy Committee had identified a need for a better overall process for planning liturgies, particularly seasonal liturgies. New volunteers had been recruited. One of them is employed by the Catholic Conference, works with youth ministries, and has volunteered to work on liturgies for youth here in the parish. The Liturgy Committee is seeking a volunteer coordinator to work on Saturdays to be sure that each week’s events and liturgies are coordinated. The liturgy planning group needs to hear from everyone about planned events so that they can be coordinated with the liturgy for the day. Marilyn Krause is the coordinator from the Pastoral Team on that subcommittee.
Fr. Creedon noted that although there are two music directors, there is no one on the parish staff who is a liturgist. He said we have many stipends for volunteers who work on liturgies, but no overall coordinator. He said he is interested in seeing the liturgies planned and developed by God’s people.
At 8:06 Genie Norris and Jim Murphy joined the meeting.
Old Business -- Strategic Planning
Ms. Norris said that since last May, a committee has been looking at the feasibility of a multi-purpose parish center. There have been a number of meetings including two town halls open to all parishioners. The committee has gathered information and in its discussions it became clear that the committee needed to consider the issue of a parish center in the context of a strategic plan for the parish. An important goal of this process is that planning must be the product of the larger parish community. She recommended outreach and communication with the larger community. Key to this is the interest of the larger community in participating in the decision. She said she hopes in the coming months to provide a draft strategic plan. She asked the Council to review the documents provided and comment if they are not accurate. Among the documents was a work sheet that set forth a draft vision statement from the comments made at the Council and Team retreat and from the larger community.
Mr. Murphy said that the parish has an unusual organizational structure in some ways. The strategic planning process needs "ownership" by the Parish Council. The vision should come from a consensus; however, a consensus does not necessarily mean universal agreement, rather something everyone can live with. A vision for an organization is something different from where the organization is today. It may be as simple as becoming bigger or better, but it is somehow different from the present state. Mr. Murphy contrasted the parish’s mission statement, which is what the parish does presently, with its vision statement, which is what the parish wants to become. Ms. Klaus asked whether each ministry and neighborhood would in turn draft its own vision statement. Mr. Murphy said that individual ministries do not need their own specific visions and goals. They should have their own objectives, but that is at another stage of planning.
A working model of the parish vision statement was in the materials distributed. Mr. Murphy said that the consensus on the vision could come from the Parish Council or it could come from a wider group. He said he was aware that everyone wanted to move the planning process along, but that some extra time could be devoted to seeking a wider consensus. He also said that the parish should consider adopting a motto.
Mr. Kiko asked whether it was necessary to have all these planning levels. He said that he did not believe the parish has lots of time to figure out all these steps and would prefer a more truncated, simpler process. Mr. Murphy replied that the parish vision and goals are a collective responsibility of the Parish Council. He explained that a goal is a high level planning tool and need not change from year to year. An objective is a strategy to achieve that goal. Individual ministries would have objectives. No additional work would be required from them over their present, annual planning. The idea is to coordinate the several efforts of the ministries and neighborhoods so that they are seen as being aimed at a common purpose. If a ministry plan does not fit, then there is something wrong with either the plan or the goal.
Mr. Murphy said that he and Ms. Norris are trying to facilitate the planning process and have tried to keep the worksheet simple. He said the next phase involves the ministries and the neighborhoods. If a goal is to have any meaning, then there should be something in each of the ministry plans which helps advance the parish toward the goal. He said that it would not be hard for each ministry and neighborhood to develop a strategy that is consistent with the parish vision and goals. Mr. Teem asked what "community of mission" meant in the draft vision statement. Mr. Murphy replied that that is the state the parish wants to become. "Mission" is used in the sense of that in which the ministries are engaged.
Ms. Hobbs asked whether the parish would be getting a parish center. Mr. Murphy answered that that was not for him to say. The parish and the rest of the Arlington community are changing which affects activities and needs. Also, he said that the parish can not move forward on building a parish center until a bishop is appointed and approves the plan, so there is an opportunity to do some careful planning without delaying construction (if the parish ultimately decides to build). Ms. Craven said that the Parish Center/Strategic Planning Committee has started out with trying to decide where to locate the parish center. It has stepped back and asked what it would be used for. It then stepped back again and asked what the parish wanted to become.
Ms. Klaus asked how the proposed vision differed from what the parish is now. Ms. Gretzinger said that it expressed motion, moving ahead and reaching out, not static. The neighborhoods are just beginning to systematically reach out on a broader scale. Ms. Trodden commented that she thought adding "Christ-centered" would help. Mr. Murphy said that the proposed vision represents an idealized state. The ideal is to have the whole community participating, not just a few activists. Mr. Teem said that thinking in terms of his neighborhood, his vision is of a community that recognizes its members and loves them, whether members of St. Charles parish or not.
Fr. Creedon contrasted the proposed vision with the parish mission statement which does not even mention our sister parishes. He said he is not necessarily conscious of solidarity with them, so the vision is to move to that solidarity. The United States Catholic bishops have said that they wish to see more sister parish relationships between U.S. parishes and parishes elsewhere in the hemisphere. He said most parishes cater to the "choir." This vision is a way of making us look outward, beyond the parish. It is a way of tilting the consciousness of the parish. He said he has heard comments that St. Charles is no longer a residential parish, that the daytime population is larger than the nighttime. The parish needs to serve the workplace during the day. He posed the question how do faith and life intersect, for example, whether he should be talking to George Mason University Law School about becoming involved in the teaching of a legal ethics course. He said that if we enrich the vision now, while we have the chance, we will be able to do more when we proceed. He also noted that the longer a statement is, the harder it is to hold on to. Ms. Sweeney said that she was more comfortable with putting sister parishes in the mission statement, because that is a more specific idea than the rest of the vision statement.
Mr. Murphy said that, in defense of the strategic planning process, if the parish is happy with its mission statement and what it does, then perhaps it may not need strategic planning. The vision and goals are meant to last five years or longer. Objectives change more frequently -- for example, an objective of having more multi-cultural celebrations similar to the Feast of Our Lady of Guadeloupe. This year strategic and annual planning will not mesh. It will be next year before the vision can really be used. Ms. Norris said that the committee had not started out to do a strategic plan, but that the desire for one came from trying to answer the hard questions asked by the community about the parish center.
Mr. Kiko asked how long it would be after the strategic plan is done before a decision could be made on the parish center. Mr. Murphy estimated that it would take three months to complete the strategic plan. Fr. Creedon said that the committee is still working on the feasibility of a parish center simultaneously with strategic planning. Members of the committee have consulted with other parishes and researched the diocesan process. Mr. Coen commented that the town hall underscored how important strategic planning is.
Ms. Trodden asked how the volunteers recruited from the neighborhoods would be used. Ms. Norris said that there is a meeting planned January 24. She said that she would contact the volunteers before then and give them the vision worksheet. Ms. Sweeney asked how widely the worksheet would be distributed. Mr. Murphy said that he and Ms. Norris are facilitating, not dictating. Mr. Alves asked about the New Year’s survey of parishioners. Ms. Gretzinger said that at the January 24 meeting a draft survey would be presented for comment and approval. Mr. Murphy said that the survey would focus on issues raised at the town halls. It is likely to include at least one open-ended question.
Fr. Creedon said that with the extended discussion of the process, the Council had not worked on the vision statement. He said he was concerned about coming to the January 24 meeting with no input from the Parish Council. The Pastoral Team was to receive the vision worksheet the following day. Ms. Norris said that she would be glad to receive comments on the vision statement at her e-mail address -- gnorris45@aol.com.
Ms. Klaus moved that the Parish Council decide on a vision statement for the parish at its next meeting, February 10. Mr. Coen seconded the motion which passed unanimously. There followed a discussion of how best to use the volunteers who had been recruited at the neighborhood meetings in December. Ms. Norris said that those volunteers had been invited and had volunteered to serve in strategic planning for the parish. There is still an opportunity for them to contribute. The strategic planning process will not be complete when the Parish Council adopts a vision statement. Ms. Norris agreed to telephone the neighborhood volunteers and bring them up to date regarding the parish’s strategic planning process.
New Business -- Highlights from Ministry and Neighborhood Reports
Mr. Alves said that there had been 10,000 visitors to the parish web site last year. Community Building’s goal is to have the parish’s web address be included wherever the parish’s street address and telephone number are listed, like on the cover of the new directory.
Ms. Klaus said that Christmas caroling in Neighborhood E had been particularly successful in reaching out to homebound neighbors.
Ms. Trodden said that the Wilmington, Delaware, Diocese is conducting a campaign aimed at inactive Catholics, inviting them "to come back home." The diocese is publicizing the campaign in the secular press as well as in Catholic newspapers. It seemed to her to be a particularly effective outreach. Fr. Creedon said that a banner could be placed under the school sign to promote different causes.
Ms Ferer asked whether the sign for the church includes the word "Catholic." She said that she knew of several Latinos who had gone to San Jose (St. George’s Episcopal Church) assuming that it was Catholic.
The meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
The meeting adjourned at 9:37.