Subject

Discussion

Action

Parish committees:

Liturgy and Spiritual Life

Has taken responsibility for sacristan chores; will be discussing sanctuary redesign and implementation of the Extraordinary Form Mass.

Meeting next week to provide orientation on the traditional Low Mass.

Hospitality

Continues to work independently and smoothly due to the dedication of Mary Hughes. Coffee and donuts are now being served after Sunday Masses.

Catholic Youth Outreach

Marcus Narvaez has is meeting with the newly arrived Jesuit Volunteers, desiring youth outreach to include young adults as well as high school students.  Program also to include major Catholic youth events such as the Anchorage Catholic Youth Conference in June, the National Catholic Youth Conference in November (or a fall Diocesan Youth Conference), and World Youth Day in 2011.  He will be using a curriculum based on Pope John Paul II’s “Theology of the Body” deal with issues of human dignity, relationships, and sexuality that are relevant to young people.

CYO Committee to meet with new Youth Director Monday 17 August.

Charity, Justice, and Peace

Fr. Scott is reconsidering the structure of this committee.  Still interested in starting a soup kitchen as an outreach, to begin whenever a sufficient volunteer force is recruited.

Fr Scott has asked one parishioner to ascertain whether Salvation Army has similar service; will try to recruit volunteers.

Pastoral and Council Initiatives – progress reports

Liturgy

Sanctuary improvements. Fr Scott desires to redesign the sanctuary such that it will better lift our hearts and minds to God; intends to come up with prospective designs. Tony asked about posting photos on the church website as well, so that Parish members could have some input.

Tridentine Mass could begin within the next 2-4 weeks. Tentative initial schedule is 12:30 p.m. Sunday in the Ave Maria Chapel.  Tony was concerned that we don’t base a decision about whether or not to continue the Mass based on this non-standard time or a short trial.  He wants to be sure the Extraordinary Form Mass gets “a fair shake.”

Choir loft. Fr Scott has been considering relocation of the choir to the choir loft and has been speaking to various choir members about this.

Fr. Scott is providing a number of church interior photos to Marie Laws for her artistic expertise and will consult with the Liturgy and Spiritual Life Committee.

Priest and servers have been practicing; expect imminent publication of schedule for one Low Mass each Sunday (perhaps 12:30 PM, in Ave Maria Chapel).

Estimates pend for lighting improvements, relocation of sound system.

Facilities Maintenance

Our insurer, Catholic Mutual, made its biennial site inspection this week. Additionally, Tony DelMoral is providing a thorough survey of the physical plant.

Fr. will review the maintenance and repair items listed on the punch list from insurer and contractor’s report, when received, and will prioritize maintenance and repairs. He will then seek the financial and “hands on” help of the parish in accomplishing needed repairs.

Lincoln Street improvements

The Council wishes to enhance the church’s visual appeal from the Lincoln Street perspective. Discussed were two approaches: construction of a wall or landscaping.  Rough estimate for concrete wall: $10,000.  Other options include alternating large rocks and trees or shrubs along the parking lot.  One concern is that whatever option we choose be not only attractive, but low maintenance. 

Fr Scott has brought Penny Brown in for a site visit, having previously asked Bobbie and Dennis Carlson for landscaping advice and John Rennie for a proposal for concrete work. Intend to clarify proposals for both alternatives (wall and  landscaping).

New business

Pastoral Council terms

Several Pastoral Council members’ terms will be expiring in November.  In the past, Pastoral Council positions have been filled by election.  Pastoral invitation seems to be more effective. 

Fr. requests that each member provide him with names of three potential Council members prior to the next meeting.

Continuing business

Review of Strategic Plan

Goal 9 (Paint interior walls of rectory)

The interior of the rectory may need painting; however, it may be prudent to put off decisions higher priority repairs are identified.

Suspend consideration pending contractor’s report.

Goal 10 (Repair/maintenance of parking lot)

Parking lot. North side has pot holes and underground storage tank may need to be removed; lower lot  (or perhaps all) needs to be sealed. Details expected to be included in contractor’s site survey report.

Will plan this work and to have parking lot ready for repaving next spring when the paver is in town.

Goal 11 (Human resources/personnel)

Number of paid positions (three – Director of Religious Education, Youth Director, and cleaning person – seems fine at this time, particularly with the invaluable volunteer help of Pam Luprek with bookkeeping.  Council members asked whether Fr. could use a half-time clerical assistant, or perhaps Fr. and the two religious education employees might benefit from sharing a clerical assistant. 

Fr. will take it into consideration.

Other matters

Jim asked when the annual financial report was made available. (Answer: quarterly.) All agreed it would be a good idea to have a member of the Finance Council report to the Parish on finances, perhaps when the estimates for repair/maintenance are available so that these expenses could be included in a report to the Parish.