The purpose of the Parish Pastoral Council is to provide our Pastor with advice on parish pastoral matters which he has directed us to investigate, reflect/discern upon and further develop. The Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) meets monthly on the second Tuesday at 6:45 pm.
· The council’s primary near term business concerns the Vision and Goals formed in 2009. See Parish-Vision-And-Goals for a full description of these. Detailed and measureable plans are needed for each of the 11 goals. These plans will promote steady progress through budget planning and regular follow-up.
· In the long term the council has been asked to consider the parish’s 50th anniversary, June 20th 2014. A set of steering guidelines is needed to direct the necessary work associated with planning for and carrying out our parish’s golden jubilee celebration.
Parishioners serving on the 2011 - 2012 (Oct – Sept) council:
· Myra Banke
· Rich Fair
· Sharon Fuglsang
· Leo Garza
· Mina Ibarra
· Alex Kanelakos
· Gail McKnight
· David Osina
· Alicia Root
· Roberto Torres
· Diana Tran
· Hermelinda Vasquez
Parish ministries are requested to report on activities, concerns and progress/plans for advancing parish goals at the monthly meetings per the following tentative schedule (PPC liaisons shown in parentheses):
· Edge & LifeTeen – October (Root)
· Children’s Ministry – November (Fuglsang)
· Society of St. Vincent de Paul – December (Tran)
· Adult Faith Formation – January (Banke)
· Early Childhood – February (McKnight)
· Multicultural – March (Torres)
· Physical Plant/Maintenance – April (Garza)
· Liturgical & Music – May (Osina)
· Year End Objectives Review - June
If you would like to contact St. Paul the Apostle's Parish Pastoral Council, you may email them at pastoralcouncil@stpaulcatholic.org .
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church Parish Pastoral Council Minutes
Date: September 13, 2011
The St. Paul the Apostle Church Parish Pastoral Council met with Alex Kanelakos presiding. Opening prayer was read together by all present.
Present: Father Wencil Pavlovsky, Myra Banke, Sharon Fuglsang, Leo Garza, David Osina, Alex Kanelakos, Gail McKnight, Alicia Root, Roberto Torres, Mina Ibarra.
Excused: Diana Tran, Hermelinda Vasquez, Rich Fair, Deacon Jim Lockwood, Tom Sansone (Finance Council).
Minutes: The minutes of the 5-24-11 meeting were reviewed and accepted without correction by a voice vote.
Spiritual Formation: Leo Garza led discussion about the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross (9-14). The cross is a symbolic summary of the Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ – all in one image. Formation included a hymn (Lift High the Cross) and a reading of Philippians 2:6-11.
Ministry Liaison Report: There was no ministry liaison report; however new procedures for the 2011-2012 ministry reports were discussed. Council Liaisons are to obtain from their assigned ministry a list of objectives to be accomplished during this year to be turned in by the next council meeting. One week prior to the assigned ministry presentation, the Liaison is to obtain from the ministry head their report which will be circulated to the Council by e-mail. During the Pastoral Council Meeting, the ministry head will discuss any ideas, concerns, questions and solutions and not go over the report as we have done in the past.
The schedule for this year’s Ministry Liaison Reports is:
October Edge & Life Teen Alicia Root
November Children’s Ministry Sharon Fuglsang
December St. Vincent DePaul Diana Tran
January Adult Faith Formation Myra Banke
February Early Childhood Gail McKnight
March Multicultural Roberto Torres
April Physical Plant/Maintenance Leo Garza
May Liturgical/Music David Osina
It was suggested that in June each ministry head provide the council with a second report giving the Pastoral Council an end of year update about how the ministry did on their objectives.
Other Business:
· The status report on the 50th Anniversary visioning was put off until a later meeting.
· An email from Don Johnson regarding the Facilities Committee was presented. Father Wencil asked to personally handle the reply. He has been negotiating with a Professional Janitorial service that will, hopefully, begin cleaning the building by October 1st. This will free Alex up to do building maintenance. It is the Diocese policy for each parish to have a Preventative Maintenance Committee and he wants to work with Don Johnson regarding his role as PM Committee Chair.
· Suggestions for updating the Website were discussed especially as pertains to Parish goals.
o It was decided that we drop “#4 – Monthly spiritual prayer experiences in the year of St. Paul” since that year has passed.
o Father is reviewing possibilities for a Parish Volunteer coordinator, but is not ready to move forward with that goal (#1).
o It was noted that the Spanish Legion of Mary is visiting apartments and nearby neighborhoods to minister and evangelize which satisfies #10.
o It was decided to table #12 – establishing a sister parish in a developing country due to current finances.
· Alex suggested a bulletin insert to acquaint parishioners with the role of the PPC and introduce the Council members with current contact information. Alicia Root agreed to obtain contact information for Council members for this purpose. Sharon Fuglsang is to create a bulletin insert before Christmas.
· A letter from David Flynn regarding an Ecumenical Good Friday Processional (Dirge) was received. Father and Nancy Rofrano will discuss possibilities. From his perspective it would be easier to schedule a “Blessing of the Palms” on Palm Sunday rather than arranging an event on Good Friday as Mr. Flynn suggested. Father suggested that we could meet at NassauBayPark for the blessing and then each group could process to their respective churches. It is definitely something that we can work toward.
Father Wencil:
· Father attended his 1st ACTS retreat and was very impressed. He would not change a single part of it. The work that goes into these retreats is amazing. He would like to see a full range of ACTS retreats and believes Spanish retreats would be a Godsend. There is a hunger in the community that needs to be filled.
· There is a need for Spanish CCE and Life Teen at St. Paul’s. We should think about how to better integrate the cultures. We have a hugely diverse community – more diverse than we knew. Most importantly, pray for this important intention.
· Also, think of ways to get senior citizens involved in parish activities. He mentioned tamale making for fundraising sales at his previous church. A group of seniors met at the church each week to make tamales to be sold during the week. This filled a great need for social interaction for this particular group and provided the means to make money at the same time.
· Father requested a complete list of ministries. He would like to give each ministry time during announcements. He would also like to devote bulletin space or insert to update the parish of ministry needs.
Closing: Prayer led by Father Wencil
Next Meeting: Tuesday October 11, 2011
Submitted by: Gail McKnight
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church Parish Pastoral Council Minutes
Date: April 11, 2011
The St. Paul the Apostle Church Parish Pastoral Council met with Rich Fair presiding. Opening prayer was read together by all present after the Commissioning and Affirmation of new members.
Present: Father Wencil Pavlovsky, Myra Banke, Diana Tran, Leo Garza, Sharon Fuglsang, David Osina, Alex Kanelakos, Gail McKnight, Alicia Root, Roberto Torres, Rich Fair, Hermelinda Vasquez, Mina Ibarra, Deacon Jim Lockwood, Tom Sansone (Finance Council).
Excused: N/A
Minutes: The minutes of the December 7, 2010 meeting were reviewed and accepted without correction by a voice vote.
Spiritual Formation: Leo Garza presented a short biography of St. Stanislas whose feast day is April 11th.
Ministry Liaison Report: Liturgical & Music Ministries
· David Rofrano noted that since being in the new church, technicians are needed to be present at all masses. Recently, he has begun the second phase of our “sound ministry” by providing continuing education which teaches the technicians to “mix” sounds.
· The Children/Little Angels choir is singing once each month and the Junior High Praise Singers are singing at the Saturday evening Mass.
· Nancy Rofrano’s primary focus for the rest of this year in Liturgy will be the implementation of the new Roman Missal which goes into effect on November 27, 2011. Her plans include: planning workshops, dress rehearsals, a presentation of the new format to the Councils and other ministries. Pews will all have laminated cards and Missalettes will reflect the changes. Hymnals are also going to change.
· The Hispanic Ministry continues to grow. There is now a daily Mass in Spanish on the 2nd Thursday of each month. They are also encouraging Hispanic youth to participate as multicultural altar servers.
· In response to questions concerning the visual aid room, Nancy informed the Council that although a Visual Aid room was built and projection screens mounted, there was no money in the budget for projectors.
· Nancy and the Liturgical Ministry are working on having Greeters available at all Masses to assist visitors and new parishioners find the Welcome Center and to obtain assistance when they come to Mass.
· Parking is expected to be a problem on May 15th due to the ACTS retreat, First Communion, Confirmation and Alvaro’s reception. There will be many guests at all of these events. Nancy is going to suggest a bulletin announcement to suggest that families carpool. She expects to need people to help direct traffic and will explore off sight parking with the permission of nearby businesses.
· Deacon Jim noted that more volunteers are needed to deliver communion to the home bound. It was suggested that we tap the High School Seniors and College students that will be home for summer vacation.
Other Business:
· New Council members, Hermelinda Vasquez and Mina Ibarra were commissioned and former members reaffirmed.
· Rich Fair announced that Don Johnson was interested in chairing the Preventative Maintenance Committee. Father Wencil was in favor of this committee and asked Council to move forward with these plans.
· Discernment for Pastoral Council Positions for the new year:
Facilitator – Alex Kanelakos
Convener – Sharon Fuglsang
Recorder – Gail McKnight
Spiritual Formation – Leo Garza
Father Wencil: With the end of the NASA Shuttle program, how do we best utilize the STS6 flag that was presented to St. Paul’s after the 5th Shuttle Mission by Karol Joseph “Bo” Bobko? Since April, 1983, the flag has been an important part of our tradition at St Paul’s; Father is concerned that it still be a visible part of our community even though the Shuttle Program is ending. He asked the Council their opinion of having the Flag on permanent display in the Narthex with a plaque explaining its special significance under the heading “For All of Those Who Serve”. It was suggested by Tom Sansone, that Council ask Pete Hasbrook to compose the text for the plaque.
Closing: Prayer led by Rich Fair
Next Meeting: May 17, 2011 (Tuesday) at 6:45 PM
Submitted by: Gail McKnight
The Parish Pastoral Council would like to thank all candidates for answering the call to serve our church. Your active support and involvement for the parish is very much appreciated.
We welcome new members Mina Ibarra and Hermelinda Vazquez, who join the other advisors to the pastor: Myra Banke, Rich Fair, Sharon Fuglsang, Leo Garza, Alex Kanelakos, Gail McKnight, David Osina, Alicia Root, Roberto Torres and Diana Tran. Please pray that this group will be strengthened by the Holy Spirit to wisely represent all the voices of our community.
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church Parish Pastoral Council Minutes
Date: November 8, 2010
The St. Paul the Apostle Church Parish Pastoral Council met with Rich Fair presiding. Opening prayer was read together by all present.
Present: Father Albert Maullon, Myra Banke, Sharon Fuglsang, David Osina, Alex Kanelakos, Gail McKnight, Alicia Root, Rich Fair.
Excused: Leo Garza, Diana Tran, and Roberto Torres.
Minutes: The minutes of the October 18, 2010 meeting were reviewed. Several changes were needed. Acceptance pending corrected version at next meeting.
Spiritual Formation: Rich Fair presented a discussion of Solemnity of Christ the King Sunday. This celebration marks the end of the liturgical year. “It is fitting that the feast celebrating Chris’s kingship is observed right before Advent when we liturgically wait for the promised Messiah.” (Prepared in advance by Leo Garza)
Ministry Liaison Report: Alex Deleon presented the annual report for St. Paul’s Physical Plant Maintenance Ministry.
· Alex’s largest and most pressing concern is the “old facility” and on-going maintenance issues: finding ways to make the old building security system interface to the new system, asbestos issues limiting the amount of work done by staff and volunteers, smoke detectors not working properly in some areas (false alarms). Also, challenges have been presented in learning the new facility and its “technology”.
· Alex mentioned the need for a facility committee. Before the new church St. Paul’s had this committee in place and it was a great help. Alex Kanelakos agreed to compose a bulletin announcement to request Facility Committee volunteers who will, hopefully, come forward with skills to help Alex and staff meet these facility “challenges”.
· It was noted that the solid metal doors to the Education and Teen wings are very dangerous. Alex is to price the equipment that will enable us to leave the doors open until they need to be closed as a fire barrier.
· The church is often cold. Myra Banke agreed to get with Nancy Rofrano to get more information about Mass time thermostat settings.
· In light of St. Paul’s being named an Access Parish, Alex/Leo Garza noted that there would not be enough handicapped parking for future needs. It was suggested that the parking spaces directly in front of the existing spaces (nose-to-nose) be remarked and made handicapped parking also.
· The front touch door is often not turned on and is unavailable if someone needs it. There is a power switch inside the door that should be turned on by the first person into the church. Someone at the WelcomeCenter should have the job of double-checking to be sure the power switch has been turned on.
Other Business:
· The staff Christmas party will be December 20th at 6 PM at the church. The staff, the finance council and the pastoral council will be included.
· Open Council Positions – bulletin announcements have not brought responses. It was suggested the personal appeals by council members be made after masses. Rich Fair to compose the appeal and arrange for Mass coverage.
Father Albert:
· The Bazaar was very successful. The results are still being computed.
· Approximately 299 families have now signed pledge cards for the Capital Campaign.
· The new Roman Missal will be effective the 1st Sunday of Advent next year. The new translation will be very different than the present English version; however, it is more true to the Latin text found in the Roman Missal 3rd Edition. Next year will be dedicated to learning!
Closing: Prayer led by Rich Fair
Next Meeting: December 7, 2010 (Tuesday) at 6:45 PM
Submitted by: Gail McKnight
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church Parish Pastoral Council Minutes
Date: October 18, 2010
The St. Paul the Apostle Church Parish Pastoral Council met with Rich Fair presiding.
Opening prayer was read together by all present.
Present: Father Albert Maullon, Myra Banke, Leo Garza, Diana Tran, Sharon Fuglsang, Alex anelakos, Gail McKnight, Alicia Root, Roberto Torres, Rich Fair, Mike Good.
Excused: David Osina
Minutes: The minutes of the September 13, 2010 meeting were reviewed and accepted without orrection by a voice vote.
Spiritual Formation: Leo Garza presented biographical information on St. John of Capistrano the Patron Saint of Jurists). He urged the council to become more familiar with the Saints and use their feast days to become better Catholics.
Ministry Liason Report: Jose Juan Valdez presented the annual report on the Multicultural Ministry. This ministry continues to be a growing and dynamic ministry directed by Jose Juan Valdez with the support of 30-40 volunteers. This ministry would be helped greatly by having bilingual staff members if the opportunity should arise. They see a continuing issue with parking availability during the overlapping time between the 10 AM and the 12 PM masses. Regular attendance at the Spanish mass is between 500-700. There have been nearly 70 baptisms in 2010 and there are currently 32 enrolled in Spanish CCE classes (grades 1-4). Presently there are 80 students (of different ages) enrolled in RCIC or RCIA. A Spanish weekday Mass has been requested as well as a more regular Filipino Mass. Jose Juan requested the council to ask all ministries: How can we celebrate our separate cultures, but maintain the unity of one parish body? He would like to have a large multicultural Fiesta in the future!
Other Business:
• It was agreed that an announcement for two Council positions would be placed in the bulletin.
• Father Albert suggested that we delay the Council leadership nominations and discernment until after the new council members come on board.
• A summary of the 50th Anniversary Planning was prepared by David Osina and presented by Leo Garza. The Council was asked to appeal, personally, to any parishioner we know who has with longevity at St. Pauls. Ask them to discern participating on the 50th Anniversary Steering Committee.
Father Albert:
• Extended thanks to Mike Good for his service.
• The Capital Campaign update: 200 families have turned in pledges totaling $800,000.
• The steeple installation went very well.
• The Bazaar will be held next Sunday, October 24, 2010.
• The responsibility for World Youth Day has been transferred to Laura Hicks
Closing: Leo Garza lead the Evening Prayer from Luke the Evangelist.
Next Meeting: November 8, 2010 at 6:45 PM
Submitted by: Gail McKnight
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church Parish Pastoral Council Minutes
Date: September 13, 2010
The St. Paul the Apostle Church Parish Pastoral Council met with Rich Fair presiding. Opening prayer was read together by all present.
Present: Father Albert Maullon, Myra Banke, Leo Garza, Diana Tran, Sharon Fuglsang, David Osina, Alex Kanelakos, Gail McKnight, Roberto Torres, Rich Fair, Mike Good.
Excused: Alicia Root
Minutes: The minutes of the June 9, 2010 meeting were reviewed and accepted without correction by a voice vote.
Spiritual Formation: St. John Chrysostom presented by Leo Garza
Ministry Liaison Report: No liaison reports were presented during this meeting. Council members were each assigned a ministry:
· Multicultural – October (Torres)
· Physical Plant/Maintenance – November (Garza)
· Liturgical & Music – December (Osina)
· Edge & Life Teen – January (Kanelakos)
· Children’s Ministry – February (Fuglsang)
· St. Vincent de Paul – March (Tran)
· Adult Faith Formation – April (Banke)
· Early Childhood – May (McKnight)
The council was asked to review the “Ministry Report Guidelines” and offer suggestions that would improve the format of the presentations.
Other Business:
Mike Good has accepted a new job in Colorado and tendered his resignation from the Council. Gabriela Carbajal resigned in June. The Council was asked to consider all the ministries and submit names for possible candidates to fill these two vacancies. Rich agreed to make an announcement to the entire parish via bulletin appeal. If there is interest, the candidates should complete the discernment form.
The Pastoral Council has been asked to donate a basket to the Acts Men Who Cook silent auction. Diana Tran and Sharon Fuglsang offered to purchase items for the basket with cash donations from the Council.
Carl Condor offered to maintain pictures of parish leadership. He showed the Council the frames and also took pictures of the Council members.
Father Albert:
Capital Campaign receptions are in process.
St. Pauls received an architectural award for the Best Worship Space in all of Texas in 2010.
Closing: Leo Garza – Evening Prayer Liturgy of the Hours
Next Meeting:_ October 18, 2010 6:45 PM
Submitted by: Gail McKnight
The St. Paul the Apostle Church Parish Pastoral Council met with Rich Fair presiding. Opening prayer was read together by all present.
Present: Father Albert Maullon, Myra Banke, Sharon Fuglsang, David Osina, Gail McKnight, Alicia Root, Roberto Torres, Rich Fair.
Excused: Leo Garza, Diana Tran, Alex Kanelakos, Gabriela Carbajal, Mike Good.
Minutes: The minutes of the April 21, 2010 meeting were reviewed and accepted without correction by a voice vote.
Spiritual Formation: Myra Banke presented biographical information on St. Paul of the Cross along with thoughtful excerpts from his letters.
Ministry Liason Report: Wes Karna discussed the growth and progress of the St Vincent de Paul ministry. Established in April, 2006, our St. Vincent de Paul Society now has 23 active members with meetings on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month. Last month they were able to help 135 families with the donations received from St. Paul’s parishioners.
Other Business: The reception for the 50th Anniversary committee candidates was discussed and an alternate date (June 3, 2010) set. Leo Garza will moderate the meeting with the assistance of Myra Banke. Alicia Root agreed to meet with Heidi Clark to confirm the date and to arrange for the meeting room and child care. Sharon Fuglsang, Alicia Root, Myra Banke and Gail McKnight agreed to provide refreshments.
Father Albert made the following announcements:
· The date for the announcement of St Paul the Apostle Catholic Church as an Access Parish has been set for September 17, 2010 and Cardinal DeNardo will be attending.
· Laura Hicks will be assuming the administrative duties of the Youth Director and Jason Paratore will be handling the activities of both Life Teen and Edge.
Closing Prayer offered by Rich Fair
Next Meeting: June 9, 2010 at 6:45 PM
Submitted by: Gail McKnight
The St. Paul the Apostle Church Parish Pastoral Council met with Rich Fair presiding.
Present: Father Albert Maullon, Leo Garza, Diana Tran, Sharon Fuglsang, David Osina, Alex Kanelakos, Alicia Root, Roberto Torres, Rich Fair. Also visiting Priscilla Munoz and Donna Bova from the Children’s ministry.
Affirmation prayer was read was read as our opening prayer by all present as part of the commissioning of our new council member, Diana Tran.
Spiritual Formation: Reflection provided by Alicia Root: St Maria Goretti.
Minutes: The minutes of the March 10, 2010 meeting were reviewed and accepted with correction by a voice vote.
Guest & Ministry Liaison Report: Priscilla Munoz and Donna Bova reported on the happenings of our Children ministry.
50th Anniversary Visioning: Discussed status of committee, that we make sure we cover all ministries and diversity of the Church as elements of the committee guidelines. Final and/or additional recommendations for committee member nominations are to be emailed to Rich before next meeting, so we can move forward with selection process. Leo will draft a letter and forward to Heidi to forward to nominees for May 26th invitation meeting of nominees to present overview of 50th anniversary and invite their participation. It was suggested that light food be provided for the meeting.
Liaison of Ministries: PPC Ministry Report Guidelines presented. It was noted that we need to maintain periodic contact with ministry heads to insure communication between PPC and ministries to keep abreast of their needs and progress.
Discussed the PPC workshop and some of the feedback from attendance. It was noted that the Sunday Ministry held once per month was a very successful program and that we should consider implementing such a program and St. Paul. Suggestion to be forwarded to Heidi.
The St Paul web site was discussed and the need to make improvements in content and ease of use.
Father Albert: Father updated the activities of the Deacons and his push to get a full time Hispanic Deacon (Arturo …… is part time and handles the current Spanish Baptisms)
Father expressed a desire that we have a presence to support the Relics we have at St Paul no later than the 50th Anniversary
Closing Prayer lead by Father Albert.
Next Meeting: May 19, 2010 at 6:45 PM
Submitted by: David Osina
The St. Paul the Apostle Church Parish Pastoral Council met with Rich Fair presiding. Opening prayer was read together by all present. Present: Father Albert Maullon, Myra Banke, Leo Garza, Diana Tran, Sharon Fuglsang, David Osina, Alex Kanelakos, Gail McKnight, Alicia Root, Gabriela Carbajal, Roberto Torres, Rich Fair, Mike Good. Also visiting were Jim and Arlene Lockwood as well as Tom Sansone from the Financial Council.
Excused: N/A
Minutes: The minutes of the February 10, 2010 meeting were reviewed and accepted with correction by a voice vote.
Spiritual Formation: Reflection provided by David Osina: St Paul the Apostle.
Introduction and welcome to our new council member, Diana Tran. Diana will be replacing Andy Wojtkowski on the council.
Special Guest: Charlene Katra introduced the role of St Paul as an Access Parish. Heidi Clark and Priscilla Munoz are the staff leadership of Access and plans for training across the parish are underway.
Ministry Liaison Report: Jason Paratore discussed the Life Teen ministry, its current activities and growth. The old chapel and old office have been converted to the youth “hang-out” space with plans to tear out the wall between the spaces to make room for a larger meeting area with games and activities. The biggest challenge is balancing WYD fundraising with Youth Program fundraising. Council recommended that Jason expand efforts on the St Paul’s website to make it welcoming and informative (e-mail, reminders and newsletters).
Laura Hicks and several volunteers (Wendy Drapela, Deborah Bernay and Courtney Johnson) delivered a very informative presentation concerning the activities and needs of the Edge program. Unfortunately, time ran out and the Edge presentation had to be cut short. Rich Fair offered to have them back at a later meeting to continue their presentation.
Follow-up on Parishioner Concerns: No parishioner concerns were addressed at this meeting.
Other Business: N/A
Father Albert: N/A
Closing Prayer
Next Meeting: April 10, 2010 at 6:45 PM
Submitted by: Gail McKnight
