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
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
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, Sharon Fuglsang, David Osina, Gail McKnight, Alicia Root, Roberto Torres, Rich Fair, Mike Good.
Excused: Andy Wojtkowski, Alex Kanelakos, and Gabriela Carbajal.
Minutes: The minutes of the January 13, 2010 meeting were reviewed and accepted with correction by a voice vote.
Spiritual Formation: Sharon Fuglsang presented an introduction to the life of Saint Dominic.
Ministry Liaison Report: Nancy and David Rofrano joined the Council to provide a report on the Liturgy and Music Ministries. They continue to search for ways of reaching better collaboration with other ministries, reach out to others and maintaining the small community feel and welcoming atmosphere. This has been a year of “firsts” and their ministries are still adjusting. They must always consider how everything will “look and sound” in the new space. Both Nancy and David are looking forward to continued “firsts”. During Lent there will be Taize Prayer services. The Music ministry has a continued need for additional choir members as well as musicians who are trained in voice and musical instruments. The Liturgical Ministry tries to find ways to “reach out”. There is a need to minister to the sick. The nursing homes are visited and served regularly; however, the homebound are often missed. Nancy is currently looking at various ways to expand this important part of her ministry. Attendance is increasing especially in the Spanish population. She will provide attendance numbers to Rich Fair as well as increases in numbers of volunteers.
Follow-up on Parishioner Concerns: No specific Parishioner Concerns were addressed in this meeting.
Other Business:
· Nominations were taken for the 50th Anniversary Committee. Father Albert wanted to have Alex Kanelekos make suggestions for some young adults to be added to the nominations. Heidi Clark will be asking the staff to make suggestions at their next meeting.
· Nominations were taken for the vacancy on the pastoral council. Rich Fair is to gather nominations from those who were not in attendance at this meeting. List to be ready for introduction and discernment in the near future.
Father Albert:
· Pray for the future of NASA and our space program.
· St Paul’s has been accepted as an Access Parish to serve people with disabilities. There will be programs (both liturgy and support) throughout the year to serve these families. This ministry is intended to serve anyone with disabilities. Some examples are: parents/caregiver’s day out, parenting, parent/sibling support groups, Catechist Training, Sign Language during mass, etc. The Cardinal will be coming to a mass when St. Paul’s will formally be designated as an Access Parish. Soon a team will be coming to review the facilities and implement training programs to handle this new ministry with Priscilla Munoz as the Liaison.
· Joe Vasquez is leaving the Arch Diocese to become the Bishop of Austin.
· Lent begins next week. The fifty days before Easter is the busiest time of the liturgical year.
· We will have a Communal Penance Service March 25, 2010 at 7 PM.
· There were over 40 men at the ACTS retreat. It was a great success.
· Alvaro is starting a new ministry called “That Man is you”. This men’s prayer group will meet at 5:45 AM on Wednesdays with breakfast included.
Closing: Prayer led by Father Albert
Next Meeting: March 10, 2010 at 6:45 PM
Submitted by: Gail McKnight
Date: January 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, Sharon Fuglsang, David Osina, Gail McKnight, Alicia Root, Roberto Torres, Rich Fair.
Excused: Leo Garza, Andy Wojtkowski, Alex Kanelakos, Gabriela Carbajal, and Mike Good.
Minutes: The minutes of the December 9, 2009 meeting were reviewed and accepted without corrections by a voice vote.
Spiritual Formation: Reflection provided by Leo Garza on Saint Padre Pio.
Ministry Liaison Report: No ministry report was given this month due to scheduling conflicts. It was agreed that St. Vincent de Paul be moved to May, 2010 and that Music and Liturgy be asked to report at the February, 2010 meeting.
Follow-up on Parishioner Concerns: No parishioner concerns were addressed at this meeting.
Other Business:
50th Anniversary – The PPC’s immediate goal is to assemble a list of nominations for the Golden Anniversary Steering Committee. Father Albert requested that nominations come from the PPC as well as from the Staff during the months of January and February. Once the list of nominees is assembled, the PPC is to arrange a meeting for nominees to discuss with the council the project and vision for the Golden Anniversary Celebration and to obtain acceptance or declination from the nominees. In March, the PPC should be able to provide Father Albert with a list of people who have agreed to serve on the Golden Anniversary Steering Committee.
Vacant position on the PPC – In response to Andy Wotjkowski’s resignation, the council has been asked to bring suggestions for replacements to the February meeting for the discernment.
PPC Web Page – A proposed web page, prepared by Rich Fair, was approved by PPC. The monthly minutes are to be published on the Website also.
Father Albert:
· Father Albert opened by telling us how much he enjoyed Christmas in the new church and how much he is looking forward to Lent and Easter.
· The Southwest Liturgical Conference was attended by David and Nancy Rofrano. The focus of this Conference was “Multicultural Understanding”. This is significant because one of the PPC goals is expanding Multicultural Ministry at St. Paul’s. The Multicultural Ministry is continuing to grow and become a growing and active part of our community. There will be a dance on February 13th. The young adult Spanish group is very active and meets Thursday evenings.
· The staff is presently working on housecleaning. The move was done very quickly and the storage areas were neglected.
· CCE is still accepting students. They are focusing on Sacramental Preparation.
· Father wants the staff to make the first year in the new church as prayerful as it can be.
· We have been blessed by new growth and now have 2000 registered families. Weddings are getting more difficult to schedule.
· It is DSF time again.
· The steeple will, hopefully, be here by Easter.
· The Bazaar has been moved to May.
- Natasha resigned from Edge. Laura Hicks will fill in until a replacement is found.
Closing: Prayer offered by Rich Fair
Next Meeting: February 10, 2010 at 6:45 PM
Submitted by: Gail McKnight
