The Pastoral Council is meeting regularly again, generally on the first Thursday of the month. Important information will be included in the bulletin (usually as in insert) and on the website. Detailed meeting minutes are available on request.
Organization The Pastoral Council has a membership of twelve parishioners. Additionally, the two parish trustees (Al Tinger, Ray McGoldrick), the faith formation coordinator (Chrissy Blanck) and the pastor (Fr. Michael) serve as ex-officio members. Here are the current members:
Martha Harris (mmarhar10@hotmail.com) Alice Perkins, Chair (perkinsam62@gmail.com)
Austin Partridge (austinleepartridge@gmail.com) Mary Farmer (mj.farmer@yahoon.com)
Diane Butz, Secretary (dmbutz@twc.com) Susan Snelson (susangengenbach@yahoo.com)
Diane Grigoli (dcgrigoli@yahoo.com) Marty Rosenthal (rcknrgby@aol.com)
Roger Davidson (davidsonrh@aol.com) Sharon Kroker (skrokervt@gmail.com)
Owen Kennedy (thekennedyfamily8@gmail.com) Martha Wilhelm (mwilhelm414@gmail.com)
Please communicate with them or the ex-officio members regarding any concerns, questions or suggestions.
The pastor presides over and guides final decisions and their implementation. Formal guidelines for how the council functions are available upon request.
November 6, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Attendees: Father Michael Cambi, Alice Perkins (President), Diane Butz, Roger Davidson, Mary Farmer (Secretary), Diane Grigoli, Martha Harris, Owen Kennedy, Marty Rosenthal, Susan Snelson, Martha Wilhelm; Al Tinger (Trustee), Raymond McGoldrick (Trustee). Guests: Parishioners Francesca and Thad Wheeler
Absent: Chrissy Blank (Faith Formation Director), Sharon Kroker, Austin Partridge
1. Alice opened the Meeting at 7:01 pm
2. Opening Prayer was led by Roger
Reading was from Ezekiel featuring the vision of a river flowing from the Temple, growing deeper as it continued outward, making all on the path grow and prosper. This foreshadows the outflowing of the living waters of Baptism flowing from the Holy Spirit. How do we welcome this river of grace flowing through us, cleansing our very souls? We must be open, willing to let things go to make room for Christ within us.
3. October Minutes approved. Motion to approve by Owen; Roger seconded motion; all approved.
4. Walk with One Discussion (Marty)
Alice shared her experience as she visits and distributes Communion at Cooperstown Center. She struck up a friendship with one gentleman who identified himself as a non-practicing Catholic. Over the course of many months, the friendship and trust have been built. Alice suggested that Fr. Michael could come and visit the gentleman, and he agreed to welcome Fr. Michael.
Diane noted that she met a gentleman at Mass in New Orleans who was not Catholic but regularly attended Mass and Communion. She suggested that he could become Catholic, but he did not seem to want that. Diane continues to pray for him.
Owen sometimes raises his faith in conversation with clients, making them aware that they are always welcome.
Roger worked with a colleague who identified as a “practicing pagan” though he was brought up Catholic. Roger continues to pray for him.
5. Paint the Church Update (Alice)
The Committee has received from Egan a preliminary look at colors and concepts. They found the suggestions disappointing and sent detailed feedback. We are awaiting the next proposal. The objective is a more a serene, reverent design which puts focus on the Tabernacle. Paint the Church Committee includes Fr Michael, Alice Perkins, Marty Rosenthal, Patsy Smith, Diane Butz, and Mary Kay Kennedy.
6. Diaper Drive Debrief (Diane G).
The diaper drive has been successful, collecting over 1000 diapers and $255. The Food Pantry welcomed the donations, noting that they had just run out of diapers! They especially need larger sizes and pull-ups.
7. Remade for Mission Status (Fr. Michael)
Fr Michael noted that the new bishop, Bishop Mark O’Connell, will be installed on December 5. As he settles in to his new position, Bishop O’Connell has paused the Remade for Mission program. Fr Michael will keep us informed as we wait for more information. Our parish working group will meet to prepare for parish synod meetings.
8. 2025-2026 Activities Updates
a. Ministry Displays at Social Events (Alice)
Altar Guild, Prayerfully Made, and Social Justice displayed their ministries at 2 recent fellowship events. Initial feedback indicates very light interest in visiting the display and having conversation. Ministries signed up for upcoming events include: February 8 – Feeding the Hungry and Food Insecure (Sharon Oberriter), March 20 – Gardening Ministry (Mary Kuhn), April 11- Greeters (Sharon Kroker), August 2 – Respect for Life (Diane Grigoli).
b. Pastoral Council Poster (Fr. Michael)
Austin forwarded to Fr Michael all photos taken at the October meeting. The last needed photo was taken prior to our meeting. Fr Michael is working with The Copy Shop to create the poster displaying the council members. Poster will travel on a free-standing easel between the back of Church and the Parish Hall for special events.
c. Online Catholic Resources List (Diane B)
An extensive list of Catholic resources for a use by our parish family was completed. List is available at both entrances of the church.
d. Mass Times Sign (Fr. Michael)
The sign has been updated with current Mass times and has been rehung. Margie Landers did a great job repainting it.
9. Round Robin
Fr Michael – 24 Hour Adoration Friday Nov 7 2pm – Saturday Nov 8 2pm; St Nicholas Festival Friday Dec 5 – Sunday Dec 7 – volunteers are needed! Owen – Appreciates our 24-Hour Adoration opportunities; very much appreciated the November 2 All Souls Mass and Reception
Guests Francesca and Thad – glad to be welcomed at the council meeting; may be able to participate with choir when they return from Georgia.
Martha W- pass
Marty- In support of evangelization, could we consider a presence at the Cooperstown Farmers Market, selling items made by parishioners and raising the profile of St Mary’s in the community? Would need approval and coordination with management of the Market. Marty will do some more research, and Fr. Michael will consider whether this is a good fit for us.
Mary – pass
Diane G – Books for children are available for use during Mass. They are available in the back of church under the table on the St Joseph side.
Martha H.- pass
Diane B. – pass
Alice – pass
Susan – Could we consider the St Michael prayer at the end of Mass? Fr. Michael will consider this.
Roger – pass
10. December Prayer Leader – Owen
11. Closing prayer by Fr. Michael
12. Meeting adjourned at 8:01 pm
Future PC meetings: Dec 4, Jan 8, Feb 5