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) Walt Heinrich (westwall@peoplepc.com)
Diane Grigoli (dcgrigoli@yahoo.com) Marty Rosenthal (rcknrgby@aol.com)
Roger Davidson (davidsonrh@aol.com) Vince Solomon (solomonvs@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.
July 3, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Attendees: Father Michael, Alice Perkins, Diane Butz, Walt Heinrich, Diane Grigoli, Martha Harris, Owen Kennedy, Roger Davidson, Austin Partridge, Marty Rosenthal
Absent: Mary Farmer, Vince Solomon, Martha Wilhelm, Chrissy Blanck, Al Tinger, Raymond McGoldrick,
Guest Attendees: none
1. Alice Perkins opened the Meeting at 7:01 pm
2. Opening Prayer was led by Martha Harris
The Gospel for Sunday July 6 was read concerning laborers for the harvest. Discussion centered on how we personally spread our faith. Prayer was a Consecration of the USA.
3. The June Minutes were approved
Alice noted one correction to the June minutes. Under agenda item 3 approval of prior month’s minutes, April was changed to May. Motion to approve by Father Michael; seconded by Diane Grigoli; all approved.
4. Walk with One Pilot Discussion (Marty)
Alice shared two experiences at Cooperstown Center as a Eucharistic Minister. Both residents were not always receptive to taking the Eucharist, but then began to more frequently. One asked for a St Christopher’s medal and one asked for a crucifix and a prayer book, all of which were given. And one of them started reading the Bible.
Roger shared a discussion he had with a Buddhist and reincarnation and asked for suggestions on how to respond to reincarnation. Austin had had similar discussions regarding karmic justice and suggested Catholic Answers online.
Marty shared how he invites discourse with what he wears, for example a hat that says Fear Over Faith and beads with a cross that he wears on his wrist. He brought 16 of the beads to share with any council member that would like one. Father Michael blessed them at the end of our meeting.
5. Paint the Church Update (Alice, Diane B, Marty, Mary Kay, Patsy)
Alice distributed a report from the subcommittee compiled from meetings which took place with potential contractors. The subcommittee recommended using Egan Church Restoration and taking the initial step to fundraise for a rendering of what the church could look like. Father Michael reminded everyone of our financial constraints due to Diocese bankruptcy and a decision on painting could not be made until that is settled. Discussion included whether to go forward with the rendering before bankruptcy settlement, fundraising $100K for the actual painting is not likely, the possibility of painting only the columns and capitals, and what the rendering deliverable would be (2-dimensional drawing with color scheme).
The subcommittee report will be distributed electronically with these minutes. Father Michael agreed to think about the path forward.
6. August Discernment for New Members (Father Michael)
Nominating forms are available at the church entrances and Father Michael will make announcements for this from the pulpit beginning Saturday July 5th. Nomination forms must be turned in by July 20th.
Discernment will be held Wednesday August 20th at 7pm for the 2 openings left by Vince Solomon and Walt Heinrich.
7. Brainstorm
Alice asked if we should have mission forward meetings as outlined in the current Diocesan effort to consolidate and revitalize parishes. Father indicated this may be the case, but it is too soon to tell. More direction may come out from the Diocese in the Fall. Father expressed that he is content with the current functioning of our parish.
The speakers we had this year were cited as a positive and it was suggested we continue that effort. Father suggested a subcommittee be formed to explore and suggest speakers for the coming year.
The Faith Formation Scholarship received positive reviews despite the limited number of eligible seniors. The scholarship will continue in the coming year.
Other ideas put forth included Adult Faith Formation with a focus on back to basics, exploring additional opportunities for Adoration (before or after Mass), and exploring how to draw people back in as active parishioners.
8. Round Robin
Roger – pass
Diane B – Blessed Carlos Acutis and Blessed Pier Georgio Frassati will be canonized Sept 7th
Marty – Rosa Mystica has a job opening for an events person who may live on site there.
Martha H – pass
Diane G – The Respect Life ministry would like to provide cloth Catholic children’s books for use by young parishioners during Masses. Tey would be available at the back of the church and Respect for Life members would ensure the books were laundered after each use.
Alice – Thanked Walt and Vince, though not present for there service on the council over the last 3 years.
Owen – pass
Walt – Asked about the possible reception of the Precious Blood. Father Michael indicated due to the lack of Eucharistic Ministers required to support this and due to the lack of interest determined by a recent informal survey at all Masses, this would not be pursued.
Austin – pass
Father Michael – Thanked Walt for his service and support of the parish on the council; thanked the painting subcommittee for their effort; reminded all about Holy Hour July 4th at 7pm which would be dedicated to prayer for our country.
9. September Prayer Leader will be Martha Wilhelm.
10. Closing prayer was led by Fr. Michael.
11. Meeting adjourned at 8:27am.
Future PC meetings: Sep 4, Oct 2, Nov 6
Note: Thanks to Owen who provided excellent meeting notes in Mary’s absence.