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 (Pete Henrici, Ray McGoldrick), the faith formation coordinator (Chrissy Blanck) and the pastor (Fr. Michael) serve as ex-officio members.  Here are the current members:

Maureen Murray, Chair (coopmurray@msn.com)         Rob Bohm, Secretary (Rob@Bohm.us)

Sharon Oberriter (sharon.oberriter@gmail.com)          Jeff Woeppel (jeffrey.woeppel@gmail.com)

Michael Lachance (mplachance@aol.com)                  Carolyn Lewis (cal21871@gmail.com)

Kathy Shirm (kathy.shirm@bassett.org)                       Bruce Markusen (bmarkusen@stny.rr.com)

Peggy Poulson (poulson1@yahoo.com)                      Cythia Kukenberger (oakscreekmeadows@gmail.com)

Mary Cahill Reitz (marycahillreitz@gmail.com)            Stephanie Nolan (nolanstephanie5@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.

May 6, 2021 Meeting Summary

Committees and Ministries.  Research indicates that many functions have been identified over the years as having a committee leading an effort.  Current analysis indicates that there are many functions which are staffed by an individual with no committee; some committees are in fact defunct and not necessary; some are addressed by the administrative structure of the church; and some do in fact have a committee guiding the effort.  The goal is to bring clarity to all of this, increase awareness, and invite parishioners to join areas of interest.  All committees will have a leader, members, goal statement and funding as necessary.  Once accomplished, consideration will be given to a ministry fair.

Grandparents Day.  Pope Francis has declared July 25 a world day for the elderly.  Planning is under way for St. Mary’s to celebrate this as Grandparents Day.  Youth involvement, a book of remembrance, a refreshment hour, and other elements are under review.

Welcome Back Celebration.   Given the impact of COVID 19, the resulting dispensation from Mass and religious isolation felt by many, a number of parishes are convening a Welcome Back Celebration.  The intent is to recognize the success made against the pandemic, the lifting of the dispensation, and the opportunity to once again more extensively celebrate the Mass in person with fellow parishioners in a special way.  Significant engagement of parishioners would be necessary to do this effectively. Unique programs would be planned such as a parish mural, parishioner created mosaic, or a new campus garden.   Discussion will continue at the next meeting of the Council.

Formed Tutorial.  St. Mary’s participates in this program.  It is a bountiful resource for Catholics for reflection, prayer, renewal, content for programs, etc.  Feedback has been excellent.  All are encouraged to visit the website.

Faith Formation.   A summer camp is being discussed for the children.  More to follow.

Finances.   There is a slight operating deficit to date.  The Church fiscal year ends on June 30.  In- church collections will resume the weekend of May 15, 16.

Second Mass on Sunday.   Fr. Michael is considering instituting a second Mass on Sundays.

Reminder.  Please contact Fr. Michael or a member of the Pastoral Council with any concerns or recommendations.  A listing of members may be found on the Church website under Ministries.