Minutes of Pastoral Council Meeting September 15, 2015
Present: Father Gabin, Kelli Meliti, Phyllis Heppard, Sister M. Carmella, Bernadette Ryan, Rita Sindoni, Margaret Mary McNicholas, Deacon Bob Frankenberger, Deacon Joe Gousie, Jonathan Menta, Maureen Ward.
Opening Prayer presented by Deacon Joe.
Discussion of expiration of terms of several members of council. Father invited those whose term was expiring to continue for another term.
Father Gabin introduced Maureen Ward to the council members. Maureen is the new principal of Holy Cross, however she has been a member of Holy Cross for over 18 years.
School Report:
Maureen Ward reported that Holy Cross currently has 242 students in addition to a new PreK3 class and five new teachers this year. School is going well and there are plans for special masses, service projects for CYO and Holy Cross will have a day of service in honor of the visit of Pope Francis.
PREP Report:
Kelli reported that there are 167 PREP students currently enrolled, down from last year. There are 15 students that did not return, but Kelli will contact those families. First grade enrollment is lower this year than in the past with only 20 students. There are three new teachers. There was good attendance to back to PREP day. October 4 will be presentation of Confirmation candidates.
Sister Carmella Report:
Pantry going very well, was painted and now boasts a fridge and freezer on site. A percentage of donations for St. Vincent dePaul is now used to purchase more items for pantry.
There were 40 families that used the pantry in August, very large number. Sister noted the great volunteers that help at the pantry.
Sister will continue to visit the home bound and noted that Oct. 10 is Anointing Mass and Nov 2 is the Mass of Remembrance.
Called By Name- Jonathan Menta:
Jonathan reported that in conjunction with Pope Francis visit to Philadelphia the Archdiocese has put together a program that invites parishioners to provide names of men/boys age 16 or older in their parish who they think would become priests.
Jonathan attended a training program over the summer and is our Parish Vocation Coordinator and discussed the process which includes involving the congregation in identification of priestly candidates.
In the weeks leading up to November 1 deadline, Father Gabin and our Deacons will discuss process with people of parish.
Information cards will be placed in pews and parishioners will be asked to complete cards with information of potential candidates. Candidates will then meet with Father Gabin, then a venting process will be discussed at Pastoral Council to review names of candidates before names and any other additional information is presented to Father Delacy who heads program at the Archdiocese.
Father Delacy will then reach out to candidate.
Father Gabin will discuss this process at the October 25 Masses and candidate names will be reviewed at the next Pastoral Council meeting on November 17.
Other vocations will be included in the program, but focus is currently on priests in conjunction with the Pope's visit.
Father Hutchins 7th to 9th Grade Mass Request:
Father Hutchins would like to reach out to 7-9th graders with a non sung Mass while regular Mass is going on upstairs. This Mass would include discussions about their issues.
Council thought that there would not be much interest in this idea, and would probably be better attended when our youth group is organized. Father Gabin explained that we will be hiring a Youth Group Leader sometime in the spring.
Father Gabin will let Father Hutchins know council's feedback, but will not discourage him from trying to reach out to this group.
Springfield Parish Combining Ministries:
Father reported that our Lay Ministries will be combining with St. Kevin and St. Francis. Respect Life Committee has already begun coordinating with meetings and group activities. We look forward to including our other ministries in this endeavor.
World Meeting Of Families:
Excitement mounts as we are preparing for the visit from Pope Francis as well as the many opportunities during the week of the World Meeting of Families. Holy Cross has a filled bus going to event. Some members are volunteers and others are attending various events during this most memorable time. Holy Cross church will have live streaming of the Papal Mass with Father Hutchins.
40 Hours:
40 Hours devotion will be November 8-9-10, with PREP and CYO attending on November 9th.
This year our presenter will be a former member of Holy Cross, Father Gulgiamo, we are very excited to have such an enthusiastic priest with us this year
Next Meeting will be on November 17 at 7PM and we ask Anthony Creato to conduct our opening prayer.