Our Lady of the Lakes Church

Minutes of Parish Council Meeting

May 26, 2009

 

1. The meeting was called to order at 7:00p.m.with an opening prayer by Father Nagle.

2. Members present: Diane Robillard, Paul Robillard, Ed Farr, Todd Frechette, Susan Hollo, Greg Kolashuk, Bob Macher, Steve Middel, Henry Talbot, Christine Durkee, Matthew Brown, Deacon Bill Hermann, and Father Nagle.  Also attending were parishioners Terry Bannon and Blanche Gaudette and Finance Committee Representative Dick Asafaylo.

3. Members absent: Josh Kobyluck, Jennifer Wojcik, Paul Borque, Marshall Collins

4. The minutes of the April meeting were reviewed and accepted as amended.

 

Old Business

 

1.   Topic: Pew Cards

Discussion: Paul Borque and Father Nagle will follow up on this item as needed, and advise the council when new information is available.

Recommendations:  No further follow up is needed.

 

2.   Topic: Energy Reduction Program

Discussion: Greg Kolashuck’s attempts to contact CL& P have been unsuccessful. We have signed with LEVCO and consider this item closed.   

Recommendations:  None

 

3.   Topic: Signage for buildings and parking lot

Discussion: New signs have been installed indicating the location of fire extinguishers and telephones.  The parking lot entrance and exit arrow signs have been repainted.    

Recommendations:  Steve Middel to submit bulletin announcement regarding adherence to parking lot arrows.

 

4.   Topic: AED Status

Discussion: Father Nagle reported that the topic of the AED purchase did not come up at the Finance Committee meeting. Discussion planned for next quarterly Finance Committee meeting.  Bob Macher suggested that regardless of the outcome of the Finance Committee meeting regarding AED purchase we could consider offering training to parishioners and special group members regarding emergency procedures.

Recommendations:  Consider training and ensure all phones are accessible during all masses and activities. Await discussion regarding AED until after next quarterly Finance Committee meeting.  Item will be removed from agenda until that time. 

 

5.   Topic: Parish Demographics/Census

Discussion:   Diane Robillard reported that the form has been revised to gather information from parishioners. Mid-June is targeted for distribution.

Recommendations:  The Council will call on ushers to help with distribution and collection of census surveys (hand-to-hand) at weekend masses.

 

 

6.   Topic: Adult Education

Discussion:  The Bible Study Program is underway, and has been very well received. Great enthusiasm for the scripture has been noted.  Father Nagle is very happy with the program so far. Mike Zito’s presentation is excellent. Participation was good considering last week was a holiday weekend, Sunday evening class.

Recommendations: None

 

7.   Topic: Evangelization Program

Discussion:  Paul Robillard stated that response continues to be good. Paul again mentioned the book; Rediscovering Catholicism, for information.  Some books are being passed on to non-parishioners, which is a positive result toward the program objectives.

Recommendations: None

 

8.   Topic: Council Membership

Discussion:  Diane Robillard stated that she approached Colleen Brunelle to consider joining the council.  Other parishioners identified to ask as a result of response to the bulletin or recommendations include: Joyce Sinay, Rosemary O’Brien, Mark Dube, Coreen McComber, and Anthony Florkoski.  This number of candidates will work well to offset the rotation of current members whose term expires in the coming year. .

Recommendations: Each of the possible candidates will be contacted to consider joining the Council, and invited to attend a meeting. 

 

New Business

 

1.  Topic: Father Nagle’s Report

Discussion: – Pastor William Paul Young who authored the book; The Shack, which is a NY Times #1 Best Seller, will be speaking at the Quaker Hill Baptist Church.  Father Nagle will look into having him speak at Our Lady of the Lakes Church on June 28th.

 

Father Nagle continues to see an increase in young families in church, and an increase in the baptisms and promotion of RCIA Candidates.

 

Knights of Columbus are holding a Chowder Festival on June 28th.  This was discussed as a possible conflict, or benefit, with regard to the aforementioned book speaker engagement.  Further consideration of the speaking date expected.

 

Father noted the Evangelization Program is going well.  The books and CD’s are well received; however he offered that we consider being more “outward” in the communication of our faith. He prompted us to think about the concept of “disciple-ship” as a possible approach.  Father offered that maybe Father Ray’s visit in August might spark some parish vibrancy.  There was a bit more discussion regarding the progress and growth in the parish.  Father noted that he is aware we have set our goals high.  Others offered that we are experiencing growth toward our goals.

Recommendation: None

 

 

 

2.  Topic: Finance Committee Report

Discussion: – Dick Asafaylo presented a summary of Parish Finances for the current fiscal year. The Finance Committee is comprised of four members plus Father Nagle. The Committee last met on April 28th. Currently the parish is operating with an annual deficit of $20,000.

 

The Committee has taken some actions to address the deficit:

1.       Changed our electric provider to LEVCO.  This will save approximately $1,200 per year.

2.       Paid off our parking lot loan to reduce Principal & Interest.  This reduces our monthly outgo by $1426.

 

The Finance Committee is looking for other ideas, and is also looking for ways to communicate with parishioners. Some suggestions were offered:

1.       Add a supplemental sheet to the bulletin.

2.       Finance Committee representative to present information at masses.

3.       Conduct a town meeting format to obtain ideas and volunteers for recommended actions.

4.       Provide a summary of programs and offerings that the Church provides to parishioners.

5.       Phone solicitations to increase giving.

6.       Integrate Finance discussions with the Planning and Development activities.

 

Some suggestions for cost reduction and for increasing income were made by council members:      

1.       Reduce winter heating and reduce summer air conditioning.

2.       Offer electronic (web-pay) option for giving. Auto deduction is a means to increase weekly income by eliminating “skip” weeks, or absences of parishioners from weekly masses.

3.       Special Collections have always been very productive. 

 

Recommendation: It was suggested that this information regarding parish finances and required actions be presented to parishioners. The Finance Committee will deliberate with the information gathered at this meeting during their next meeting to be held June 14th.  Following their deliberations the Committee will revisit the Parish Council with recommendations.

 

Open Discussion

 

1.  Topic: Flowers and Landscaping

Discussion: – Bob Macher mentioned that the flowers and landscaping in front of the church look fantastic.

Recommendation:  None

 

A closing prayer was said and the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.  The next Parish Council meeting will be on June 23rd, 2009 at 7:00p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Steve Middel, Secretary