The meeting was opened at 7:00 p.m. with prayer by Father Joe. Father read the gospel for Sunday, January 29, which tells of Jesus casting out an unclean spirit and asked for Council members’ thoughts and comments. Members expressed feelings that there are still evil spirits in the world, although they are not as evident as they were in Jesus’ time; that everyone has temptations; and that many people have personal “demons.”

Roll call was taken. Members Present: Father Joe, Tim Banish, Dave Bracken, Missy Craig, Kathie Fahey, Jerry Finke, Jeanne Guenthner, Beth Kessler, Tom LeSaint, Doug Mercer, Amy Robinson, Ruthann Sammarco, Mary Ann Thaler, Rosemary Welz. Carol Roosa and parishioner Lou Ruman were also present.

The minutes of the November 29 meeting were approved as published. Dave Bracken asked about the statements in the bulletin about the property at Chase and Gordon Streets and about the Ashland Station. Father Joe explained that the owner of the building at Chase and Gordon had contacted him to ask if, in the event the building was converted to offices, could the employees park in the church parking lot. The owners of the Ashland Station had also contacted Father regarding buying some of the St. Boniface property for expansion. Father informed them that our property was not for sale. They were then going to seek a variance to build close to our property. As of this meeting date, Father has heard no more from either of these individuals.

Old Business:

Parish Lenten Theme/Vocation Project -- Amy Robinson read an e-mail from Lisa Biedenbach regarding the work Lisa is doing on the Vocation Project. A public relations class at Xavier University will be working on promoting the Music at St. Boniface Series. Due to illness Lisa was not able to develop a parish theme for Lent.

Representative for Archdiocesan Pastoral Council -- Dave Bracken asked if Father had found anyone to serve as representative to the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council. There was a notation to our last meeting’s minutes that Rick Salerno had agreed to serve in this capacity. Father Joe reported that Rick had attended one meeting of the Archdiocesan Council and had enjoyed it.

Lighting -- Carol Roosa showed a picture of what the new pole lights will look like. The lights have been ordered and Al Murnan will do most of the installation work.

New Business:

Nominating Committee -- Tim Banish, Dave Bracken and Tom LeSaint volunteered to serve on the Parish Pastoral Council Nominating Committee. Dave Bracken asked if it was necessary for Council to have such a large number of members (presently 14 elected members and 1 appointed member). After discussion, Dave Bracken made a motion that the number of Council members be reduced to 12 elected members and 1 appointed member. This reduction will begin in 2006 with the option for an additional reduction in members in the future. Tim Banish seconded the motion. The motion was approved by a vote of 8 for and 4 against. This motion will necessitate revising Article III of the Council bylaws. This revision will be presented for approval at the next meeting.

Future of the Parish -- Dave Bracken expressed concern over the fact that our October count was down and that the weekly collections have decreased and asked what we could do to promote the parish. Father Joe replied that all the inner city parishes are struggling with the same problem. Father feels that we can best promote our parish by providing good liturgies and other opportunities for prayer. We are currently averaging about 500 people attending Mass on the weekends and Father thinks that St. Boniface Parish will probably be around for awhile. Further discussion was held regarding how to promote the parish and increase attendance. Tim Banish will work with CAIN on how to promote the churches in Northside and will report back at the next meeting.

Father Joe and Council members reported the following.

·There are currently 142 students enrolled in St. Boniface School. St. Margaret Mary School is closing at the end of this school year and Our Lady of the Rosary and St. Clare Schools will be merging with St. Bartholomew.

·The Christmas Masses were well attended, especially the 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass and the Midnight Mass.

·Catholic Schools Week is January 29 through February 4. There will be a special city-wide liturgy at the Cathedral on Wednesday, February 1.

·The Four Chaplains Mass will be Sunday, February 12, at 12:00 noon.

·Ash Wednesday is March 1. Easter is April 16. Due to daylight savings time, the Easter Vigil Service will not begin until 8:45 p.m.

·Nine St. Boniface parishioners will be confirmed at the 12:00 noon Mass on Sunday, April 30. They will be joined by 12 parishioners from Sacred Heart Parish.

·Father feels that his stewardship letter was successful. Several large donations have been received.

·A financial statement was distributed. The parish is currently about $6,900 in the red. This is due in part to a huge increase in the property taxes. The Archdiocese is working with the county auditor to correct this matter as the rectory is more office, meeting, and classroom space than living quarters.

·The Archbishop’s Annual Fund has been renamed the Archdiocesan Annual Fund. This year our parish goal is $13,000.

·The Catholic Men’s Conference will be Saturday, March 4. Anyone wishing to attend should contact Father Joe.

·Don Auberger will give an organ concert at the church on Sunday, February 5, at 4:00 p.m.

 

The next meeting will be March 28. The meeting was closed with prayer at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Rosemary L. Welz, Secretary