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ST. BONIFACE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL MINUTES – NOVEMBER 29, 2007
The meeting was opened at 7:00 p.m. For faith formation, Father Joe read a poem about a boy who laughed at Santa Claus. The boy was generally obnoxious and didn’t believe that Santa Claus existed. At the end of the poem, the boy met Santa Claus face to face and was turned into an ugly jack-in-the-box. Father compared this to people who deny the existence of God and what will happen to them when they finally meet God face to face. Father also mentioned that the following Sunday will be the first Sunday of Advent and the theme of the gospel is to be prepared for Jesus’ coming.
Roll call was taken. Members Present: Father Joe, Tim Banish, Lisa Biedenbach, Bob Frerick, Mike Grause, Jeanne Guenthner, Beth Kessler, Tom LeSaint, Scott Rice, Henry Wesseler, Rosemary Welz. Mary Jeanne Feldkamp, Carol Roosa and Kathleen Sonderman were also present.
The minutes of the September 25 meeting were approved as published.
Old Business:
Fall Festival -- A financial report for the Fall Festival was distributed. There may still be a few outstanding bills. The net profit is approximately $5,884.00.
Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) -- Scott Rice distributed a printout of Ohio HB 717 regarding the use of AED’s. The bill states that except in the case of willful or wanton misconduct or when there is no good faith attempt to activate an emergency medical services system, no person shall be held liable in civil damages for injury, death, or loss to person or property, or held criminally liable, for performing automated external defibrillation in good faith, regardless of whether the person has obtained appropriate training on how to perform automated external defibrillation or successfully completed a course in CPR. This means, simply, even if the AED was not used, as long as 911 was immediately called in the event someone was stricken, we could not be held liable. Father will check with the Archdiocese attorney before we proceed further. Our ideal plan would be to have several people who are trained in AED use at each Mass or parish function. It was suggested that we place a notice in the bulletin asking for volunteers who would like to be trained.
Parish Survey -- Tim Banish reported on the results of the Parish Activities Survey that was in the bulletin several months ago. Parishioners expressed interest in a pancake breakfast, a one-day retreat, the Thanksgiving dinner/festival and spiritual lectures. The survey will be published in the bulletin again to get more response. Lisa Biedenbach then presented a proposal for a spiritual book club, which would meet four times a year after the 12:00 noon Sunday Mass. Lisa would like to begin promoting the book club in January and hold the first meeting in late March. After discussion Tim Banish moved and Henry Wesseler seconded that Lisa proceed with plans for the spiritual book club. The motion was unanimously approved.
New Business
St. Vincent de Paul -- Kathleen Sonderman distributed a copy of the St. Vincent de Paul report that had appeared in the bulletin. Kathleen thanked everyone for their generous response to the request for fruit and macaroni and cheese. Several council members commented that it’s a good idea for St. Vincent de Paul to inform the parishioners of specific items that are needed. Kathleen explained the procedure for distributing items to the people who come to the food pantry. This year St. Vincent de Paul will be assisting 31 families who have children attending St. Boniface School. The families will receive a grocery gift card to purchase food and also a retail gift card to purchase toys and/or clothing for each child in the family. Volunteers are needed two or three times a month to pick up food at the Freestore. Anyone wishing to volunteer should contact the rectory.
Father Joe then conducted the prayer service for the induction of the new Parish Pastoral Council members.
For the Good of the Parish:
Father Joe and Council members reported the following.
· The St. Boniface School Board meetings have been changed to the 3rd Thursday of each month. There are currently about 168 students enrolled in St. Boniface School. The pupil population seems to be more stable than it was last year. · A party is planned in December for the Bingo volunteers. · The annual CISE drawing will be held on Saturday, December 8. The grand prize is $10,000. Tickets are $100 each. · Additional work on the organ is planned. Two more ranks of pipes will be added. The funds to cover the work were donated. · December 2 is the first Sunday of Advent. The Catechumens will be accepted as candidates for baptism or reception into the Church. There are currently 4 adults and one 6th grader enrolled in the RCIA program. · December 8 is the feast of the Immaculate Conception and is a Holy Day of Obligation. There will be a 7:00 p.m. Mass on Friday, December 7, and 2 Masses on Saturday morning. · This year Christmas is on Tuesday. We will be following the usual Christmas Mass schedule. · Our October count indicated that we have approximately 550 people attending Mass on the weekend, which is about the same as last year. However, Father Joe mentioned that our count is gradually going down. · The Advent Penance Service will be on Monday, December 10, at 7:00 p.m. · Deacon Jerry Yetter will be preaching at the Masses on December 29 and 30. · A financial report for the year to date was distributed. The parish is currently showing a profit of approximately $11,000. · Father Joe thanked everyone who helped with the Fall Festival. · Carol Roosa is continuing to take classes at the Athenaeum for Parish Administration.
The next meeting will be January 24. The meeting was closed at 8:45 p.m. with prayer by Father Joe.
Respectfully submitted,
Rosemary Welz, Secretary
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