St. Louis Church
Pittsford, New York  

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Parish Council Meeting
April 7, 2008

MINUTES

Present: Father Kevin Murphy, Pastor; John Barr, Chairman; Keith Bullis, Lisa DePalma, Joseph DiPrima, Gregory Farrell, Bradley Kammholz, Gina Kaufer, James Kaufer, Edward Kay, Sister Judith Ann Kenrick, Thomas Kroll, Sarah McDonald, Carol McManus, Karl Mersich, Peerioska Mersich, Michael Moore, Mark Mungenast, Peggy O’Neil Midgley, Susan Payne, Ned Sayegh, James Schnell, Sally Schrecker.

Excused: Nancee Bender McCaffrey, Jeffrey Calabrese, Rosemary Graham, Sephanie Honz, Dino and Delaina Infantino, George Kimber, Deacon John Payne, Gerard Rooney

John Barr began the meeting at 7 p.m. Karl and Perioska Mersich said an opening prayer. John asked for approval of the minutes of the February 4, 2008 Parish Council Meeting. Peggy O’Neil Midgley made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted. Sue Payne seconded the motion, and it was unanimously approved.

Pastor’s Sharing
Father Kevin Murphy reported that efforts to connect St. Louis, St. Michael’s, and St. Bridget’s parishes have begun with plans for a food cupboard and attendance at Vacation Bible School. The planning group is looking toward establishing other opportunities for the three parishes to be involved.

St. Louis School enrollment will increase by 50 students with the closing of 13 diocesan Catholic Schools. Four hundred twenty-five (425) students will attend St. Louis School for the 2008-09 school year.

Father Kevin noted that Sister Judith Ann Kenrick, Pastoral Associate at St. Louis Church, will be reducing her hours of ministry. Sister Judy’s job description will be redefined, and a position for a full time Pastoral Associate will be advertised.

The Finance Committee is working on the Parish Budget for 2008-09 and will present it to the Parish Council at its April meeting.

Chairman’s Comments
John Barr distributed a revised letter about the formation of a Pastoral Leadership Group that will be printed in the bulletin. The letter states that the purpose of the group is to gather, evaluate, and present information about different leadership models that are used in the Diocese of Rochester. The goal of the group is to use this information to develop a pastoral plan that will be at the long-term best interest of the parish.

Youth Committee Report
Gregory Farrell, Senior High School Youth Minister, reported on the activities of the youth group. He noted the group meets weekly on Sunday evenings with an average attendance of 20 high school students. Each month the group identifies a theme for discussion, and on occasion a speaker is invited to give a presentation on a specific topic. In November 2008, eight students attended the National Catholic Youth Conference held in Ohio.

Selection Process
Ned Sayegh presented the names of eight candidates for the Selection Process to fill five seats on the Parish Council in June 2008. The candidates are: Gene Agban, Mark Abbott, John Barr, Geraldine Gebbie, David Mountan, John and Paula Murphy, James and Dawn Schnell, and Jeffrey Stid. The Selection will take place at the 9 a.m. Mass on Sunday, May 18.

Pastoral Leadership at St. Mary’s Church in Rochester, New York
Father Kevin Murphy introduced Father Bill Donnelly and Anne Marie Brogan. The leadership at St. Mary’s Church has changed from a priest-pastor to a Sacramental Minister (Father Bill Donnelly) and a Pastoral Administrator (Anne Marie Brogan). Father Bill explained the changes in responsibilities noting that he is involved with the spiritual life of the parish, and Anne Marie oversees the day-to-day operations of the parish. Father Bill also explained the process in presenting a proposal to Bishop Matthew Clark, and when approved, he educated staff, parish council, and parishioners on the upcoming changes. He noted that the appointment of pastoral administrator is made by the diocesan.

No other topics were presented for discussion. The meeting adjourned at 9 p.m. Sarah McDonald said a closing prayer.


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Sarah McDonald, Secretary


 

Next Meeting

Monday, May 5, 2008
7 p.m. Parish Meeting Room