Minutes from Pastoral Council Meeting

St. Dominic Parish

January 21, 2008

 

In Attendance:  Father John Gabin, Bill Barranger, Ed Donahue, Edward Moore, Paul D. Johnson, Dan Trotter, Patricia Aberle, Terry Berran, Kelly A. Oudyk, Mary Garr, Ruth Casey and Sister Suzanne

 

Father Gabin opened the meeting with a prayer in honor of St. Agnes.

 

Eucharistic Day:  All parishioners are invited to attend the Eucharistic Day on Tuesday, February 5th.

 

Lenten Evening Prayer:   Father Ralph J. Chieffo will preside over the Lenten evening prayer on February 19th.

 

Cranaleith:   Sister Suzanne distributed papers about this beautiful retreat center which is managed by the Sisters of Mercy.  All types of people have participated in these retreats.  The cost is minimal for the benefits received.

 

Town Watch:   Bill Barranger gave his report and update about his taking the responsibility for driving around the school, rectory and cemetery between the hours of 10:00 PM and 2:00 AM on weekends.  There are currently two town watches.  The St. Dominic Town Watch with Paul Johnson and Bill Barranger and the Pennypack Town Watch under the direction of Bob Gardner.

 

Bill gave an interesting report on his travels around the premises.  He met a few people coming in cars in the middle of the night.  They left as soon as they spotted his car.  He also spotted a few deer in the early evening as they live in the Pennypack Woods.  Ed Kilkenny and Armand Binni have been willing to give their time and service.  More people are needed and perhaps would be willing to give of their time if they realized that even giving one hour will be a help in trying to prevent destruction to the cemetery or to the school.  Someone suggested tapping the Knights of Columbus for this type of service to the parish.  A suggestion was made that there would be gates around the cemetery…right now that is out of the question.

 

Marriage Mass:  The annual Mass for married couples will be held at St. Dominic on Saturday, February 16th.  The Sisters of IHM will be happy to give their service and help for the serving of the meal as well as many other willing parishioners.  Father Heim’s committee will be doing the cooking as usual.

 

St. Dominic School Advisory Council:  This group has been formed to better fulfill the mission and the purpose of the school.  Permanent Members:  Father John Gabin, Pastor, Sister Shaun Thomas, Principal, Lisa Mertz, development and Luke Snyder, school financial advisor.  Appointed Members:  Harry Aldworth, Monsignor Herbert Bevard, Nicholas Bozzi, Tawanna Coats, Benjamin Evans, Sister John Evelyn, IHM, Thomas Forkin, Jr., Dr. Kathleen Herpcih, David Lambie, Joseph Lancelotti, Dr. Grace O’Neill, Mary Rochford, Sister Joan Rychalsky and Michael Serverson.  This group will be doing research, engaging in discussion and will make recommendations to the pastor and the principal to assist them in making informed decisions which will support and strengthen the school.

 

Focus Groups:  These groups were formed so that the parishioners were able to voice their critical concerns for St. Dominic School so that it will continue to be a valuable tool in the training and development of our students in the knowledge of their faith and education for their future.  Sister Janet Baker did a wonderful job in leading these focus groups.  Father Gabin gave each member of the pastoral council a copy of her report.

 

St. Dominic School Strategic Planning Task Force Summary:  These four task forces have made recommendations to Sister Shaun and Father Gabin in the areas of:  Governance, Advancement, Academic Program, Finance and Enrollment.  This advisory body will assist in all areas as outlined in the strategic plan and other areas which may arise concerning the school.

 

March for Life:  The bus will leave for Washington, DC from St. Dominic on Tuesday morning, January 22nd.  Father Gabin will offer Mass at 6:30 AM for anyone interested.

 

St. Dominic Jackpot:  More ticket checkers are needed on Monday evenings after the weekly drawing.  Come to Marian Hall on Mondays at 7:00 PM if you can help.

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted by:

Sister Suzanne Scattergood, IHM

January 24, 2008