St. Edward’s Parish Council Meeting

                                                                        February 6, 2007

 Minutes

          Attendees:  Pam Buzzerd, Angie Cipolla, Tim Curtis, Maureen Curtis,  Chris Garner, Paul Mendez, Wendy Owens, Bernadette Pressel, Alice    Showell, Dave Snellings, Kelly Stratchko, Barb Thieman, Marco Venida,

1.   The meeting opened with a prayer by Chris Garner at 8:12 PM.

2.        January 2, 2007 meeting minutes were reviewed and amended. B. Thieman made a motion to accept the minutes as amended and T. Curtis seconded.  The minutes were accepted as amended.  Minutes will be posted on the St. Edward’s website.

3.        Old Business

Reviewed the list of committees on which council members serve.  The list is as follows:

4.        New Business – Parish Initiatives

a.        Goal Setting

·   Goals were last set four years ago and we will again go through the process of goal setting at the March 6,2007 meeting.  At that time, William Gorman from the Archdiocese will guide the Council through the process. Pam Buzzerd addressed Fr. Foley’s thoughts on the importance of the goal setting process.

·   A discussion of the previous process four years ago included the parish survey with the top two priorities being the need for more work on the Youth Ministry and the need for space.  The resulting goals were acquiring a Youth Minister and expanding the building. P. Mendez suggested that we announce past goals and resulting actions as this would be useful to others in formulating new goals. Putting this information  in the bulletin might generate interest and enthusiasm for participation in the process. 

·   C. Garner mentioned that a poster had been created listing the top 10 goals of the parish.  The group agreed that it would be very helpful to have the poster at the next meeting.

b.       Community Building

·   There was a discussion of activities already underway. The issues concerning lack of adequate space and conflicts of scheduling were discussed as well as the limitations this imposes.

·   P. Buzzard also discussed Fr. Foley’s desire for the Council to work more closely with the Development Committee to coordinate future plans and goals. This included Fr. Foley’s belief that the new building will help build a sense of community within the Parish (You have a faith home). In addition, it could be used not only in our outreach to the Parish Community, but to the greater community as well (such as the use of the gym and meeting rooms by Parish members, youth and the general community).

·   There was a lengthy discussion that included some of the following suggestions:

o  Dividing the parish by geographic areas and having members reach out to neighbors through home visits, phone calls and conversations with friends.

o  Using of the Bowie Blade to “advertise” the activities of the church as well as the new facilities the church is building.

o   Including St. Edwards in more church listings in local papers, phone books etc.

c.        Whole Community Catechesis.

·   M. Curtis announced plans for an Advent intergenerational event to be held on December 1, 2007.  The purpose of the event is to reach people who may not participate in the Church other than to attend Mass. The goal is to get the whole community involved and to provide a conversion experience to those who may not be active in the Church. The event would include having various stations such as prayer station, making advent wreaths, St. John the Baptist station etc. Sometimes this is followed up with a retreat, but space limitations do not permit this at this time. The specifics of the event are yet to be determined; however there is an inclusive packet that can be used to plan and advertise the event.

·   One of the goals is to get a letter to the Parish community to get feedback as to what the parish is seeking from the Church.

·   There was a discussion of the former Ladies Guild and how this group helped to draw people into the Church and build community.

·   P. Mendez suggested that we might have catechism for adults of the Parish.

·   K. Stratchko suggested the possibility of having mid-week pot luck dinners followed by a brief service, which families or individuals could attend.

·   It was suggested that we could invite more speakers on various subjects pertinent to the Church followed by discussions.

·   C. Garner mentioned that there is a new program, similar to Renew that includes small faith formation groups held in households.

·   There was a discussion of the many activities the church performs in the community, and that people may not be aware of these activities. A. Cipolla suggested that we have someone from each ministry speak at Mass about their Ministry and invite people to join. A. Showell also suggested we provide people with a card so that they could immediately express an interest.

·   M. Curtis also discussed the need to assign small committees to all projects or activities in order to get more support for these activities and to involve more people in the process. It was emphasized that activities also need to be planned well in advance to be successful and to maximize support and participation.

·   It was reiterated again that the best way to succeed in meeting the needs of the community and in recruiting Volunteers was to put out a lot more information about present and future goals, activities and ministries.

5.        Committee Reports

Liturgy and Worship: 

·   The schedule for Lenten Observances was included in the Bulletin.

·    On February 24, 2007, Liturgy Ministry Day will be held and will include a Mass and snacks.

·   There will be a meeting for vocations on February 10 at ST. John the Evangelist.

·   The Legion of Mary will take over the Ministry guide. P. Mendez showed us a sample brochure listing information on all of the area churches as well as the Basilica.

·   P. Mendez showed us a sample brochure listing information on all of the area churches as well as the Basilica. The brochure is being prepared by his wife, Edie, for the Legion of Mary.

·   The Legion of Mary will welcome new parishioners on Pentecost Sunday. This will be coordinated with the international pot-luck festival after the 11:30 Mass.

·   A. Cipolla is organizing a Day of Reflection for the ladies at Mattaponi on Saturday, May 19. It will begin at 9:00 and include breakfast and lunch.

                            Justice and Service

·   March 11-17 Village Baptist hosts Warm Nights (provide homeless shelter for a week). St. Edwards will provide bag lunches made by the Youth Group and a dinner one of those nights.

                            Community Building

·   It was suggested that we hold Donut Sunday and that it should be on the same Sunday of the month every month.  There are space constraints in winter months so the logistics need to be planned in advance.

·   K. Stratchko suggested that we might hold an event on Mothers’ Day event at which the men would serve dinner This event may include a speaker.  There could also be a complimentary event on Fathers’ Day.

                            Building & Grounds

·   Addressing continuing problems with fluorescent lights.

·   Roof will be repaired in the spring.

                            Faith Formation

·   2nd grade reconciliation took place last week.

·   The Confirmation class will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on April 20^th. Archbishop Wuerl will officiate.

·   The Annual High School Youth Group Retreat will be help March 2-4

·   RCIA Retreat will be February 16-187.

Closing prayer was offered by Paul Mendez.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:38 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Bernadette Pressel                 

 Web site photographer photos@stedwardbowie.org

Send mail to webmaster@stedwardbowie.org with questions or comments about this web site.