March 18, 2010

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM. Cindy asked if anyone had intentions to be voiced. Father asked that we pray for Sister Maureen Joyce, Jackie mentioned a friend, Jill voiced concerned for a co-worker and Harry Bowkes and Justyn Bates also asked for prayers for others. Father led the prayers.

In Attendance: Paul Kutey, John Defilippo, Lana Zanello, Cindy Pettit, Father Farano, Catlin Mason, Dick Connery, Judy Ranalli, Jackie DeSanti, Justyn Bates, Kate Burns, Tom Christman, Harvey Bowks, Jill Counihan, Frank Pugliano, Dennis Mullahy, Marlene Papa and Tom Fallatti. Dr. David Kimble represented the School Board.

Excused: Mary Nardolillo, Brian Evers

Cindy made a correction to the last meeting. Jill Counihan attended the last School Board Meeting. A motion was made by Dick Connery and seconded by Tom Christman to approve the minutes as mailed.

Principal’s Report – Dennis Mullahy All of the pre-school programs are almost filled for the fall school season. The school has hired Houndoggraphics.com to complete a full service analysis for the web Site. Dennis is also working on renewing the Middle States Accreditation.

Paul Kutey shared a testimonial for St. Pius School. Father Farano had spoken about vandalism in his school Homily. Paul’s daughter is a 4th grade student. His daughter was very impressed with Father’s comments and told her father all about the discussion. Paul said this is why he is sending his child to St. Pius. Thank you Paul!

School is losing money on funding of mandated services required by State Ed. In 2009, the school received $134,000 from the State for services but in 2010 the school is slated to receive only $90,000. Jill also mentioned the recent lobbying efforts of the Catholic Conference. She recommended everyone sign up for periodic email updates from NYSCatholic.org. Cindy suggested Jill write an article for the next newsletter in June. .

Religious Education – Judy Ranalli 90 children will be attending Jesus Day to be held on Saturday.

Christian Works and Services – Tom Chrisman

There will be a collection for Maternity Services around Mother’s Day. Tom will find out what is most needed. Friar Greg is holding a gigantic garage sale. Tom has to contact Holy Families parish to find out what Fr. Greg is looking for. He will notify us by the next meeting.

Discernment – Dick Connery There will be envelopes in pew for the Bishop’s Fund on April 24 and 25. Clean Up will be May 1 and 2nd.

The April 17 bulletin will announce Pastoral Council Discernment. There will be pulpit announcements and articles in the bulletin the weeks of May 15 and 22. June 1 will be a meeting of all interested persons. June 9 Sr. Monica will facilitate discernment. Welcoming & Hospitality- Kate They are in the process of implementing some survey recommendations and will report back to Council.

New Business- Catlin Mason conducted an informal survey with 10 – 15 young people ranging in age from 16 – 27. The topic was church/faith. She asked questions regarding whether or not this age group is religious and practicing his/her religion. Some of those surveyed did not practice their religion and it validated what Fr. Farano had learned from national surveys.There must be effort to keep the young people in the church after Confirmation. Catlin would like to work on this topic.

The Ministry Appreciation Dessert Party will be held on April 16. E-mails have gone out through the Parish Council. We hope to host over 100 people.

Paul Kutey - Financial Report Paul provided an overview of the parish and school finances year to date. Parish envelope collections are down $5,000. Expenses are down about $68,000 this year and utilities are down about $17,000. The Religious Ed. Program generated about $22,000 which was up. School tuition collection has increased $184,000 due to the expansion. After school participation is since adding 4 year olds to the program. Utilities are down $8,000. Health insurance is up 17.8%. The new addition was paid for from reserves and is being repaid over 7 years. The school and parish are in sound financial condition due to careful planning and budgeting.

Father mentioned that he may have to make some pulpit announcements to make certain that people are aware that costs are rising. Last year the parishioners were asked to contribute a small amount to their weekly offering.

Fr. Farano’s comments- All of the Catholic churches in the Colonie cluster will offer the “Leave the Lights On” reconciliation on 3/30 7 – 9 PM. Our church contributed almost $35,000 to the people in Haiti. Congratulations to all of our generous parishioners. May 10, 11, 12 and 13 will be Spring Enrichment at St. Rose. Bishop Clark will be the keynote speaker. Father Farano discussed the new Obama Bill for Health. There is nothing in the bill to protect those who do not wish to participate in abortion. Because of its ethical norms and directives Catholic hospitals are not allowed to participate in abortions. The Bishops are reconciling that with the mission of catholic hospitals.