APRIL 15, 2009

The April 15 meeting was called to order at 7:10pm by Jackie DeSanti, Vice President.  Special intentions were addressed and Jackie led an opening prayer.

In attendance:

Cindy Pettit, Mary Nardolillo, Justyn Bates, Dick Connery, Jackie DeSanti, Kate Burns, Frank Pugliano, Father Farano, Paul Kutey, Harvey Bowks, John DeFilippo, Tom Christman, Brian Evers and Marlene Papa.  Special guest - Sister Sara from the Sacred Heart Food Pantry.

Sacred Heart Food Pantry – Sister Sara

Tom Christman introduced Sr. Sara Kirsch from Sacred Heart.  Sister Sara is in charge of the food pantry and its distribution.  There was a great deal of information disseminated to our Parish Council.  One of the most important facts is that this is a Ministry at St. Pius X Parish.  Our donations supply almost 90% of the items passed out to low income families and singles at the pantry.

Some of the highlights of the Program:

• The pantry is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. 
• Patrons are able to participate in the program once a month.  A question was asked if there should be more days a month.  Sr. Sara said, “no”, that she likes the recipients to be self-sufficient.  Most clients receive food stamps.
• Fresh produce and frozen meats are available each week from the local Food Bank.
• Sister Sara writes grants for the produce and meat and other items from the local Food Bank.
• If a family is working and cannot come in until late in the day, Sister Sara will accommodate them.
• The patrons are able to choose from a list of staples called “Client’s Choice”.
• One month, for example, Sister Sara had concerns because there was limited cereal in stock.  Shortly thereafter, a large amount of cereals came in from our parish.
• Volunteers also collect “day old” products from Price Chopper.
• There is also a Friendship Table that serves meat loaf provided by the students and families at St. Pius X.
• A nutritionist is available to assist people with their needs.

Paul Kutey asked if there was a need for more food.  Sister Sara said we are doing fine.  Father Farano asked if there was not something more we could contribute.  Sister Sara said they could use grocery carts to wheel home their food.  Marlene offered to get prices for carts.

Review of last month’s meeting minutes

The minutes from the March 18 meeting were reviewed.  There were no additions or corrections.  A motion was made by Tom Christmas to approve the minutes as e-mailed and John DeFilippo second the motion.  All agreed.  Thanks to Dick Connery for taking the notes at the last meeting.

Action Items

Jackie reviewed the Action Items from last months’ meetings.
  
Evangelization Committee

The Evangelization Committee discussion for our Parish has been put on hold until the results of the meetings with the Bishop and his task force are finalized.  There will be a set of “best practices” sent out from the results of these meetings.  Discussion will then occur on the next steps to be taken by the Parish Council.

Discernment Committee

The schedule was discussed as per the last meeting confirming dates and making certain the dates did not conflict with the Bishop’s Appeal. There are four positions to be filled this year.  All council members were reminded that they should reach out and personally invite prospective members to come forward. This will be our own “Evangelization”.

Collection May 2 and May 3.

There will be a collection made on the 2nd and 3rd of May to supply toiletries to the local women’s domestic violence shelters. The donations will be tooth paste, soap, lotion, tooth brushes, and any other toiletries used by those coming to the shelters.  Trial size products are also welcome. Emily Hughes will be collecting for her Girl Scout Gold Award, and she can be contacted at 424-0301.

Parish Appreciation

The parish appreciation night will be held on Thursday, May 14th.  The festivities (delicious desserts) will commence at 6:00 and end at 7:30.  Please come.  All people in the parish who contribute their time and efforts are invited.

Pastor’s Comments

Father Farano thanked all those who worked on the Holy Thursday dinner.  There were almost 300 people served.  What a great outpouring of Faith from the parish.

Father Moore completed his session on St. Ignatius.  There were over l00 people in attendance and we have received great comments.

Father Stanley has returned for a 5 week vacation.  He will be filling in at Masses.

Father announced that there will be two new classrooms added to the St. Pius X School.  At one time, mobile trailers had been suggested but the finance committee decided, with Mr. Zandri’s input, to add permanent rooms.  There will be no problem filling these new areas, especially with the success of the 4 year old program and perhaps, in the future a 3 year old all-day program.

There is money in the school account to cover the construction.

Father Farano offered the closing prayer. 

Respectfully Submitted
Marlene Papa

The Next Parish Council meeting will be held May 20th.