The May 20th Parish Pastoral Council meeting was called to order by Frank Hughes, President at 7:05 PM.  Frank led an opening prayer.

In attendance:
Mary Nardolillo, Frank Hughes, Frank Pugliano, Dick Connery, Tom Christman, John DeFilippo, Brian Evers, Peter Ranalli, Justyn P. Bates, Kate Burns, Father Farano, Cindy Pettit, Paul Kutey, JB Zongo and Marlene Papa.

April Meeting Notes - Mary Nardolillo made a motion to accept the April Meeting Notes as drafted and Justyn Bates seconded the motion.  All approved.

Review of Action Items from April meeting – Frank reviewed the action items from last month’s meeting.
Highlights include: John D made a presentation on plastic handles for plastic grocery bags to be used by Sr. Sarah’s customers. The holders, over the internet are $2.00/holder.  Fr. Farano gave John permission to order 50.

Marlene provided information concerning pull carts for transporting groceries and more for Sacred Heart Food Pantry and brought in on cart for display.

Paul Kutey is working on the Google Maps delineating the parking spaces surrounding the church.  We may use the maps but must include their Logo.

There has been general discussion regarding placing pictures of students or others in our Web Site information including the quarterly newsletter.  Brian will work with Dennis M and others to ensure that the same changes that are made to the School permissions process is applied to the Church and Religious Education classes permissions process.

Committee Reports –
Christian Works and Services – Emily Hughes spearheaded a collection for the Domestic Violence Shelters in Albany in conjunction with her working on the Girl Scout Gold Award and was overwhelmed with the outpouring of donations; tooth paste, soap, lotion, etc.  Emily has collected over 75 bags worth of supplies and will be making quilted bags to hold the supplies for distribution. 
In the near future there will be a similar collection for the children in the shelters; books, DVD’s, games, puzzles.

Cindy Pettit mentioned that the Double H Camp, sponsored by Paul Neumann, is looking for 900 blankets for their summer program.  The children have special needs are terminal illnesses.
Cindy asked Fr. Farano if she thought we were having two many collections.  John D. said that if people did not want to contribute they had a choice.  Father said he thought an announcement could be made in the bulletin, perhaps at the end of June, for this collection of blankets.  They can be hand knitted or the fleece blankets which are readily available in the local Christmas Tree Shops, etc. Cindy will coordinate a schedule with Lou Buff.

Finance Committee - Paul K provided a brief financial report overview.  He said given the state of the economy, that we are holding our own.  The expense side is pretty level. 

St. Pius X School - Father Farano said that the school is doing fine but is owed about $175,000 from the State of New York for mandated services.  He said that there is enough cushion in the budget to carry the school until the $175,000 comes in, but due to the states own budget issues the amount may not be forthcoming as soon as we would like or normally expect.

Also, Father Farano discussed:

• the purchase of a new truck, new carpeting in some areas, clean up of corner lot.  Father would like an option on the corner home and property if it goes up for sale.   
• There is a need for two more classrooms to be added to the back of the school.  At first, manufactured units were discussed.  With the help of Dick Zandri, Father was able to bring the costs for the complete project, stick built, to under $500,000. 
• The same architect who drew plans for the school, Beau Michael, will be used. 
• Our Lady of Victory in Troy is closing and there has been interest shown by 6 or more families in St. Pius School.  Dennis sent a letter home regarding a 3 year old full day and at least 10 parents responded.  We would need close to 20 to start a 3 year old program and make it cost effective.
  

 
Parish Survey Committee Reports
Kate provided regarding the results of the Welcoming Committee meetings.  She mentioned that several good new ideas were being discussed and was looking for guidance on next steps to take
The following were suggested: 

• Pick one or two of the best ideas
• Notify the Council what these steps will be in order to avoid duplication of efforts across committees.
• Focus on these couple ideas and take concrete actions.

Frank P suggested that there should be a leader’s meeting with one person from each ministry.  Between now and September the leaders will meet and come back with a report for an early Fall Parish Council meeting. 

Discernment Status and Schedule – Frank H reported that there were 10 nominations received. Each nominee is being personally contacted by a member of the discernment committee. Six people have agreed to attend the information meeting next week, three are still being contacted and one nominee has decided that the position is not right for that person. 

Frank H asked for those who are interested in serving as Parish Council officers should contact him and provided an overview of the Executive Committee responsibilities.

Sacred Heart and Sister Sara follow up - Marlene made a report on the food pantry.  She went to visit with Sr. Sara to find out her needs and what she needs assistance.  Marlene had a show and tell and brought in a shopping cart.  We were able to donate three donated carts and five new carts to Sr. Sara.  She said that she has enough for now because she likes to see how the food pantry patrons respond.

As far as needs, Sr. Sara is quite self-sufficient.  Her food pantry collection from St. Pius is wonderful and greatly appreciated.  She mentioned that she has a room where she keeps “new” items to be used at Christmas.  Marlene asked Brian and Father Farano if the pantry could be added to the “Giving Tree”.  Father agreed with Brian that we could add some names to the tree to benefit food pantry patrons.  Marlene will visit Sr. Sara periodically to access her needs and how we can help.

Called to be Church – Frank P provided an overview of the CTBC process and status. There will be a second meeting in June at the committee level. A project management committee is being established to help formulate and focus the process for moving forward.
Frank P said that there was positive feedback on Father Moore’s Lenten Presentation on St. Ignatius.   

Pastor’s comments -

• June 10 is School Spirit Day. Father would like to have members from the Parish Council volunteer.  They should contact Dennis.
• Father Farano led the closing prayer and asked the council to remember JJ Smith and Kevin Clemente in our prayers. 
  

Respectfully Submitted
Marlene Papa 

Next Parish Council Meeting will be held on June 17th with dinner at 7:00PM.