Frank Hughes called the meeting order at 7:05 PM.  Frank H led intentions and an opening prayer.  Tom Christman added a few words of thanks for the outpouring of concern for him and his family.

In attendance: Jean-Baptiste Zongo, Tom Christman, Frank Hughes, Frank Pugliano, Brian Evers, Richard Connery, Mary Nardolillo, Harvey Bowks, Peter Ranalli, Principal Dennis Mullahy, Mike Rossi, Sue Wagner (School Board Rep), Father Steve Moore, Kate Burns, John DeFilippo, Paul Kutey, Father Farano and Marlene Papa.

Absent: Jackie DeSanti, Mark Morrison

September Meeting Notes were reviewed, discussed, and approved as drafted with one small wording change.  The edited notes have since been put on the parish web site.

The Committee Assignments list was passed around for discerned Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) members to volunteer.

Previous action items were reviewed.

Father Farano gave thanks for the rain free picnic.  It was again a successful event.

Committee Reports

All of the reports should be mailed to Marlene Papa at rrouse@nycap.rr.com at least a week prior to the monthly meeting.

Committee reports we distributed to PPC members prior to the meeting.  Discussion highlights included:

Religious Education - A question was posed regarding the small number of kindergarten children who attend Religious Ed.  A suggestion was made that not enough people know there is a program.  The number of children in the program becomes larger in first and second grade because of First Communion.

School Report – There is $17 million distributed to parochial schools throughout New York State.  It has been suggested there will be an 8% cut in the budget for next year.  St Pius X School receives about $l00,000 for mandated programs.  If the 8% cut becomes law, there could be changes to the St. Pius X School budget.  There is a letter on the NYS Catholic Conference Web Site to print and send to your local representatives for those interested.  The PPC discussed the best way that this information could be shared with the Parish.  A bulletin announcement will be prepared and an e-mail with the information will be sent to all members.

Agenda Items

Frank H asked that any proposed agenda items be forwarded to him by PPC members a week before each meeting.  That would enable Frank and the Executive Committee to go over the items and prepare them for the meeting agenda.  Also, we discussed taking input from the Parish for Council meeting agenda items that should be discussed and acted on.  Frank H will draft a bulletin announcement.

Parish Survey Discussion

There will be a special council meeting on Wednesday, 10/29, to discuss the results of the Parish Survey.  Frank P has asked that all PPC members send any impressions they have garnered from reading the survey results.  Fr. Farano said the Library could be available for the meeting.

Some PPC members have asked what additional information could be made available to give us a better idea of those who either just did not answer the survey or those who have fallen away from the church.  One goal will be discuss reasons why they are not involved.  For example, we never hear from 50% of the registered parish families.  Why?

PPC comments, questions and concerns based on the survey results should be forwarded to Frank H by October 24.  He will collect and group the comments for our discussion later in the month.  Frank suggested we have two or three items to focus on by the end of the meeting on the 29th.

Additional items and review of action items

Tom added that we should all think about additional opportunities that the Parish could take to have a positive impact on poverty, homelessness, etc. in our own area.

Frank H reviewed the Action Items and will distribute them.

Pastor’s Comments

Father Farano discussed the Pasta and Public Policy forum held last week.  The topic was poverty in our region and the presenters gave a sobering picture of the number of persons who are mired in poverty and the number who are homeless.  Tom Christman suggested we may, as a community, find an initiative to help with the growing poverty issue.
Father also mentioned that our church may be a site for an immigrant family coming to our area.  Persons from the parish will be asked to assist with some of the following: grocery shopping; finding second-hand clothing stores; perhaps transporting the family member/members; and assist with basic needs.

Closing prayer was led by Father Moore.

Next meeting will be Wednesday, November 19 at 7:00 pm.

Sincerely,
Marlene Papa