Present – Frank Pugliano, Pres., Dan Slavin, Dennis Mullahy, Tom Christman, Julianne Ruff, Rudy Paulsen, Tracy Coffey, Peter Ranalli, Joe Tamer, Frank Hughes, Pat Tobin, Sandy Zelka, Fr. Farano, Paul Kutey, Jackie De Santi and Marlene Papa.
Julie Benoni, a member of the St. Pius School Board, was also in attendance.

Absent – Steve Morgan

Frank called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM. “Our gift from heaven” Fr. Farano celebrated his birthday to open our meeting. We had a wonderful selection of finger foods at 6:30, and then attended Mass as a group. It was a nice touch for the holiday party.

Minutes – A motion was made, and seconded, to accept the November minutes as drafted.

Committee Reports

Everyone noted that he/she had received all reports for the month via e-mail.

Tom Christman mentioned that the December food collection was overwhelming. He was asked if he felt there was more need for food. He replied that 6 more families were served than the previous month.

Julie Benoni made a report on behalf of the St. Pius School Board. The committee for Winter’s Night Out has already collected more than $l5,000 in contributions.

Called to be Church

All parish planning groups have completed two meetings. In January, representatives from the groups will meet. In February, the group will discuss Evangelization.

Six core team members from St. Pius have been identified: Frank, Fr. Farano, Sandy Zelka, Jim DiRolf, Gail Bouchard, Mary Beth Ryan and two members at-large (Jack Egan and Nancy Uruskyj). Over the next l8 months, a report will be made back to the Parish Council after each meeting. Sr. Ann Bryan Smollen will be the facilitator.

Father Farano said that the comments brought by the parishes to the Local Leaders Meetings from their own Town Hall meetings are very similar. Same concerns, issues.

Father also mentioned that we have some large parishes in our area, particularly in Clifton Park. He also mentioned that there are parishes in Florida with over 4,000 families who have collections of $40,000 a week.

Changes to St. Pius Constitution

Mark Mc Carthy has not responded to Jackie regarding the changes to the Constitution. If we cannot reach him, we will continue discussion of possible changes without Mark’s input.

Parking and Parish Census

Fr. Farano said that he will eventually put a full page notice in the Parish Bulletin regarding parking. He also wants to wait until after the first of the year to begin work on a parish census.

Mission Statement

To be discussed in January.

Parish Web Site

Peter Hines does the work on the web page as a volunteer.

He will no longer be the contact person on the home page for inquiries; Brian and Ellie will now receive any inquiries submitted through the web site. Also, there will be a “Called to be Church” link to keep parishioners informed about what happens with the program. We will also be adding the schedule of Council meetings, notes from Council meetings and a description of all Council committees (along with contact information for each committee) to the already existing listing of all Parish Council members.

Dennis asked what people look for on the site. Peter Hines tells us that Mass times is the item that is searched most often on the parish web site.


New Business

Tom Christman announced that there is an address where people can send Christmas cards to recovering American soldiers. He will send out the address.

Tracy asked if the lights in the chapel could be turned down during the Friday Adoration. Fr. Farano said that should not be a problem. Someone else mentioned that some people like to read during their time in the chapel, and might not want softer lights.

Dan wished everyone a happy and healthy holiday, and announced that he has been accepted at Northeastern for the pharmacy program. Congratulations, Dan!

Frank led the closing prayer.

The next meeting will be January 17 at 7:00 PM. If you wish to lead the opening prayer for the meeting just sent Frank an e-mail.

Respectfully Submitted

Marlene Papa,
Secretary