PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES
NOVEMBER 3, 2004
PRESENT: Fr. Bernardino, Alan Layden, Liz and Julian Escamilla, Judi Faria, Janice Contreras, Jim Erickson, Joan Peckham
GUEST: David McIntyre
JUSTIFIED: Roger Martin, Mercedes Macial, Nick Teixeira
ABSENT: Carole Silagi
OPENING PRAYER: Let us pray …
As the end of the year approaches, the fading of the natural world reminds us that our lives are only a passing season. You alone, O God, offer us the hope of everlasting life in which death has no sting and we have nothing to fear. We place our trust in you who have no beginning and no end. Amen
SCRIPTURE READING AND REFLECTION: Luke 19:1-10 (Oct. 31, 2004 Gospel)
OLD BUSINESS
Due to the fast approach of the Advent Season, Fr. Osuna from St. Mary’s in Walnut Creek, and Fr. Galvin from Church of the Assumption in San Leandro will not be able to do the work shop on Liturgy until after the first of the year. Fr. Bernardino will email them and see if he can get a definite date.
Judi got in touch with the printers and was told that St. Anthony’s could increase their bulletin to a tri-fold instead of a 2 ½ fold for no extra cost. We have enough advertisers to cover the cost. With the increase of space, most of the information will be able to be translated into Spanish. This will enable those from the Hispanic Community, who do not speak English, to be able to read the bulletin and know what is happening at St. Anthony’s. Once an agreement has been reach on the style, etc., of the bulletin, Fr. Bernardino and Judi will have a meeting with the printers. Judi has done a fantastic job with the new bulletin and everyone was very impressed and excited.
Kirill Sokolov emailed Joan Peckham saying the Ensemble would be in California in April of 2005 for two months. We discussed the possibility of having them at St. Anthony’s during that time frame. After a few minutes of discussion, the Pastoral Council voted to place this on hold for the time being.
NEW BUSINESS
David McIntyre presented the idea of having a carnival at St. Anthony’s to help raise funds for the Building Fund. He presented everyone with a complete package from California Carnival Co. and went over some of the important issues. He will be getting in touch with Nick Teixeira and Tony Amador to see about working together to make this a success. He needs about forty people on the team. The Council told him they would help in anyway they can. May 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 have been set as a tentative time. David also informed the Council that St. Anthony’s will receive 15% of the sales up to $15,000.00 and then the percentage goes to 22%. He will continue to work on the project and report back at the next meeting.
Julian and Liz Escamilla talked about some of the things needed at St. Anthony’s. New carpet is need, floors under pews need cleaning and refinishing and overall cleaning of the church. Fr. Bernardino mentioned the church needs to be painting and also that the lighting in the Rectory is very poor. David mentioned that he knows someone who will be able to help with painting the church and Liz mentioned that they have a name of an electrician and would get in touch with him to see what can be done. Liz and Julian also suggested that it might be time to hire someone to come in on a weekly basis to do the everyday cleaning of the church. Judi Faria mentioned a lady from the Wednesday night Soup Supper who is willing to come in and help with the cleaning. Alan Layden spoke of a man in the Knights who might be able to help with the overall maintenance of the church. His name is Bill Rusch and Alan said he will talk to him and let the Council know more next month.
3. VISITING PRIESTS
When we have a visiting priest at St. Anthony’s, we need to be sure that there is a
either Deacon, a Sacristan or a Mass Coordinator available to help him in the way we do things at St. Anthony’s..
OTHER BUSINESS NOT ON THE AGENDA
1. KAREN GRANT
Karen Grant has resigned her position at St. Anthony’s. Her mother is very ill and needs help around the clock. Our prayers are with Karen as she takes this journey with her mother.
Karen made sure all areas of her responsibilities at St Anthony were covered before leaving.
2. JOAN PECKHAM
I resigned my position as Coordinator of the Pastoral Council. This was a very hard decision for me to make because it is like saying “Goodbye” to someone you love. I am having some health problems, nothing serious so far, but I felt I needed to step down at this time. I have been on the council for 12 years and enjoyed working with all of you over the years. Thank you for all your love and support.
Julian Escamilla said he would take the position of Coordinator on an interim basis. Thank you Julian, I know you will do an excellent job.
Jim Erickson asked if there would ever be a time when both the English and Spanish Pastoral Councils would meet together. It was suggested that the two councils meet together at least once a quarter. Fr. Bernardino would like to have an English Pastoral Council, a Spanish Pastoral Council and a Parish Pastoral Council. We already have the English and Spanish Councils, not we need to work on having a Parish Pastoral Council where both communities are represented.
NEXT MEETING – December 1, 2004 @ 7 PM