Parish Council Newsletter
June 11, 2008
The regular monthly meeting was held on Wednesday June 11, 2008
Members present: Rev. John Connors, Jim Meehan, Steve Tetrault, Lynn Pollard, Jacqui Ruest, John & Diane Dryjowicz, Beth Catarino, Dick & Duanne Pasquini, Marlene Whitworth, Mike Hogan, Adam Morton, Joe Gamache, Matt Pzeniczny, Maureen Brown, Helen Garrow, Janet Hope, Connie Minnie, Sarah Tarullo, Dave Pasquini, Ann Discenza, Christine Ward and Paul Arsenault
Members absent: Dick Ruest (exc.), Judy Yando (exc.), Deacon Bob Duval (exc.), Tim & Charon Mullins, Richard Prairie (exc.), Lou Pelletier (exc.) and Mark Giebner.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Spiritual Life: Dick Ruest gave the following report.
Living Rosary: Fr. John commented that he was very pleased that the Rosary went well. Congratulations to Terry Piecuch on a well organized event. The next Living Rosary will be held on October 19. Fr. John commented that there should be a lay person leading the Rosary.
Scholarships: The administrative responsibility for the scholarship fund has been transferred to the Finance Committee (“FC”). The FC will now be responsible for all fundraising efforts (including the Scholarship Fund) for the parish. A sub committee will be organized within the FC to work with other groups. Any fundraiser by a parish organization must first go through the FC for approval.
Altar Servers: The servers will be getting new albs. They will be funded through the FC via donations and fundraising events.
Homebound Parishioners: Fr. John is beginning to visit those people who the Extraordinary Ministers visit on Sundays.
Quilting for the sick: In the future, we will be doing a quilt for a sick parishioner, where parishioners will tie a knot in a lap quilt, take a prayer card and say a prayer for that person. After completing the quilt, it will be presented to the person. Marlene Whitworth and Dick Ruest will get together to discuss further options. The quilt will be placed in Fr. Reilly Hall.
Midnight Cry: The next Midnight Cry (Praise and Worship Service with SOJO) will be Oct. 24. SAVE THAT DATE.
Family Life: Lynn Pollard thanked everyone who joined Fr. John in the Memorial Day parade. The committee is trying to schedule a bus trip to a New Britain Rock Cats baseball game. They are also finalizing plans for the annual Parish Picnic on Aug. 24. Tickets will go on sale beginning July 26/27 before and after the weekend Masses. Watch the bulletin for more information. The recent golf tournament at Westover Golf Course was a successful fundraiser for the St. Mary’s Scholarship Fund. Thirty-six golfers enjoyed the hot, humid day and all are looking forward to next year’s tournament. Thanks to everyone who supported this endeavor.
Youth Life: Adam Morton reported that the committee met recently and decided that upcoming activities will include a pumpkin decorating project for Halloween for kindergarten and first graders, selling Angel Tree decorations for Christmas and a to be determined project for next spring. Watch the bulletin for details.
REPORTS
Religious Education: Maureen Brown gave the following report:
There is a new direct line to Religious Education with voice mail. The number is 583-6710. Please feel free to call with any questions or concerns.
Registration forms for religious education have been mailed out to all families of the preschool through 11th grade. If you did not receive your packet please call the office. All material needs to be returned by June 30.
On May 21, Elementary and Junior High catechists met for training in the new “Finding God-Our Response to God's Gifts” curriculum by Loyola Press that was approved by the Religious Education Board. There was agreement with all present that the new material will enhance our program. Included in the material are 7 parent newsletters and in the elementary program a parent page in every chapter.
The Religious Education Board met on May 14 to review program decisions for next year. The new Finding God curriculum was approved for the coming year. The Board was delighted with the new Children's Mass beginning in September. The decision was made to move 6th, 7th & 8th grade classes to Sunday mornings at the East St. School from 10:15 -11:30am.
For the fourth year, the Catholic Community of Ludlow is joining together to sponsor a Vacation Bible School the week of July 21 -25 on the grounds of Our Lady of Fatima. The program is for Preschool-5h grade and will run from 9:00 -12:00. Jerusalem Marketplace is our theme and we will share the sights, aromas, sounds and games of Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. We are looking for volunteers to help with crafts, snacks and tribe leaders. Registration forms can be found at the doors of the church and on the porch on Cedar St.
We are in need of catechists and aides for next year’s program. The elementary program needs a 5th grade teacher and aide. The junior high program is in need of a 7th grade teacher. The new Confirmation Program is looking for small group facilitators for 9th, 10th and 11th grades. Training and ongoing support is always available. Please prayerfully consider giving of your time to the youth of our parish.
St. Mary’s Guild: Helen Garrow reported that the Guild Installation Banquet is scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, at 6:00 p.m. Choice of entrees: Prime Rib $26.00, Chicken Francaise $23.00 and Baked Scrod $23.00. To make a reservation, please call Gladys Fioravanti @589-9763 or Pat Mole @543-8422. Our trip to Stockbridge and the Shrine of Devine Mercy turned out to be a beautiful trip and the weather held out for us thanks to Father John's prayers. The next trip on the agenda is scheduled for September 10th to Lake George, New York. Flyers will be inserted in the Sunday Bulletin. Men and women both are welcome.
The meeting was closed with a prayer at 8:40 p.m.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008
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We welcome the following new parishioners to St. Mary’s Parish Family:
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Dubuque, 458 Miller Street
Mr. John LaVigne, 460 West St., Apt. 108
We welcome the following newly Baptized members of St. Mary’s Parish Family:
Devlin P. Murphy, son of Mr. & Mrs. Darren Murphy, 24 Wedgewood Dr.
Kate, Timothy & Michael Delnegro, children of Mr. & Mrs. Michael Delnegro, 154 Oak Knolls Cir.
Alexander Stupac, son of Mr. & Mrs. Zachary Stupac, 29 East Street, South Hadley
Gabriella Pereira, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Pereira, 690 East St.
Alexis Carreira, daughter of Nelson Carreira and Tanya Panek, 73 Juniper Dr., Spfld.
Please pray for the following members of St. Mary’s Parish Family who has recently passed away:
Augustus “Gus” Salli and Anna Amelisko
Note: If anyone has any questions about any subject in this newsletter, or any comments in general, we encourage you to contact Chairman Jim Meehan (hmeehan@charter.net) or place the question/comment in the weekly collection basket.