StaffPresent; Rev. Michael Keane, Rev. Nelson Couto, Debi Braddick, Andy Mulhall, Jr., Jacqueline Anfiteatro, Frank Burrows, Richard Corvinus, Rosemarie Raffa, Dave Tuttle, Jean Marie Gagnon, Digna Coronel, Cheryl Comitto, Tom Ferranda, Tom Condon.
Excused Absent; Judy Sullivan, Deacon Al Mazza. Absent; Louise Bartoli, Karen Thornton, Tope Cole Supporting Parishioners: Natalie Burrows, Joe Anfiteatro
Debi Braddick called meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
Rosemarie Raffa motioned to accept November minutes. Andy Mulhall seconded. All approved.
Tom Thimmons, a representative of the Archdiocese of New York was a guest who came to introduce the Stewardship Appeal for the Archdiocese (2011). He distributed a document prepared by the office of the Archdiocese outlining Areas of support including objectives of the 2011 appeal; A history of HNM appeal results (2007-2010); Goal process – how each Parish’s goal is calculated (HNM 2011 Goal - $43,900); 2011 Timeline; appeal challenges.
Mr. Thimmons stated that he covered areas including South Bronx, Northern Westchester & Dutchess County. The total goal of this effort by the Archdiocese of New York is $18 million. He stated his office was interested in any suggestions that might be presented in how to reach this goal. HNM has achieved its goal successfully for the past four years (Fr. Mike presented history of how he had discourse with the Archdiocese from the time of his arrival to make the numbers more realistic given what the parish had gone thought in the time prior to his tenure. Eventually the Archdiocese agreed and downgraded HMN’s responsibility to the fund appeal).
According to Mr. Thimmons, each Parish’s responsibility is based on one month of normal Sunday offertory. They feel that from these calculations, they have had a good response.
The document which was distributed at the meeting indicated that the objectives for the 2011 drive would support: Needy Parishes & Schools, Preparing the Clergy; Specialized Services, Works of charity, retired Priests and Religious, academic & spiritual formation.
The PC, however, had many questions – where was the money really going? What do these (vague) titles mean? It was clarified that insurance policies pay for legal funds.
The PC explained to Mr. Timmons that for representatives of our Church to ask members to give to this appeal, more concrete information is needed as to allocation.
Mr. Thimmons thanked us for our input, as we thanked him for his presentation.
Debi reported that there was no correspondence this month.
Digna presented the Hispanic Report.
- Seranada for Our Lady of Guadalupe was well attended. Approximately 150
- Thanks to Fr. Nelson for offering Mass at 5:30AM. Everyone was pleased.
- Posadas will begin on Dec 15 and end on Dec 23 with a party for the participants in PMR.
- Christmas Eve Mass will be celebrated at 6:30PM in the Church by Fr. Jack.
- Plans for an Epiphany pageant will be tabled until another year, since organizers will be away.
- A prayer group will commence of Fridays in January.
Dave Tuttle thanked everyone for their support of the God Squad Sleep-out for homeless Awareness, but especially the Spanish ministry, who as a group provided food (hot tamales donated by Rosalba) during the night and Ecuadorian hot chocolate in the AM.
The sleep out was very successful – involving 12 teens as well as Dave & Abbie, half of whom were new and the other those who had been there before. It was the coldest night of the year so far. They had great publicity & great support from politicians to village police. It made front page of the Journal News. They raised over $3,000 of which 75% will go to CHOP and 25% to Youth Ministry operating funds.
Starting January 6 God Squad will resume serving dinner @ Jan Peek Shelter 2x /month. on Thursdays. Food donations coordinated by Debi Braddick. (Cook for 20 people) A list of dates has been published in bulletin. Ministries as a group can take on this task.
Cheryl Comitto presented the Facilities report
-Chairs in the chapel to be recovered by Tom Habib
-Guest Room in rectory painted. This time a contractor was used. Debi advised Cheryl that some parishioners have come forward offering painting and other maintenance services which they can do to save the parish some money.
-There have been winter heating issues both in the Parish Center and the Chapel. Ellas Oil addressed these.
-Jan 1 – Cortlandt chamber music concert in the Church. Time has been moved to 1:30 PM due to Saturday 5 PM Mass preceded by reconciliation.
-Jan 7th – Basketball Free Throw – K of C sponsored
Spiritual Development (Tom Condon)
Catholics Alive 101 will be repeated on January 30th (Sunday 12-4:30PM) in PMRs 3-4-5.
Anticipate 40-50 people plus team. No minimum.
CYO basketball will be using the gym and sharing the kitchen.
Target – Hispanic Community, Religious Ed instructors, Parish council members. Staff
Core people – those who attended – get them to invite others
Plan to repeat 101 and hold 201 in lieu of Mission over four nights during Lent.
The program has and needs Fr. Mike and Fr. Nelson’s support. Plan is to offer retreat at different times to make it convenient for people to attend at some point.
101 is “Encountering Jesus in our Lives” – builds faith.
Stewardship committee – Judy Sullivan is away
Financial Committee – Marc Kotch & Anthony Mormile have joined
Liturgy Report – Rose
-Advent Penance/Reconciliation service to be held Wednesday, Dec 15
-Advent Invitation – Music by HNM combined choirs – Sunday Dec 19 – a lot of dedication & hard work by Music Director, Eve, choir & all involved.
-Breaking Bread – now available in pews, incorporating both music & liturgy
Available for memorializing loved ones ($25 per book/year).
-Rose reported that environment coordinator had stepped down. She & Hallie Flannigan Wolfe will direct Christmas decorating of Church (Chapel is separate entity). Others have come forward to assist. Cheryl has assisted in assessing what has been done so for (eg ordering, etc.). the need for a new coordinator will be determined after Christmas is over.
Tom Ferranda motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:38. Jackie Anfiteatro seconded. Parish Council prayer was recited.
A social (cupcakes baked by Debi; Cider & soda provided by Rose) ended the evening.
Next Meeting Date – Monday, January 24th
