MEETING MINUTES

St. Isidore Parish Pastoral Council

November 13, 2003  

Members Attending: Glenn Bunnell, Rev. Richard Butler, Rosa Chow, Deacon Charles Cornell, Nancy Dome, Mark Douglas, Kathleen King, Sharon McCann, Susan Peabody,

Members Absent: Ann DeCristofaro, Rosario Rizzo, John Colonna-Romano, John Sangermano, Domenique Sexton

Evening Prayer

Minutes:            Minutes of October 9^th accepted.

Update from the pastor

Attached.

Generations of Faith

            Several who participated in the first of the training sessions spoke of the plan and the reaction.  The plan would have us address catechesis and formation at an intergenerational level rather than the almost exclusive grade level format presently used.  Curriculum would evolve around key elements each year: e.g. one year might accent devotions and prayer life, another year might work around elements of the creed, another, moral issues.  Over a several year period a full spectrum would be covered.

            Format would include a monthly cycle with a center point of a rally type experience including meal and discussion.  (Council members raised some question about the meal element; would it be easier for families to eat at home first.  The meal, however, is not simply for convenience but for the fellowship etc. involved.)

            Sacramental preparation would occur along the way for those so involved.

            Questions surfaced on the degree of participation.  In looking at that it was noted that the degree of participation presently is weak with a large number of parishioners. 

            We were asked whether we would approach it with a full commitment September 2004 or with a two track plan of keeping the old paradigm even as we began the new.  Those who participated in the workshop tended for the most part to a full time commitment in September 2004.

New Business

            Suggestion was raised for Fund Raisers via Mothers Day and Fathers Day.  (Noted that Mothers Day already used by the Parish Pro-Life for sale of Roses.)

Review of meeting

            Several spoke of enthusiasm for the Generations of Faith.  Some spoke of the presumption in the process of a commitment of parishioners to a level of ministry participation.  While council members seemed OK to this, how would it move with others?

Next meeting

Thursday December 11, 2003