MEETING MINUTES
St. Isidore Parish Pastoral Council
December 11, 2003

Members Attending: Rev. Richard Butler, Rosa Chow, Deacon Charles Cornell, Nancy Dome, Mark Douglas, Kathleen King, Susan Peabody, Rosario Rizzo, John Sangermano

Members Absent: Glenn Bunnell, Ann DeCristofaro, Sharon McCann, John Colonna-Romano, Domenique Sexton

Evening Prayer

Minutes: Minutes of November 13th accepted.

Update from the pastor

Attached.

Some discussion followed on the question of reconfiguration of parishes which the media has suggested is the main agenda item of the forthcoming meeting of the archbishop with the priests. It was noted that our statistics are sufficiently marginal that we should watch the upcoming process but, in the view of the pastor, not so low as to be cause for panic. Fr. Butler expected that the issue would be discussed, that there would not be a list of parishes to be closed, that a process would be forthcoming that would allowed affected parties adequate voice. Regarding the statistics it was noted that participation in the upcoming census was important.

Generations of Faith

First, the Council addressed the concerns about this item on the agenda as some had mixed thoughts on the October process of establishing a priority for the year. After the discussion members seemed at ease with the pace and the process. It was noted that if any member wished items on the agenda they might contact Rosario Rizzo or the pastor.

Secondly, the Generations of Faith concept, it was noted, seemed to be going over well in the circles where the word is spreading. Central to explaining it is seeing the difference between religious education as a school thing and religious education as a lived experience. Our next meeting is February 12th at 9:30.

New Business

Suggestion was raised for the youth to do a project for peace. Rosario (and others?) will research a name of someone in the Iraq situation who can be a conduit for whatever we attempt. Fr. Butler and Nancy Dome agreed to move on this as soon as we can get it set up.

Suggestion raised for participation in a Seder experience; or other interfaith ecumenical activity. Fr. Butler noted that a Martin Luther King breakfast was in the planning stage.

Review of meeting

Several spoke well of the progress on Generations of Faith.

Next meeting
Thursday January 15, 2004