Update from the pastor to parish pastoral council 15 January 2004

Finances

                The Parish Finance Council met on January 7^th.  They will invite all to an annual collection – as they did last year – to continue forward on the current fiscal year.  (March 7^th)  Overall we are surviving with income 5 or 10 % below budget but also with expenses running below.  Some items such as the roof repair and heat etc. are more costly than anticipated.

Census 2004

                Response is moving ahead slowly.

Parishes of the Archdiocese – merging or reconfiguring or closing

                As noted last weekend the Archbishop is inviting all parishes to participate in the process.  This week Bishop Lennon sent a more detailed statement to the parishes in this regard.  (We will be looking at this in the meeting tonight.

Support of the men and women in the service in Iraq

                Rosario has made contacts and we will be arranging opportunity to express support of the men and women this month with mail timed for Valentine’s Day.

Ice Cream Social

                January 30^th.  All are welcome.

Martin Luther King Breakfast

                Monday January 19^th at Temple Beth Elohim at 8:00 a.m.

Marriage Affirmation and Protection Amendment

                The Marriage Affirmation and Protection Amendment is scheduled for debate and vote on February 11^th.  Archbishop Seán has distributed materials supportive of this amendment and we will be note it in the parish bulletin prior to then.  The Archbishop and the Massachusetts Conference will be sponsoring meetings in this regard and we will pass the word on as we receive it.