Pastoral
Council Minutes |
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St. Jude Pastoral Council Meeting Minutes Wednesday January 3, 2007
Participants: Don Cairns (Chair), Fr. Dave Rogerson (Pastor), Gary Smith, Debbie McCormick, Bob Johnson, Bob Stephens, Sr. Betty Schumacher (Pastoral Associate) & Suzanne Henderson Absent: Lauren Sing, & Anusha Fernando The meeting began @ 7:06 p.m. beginning with an opening prayer led by Bob Stephens. New Business: Role of Mary at St.Jude: Guests Larry Adams & Tom Trevino both long time parishioners of St. Jude and members of the Rosary Prayer group were introduced. Tom has been a member of St. Jude since it was established. He shared with the council how some of our parish traditions came to be, visions & goals discussed at the onset with founding members and Fr. Lovett at the time the parish was established. One of the visions was a place of honor for Mary. He also shared four traditions that he feels define being Catholic. 1. Devotion to Mary our Mother 2. Having a crucifix in church, not just a cross. 3. We acknowledge Good Friday before Easter, we recognize the crucifixion before the resurrection, and believe in the Suffering Servant 4. We have a chapel for private prayer and devotion within the church building. Both Larry and Tom pointed out how busy and noisy our church environment is more so due to the open floor plan with cathedral ceilings. They stated they realize that contemplative prayer is not for everyone, but feel it vital to create a quiet chapel to provide that option. Open discussion followed, allowing for questions. Fr. Dave and the council thanked them for sharing with us and will respond to them after further consultation and consideration their requests. Old Business: Pastoral Council Wok Plan: Don distributed the 2007 work plan and reviewed it with everyone in attendance. It includes* Parish Goals & Budget recommendations to be completed by Feb. 2007 * “Mission Work” * Tent City * 2007-2010 Pastoral Council Elections * Parish communications *Woodinville Parish/School Tent City:: Fr. Dave announced that the City of Redmond approved the permit for Tent City, but it will most likely be challenged by those concerned that it doesn’t provide enough safeguards for the surrounding neighborhoods. Fr. Dave met with city officials today, and said he will probably know by tomorrow at 5:00 pm, if it is being challenged. There are several items currently required by the City of Redmond that are of concern however and we need to appeal certain conditions listed in the permit. We will have an attorney available for this need. 1. The area currently designated for the encampment may not provide enough space if the occupancy of Tent City is over 65. A revised proposal will allow for additional space next to, and behind the garage to be utilized for space needed other than sleeping tents. The sleeping tents will remain on the grassy areas behind the church and office buildings. 2. The City of Redmond is requiring a list of names of all occupants of Tent City from St. Jude parish in order to conduct background checks through the Redmond Police dept. Tent City already requires background checks through qualified law enforcement agency. This requirement would be a violation of the 4th Amendment. 3. Tent city occupants can not conduct security checks or self patrol, St. Jude parish must provide people to patrol the area and conduct security checks during the first month of occupancy. 4. Tent City and the next host site will be required to start application procedures with the next community within ten days of arrival to St. Jude. These are some of the conditions listed that are of concern, since we do not know to what extent we as a parish are obligated. Fr. Dave stated that being homeless or poor are not illegal, and we should not require anything different from Tent City than any other visitors/group we would host at St. Jude. Discussion followed, council members agreed it is wise to have an appeal ready, we can always withdraw if it’s not needed. Fr. Dave reminded us that even if there are appeals, St. Jude still has a valid permit, and is on track to host Tent City 4 on Feb. 11, 2007 – May 12, 2007. We need to pray, provide service, and help organize volunteers.
Pastors Report: Advent & Christmas Season 2006: The staff met & discussed Advent & Christmas. Carl Smith will be meeting with individual groups at the liturgy meeting to review & discuss what worked, what didn’t. Letter from Archbishop Brunett: Fr. Dave shared that St. Jude parish received a letter from the Archbishop offering the support of the Archdiocese for St. Jude as we host Tent City.
Action Plan: Fr. Dave will respond to Tom & Larry of the Rosary group with in one month. Don and Debbie will meet with Fr. Dave to discuss recommendations for Pastoral Council election Parish Staff and Pastoral Council will meet for a half day to draft a proposal for work on a Mission Statement, and direction of the parish
The meeting was adjourned with a closing prayer at 9:12 pm. The next meeting will be held Wednesday, February 7, 2007 at 7:00 pm
Respectfully submitted, Debbie McCormick
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