October 30, 2006 -- Minutes
Opened with the Litany of St. Thomas More, Martyr and Patron Saint of Statesmen, Politicians and Lawyers, which had been sent by the Diocesan Office of Life Issues for a novena regarding the elections.
Formation
- How can we continue to nourish lay ministry in the parish?
- How do you understand your gifts that are “waiting to be shared�
- What is your experience of church – priests, sisters, lay ministry?
- What did you identify with from the “Church Magazineâ€
- What is the story you have experienced here at St. Andrew the Apostle?
- What are the signs of acceptance and/or reluctance to accept ministry from someone other than priests?
Discussion of reading from Church magazine and Pastors Forming Pastors included the following points:
- Encouragement for the alleviating the work of the priests because of the involvement of lay people.
- Discussion was noted that lay ministers are getting older
- How do we involve young people and help them keep their commitments
- Regional areas of the United States are impacted by lay ministry involvement, example of East Coast vs. West Coast.
- Still felt that on some levels there is reluctance for people to accept the work and ministry of the laity.
- Distinct fear of commitment, perhaps need to emphasize that it is the idea of 1 hour a week, 1 day a month, etc.
- Timing and structure for youth who are already overcommitted.
- Focus on our older/retired population, calling forth gifts
- The restored order of the Sacrament of Confirmation, how do we continue to “spark†the interest of the youth and families?
- Concern about speakers at Mass (5:30) regarding the budget issues, etc.; did the speakers really “know†the population of the Mass and how to speak to youth regarding the finances
PAC Report – minutes from last minute
Any comments, questions for upcoming meeting? None
Ministry Reports
- Good Samaritans: Has been very busy with food requests, rent requests. Building a strong partnership with other area churches, St. Benedicts and St. Mary’s Upcoming food drives
- Christmas Giving Tree: Foster family party, December 19th. Other ministry involvement is welcome.
- Mother’s Lifeline: Cara will be working to develop new leadership, as she has been in the position for 3 years as well as family commitments with 3 children are difficult. December 24, Gifts for Baby Jesus.
- Parish Nurse
- Ministers of Care
- Habitat for Humanity: Confirmed start date of January 20th; Working with the Lutheran Coalition, about 25 people at meeting; If other ministries wish to help with lunches, it will be about 35 people.
- BeFrienders
- Saint Andrews Mom’s Liaison: Very supportive of Caring Ministries; Excited about the cookbook to be sold at the Boutique; Christmas Party for foster families; Upcoming retreat
- Caring/Bereavement – general: Funerals, Receptions, Rainbows; 1 funeral per week recently; November 2 after All-Souls Mass, special speaker from Hospice of the Valley on Grief and Holidays
- Angel Connection: Mass on October 21 with Reception held following, thanks SAMS for help with that Continue with Monthly support group on Third Thursday of the month