Immaculate Conception Parish Council February Minutes

Immaculate Conception Parish Council February Minutes Meeting Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2015 Meeting Time: 7:15 PM Meeting Location: Parish Hall Member Name Present Absent Position Fr. Joe Esper parish@iccatholic.org X Pastor Deacon Ken Nowicki deaconken@iccatholic.org X Evangelization Representative Nicole Tomaszycki nicolembeutler@hotmail.com X Council Member, Chairperson (Term 1, Year 3) Pat McGrath (no E-Mail) X Council Member (Term 2, Year 3) Kathleen Grimm kagrimm@comcast.net X Council Member, VPC Rep., Evangelization Rep. (Term 1, Year 2) Lori Stefani Loril725@gmail.com X Council Member (Term 1, Year 2) Bob Tharrett bobfarming@yahoo.com X Council Member, Vice-Chair (Term 1, Year 3) Ted Stawiasz tstawiasz@aol.com X Council Member (Term 1, Year 3) Anni Adkins Polock145@msn.com X Council Member (Term 1, Year 2) Steve Boutorwick scboutorwick@yahoo.com X Council Member (Term 1, Year 1) Laura Somogy Gardianangelspray4us@gmail.com X Council Member, Education Rep. (Term 1, Year 1) Dawn Sikowski dmsikowski@hotmail.com X Council Member (Term 1, Year 1) Mary Kot skippykot@comcast.net X Worship Representative James Haase X Long Term Planning Rep. JoAnn Augustine Jaugustine30@comcast.net X Christian Service Rep. Meeting opened with a prayer at 7:20 PM Minutes of the January 6, 2015 meeting were approved with no changes. PASTOR S REPORT: Last night we hosted the special presentation on the Holy Shroud of Jesus (commonly known as the Shroud of Turin). About 70 people attended (including a few visitors from other parishes), and the event seemed to be very well-received. This past weekend some of our school students spoke at all the Masses here, and at St. Mary Queen of Creation, promoting our school; they did a fine job and made a good impression on our parishioners. Our school is preparing for the re-accreditation process through the Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools (an expectation of the Archdiocese for all Catholic elementary schools). A very thorough and exhaustive set of standards have to be addressed; most of this work is being done by the principal and faculty, but some of it also involves other individuals and groups, such as the Finance Council (which discussed this for most of its meeting last Tuesday, and will be holding another meeting for this purpose on Friday evening). The visiting accreditation team will carefully review the self-study submitted by the school, and will be here for a site visit at the end of April. The ChristLife retreat for this year s program will be held this coming Saturday, February 7, beginning with the regular First Saturday Mass at 9 am; we will have several priests coming around mid-day to help with Confessions for the retreatants. Also on Saturday, the school will be holding its Winter Wine Down fundraiser at the Cedar Glen Golf Club. However, instead of attending that, I m planning on going down to the Renaissance Center in Detroit to concelebrate Archbishop Vigneron s Mass for the young people present for the annual Rainbow youth Immaculate Conception Parish Council Minutes February 2015 P a g e 1

conference. There will be several thousand young people there from throughout the Archdiocese, including 26 from I.C. The annual Blue Water Catholic schools Academic Olympics will be held on Saturday, February 21. It involves students from grades 5-8. I.C. will be one of six elementary schools participating; last year our students did extremely well, so we ll see if they re able to repeat their success. As part of Catholic Schools Week, which just concluded, I held a trivia game involving some of the better students in grades 7 and 8 (and observed by all of grades 6, 7, and 8). This was our version of the Super Bowl, and the final score was New England 24, Seattle 22 fairly close to the actual result. Lastly, the school s open house and pancake breakfast will be held on Sunday February 22; again, one of the students will speak at all the weekend Masses. We hope and expect a considerable boost in enrollment next year, due to the dissatisfaction with the Algonac school district expressed by many parents; families in the affected zip codes have received an invitation to the open house. FINANCE COUNCIL: - Fr. Joe reported no minutes provided. Currently the Finance Council is looking over Standard 10 financial planning, parish finances and they are looking at various fundraisers and the parish budget. COMMISSION REPORTS: Worship Commission Fr. Joe reported no minutes provided. Our 2 nd graders from School and Faith Formation will be making their First Reconciliation this Thursday at 6:30 pm; several priests will be coming to help with this sacrament. Our Confirmation candidates will be making their retreat this Sunday in the parish hall, and will be attending the 10 am Mass as a group. This weekend we ll be observing national Scouting Sunday; members of the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts are invited to wear their uniforms to the 12 noon Mass, and will receive a special blessing. World Marriage Day is scheduled for this Sunday, February 8. Because of all the other events this weekend (Winter Wine Down, Rainbow, the Confirmation Retreat, and Scouting), we re going to observe World Marriage Day the following weekend (February 14-15), with a special blessing for married couples at all the weekend Masses. Our vicariate has held two special Healing Masses so far (the second of which we hosted last May). The next one will be on Friday, February 13 at St. Catherine Church in Algonac. The next Mass of Reparation will be held on Monday February 16 at 7 pm. Ash Wednesday is just two weeks away. Masses will be at 9 am (with the school children attending) and 7 pm; there will also be services (with Liturgy of the Word and distribution of ashes) at 7 am and 11 am. The Little Black Books from the Diocese of Saginaw have been ordered, and will be distributed at Mass on the weekend of February 14-15. On Sunday March 1 Fr. Alex Kratz will preach at the Masses (though not Saturday February 28) in order to promote the pilgrimage to the Holy Land next October being organized especially for the parishes of the Blue Water Vicariate. Christian Service Commission JoAnn Augustine reported no minutes provided at the time of the meeting. There were no funeral lunches over the last month. Coffee & Donuts was held last Sunday. The St. Joseph Layette program is coming up. Immaculate Conception Parish Council Minutes February 2015 P a g e 2

The location for our Charity Poker (The River) is re-opening on March 5, 2015. We currently have a Charity Poker scheduled on June 1-4 at Ciccarelli s in Shelby Township. April 25 th after the 4:30 pm Mass a reception is being planned to celebrate Fr. Joe s 60 th birthday. Our next I.C. Red Cross Blood Drive will be May 3, 2015. The next Coffee & Donuts is scheduled for March 8 th. Education Commission Laura Somogy reported minutes attached. Additional Notes: Some of the SHINE Alumni have been contacted to see if they would be interested in a Young Adult Ministry. Many are away at school, although a quarterly event would be something they would be interested in. Dave Ramsey s Financial Peace Series was discussed as a summer topic that they might be interested in. Long Term Planning James Haase minutes attached. Additional Notes: A commercial door solution for the boiler access is not available in the size we require. The current doors will be rebuilt and reinforced. The front doors to the Church will be refinished in the spring. Handicap parking is still under review. Vicariate Pastoral Council (VPC) No representative no minutes provided. There will be Blue Water Vicariate communal penance services scheduled during lent. The Called and Gifted program may be made available at St. Mary in Port Huron. Evangelization No representative no minutes provided. AD HOC COMMITTEES ChristLIfe The ChristLife retreat is scheduled for this Saturday. The current session Discovering Christ will end February 19 th. There will be one week off, then the next session Following Christ will begin on March 5 th. NEW BUSINESS: None. OLD BUSINESS: None. OPEN FORUM: March 12 th will be Reconciliation for the school students. Meeting closed with a prayer at 8:02 PM. Next Meeting: March 3, 2015 following the 6:30 PM Mass Minutes Respectfully Submitted: Amy O Gara, Recording Secretary Immaculate Conception Parish Council Minutes February 2015 P a g e 3

WORSHIP COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES February 10, 2015 Present: Fr. Joe Esper, Pat Austin, Eliana Hogarth, Sandy Kott, Mary Kot. Not Present: Deacon Ken Nowicki, Carole Gafa, Mike Mytinger, Rene Meldrum, Ed Ross. Meeting opened at 7:20 pm with prayer. Minutes of November 6, 2014 approved by consensus with one correction: The 7 th bullet in Fr. Joe s Report should read: The Rite of Acceptance instead of Admission. FR. JOE S REPORT The Shroud of Turin presentation was held on Monday February 1, though attendance was down because of the snowstorm (with only about 70 people present). Those who did come found it to be very moving and informative. The presenters will be back in Michigan this September (including one presentation at St. Edward s in Lakeport); this will be an opportunity for parishioners who missed it last week. Throat blessings on the Feast of St. Blase (Tuesday February 3) were held after the 6:30 pm Mass. Because of the school being closed that day, Father was not able to go to the classrooms as usual. The First Reconciliation ceremony for our 2 nd graders was held this past Thursday evening; about 48 children received the sacrament, along with many of their family members. The Confirmation retreat was held this past Sunday, with the candidates attending the 10 am Mass. The Confirmation ceremony itself will be on Thursday April 23 at 6:30 pm, with Bishop Byrnes presiding. Scout Sunday was two days ago; our parish Scouts atttended the 12 noon Mass, and received a special blessing. World Marriage Day was also officially held this past weekend, but due to everything else taking place then, we are going to observe it this coming weekend, with a blessing of married couples at all the Masses. The next vicariate Healing Mass will be held this Friday, February 13, at 7 pm at St. Catherine Church in Algonac; it will include the Sacrament of Anointing. Our next Mass of Reparation will be next Monday, February 16, at 7 pm. Ash Wednesday is a week from tomorrow. Ashes will be distributed at the 7 am and 11 am Scripture Services, and at the 9 am and 7 pm Masses. A reminder regarding Lenten fasting and abstinence will be in my bulletin column this weekend. At all the Masses this weekend, the Little Black Books of daily Lenten reflections will be distributed. A Lenten and Holy Week brochure is being mailed to parishioners. Stations of the Cross will be held at 7 pm on the Fridays of Lent, along with Eucharistic Adoration from the end of morning Mass until Benediction at 6:30pm.

Worship Commission Meeting Minutes, 2/10/15, Page 2 The Rite of Election, which occurs on the weekend of the First Sunday of Lent, will be held at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Detroit on Saturday February 21; our catechumenate group will be attending. Three Scrutinies will be held during Lent as part of the catechumenate process on the 3 rd, 4 th, and 5 th Sundays of Lent. On Sunday, March 1, Fr. Alex Kratz will be speaking at all the Masses to promote our Blue Water Vicariate Holy Land pilgrimage (scheduled for next October). He ll be unable to attend on Saturday, February 28, so I ll be preaching at that Mass. Three vicariate communal penance services, with individual absolution, have been scheduled for the Fourth Week of Lent: Wednesday March 18 (St. Mary in Port Huron at 7 pm); Thursday March 19 (St. Mary Queen of Creation in New Baltimore, at 7 pm); and Saturday March 21 (St. Mary in St. Clair at 1 pm). As always, we will observe Divine Mercy Sunday, which occurs on April 12 though the details have not been worked out. (Deacon Ken will be involved but he is in Florida until just after Easter). First Communions will take place on Saturday May 2. REPORTS & UPDATES Music: Music at all Christmas liturgies went well this year; the concert with organist Patrick Kronner was great! We will continue the practice of silence (no recessional hymn) at end of Masses during Lent. Choirs are preparing for Lent and Easter; we are in need of and still seeking a trumpet player for Easter. We are going to see the savings this year on the hymnals purchased in October 2012; this program has paid-off in three years or less; approximately 175 persons donated to help offset the cost. Art & Environment: No report; no representation. Liturgical Ministries: No report. Sacristans: No report; no representration. Ushers: No report; no representation. Altar Linens: No report. Loving Hands: The salt clean-up has been a problem but a necessary one because of the snow and ice we are experiencing this winter. Suggestion to have carpeting in church professionally cleaned in the spring. The 8 th graders are doing a great job of tidying up the church after the morning school Masses. The supply closet used by this ministry is having mold problems again with wet walls and mildew and there was some discussion on how to remedy this issue. UPCOMING LITURGICAL EVENTS Covered in Father Joe s Report above. OLD BUSINESS None

Worship Commission Meeting Minutes, 2/10/15, Page 3 NEW BUSINESS Chimes: Pat initiated the possibility of our parish purchasing a set of chimes, at a cost of approximately $2,000, to be used by the handbell choir as an added musical element to our music ministry. It would also solve the problem of the handbell choir practices being postponed or canceled because of Masses or other important things going on in the church on many Monday evenings. The chimes could be practicd on those occasions and be more easily taken to the parish hall rather than transporting the very expensive handbells (costing about $10,000) that are very heavy and cumbersome, in addition to moving the heavy special tables used for the handbells. This was very well received by the commission and should be presented at the next Parish Staff Meeting. Donations could be requested to held defray the cost. ITEMS FOR FUTURE DISCUSSION AND OPEN FORUM In reply to a suggestion that Father Joe do a talk on the parts of the Mass, he is willing to put an outline of the Mass in the bulletin; also to arrange a tour of the Sanctuary and Sacristy after certain Masses on a future weekend. The problem on the wall by the Blessed Virgin Mary statue has been repaired under the warranty by the company who made the original repairs in late 2013. Closet used by Loving Hands was discussed again. MEETING DATE Next meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 7, 2015, 6:30 pm. Meeting closed at 8:20 pm with prayer. Respectfully submitted, Mary Kot, Secretary

Education Commission Un-Approved Minutes February 9th, 2015 Attendance: Tina Kovalcik, Diane Polcyn, Laura Somogy, Beth Tomaszewski Absent excused: Margo Chilcott, Anna Vigneron, Pat Phelan Prayer: Led by Diane Polcyn at 6:40pm January Minutes distributed, read and approved by the group unanimously. Adjustment to Beth's name was made. High School Youth Ministry (SHINE) Report -28 Shine Members went to RAINBOW, which was held at the Renaissance Center. -3 Alumni went and helped out. -Out of 70 parishes participating we were 11th in largest size. -Fr. Joe was at the Liturgy and spent some time with the kids. -March 22nd is their next Meeting and Mass. Middle School Youth Ministry (EDGE) Report -EDGE will be looking into a new meeting day and time for the summer and possibly next fall. -17 members are current, although the average attending is 11 per meeting. Most often youth are missing due to family activities on Sunday, or lack of rides to and from, so new possibilities are being explored, such as a weekday for the summer or after school in the fall. -The breakdown is 4 public school, 1 homeschool and 12 from Immaculate Conception School, which will be kept in mind as we try to coordinate schedules and try to find a place to hold our meetings. -EDGE was snowed out on February 1st and has scheduled a make up meeting for the 5th Sunday in March, in addition to their regular 1st and 3rd meeting dates. -In April there are no official meetings at I.C. for the EDGE, as the 1st Sunday of the Month is Easter(Resurrection of The Lord) and the 3rd Sunday is the NET Retreat at Holy Cross. -NET is a youth Retreat offered to 7th-12th graders. However, not to leave our 6th graders out, Anna has volunteered to speak up for them at her next HS Youth Group Leaders Meeting at the end of the month and ask if the few of them involved in EDGE may be able to join in as well. -Annie Atkins asked Laura to see if the Youth Groups would like to attend and help raise money for the St. Vincent de Paul, "Walk for the Poor" in Sept. -It takes place in Hart Plaza and Annie would be willing to set up all that is needed for it. They would receive Pledge Sheets and instructions ahead of time. Date: TBA. -Laura mentioned that EDGE would like to offer it and did mention it to the Commission and everyone certainly thought it sounded like a worthy cause. -Laura will contact Anna to see if SHINE would like to attend. DRE Report -A CVLI License has been purchased for Immaculate Conception. This allows the parish to show approved Movie titles without breaking Copyright. -Purple Lenten Books for grades 3-6 went out the week of February 9th. -Lenten Family Activity Books for grades Pre-K to 2nd went out the week of Feb. 9th. -Coin Collection Books went out as well, these are for grades 3-6. -The Faith Formation Students will pray the Stations of the Cross on March 23rd in the church. -A date has not been set for the School Students.

-On February 5th, 1st Reconciliation went wonderfully! -February 21st, the Elect in R.C.I.A will be at the Cathedral. Request to pray for those who will be received fully into the church this Easter. -February 24th is the 1st Communion Parent Meeting. -February 25th there is a Catechist Meeting. -On March 2nd, Faith Formation students will celebrate Reconciliation during Lent. -On March 12th the school children will celebrate Reconciliation during Lent. -On March 14th, the 7th grade Faith Formation and school youth will have their retreat. -Tina was given a School Advisory Report from Mr. Ricard to share with everyone. -The Minutes were reviewed together and a discussion took place on the Accreditation Process. New Business: -Lenten Flyer of offerings is being assembled and should be out this weekend. -Adult Faith Formation, 60 attendees in ChristLife. -Discovering Christ finishes Feb. 19th. -Sharing Christ starts March 5th. -70 people attended the Shroud Presentation. -Fr. Joe will have a talk during Lent. -"Holy Cards" and Black Book going out for Lent. Open Forum: Review of the Religion books should be upcoming. Usually takes place about every 5 years. There is a complete process for this and Tina will be contacting companies for samples and possible presentations. Closing Prayer was led by Diane at 7:40pm March 9th is the Next Meeting.

EVANGELIZATION COMMITTEE MINUTES FEBRUARY 17, 2015 The meeting opened with the Prayer for Evangelization in a Parish at 7:15pm. PRESENT: Randy Proctor, Barbara Nagrant, Mike Nagrant, Kathleen Grimm, Ray Somogy, Laura Somogy, Jim Polcyn, Carol Gawel, John O Gara and Jane Mount. ABSENT: Deacon Ken Nowicki, Amy O Gara and Theresa Whitenight MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETING: We reviewed and accepted the minutes from the previous meeting. VICARIATE REPORT: No vicariate report was given because Kathleen was unable to attend. OLD BUSINESS: 1. St. Paul Street Evangelization: We were very pleased to discuss the St. Paul Street Evangelization (SPSE) Parish Registration which allows all committee and parish members to access the SPSE website for on-line training and printing of documents. Along with the emailing of the previous months minutes, each committee member was given the access code and asked to begin on-line training. As of tonight s meeting, Ray and Mike have already accessed and began training. The rest of the committee will do so as soon as possible. We also had available the SPSE box full of goodies to use when we begin our street evangelization. 2. ChristLife Reunion: We also briefly discussed a ChristLife Potluck Reunion of all the 2014 and 2015 ChristLife participants to be held in the spring. The committee plans to choose a date at the next meeting once we have verification of the SPSE and Called and Gifted Vicariate programs. 3. Choosing Evangelization Committee Leadership: We looked at the Parish Council guidelines concerning committee leadership. The committee accepted recommendations for three positions: Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary. The 2015 Evangelization Committee Leadership team was approved as follows: Committee Chair Committee Vice-Chair Secretary Randy Proctor Ray Somogy Mike Nagrant

4. Parish Council Handbook Chapter 5 Work of Evangelization Committee: Our committee discussed Chapter 5 of the Parish Council Handbook and in particular looked at the section on FUNCTION and Discerning Parish Education, Formation and Service. We asked each committee member to take five minutes and review the list of Parish Council and Commission actions that the Evangelization Committee could take and choose two items from the list presented in the handout. We were also invited to share our opinions on why we chose what we did. Then as a committee we agreed to list the top three and make them our first priority and begin working on them immediately. Our top recommendations were: 1. To discern and propose evangelization strategies and programs for the parish, in conjunction with the parish commissions/committees. With 6 recommendations this was our top priority. It was discerned that we would begin evangelization strategies immediately at our Parish Lenten Fish Fry with three team members there each Friday for two hours or so distributing SPSE items to Fish Fry Patrons. We will also look at ways to have evangelization committee members attend commission and/or committee meetings each month so that we are able to work more closely with these groups on evangelization strategies for the parish. 2. To assist the Christian Service Commission in helping their ministers to discover best practices sharing the faith while meeting the physical needs of those whom they serve. With five recommendations the committee felt that we could make the most difference in peoples lives by being available for funeral luncheons, baptisms, and other parish activities with a welcoming smile, compassion and appropriate handouts. 3. To assist the Worship Commission in establishing and training a hospitality team for Sunday liturgies. Coming in third with three recommendations, we spent time discussing the need to become a more welcoming parish by having parish members welcome people as they enter and leave Church for Mass on weekends. NEW BUSINESS: a. Kathleen asked that we consider adding another committee member to attend the VPC meetings as a back-up when she is unable to do so. This was tabled to be discussed and chosen at the next meeting.

b. The committee expressed the need to have parish funds available to continue our work of evangelization. Jane will discuss this at the staff meeting and request that the Evangelization committee be added to the parish budget. c. The committee requested a printout of our Parish Boundaries so the evangelization committee are all aware of where we can provide evangelization activities. d. It was discussed that a Parish Mission would be a great opportunity for our parish to energize evangelization. Jane will discuss this with Fr. Joe. e. Jane advised the committee that Immaculate Conception is being considered to offer the Blue Water Vicariate St. Paul Street Evangelization Two Day Training on the evening of Friday, May 15 and during the day on May 16. f. Randy will oversee the Fish Fry Evangelization activity. Randy took home all the SPSE supplies and will organize. Jane will make nametags for all committee members and get them to Randy. At the first Fish Fry Randy, Barb and Mike will be representing the Evangelization committee. Members are asked to let Randy know when they can assist. Our meeting ended at 8:15pm with excitement and prayer! Our next MEETING WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 24 TH AT 5:15PM IN THE PARISH HALL SO WE CAN ALL GO TO MASS AND EUCHARISTIC ADORATION AFTER THE MEETING. Respectfully submitted, Jane Mount AFTER NOTE: As of the typing of these minutes, I. C. will host the Blue Water Vicariate Evangelization Training in the Parish Hall on May 15 and 16.

Blue Water Vicariate Pastoral Council Meeting Notes February 11, 2015 Attendance: Cardinal Mooney Holy Family Karen Fournier, Susan Finley Holy Trinity Jim King, Paula Downing Immaculate Conception Ray Somogy Our Lady On the River Bobbi Ivan, Sandy McNeeley St. Augustine St. Christopher St. Edward on the Lake St. Mary, St. Clair Kathy Stocki St. Mary, Port Huron Tony Paladino, Deacon Tim Maxwell St. Mary, QOC APC Christian Service D R E Principal Youth Ministry AOD Facilitator - Deacon. Bill Kolarik Vicar Fr. Brian Cokonougher Vicar Secretary Catherine Wullaert AOD Regional Coordinator of Evangelization - Kathleen Lindemann Excused: Time Zobl, Larry Mavis, Meeting started at 7:11 PM Opened with prayer lead by Fr. Brian Reviewed last month s minutes; Update under Deacon Tim Maxwell faced some challenges to replace anti-catholic. Under Deacon Bill Kolarik, please change. The AOD is not waiting for a response from the Blue Water Vicariate in regards to the Seven Priorities. The priority is to look at the work the committees did in regards to the Seven Priorities. Under Right to Life, the walk was on January 19 th. With corrections, minutes were approved. Vicar The work is nearly done, in regards to final details of the Healing Mass that will take place on February 13 th. It was asked that this back at your home parish. Fr. Cokonougher shared his gratitude in regards to all those who are helping this Healing Mass take place and to St. Catherine s for hosting it. Confessions are at 6:15 p.m. and Mass is at 7:00 p.m. The Lenten Schedule is set. Wednesday, March 18 th, 7 p.m. at St. Mary Port Huron Thursday, March 19 th, 7 p.m. at St. Mary Queen of Creation Saturday, March 21 st, 1 p.m. at St. Mary, St. Clair Fr. Cokonougher asked everyone to encourage attendance. Most priest will be there from the vicariate parishes. There will also be a Penance Service offered at Cardinal Mooney Would like to say that the Pre-Lent Fish Fry s have created the anticipation of Lenten Fish Frys. Respectfully submitted by C. Wullaert 1

Blue Water Vicariate Pastoral Council Meeting Notes February 11, 2015 Kathleen Lindemann will be speaking at St. Mary Catholic Church in Port Huron on March 12, from 7-9 p.m. Please take that information back to your parishes and encourage attendance. APC Kym Nummer submitted a report from last month s meeting. Please review and if you have questions, please bring them to the next meeting. AOD Regional Evangelization Kathleen Lindeman shared; Cross and the Light presentation this year running from April 26 May 16 th. Encourage attendance Motor coach package offered Motor coach holds 50 people There are many Evangelization opportunities being set up o Offering a wine & cheese afterglow to seek out those who might be looking for a parish, those who will be considering coming back to church, who may have been inspired to join a ministry after the experience o There are plenty of Rack Cards available and Posters. John Nowack s contact information: 810-240-6518 or email john@crosseandlight.com Kathleen will share the flyer via email to the BWV secretary so that she can forward to everyone. Blue Water Vicariate Evangelization Healing Mass on February 14, 2014 o Confessions begin at 6:15 and Mass is at 7 p.m. St. Edward considering / researching a Mass for the Disabled o Looking at offering Mass for the impaired o Hearing equipment o Brail St. Clair County Library can transfer material into brail and print the brail off. Fr. Brian will contact Bob Furtado to see what information he can obtain about this o Fr. Brian is going to call Bob Furtado regarding this o It was recommended that the Deaf Center be contacted for possible resources. The Evangelization Committee is seeking information on the infomercials through Catholic Legacy o Fr. Brian will contact them and see what the status is and seek a program guide o Catholiclegacymi.com can be visited to find out airtimes and information on the infomercials Looking at offering a Called and Gifted seminar in May or June of 2015 ChristLife programs are running at various parishes throughout the vicariate Form Intentional disciple workshop $25 for the conference Symbolon is running at St. Mary in Port Huron. Respectfully submitted by C. Wullaert 2

Blue Water Vicariate Pastoral Council Meeting Notes February 11, 2015 DRE A DVD series What is the Catholic Faith is something being reviewed Currently Catechist formation is the focus There is questions the Blue water Vicariate budget o Is there any figure allocated to the DRE s o To who should the budget request be submitted Theology of the Body o Back a couple of years ago it was requested that the DREs try to work this program in o This is not a sex education class. It teaches about the dignity of self. o Many of the teens throughout the vicariate has had some exposure through either youth group or faith formation o Presentation for the middle school students are underway o It was asked if Theology of the Body could be done on an adult level This can be taken back to the DREs This can be investigated There have been some opportunities o Mary Heely Men and women are from Eden o Conference Why the Fig Leaf? PRINCIPALS: No representative present YOUTH MINISTRY: Reported by Mr. Somogey Rainbow A number of youth went to the Rainbow Conference just recently attended The March for Life was well attended o Locally o Washington DC RIGHT TO LIFE No representative present YOUTH MINISTRY: Need to follow up on the 7 mission priorities. Committees that were formed back in June are asked to forward their results to Kym Nummer so these can be reviewed and completed Pulled from the minutes of June 11, 2014 Those on the Committee are: Christian Service: Tony Lucy Marsha Deacon Tim Vocation: Susan Finley, Jeannie Robinson, George Moomaw, Catholic Schools: Larry Mavis, Joe Nofs Evangelization and Catechist: Done Lay Leadership: George Moomaw, Kym Nummber Matt Hoxie, Mary Margarete Stewardship: Kathy Stocki, Helen Bixler Tim Zobl Youth and Young Adult. : Kathleen Grimm, Laura Smogie Due date for priorities to be submitted: July 16, 2014 Submit to Kym Nummer Respectfully submitted by C. Wullaert 3

Blue Water Vicariate Pastoral Council Meeting Notes February 11, 2015 NEW BUSINESS: The AOD offices are moving to 12 State Street so the offices will be closed for the next 2 days. In the works; update to the Vicariate part of the Commission / Council Handbook The BWV council was asked to view the SERF and Central Vicariate websites o Cmvic.net o Serfvic.com o Consideration of updated to the BWV o Hosting could run $1200-1500 a year OPEN FORUM: Passion and Purpose for Marriage o Guest, Doug Duncan presented to the BWV, a request to bring Allen Hunt to the BWV o Allen Hunt is holding a date for August 1, 2015 Seeking a commitment from the BWV o There would be a need for a worship space that would hold approximately 700 people St. Mary Queen of Creation was suggested o A packet would be given on how to promote and a check list of things needed to hold the event o BWV reviewed Possibility for this year Fr. Brian would have to confirm with St. Mary Queen of Creation Possibility for next year Will not have to compete with summer vacation Give more time for review and execution Meeting closed at 8:29 pm with prayer. Next meeting is March 11, 2015 Hospitality is Holy Trinity Respectfully submitted by C. Wullaert 4

Blue Water Vicariate Pastoral Council Meeting Notes February 11, 2015 REPORTS SUBMITTED: APC Meeting Report Submitted by Kym Nummer Meeting Date January 26 th 2015 Pastoral Priorities and Survey Discussion in Regions: *See attached Each region answered the following questions and reported to the Archbishop: 1. After reviewing the survey results for your Parish and Vicariate, which key findings give you the greatest hope and encouragement? 2. Which key findings cause you the greatest concern? 3. What themes from the survey impacting the Pastoral Priorities do you feel are most in need of addressing? 4. What do you see the Parishes, Vicariates and Archdioceses doing now in terms of best practices that are effectively addressing these themes? 5. What additional actions should be taken by the vicariates, parishes and AOD to address this/these themes? 6. What is the best way to communicate best practices or successful programs to Parishes and Vicariate for utilization? The Archbishop then reflected on our findings and provided his report: He stated that he has developed 4 programmatic task oriented groups to address some of the concerns addressed: The First was to stop the financial bleeding and become stable. Through CLT and new policies such as having every Parish from a Finance Council, and develop ways to track Parish spending this has been achieved. Second was the New Evangelization and the Synod on the Family to bring evangelization into the center of our thinking. Third was an Advancement Council- to address how to get volunteers, fund programs and help Parishes. Fourth was creating Excellence in Schools, Mission, Identify, governess and getting new resources Priests will be getting together to talk about best practices as well. Central Services will be down Feb 11 th & 12 th The Next APC meeting will be downtown at Central Services new location Respectfully submitted by C. Wullaert 5

Blue Water Vicariate Pastoral Council Meeting Notes February 11, 2015 CORRECTED JANUARY 14, 2015 MINUTES BLUE WATER VICARIATE PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 14, 2015 7:00 P.M. Updated per February meetings review 2-13-15 ATTENDANCE: Fr. Brian Cokonougher, Karen Fournier, Patti Giangrande, Kathleen Grimm, Bobbi Ivan, Deacon Bill Kolarik, Fr. Alex Kratz, Kathleen Lindemann, Tony Paladino, Bruce Patchel, Barb Quigley, Ray Somogy, Kathy Stocki, Christine Alengr and Arnold, Jim King, Joseph Nofs, Deacon Tim Maxwell, Larry Mavis Excused: Paula Downing, Tim Zobl, Deacon Ken Nowicki, Laura Somogy, Marianne Jennings, OPENED: 7:10 p.m. with prayer led by Fr. Brian Cokonougher APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Bobbi Ivan moved to approve minutes from prior meeting. FR. ALEX KRATZ and Patti Giangrande gave presentation on Terra Sancta s pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Registration materials were passed out. Why Terra Sancta? o Catholic pilgrimage bringing pilgrims to the Holy Land to strengthen Mother Church. o $100 from every registration goes into a scholarship fund for clergy (including deacons.) o Fr. Alex lived there for a year so he has access to local people/places that others wouldn t They are promoting it to the vicariate as a way to build bonds. Offering exclusive registration period for BWV. Parishes are asked to promote it and Fr. Alex will be preaching at weekend masses with pastors permission. REPORTS: VICAR: Fr. Brian Cokonougher thanked everyone for their patience and understanding during the fall. CHRISTIAN SERVICE: No Report EVANGELIZATION: Kathleen Lindemann presented The Cross and the Light Concert Experience which will be presented at local parishes in April and May. Respectfully submitted by C. Wullaert 6

Blue Water Vicariate Pastoral Council Meeting Notes February 11, 2015 o Great for non-catholics and fallen-away Catholics - Conversions are expected. St. Paul Street Evangelization will train all those working the event. o It is expected that there will be one bus from each parish in the presenting vicariate to attend o St. Isadore in Macomb is the closest to us o Very high-tech and professional St. Paul Street Evangelization hosted a presentation at Holy Family, What is it all about. Will host a training event at Immaculate Conception. Called and Gifted, an Evangelization tool to identify a person s charisms will be presented at a BWV parish soon. A Healing Mass will take place at St. Catherine on February 13 th at 7pm. The information from last year s flyer will be updated. It is too late to advertise it in the DRIFT. DRE S: No Report PRINCIPALS: No Report YOUTH MINISTRY: Report attached. RIGHT TO LIFE: There will be a march in Port Huron on January 19 th at 1pm followed by an ecumenical service at St. Mary. TOGETHER IN FAITH: Deacon Bill Kolarik inquired the status on the committee work done with the Seven Priorities. There is a need to look at these to path forward on the goals of the Vicariate. DEACON TIM MAXWELL reported that Operation Transformation has faced some major challenges. SACRED HEART REHAB: No report, but Deacon Tim reported that Deacon Dennis Crimmins will most likely submit a budget next year to support this ministry. NEW BUSINESS: Fr. Brian met with representatives from Mercy Hospital in Port Huron on December 30 th. It will be sold as a non-catholic hospital to Prime Health Care. NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, February 11, 2015 @ 7:00 p.m. Hospitality will be by St. Mary, Port Huron. ADJOURNMENT: 8:10 p.m. with prayer led by Deacon Tim Maxwell Respectfully submitted by C. Wullaert 7

Blue Water Vicariate Pastoral Council Meeting Notes February 11, 2015 BLUE WATER YOUTH MINISTERS VPC REPORT January 2015 BW service project 11/1 recap: About 20 teens participated, enjoyed working together. Discussed ideas for next year and may do something in house like making blankets or survival kits. Theology of the Body presentation January 11 at SMQOC: BOLD Ministries presented to over 50 teen participants. Event was well received by the youth and the lively and engaging discussion reinforced the theology behind this important topic. Resource printouts were provided for parents. Theresa will submit invoice to BWV for $450 cost. March for Life January 21-24: Filled one bus with BW parishes. Departing Wednesday January 21 at 6pm from SMQOC. Extended trip with mass at Basilica required an additional $10 per person for extra meals. Numbers are: IC 8, OLR 8, SM-PH 21, SMQOC 10 CYO Rainbow Conference Feb 7-8: IC, OLR, SC, SM-PH, SM-SC, SMQOC are all attending. NET retreat April 19 at OLR: Planning has begun for this retreat for teens in grades 7-12. BWV supports this retreat each year, Mike Oldani will be submitting invoices and requests after the event. Report prepared by Theresa Barrons Respectfully submitted by C. Wullaert 8