PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

October 14, 2014

M i n u t e s

Mission Statement of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish

As the spiritual home for Catholics in the West End, we are a family of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. We are a Sunday People, remade in Baptism, nurtured by the Eucharist, and guided by the Holy Spirit. Under the patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we strive to share our time, talents, and treasures. We are formed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and proclaim the Kingdom of God by our words and actions.

THOSE PRESENT: Father Quinnan,Deacon O’Connor, Linda Carbone,Mary DiMichele, Chris Doerbecker,Pat Douglas, Franklin Edwards,Allen Krueger, Ralph Manento,Karen Newton,Martin Ritchie, and Santos Rivera Absent: Dori Hurley

Opening Prayer: preceded by oral reading of the Mission Statement

Approval of Minutes:September Minutes Approved

Provisional Pastoral Plan ~ Cover letter in creation process.

Spirituality: (1) Letter being sent to all Extra Ordinary Ministers of Communion (EOMC); Home Bound Ministry Prayer during adoration on Friday evenings at 7 pm will be the Novena to Our Lady Queen of Peace. (2) Change: Gift Bearers during Ordinary Time will be chosen at random prior to mass, engaging different parishioners and guests. (3) Results were shared of attendance at Worship Convocation in Scranton regarding Liturgy Committees.

Faith Formation: (1) Attending Word Convocation in Scranton October 18th, results at next meeting. (2) Post confirmation student retention is focused under Achieving Goal #7.

Stewardship: (1) Focus on growing an engaged church. When engaged an individual feels a degree of “belonging” with their faith community and spiritual commitment which translates a positive impact on the local faith community. Investigation is underway for measuring engagement. Gallup Consulting has developed a survey for measuring engagement within faith practice. Surveys will be distributed in the near future. Watch the bulletin for details. (2) Focus on engaging Young Adults.

Pastor’s Report ~

Oktoberfest was a beautiful experience with great weather, approximately $4,000 earned.

Evangelization Efforts ~

  • Meet Me at the Pole – PV high school students from local faith communities, including our parish, stood around the flag pole in front of PV High School offering prayers in words and song during the morning drop off period. Joyful experience had by all!
  • Chestnuthill Days – our parish was represented at the first annual event with hopes for greater crowds next year. Very positive expressions received by the major attendees to our parish and our Keep Sunday Holy initiative.

Diocesan News ~

  • Annual Report Response from Office of Parish Life, Diocese of Scranton, commended our parish for “.....sustained culture of planning and stewardship – and, especially, the mission-orientation underlying these efforts.”
  • Anticipated Papal Visit during the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, September 26-28, 2015. While not yet confirmed by the Vatican, preparations are underway and the planners would like an indication of interest from our diocese. If interested in attending, please complete survey on the Office for Parish Life site of the Diocesan webpage: Interest Indicator for World Meeting of Families.

Decisions made:

Spirituality submission of action plans for Achieving Goal #5 approved.

Prayer Volunteers: November~Mary, December~Pat, January~Santos, February~Chris, March~Karen, April~Dori, May~Martin, June~Franklin, July~Core Committee.

Next Steps ~

  • Provisional Parish Pastoral Plan Cover Letter
  • Parish Pastoral Plan Implementation Subcommittee Action Plans

Future Agenda Suggestions~

  • Vision Statement
  • Parish Pastoral Plan implementations
  • Parish Wide Communication

Announcements:

  • Next Pastoral Council Meeting: November 3, 2014 @ 7:30 pm in the Café
  • NovemberOpening Prayer: Councilwoman Mary DiMichelle
  • Next Coordinating Council Meeting: October 16th @ 6pm