Saint John Fisher Pastoral Council Meeting: October 1, 2008

Members present: John Barbieri, Viktor Rzeteljski, Christina Britt, Pat Dahlberg, Kathy Keller, Kyle Felsman, Mia Counts, Msgr. Sork., Dave Kurt. Guests: Arminda Au, Robert Keefer (Seekers).

Members absent: Shirley Giltzow, Ann Armstrong, Heather Cassano, Jay DeMiranda and Michael Jules.

The meeting opened at 7:15 p.m. with the First Fifteen Reflection led by Pat Dahlberg.

PASTOR'S REPORT - Msgr. Sork

Building Project Update

A meeting on the Building Project took pace on Sept 23, before the RPV Planning Commission. It appeared that parishioners comprised 80% of those attending. Their letters and e-mails sent to the committee were effective. The parking issue was brought up, but we continue to assert that our plan is consistent with the code, and that our statistical records continue to show that the parking lot is never at capacity, save Easter and Christmas. The opposition stressed the bells aggravation again. We had a recording of the Angelus, and played it for the commissioners, along with a decibel meter, which graphically showed how quiet 49 decibels really is. We had a decibel meter at the meeting. The shadow study clearly showed that shadows were basically never cast on the island view properties, but instead were cast out into the intersection of Crest and Crenshaw. They had hired an architect to do computer mockups of the buildings on our site, but it was clear that they were rather hastily done, and did not clearly portray an accurate picture. This was especially true when we had our full site plan, to-scale mockup for the entire commission to see. We had also conducted three neighborhood meetings where all of the neighbors within 1/2 mile were invited to view our mockup, and tour our facility. All of these things had been requested by the commission at the last meeting, but for our mockup, which proved to be a very effective tool. The vote taken that night was 3-2 in favor of approving our plan. Conditions of use will be considered at the October, 14 meeting before the Planning Commission.

Financial Issues

Unfortunately the budgetary predictions of lower Sunday collections are beginning to prove correct, but expenses continue to improve. The Finance Committee continues to monitor this situation on a regular basis. Campaign 21 has also experienced a slow down in the number of pledges as well as a reduction in the payments toward pledges.

Other

The search for a Youth Minister is ongoing.

PARISH STAFF REPORT - Arminda Au

There are currently 1200 Parish volunteers. We are making sure parishioners are aware of ministries through Impact, the Bulletin, and the Parish web site. Arminda explained the U.S. Bishops' plan, and the booklet "Stewardship" that they have published. It is a great resource. Feedback from the Time and Talent Festival was good. Traffic flow was good. The joint Peace and Justice Council suggests a YES vote on Proposition 4; a NO vote on Proposition 6; and a YES vote on Proposition 8.

PASTORAL PLAN FULFILLMENT COMMITTEE REPORT

John Barbieri passed out Revision Draft No. 3, dated Sept. 3, 2008 on all the Action Items for 2008-2009. John read all of the Action Items; and after discussion, the items were approved .

Celeste, Mia, Ann, and Kyle had a meeting to come up with a plan based on the Bishops' document. Celeste is invited to the next meeting to address youth issues.

Msgr. Sork will give the State of the Parish address on Sunday, October 12, 2008 at every Mass.

OTHER

John suggested the formation of an ad hoc Pastoral Council committee to step in case with the Planning Commission meets further opposition. Shirley, Pat, and Heather have volunteered for the committee. Msgr. Sork suggested strongly that Mia and Kyle be involved.

John passed out registration sheets for the Regional Pastoral Council workshop in October, and urged all members to attend. The parish will pay the registration fee.

John again mentioned that Karen Joostema had resigned due to her impending move to Washington D. C. In addition to this, however, Michael Jules recently resigned from the council, indicating that he had just been promoted to principal of the adult school in the Downey School District, which requires him to work at night. A vote was taken to approve Flo McTaggart as a replacement for one of the vacancies, subject to her acceptance. of the position.

Members were reminded that e-mails between Pastoral Council members should be considered confidential, and good judgment needs to be exercised in disclosing various items of information.

The meeting closed with the Prayer to St John Fisher at 9:30 pm.