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Posted on Friday August 1, 2008
San Fernando Regional Pastoral Council Meeting Minutes
San Fernando Region Pastoral Council Meeting Minutes for November 4, 2006
San Fernado Region Pastoral Council
Meeting Minutes
November 4, 2006
Present:Bishop Gerald E. Wilkerson
Fernando Baeza, Ben Decenario
Jean Brown, Annabelle Farmer
Karen Brown, Rosy Hungerford
Peter Cheung, Sandy Lassila
Jack Dunn, Msgr. Ed Renehen
Dn.Ken Elsey, Frank Luciano
Exiquio Ruiz, Monica Ryoo
Dn.Bob Seidler, Cambria Smith
Dennis Young,
Sr. Rochelle Mitchell, SSS
Rev. Richard Zanotti, CS
Absent: Sr. Socorro Cuevas, OSF, Fr. Raymond Finerty,
Tim Donahoe, Mike Gonzales
Dn. Richard Medina, Lito Reyes,
Msgr. Peter Moran, Quang Nguyen,
Gary Weeks, Kathleen Schwartz,
Willis Veluz-Abraham,
Guests: Rafael Vega & Fr. Paul Wolkovits
1. Thank you, Rosy for the pre-meeting hospitality.
2. Opening Scripture Reading from the gospel of St. John, followed by a short reflection by Bishop. We then shared our thoughts on “How do we love?” in small groups.
3. Bishop announced that Dennis Young’s baby boy,Kevin was born and doing fine. Willis Veluz Abraham’s little baby boy, Ajani Emmanuel Veluz Abraham was in ICU with kidney problems. We will keep them in our prayers.
4. The agenda for today’s meeting was reviewed.
5. Frank’s Moderator Reports:
a) New members to the SFPRC were welcomed:
Fernando Baeza replacing Monchie Allen, and Msgr.Ed Renehen replacing Msgr. Stephen Downes, Quang Nguyen replacing James Dao from the Vietnamese community will be joining us at the January Meeting.
b) Fr. Paul Volkovits and Rafael Vega from the Office of Synod Implementation were welcomed.
c) Executive Committee Discussions and Decisions.
• Concerning the Finance Council, the Bishop will contact parishes without a council and set up a workshop inviting all parishes to attend.
• Synod ll under the leadership of Karen Brown will set up an ad hoc committee looking into new leadership in the council and the replenishment of leaders when their current term is over.
• Unexcused absence, according to the Charter, Article X Section 2, is no more than two missed meetings per year. If a member is going to miss a meeting a call should be made to Council Secretary or the chair of a committee.
• Cambria Smith was selected to represent the San Fernando Region to give a testimonial as a Council member at the Synod Regathering on November 18th at St. Mel.
d) A recent article in the Daily News concerning the scarcity of priests was discussed. Inaccuracies were prevalent in the article and made us aware that the Council is vulnerable to the media. If in doubt we should direct the reporters to the Bishop’s Office.
e) Concerns about email traffic within the council was discussed.It was agreed that everyone has a choice to read or ignore the email.
6. Draft Charter for the Regional Pastoral Council:
Jack Dunn informed the Council that no final version has been reached. San Pedro Council has some concerns. The Charter Committee hopes to have a final draft sometime in January.
7. Bishop’s Report:
a) A reminder was recently sent to all of the parishes to try to take back Sundays by reducing the activities of the parishes on Sunday and giving that day back to the families. This report was initially sent to all parishes 2 years ago. Sacramental preparation, Religious Education or any ministry that promotes worship and families would be acceptable.
b) Council at work in 2006
• Not satisfied with standing committees
• Chairs must keep in mind their focus
• Things are not happening
• Cannot give adequate attention to all 6 priorities.
d) Rethink Priorities for 2007:
• Need to have whole Council reflect on two or three in order to complete them Finance and Pastoral Councils in each Parish.
• Be a part of encouraging priestly and religious vocations.
• Post sacramental Programs, keeping connected Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Weddings, RCIA.
• Social Justice and Peace Committee:
Secure a viable Justice and Peace Committee in each Parish. Deacon Bob suggested that we change the format of the January meeting to a Prayer Service and a discussion on our Priorities for 2007. Fr. Richard Zanotti said that the Pastoral Councils in some parishes have conflicts. Noting that they are technically advisory councils. Are they the doers or the thinkers? In some situations, like us they are both.
8. Recommendations from Synod lll on Post Baptism Project.
a) Set up a database containing information for each baptized child.
b) A weekly report will be printed for those who will celebrate their birthdays, within the week after the current date plus 7 days.
c) The age of the child will be factored into the search and will be flexible by parish.
e) This report will be used to send a parish greeting package for the child. Package would be a letter from the pastor and a computer created greeting card plus some spiritual reminders or little notes depending on the age of the child.
9. Viewed DVD on vocations “Fishers of Men.”
The Council agreed that this DVD had a special impact. Recommended for all parishes youth as well as parents. Cost is $15.00 and can be bought through USCB.
10. The agenda for next meeting will be to develop priorities.
11. Meeting was closed with a prayer at 11:15a.m.
Future Meetings:
Sat., Jan. 20,2007, 8:30am – 11:00am
Sat., March 10, 2007, 8:30am – 11:00am
Sat., June 30, 2007, 8:30am – 11:00am
Sat., Sept. 8, 2007, 8:30am – 11:00am
Sat., Nov. 3, 2007, 8:30am – 1100am
