Saint George Catholic Church Ministries

PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

ST. GEORGE CATHOLIC CHURCH

COUNCIL MEETING REPORT

MAY 13, 2010

Bylaws – Phyllis Hurtado

A copy of the Administrative Procedures from the Salt Lake diocese relative to meetings and councils was distributed, as well as a memo from Michael Lee stating there will be no change in the Bylaws pending the change in pastors. 

Parish Sunday Bulletin – Kathleen Kilkenny

Announcements were made regarding revising the Sunday bulletin. Ten parishioners have volunteered to participate as a committee to make the Bulletin more interesting. The first committee meeting will be held on Monday, May 17^th.

Parish Picnic – Jim Beller

The parish picnic will be held from 12-4 p.m. on Sunday, October 17^th.

Parish Council Retreat – Phyllis Hurtado

The first part of the retreat was spiritual. A lunch was provided by St. Paul’s mission. After lunch, questions submitted by council members were discussed. 

Cinco de Mayo – Rita Cohen

The celebration was very successful. There are still some bills to be paid but it is estimated that the event will clear $11,000. The king and queen contest brought in $4957.

George Ladamus reported that he received a phone call asking if he would contact the newspaper and see if they would reduce the costs of the ads that had been ran for a fund raiser event. If contacted in advance George will place ads that are free. If there were a large ad that costs money, he would need prior approval before the ad is placed in the paper.

Holy Communion & Confirmation – Rita Cohen

On May 30^th 25 English speaking children will receive Holy Communion at the 9:00 a.m. Mass

June 7^th 40 will be confirmed at the 7:00 p.m. bilingual Mass

July 31^st – 80 Hispanic children will receive Holy Communion at the 11:00 a.m. Mass

Cake and punch will be served outside Kuzy Hall after the service.

Golf Tournament – Phyllis Hurtado

A meeting was held with the golf pro at Coral Canyon. They will be donating free rounds of golf and are planning fun things at some of the holes. They have received there first sponsor. George Ladamus was asked to help with the advertising.

Parish Outreach – Marianne Rowe

After only one announcement in the bulletin two parishioners responded to the request to help

someone in need of light housekeeping. At this time the parishioner that initially requested the help

has found someone to assist her. Thanks to those caring parishioners for their offers of help.

Pentecost Sunday – Rita Cohen

They have contacted someone to assist with the sound system and he felt there was a need for 16 mixers. Freddy Flores will be contacted to assist with the sound system. There are sign-up sheets in the back of Kuzy Hall for food and people to carry the flags.

Parish Cookbook – Rita Cohen    

Our Lady of Guadalupe parish in Mesquite has published a cookbook that they are selling for $5.00 with publishing costs underwritten by local sponsors. Rita suggested that the St. George parish gather recipes and put together a cookbook as a church fundraiser. Boxes will be placed in the church for recipe collection. The goal is to have the recipe book available for sale by Thanksgiving.

Suggestion Box – Phyllis Hurtado

There were 3 suggestions in the suggestion box: 1 signed and 2 unsigned. These have been discussed

with Father Vidal and he has contacted the parishioner that signed the suggestion. The remaining two were dealing with the dress code and will be answered in the bulletin.

Council Meetings – Phyllis Hurtado

Because some parishes in the diocese only meet September through May, Phyllis announced that the council will not meet during June, July, or August. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 14^th.

Announcements: 

Father Vidal will be leaving on August 29, 2010

The church should be ready by the 1^st or 2^nd week in June. They are waiting for everything to be complete before calling for inspections. Erin Tolli voiced some concern about the sound system being insufficient for their needs.

 Submitted by:    Marianne Rowe

REPORT: ST. GEORGE CATHOLIC CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING - APRIL 13, 2010

MOMENT OF SILENCE

Prior to calling the meeting to order, those present held a moment of silence to remember relatives of council members who recently passed away since January:  Kathleen Kilkenny in the loss of her mother, Rita Cohen in the loss of her brother, and Marlon Figueroa in the loss of his father.

OPENING PRAYER - Father Vidal gave the opening prayer.

Palm Sunday Bake Sale

The proceeds from the bake sale that was held over the Palm Sunday weekend amounted to $578. Booths were set up outside both exits from the church. Three youth that are to be confirmed did a fantastic job helping with a most successful event.

Business Fair – Angie Mittleberger

The second annual business fair will be held on Saturday and Sunday during the 2^nd weekend of November. There will be a $20 charge for participants. They hope to have various parish activities set up an informational booth such as the Knights of Columbus and Thrift Store. The parish council will have a booth to encourage women in the parish to consider re-establishing a Catholic Women’s Group. There will be no charge for the church booths.

1.                   Ecumenical Way of the Cross – Kathleen Kilkenny

Planning for the Ecumenical Way of the Cross began on March 17^th with a luncheon at the Rectory for 21 ministers representing several churches in the area. George Ladamus was in charge of getting information published in the Spectrum and the police to keep the streets clear. Every minister that signed up did participate. It is estimated that on Good Friday there were 500 participants. Lorraine Boyce took pictures that were published in the recent Intermountain Catholic newspaper. Kathleen noted there is a need to improve the sound system.

Diocesan Pastoral Council Representative for SW Deanery – Phyllis Hurtado

Phyllis explained that she wants to make the Diocesan Pastoral Council Representative for SW Deanery a permanent ex-officio position on the parish council. This is an important position, as the person is the liaison between our church and the Bishop. At this time, it is Angie Mittleberger. A discussion ensued and it was pointed out that, according to the Bylaws, all appointments to the council take office in January. When asked why there was a need for immediate action, Phyllis said it was to stop gossip as to why Angie Mittleberger attends the Council meetings. Phyllis asked for a vote on making the appointment at this time rather than in January.

                              Seven in favor; four opposed

It was noted that the Bylaws do not spell out who are ex-officio members and this should be something that is included in the amendments. There was further discussion about defining what constitutes an Executive Session. A proposed amendment will be considered when the Bylaws are presented for adoption. Subsequently, Jim Beller noted that the action taken was improper. According to ARTICLE VII – AMENDMENTS proposals for an amendment must be submitted in writing at any regular meeting and acted upon at the next regularly scheduled meeting. Phyllis will submit a written proposal.

Parish Sunday Bulletin – Phyllis Hurtado

Several suggestions were submitted for the general meeting requesting that the Sunday bulletin be more informative. She asked that a council member chair a committee with parishioners’ assistance to work on a new bulletin. Several examples from other parish communities were presented. Marianne Rowe read a letter from Lee Warren thanking her and Phyllis for the insert in the Sunday bulletin to keep the community informed about what is happening at the parish council meetings. ACTION:  Kathleen Kilkenny will chair the committee to redesign the bulletin...

Food for the Needy – Phyllis Hurtado

There is a need to assist those who are coming into the church office looking for help with food. Many of these arrive with small children. Most requested items include dry cereals, pastas, and soup. Any food offering is appreciated and parishioners can also buy Scrip. Food should be brought to the office where Sandra will put it in bags for the needy.

Parish Picnic – Jim Beller

Snow Park has been reserved for the parish picnic that will be held from 12-4 on October 17, 2010. There is a usage charge of $20 per 100 people and $40 for 200 for a 2-hour time frame, so there will be a need to determine the approximate number of parishioners that will be attending. There are 10 tables with 10 per table. There is a need to bring in serving tables. Plans include volleyball, a piñata, 2-3 horse ball games (similar to horseshoes). Don Rowe will provide the music. Hot dogs, hamburgers, condiments, water, and punch will be provided by the parish. The remainder of the meal will be a potluck with parishioners providing the salad and desserts. There will be a sign-up sheet in the back of the church. ACTION:  Jim will report back regarding any additional charges for a 5-hour event.

Parish Council Retreat – Don Musich

Last year there was no council retreat and the year before it was strictly spiritual. This year St. Paul’s will host the council retreat on Saturday, April 17^th. From 9:30 – 10:00 will be a welcome from Tony Foran, Administrator, and coffee and donuts will be served. There will be an opportunity to tour the facility and lunch will be served at noon. During the retreat, the council will have an opportunity to review the results of the General Meeting on March 24^th to determine if questions were sufficiently answered and will also explore the role of the council. The items on the agenda were approved by Father Vidal and the outline was previously sent by email to all the members. The address for St. Paul’s:  171 S. Main, Hurricane

Cinco de Mayo – Marlon Figueroa

Activities will start at 8:00 a.m. at the north parking lot. Teresa Loy is in charge of the food booths where 12 different kinds of food will be available. Marlon and Rita Cohen will work on the games with the help of the Boy Scouts. Sherry Gower is in charge of the money bank. Phyllis and Art Hurtado will be working the ticket booths. There will be a king and queen contest, T-shirt booth, bake sale and cake walk. There is a $400 charge to rent the stage, but Ponci Reed has offered to pay one-half of the cost. Because Kuzy Hall is not available, there will be no dance in the evening. A DJ will be playing music throughout the day. ACTION:  There is a need to obtain a city permit for the music.

Gone with the Wind Movie – Rita Cohen

Tickets for the movie and reception are $25 each and $15 for just the movie. Student tickets are $5.

Three hundred tickets have been sold with 500 being the goal. There will be two members of the original cast present, who will be available to pose for pictures and give autographs. The reception starts at 5:00 p.m. with lots of good food. Movie will start at 6 p.m.

Pentecost Sunday – Rita Cohen

Pentecost Sunday is on May 23^rd. Tents will be set up in the parking lot for food. Signs will be posted and there will be sign-up sheets for people to carry the flags representing all the countries of parishioner’s ancestry. People will also be encouraged to decorate baskets containing food or other items that will be auctioned off. There will only be one Mass on that Sunday.

Holy Communion & Confirmation – Maria Hollingsworth

Jill Lutrell and Luz Manzo have been preparing the children for Holy Communion and Confirmation.

May 28^th at 5:00 p.m. 25 children will receive the sacrament of reconciliation.

May 30^th at the 9:00 a.m. Mass 25 children will receive their First Communion

June 7^th   at 7:00 p.m. 25 English children and 44 Hispanic children will be confirmed.

July 31^st at 11:00 a.m. Mass 85 Hispanic children will receive their First Communion.

This is contingent upon the fact that the children must complete learning their prayers in order to receive the sacrament.

Parish Directory & Pictures – Erin Tolli

Several people are taking candid pictures; however, Erin was not aware that she was in charge of the parish directory. This will be researched with a report at the next meeting. Two companies will take the pictures at no charge unless the parishioner wishes to purchase additional copies. Information on the company that is taking the pictures in Mesquite will be obtained.

Constitution/Bylaws – Marianne Rowe

The proposed Bylaws were previously sent to all members of the Council. Since then, other council members have submitted their recommended revisions. Copies of the additional revisions were distributed to the council. At the next meeting, the revisions will be discussed one by one before adoption.           ACTION:  Tabled until May meeting: 

Golf Tournament – Phyllis Hurtado

The tournament will be held on September 19^th. 15% of the proceeds will be given to the Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Bishop Wester will be at the tournament. Several people want to golf with the Bishop. Golfers interested will have an opportunity to put their name in a pool and a drawing will be held to determine the Bishop’s team members. Last year a majority of the golfers waited until the last minute to sign up for the tournament. This presents a problem for the golf course. This year there will be two dates. Those signing up by the first date will pay $100 and those signing up later will pay $110.

St. Paul’s Mission – Don Musich

A SCAP service is held on the 1^st and 2^nd Sunday of the month, Mass with Father Renee on the 3^rd, and a bi-lingual SCAP on the 4^th Sunday. There have not been many Spanish speaking people attending this service. A parishioner is organizing an Italian sandwich night with a potluck. Approximately 100-110 people have been attending the social events. One Sunday there were 96 people attending Mass. They would like to be able to have two services. The Advisory Committee will meet on Wednesday evening, April 14^th. Tony Foran was appointed by the diocese as the mission administrator with total control of the finances. Because the diocese has purchased 4-5 properties, Don has proposed a Bylaw amendment to include future mission churches. Because they now have a one year history, it will be easier to determine their financial picture. The Thrift Store is doing well with average sales of $100-$200 a day. They are open from 10-4 Wednesday through Saturday. The Thrift Store recently gave St. Paul’s $5000. Because of a diocesan policy that only 3 weeks of capital can be kept in their account, the money is used to pay down the debt to the diocese.

DixieToday.com – Phyllis Hurtado

DixieToday.com is a totally free web site and the Spectrum “Where It’s At” are totally free for advertising church activities.

Parish Outreach – Marianne Rowe

The RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) has been contacted by a parishioner requesting some help. Margaret Curan was contacted and said that the lady is receiving the Eucharist and a member of the parish has visited with her. On further discussions with RSVP, said the need is for help with light housekeeping.

ACTION: 

(1) Maria Hollingsworth volunteered to help the person that is currently in need. 

(2)  An announcement will be placed in the bulletin seeking other volunteers.

 Problems-Concerns- Father Vidal

 None reported

Problems-Concerns- Father Renee

Father Renee is out of town on retreat...

OTHER REPORTS:

Parishioners - Sue Berg was present to observe as she is thinking about running for the council. Phyllis will provide Sue with a copy of the Constitution. Ray & Rose Odette and Don Rowe were present as observers.

FUNERAL PAMPHLETS – Angie Mittleberger

A copy of pamphlets for non-Catholics who attend a Catholic funeral or are visitors to our church was presented. These will be available through the office and will also be available for the St. Paul’s mission.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Father Fabio has arranged through the Bishop to conduct classes at various parishes throughout the diocese. The program will follow the structure of the RCIA program. The first class will be next Tuesday, April 20^th at 7:00 p.m. in the church. Parishioners aware of members who are no longer going to Mass or have left the Church should encourage them to come and participate in this program.

BAPTISMS

500 Catholics were baptized in the state of Utah during the Easter Vigil. One was by immersion. When the renovation is complete, there will be a Baptismal font and an immersion font.

Submitted by:

Marianne Rowe, Secretary

COUNCIL MEETING – FEBRUARY 9, 2010

Scrip - Announcements were made at the weekend Masses explaining and encouraging parishioners to purchase scrip. As a result the weekend scrip sales amounted to $2005. Parishioners have asked if they can use credit cards. It was noted that the highest percentage of scrip requested is for Wal-Mart who only rebates 2%. Not only is there a cost of 1.5 percent to use a credit card, but there is an additional shipping charge for the cards.           TABLED until further information is obtained.

Council Activities – 2010 –All council members will either chair or co-chair a church activity during 2010. The golf outing arrangements have already been made to have the tournament at Coral Canyon. With the exception of a slight increase in the cost of food, everything will be the same as in 2009.

Blessing, Introduction of Council and Picture – After the announcements at the 11:00 a.m. Mass on February 14^th council members will be asked to come forward for a blessing and will be introduced to the parishioners. Pictures of the council will be taken.

Funeral Pamphlet – The funeral pamphlet for non-Catholics explaining why Catholics sit, stand, and kneel during services is now ready for printing. Information in the pamphlet explains what is happening at both the funeral and regular Masses.

Business Fair –Plans are being made to have another business fair in November. There will be a nominal set up fee of $20. This will be an opportunity for parishioners to showcase their business to the parish community. Representatives from the various parish activities will be asked to set up a booth to answer questions and encourage parishioners to become involved. There will also be a booth to determine if there are any women in the parish interested in starting up a women’s group. The Thrift Store will be contacted to make sure there is no conflict with the Thrift Shop fashion show.

Palm Sunday Bake Sale –A fundraiser bake sale will be held after all Masses on Palm Sunday weekend. The Hispanic parishioners will be asked to participate. Council members and parishioners will be contacted to help and donate baked goods.

Funeral Mass –Deacon Willie explained that when a death occurs, an announcement is made from the altar and he posts a notice by the entrance to Kuzy Hall. It was determined that a concerted effort is made and parishioners do receive adequate notice of a death. Father Vidal thanked Deacon Willie for the great job he does with the funeral ministry.

St. Paul’s Mission – Bob Klein passed away on Sunday. As of now, there is no information on the funeral arrangements. They are trying to get an Ash Wednesday service and are on working on this with Deacon Gorman. Tomorrow evening, February 10^th, at 5:00 p.m. there will be a blessing for the new Liturgy Committee and Eucharistic Ministers. At 6:00 p.m. there is an advisory committee meeting and all are invited to attend. A St. Pat’s potluck is being planned.

Church Tour –On Sunday, February 21^st Cy Curran will conduct a church tour from 2-4 p.m. He will also be available to conduct a tour after the 11:00 a.m. Mass on the 21^st and on request will conduct a private tour.

Father Vidal Comments/Concerns – No comment or concern.

Father Renee Comments/Concerns – No comment or concern.

Missionaries of the Gospel of Light – John Haydukovich explained the ministry of the Missionaries of the Gospel of Light. This is basically a pro-life organization, which is working on holding a 40-day Lenten prayer for life. The plan is to spend one hour a day by the Planned Parenthood building on Bluff and 6^th south. This group does not engage anyone; they are only there to pray for the unborn. Additional information can be obtained by going to the web site priestsforlife.org and click on the page for the missionaries of the gospel of light. John can be reached at JohnHaydukovich@yahoo.com

Liaison Meeting in Salt Lake –78% of the Catholics in Utah are Hispanics. The Bishop has put a hold on all new building projects. He wants pastors to be more visible by pod casting and using Facebook for their sermons.

The Executive Session concluded at 7:40 p.m. Parishioners were then invited into the meeting for the capital campaign and financial report.

Financial Parish Accounting/Capital Campaign Report

John Hoff and Kurt Blymer were present to respond to a letter from a parishioner with many questions regarding parish finances, capital campaign, Kuzy Hall renovation and the dedication program.

Total pledges to date - $545,974. Pledges received - $177,631. Amount paid to date to Walsh & Associates fundraisers - $154,454

The ordinary income report in the Sunday bulletin includes all the money from the parish envelopes and loose change, the amount of the expenditures and the profit or loss. As of now there is a profit because of the snowbirds that are back in the area. When the expense is greater than income, money is drawn from other sources such as scrip and Cinco de Mayo. The income for the month from the Thrift Store is listed. The building fund and pledges are deposited into the same account. The savings did earn interest, but when the construction started, the savings shrank to zero. The church is now using a construction loan from the D & L diocesan program. The loan amount will be increasing as every month payments are made to the builders.

The concern is that the country is in a severe depression and there should be good stewardship of the parish monies. There needs to be transparency so that parishioners can feel comfortable with how the money is being spent. Kurt Blymer explained that the Finance Committee is only an advisory group to the pastor and it is the pastor who makes the final decision on how money is spent. In May of 2008 there was a directive that an accounting system was to be implemented. A budget was proposed with the information available to the Finance Committee. Throughout the year the diocese sees the expenditures live on line. The budget is sent to the diocese for approval and a monthly report is directed to the parish council. In August an annual report is included in the Sunday bulletin. A semi-annual report is now being prepared and will be published within the next few weeks. The Finance Committee does reconcile the books. If there is anything that appears to be out of line, it is discussed with the pastor.

It was pointed out that many people are on fixed incomes and the need for a 2 ½ million dollar renovation was questioned as well as where the money was coming from to pay for the new statues and the 10 day dedication celebration. The group was informed that there is no cost to the parish for the statues or the 10-day dedication as this is being paid for by the Catholic Foundation of Utah. There was also a parishioner that passed away and left a large amount of money to the parish.

When construction of any building is started, there is a need to bring everything up to current code such as the electrical wiring, sprinkler system, and earthquake standards. Prior to starting the renovation, surveys were gathered and meetings were held to present the plans and answer questions. There were only about 40 people after each Mass that attended these presentations. The fundraisers were hired as the Bishop felt they were very successful in Salt Lake and that they would be a benefit in raising the funds. They have a contracted price regardless of the amount of money that is raised.

One parishioner was concerned about the availability of the priests when there is someone that is seriously ill in the hospital, who wishes to go to confession or receive the last rites. It was felt that this should not be a problem as Father Renee has an emergency cell phone, which has been published in the bulletin. Phyllis Hurtado also stated that at any time someone could not reach a priest or any of the deacons, that they could call her and she would make every effort to contact a priest.

CONCLUSION: 

1. The parishioner will receive a written response to his letter.

2. Because of the numerous questions that were raised, a general meeting will be scheduled for all parishioners so that any and all questions can be answered. An announcement regarding the date and time will be published in the Bulletin  for at least three (3) weeks in a row, an announcement will be made from the altar and a sign will be posted in the church. Parishioners will be asked to submit their questions in writing so that there will be time to research the answers. Questions are to be placed in the Suggestion Box.  

 Submitted by:

Marianne Rowe, Secretary

ST. GEORGE CATHOLIC CHURCH

COUNCIL MEETING - JANUARY 12, 2010

Scrip - A listing of merchants who currently provide rebates and the percentage returned to the parish when Scrip gift cards are used was distributed. Rebates range from 2 to 13%. Last quarter rebates amounted to $1394. A second list of retailers who are not on the active scrip list was also presented. Anyone wishing to use one of these retailers may contact the church office to obtain the scrip gift card.

Parish Retreat - The parish retreat will be held on Wednesday, March 3^rd and Thursday, March 4, 2010. The retreat will be conducted by Father Clement Machado from Rome, Italy

Council Activities – Members of the council are expected to coordinate various parish functions. A brief synopsis of what is involved with each activity will be formulated and disseminated to the council members.     

Council Picture & Introduction at Mass  - Arrangements will be made to have a blessing by the pastor and to introduce the council members to the parish at a 10 a.m. Mass in February.

Constitution/Bylaws – Current Constitution/Bylaws of the Pastoral Council will be reviewed to determine the need for revision or update.

Father Rene Comments/Concerns – The council has received a report on the progress of the renovation of the church. Parishioners are asking about the results of the capital campaign. A member of the parish was present and presented a letter asking many of the same questions.  Discussion tabled until Father Vidal is present.

Father Rene Birthday Celebration - A birthday celebration will be held for Father Rene on Sunday, January 24^th from 2-4 p.m. at the parish Rectory. He has requested no gifts. Donations can be given to help his church in the Philippines. Checks are to be made out to the Knights of Columbus. Father Rene expressed his gratitude and noted that this is the first parish that has prepared something special for his birthday.

Report from St. Paul’s

They now have a SCAP service on the 1^st and 2^nd Sunday, Mass on the 3^rd Sunday, and a Spanish SCAP on the 4^th Sunday. Next Sunday Father Renee will say Mass at 3:00 p.m. and will also be hearing confession. Statements on money donated and pledge contributions will be sent to the Hurricane parishioners. There will be a chili potluck on Saturday, January 23^rd at 5:30 p.m.

Funeral Pamphlet – Some times when there is a funeral, there are friends and family present that are not Catholic. Council voted to support the idea of formulating a pamphlet explaining the funeral service. It was proposed that when someone hears of a death, that they notify the secretary so that an informational email can be sent to the council members. Father Renee announced that there will be a funeral Mass for Olivia Roberts on February 27^th.

Christmas Food Baskets – A final detailed report and accounting on the Christmas Food Baskets was presented. The initial goal was to fill 90 food baskets. Due to the overwhelming response, 102 boxes of food were distributed to the needy. The youth group helped with the baskets as one of their service programs for confirmation

Relay for Life – The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is an event that gives everyone in the community the opportunity to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. Information will be published in the bulletin to determine interest by parishioners to participate. The youth group might consider the Relay for Life as a service project.

Youth Group – Rather than separating the Spanish and English youth, Father Renee suggested having them come together as one St. George Catholic Youth Group.

Submitted by:  Marianne Rowe

           Secretary.

ST. GEORGE CATHOLIC CHURCH

COUNCIL MEETING − DECEMBER 15,2009

Introduction of New Members:  

Elected:                                                                   Appointed by Pastor, (1 year term)

Kathleen Kilkenny    2010 & 2011                         John Benson          2010

George LaDamus     2010 & 2011                         Marlon Figueroa     2010   

Jim Beller                 2010, 2011 & 2012               Don Musich            2010 (representing St. Paul's)

Maria Hollingsworth                                              2010, 2011 & 2012           

Credit Card- Scrip Transaction Cost

Town & Country Bank has agreed to accept a 1.39% service charge when parishioners use a debit card to purchase script. The scrip can be used at numerous businesses in town the same as any other gift card. However, with the scrip the business will rebate back to the church anywhere from 3-5%. If the purchase of scrip sales were to double, the building project could be paid off in three years. Father Vidal felt there was a need to first increase scrip sales before encouraging the use of debit cards as the service fee would offset most of the proceeds.

ACTION:

(1) John Hoff to come to next Council meeting to report on the amount of money currently received from sale of scrip, provide a list of businesses that accept Scrip and their service charge fee.

(2) Explanation of scrip and where it can be used to be published in the Bulletin.

Learning Center for Children -

The Learning Center for Children is currently trying to help 70 families and they are greatly in need of diapers.

Parish Retreat

Still waiting for confirmation from Father Machado, but it is hoped that the retreat will be conducted in January.

Church Progress Report

A written outline on the progress of the church remodeling was disseminated. The target date for completion is early May.

ACTION:

(1) Pictures that have been taken during the remodeling to be posted in the back of

the church; (2) The progress report will be disseminated to parishioners as an insert in the Sunday bulletin.

Election of Council Officers

Rita Cohen elected as President-Elect. Marianne Rowe elected as Secretary

Comments/Concerns - Father Vidal

The response from parishioners for donations for the Christmas baskets and Angel Tree gifts has been phenomenal. This year they will provide gifts for 250 children from the Angel Tree and will provide over 100 food baskets. (Special Note: The LDS College ward participated by taking 15 angels and spending $100 for each child.)  

During the celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe there were approximately 700 people in church at 5 a.m. for the Mañanitas on December 12. Father Renee led the procession from the park to the church in pouring rain. The Hispanic community made $2702 from their tamale sales. The money is deposited in their Guadalupana account. The money will be used towards the purchase of the crown for Our Lady of Guadalupe. The crowning of Our Lady will take place at the Thanksgiving Mass on August 28th.

Comments/Concerns - Father Rene

When the first Pilippino priests came to the United States, they organized the Simbang Gabi Dawn Mass, which is a 9 day celebration before Christmas. Initially they used tagalog in the celebration, but since they were in the US they incorporated English into their celebration and more Anglos joined in. He felt if they could incorporate more English into the Hispanic celebrations held here, there might be more participation from the English community.  

Knights of Columbus - Lou Holdener

Since Kuzy Hall is unavailable, the Knights do not have many fund raiser opportunities. The Keep Christ in Christmas magnets are sold out. There are some Dixie Direct books still available for sale. The Knights adopted St. Peter's church in the Philippines and donations are being collected on the 3^rd weekend of each month. So far $1835 has been raised. The color guard was invited to participate in the dedication of the new Catholic social center in Mesquite. A musical concert was held prior to the dedication. Bishop Pepe was present for the event. Lou will contact the Cedar City KofC to get them involved in the request for diapers for the Children's Learning Center. 

Presbyterian Bell - Gary Stoltz

Some friends who are members of the Presbyterian Church have questioned what has happened to the bell that was to be given back to their church. Father Vidal explained that this issue has been going on for over a year. The Presbyterians have been told they can have the belL

Feasibility Catholic School - Edna Espinoza

A very informative and well organized Power Point presentation was presented. There were between 290-295 parishioners that responded to the survey to determine interest in establishing a Catholic School. There was an overwhelming support of the school proposal. Responses were very positive with some indicating that although they would not have a child in school, they would donate or sponsor a child. They would initially start with a kindergarten class on the third floor of the Scanlan building. All requirements have been checked and the facility would be in compliance with city regulations. The curriculum and tuition is established by the diocese of Utah Superintendent of Catholic Schools. The tuition may initially be reduced and gradually increased to the amount established for all Catholic schools in Utah. Edna explained that it will be awhile before anything is finalized, but they are considering several possible fund raiser activities: paper and can recycling, Lighthouse Catholic media CDs, motivational speakers, and a spring carnival for children.

 Food Baskets

There has been a very good response to the request for food for the needy. Along with food donations, $508 was donated which will be used to purchase staple items. On Monday, the 21 st the CCD students will help decorate and pack the food baskets. The baskets will be distributed that afternoon.

THANKS

Pete MacKenzie and Shirlea Gilsdorf will be leaving the council in 2010. They were thanked for all their work as members of the council and for coordinating and making several church activities very successful events.

 Submitted by: Marianne Rowe, Secretary

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