St. Valentine Parish Council Meeting Minutes for March 15th, 2016

Kathy From Pastoral Council

In Attendance:  Fr Henry, Fr Socorro, Lisa Alexander, Dan Benard, Rachel Damuth, Ron Fron, Anthony Janisse, Joe Kelly, Jeff Kramer, Suzanne Mote, Mike Nowak, Alan Pawlik, Allison Wright.

 Old Business

· New pew “Reserved” signs officially approved by PC.

· Condition of Church & School Areas – Joe Kelly to form a committee to assess and deal with the clutter. Possibly donate some items to the church rummage sale on 21-MAY-2016. Bill Charlton to research the cost of renting a dumpster for junk.  Ron Fron knows someone who may haul junk away at no cost. Unused paint cans may be donated. Open paint cans and other chemicals could be disposed of on 30-APR-2016 in Livonia. Computer equipment in the church basement will be recycled by Alan Pawlik.

New Business

· Fund Raiser – Irish Fest opportunity to serve corned beef being pursued by PTC. Alternative suggestions: Craft Show, Flea Market, Progressive Dinner, Dueling Pianos engagement, Silent Auction. 70th Anniversary Gala will take place in April or May 2017.

· Proper Dress & Procession for Lectors and E.M.s – PC discussed the spectrum of items people have witnessed our Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers wearing. Rachel Damuth to provide the wording from her school Open House communication as a tactful way to request proper dress. Those in the procession should press their hands together as in prayer while moving down the aisle. E.M.s should also keep their hands pressed together while waiting for the host/chalice.

· Church Picnic – Will be held in the School Gym on 28-AUG-2016. Initial discussion of food, games, etc. Meeting scheduled for 02-AUG-2016 @ 7:30PM to discuss the preparations, etc.

 Commissions

School Advisory

· Religion IOWA scores – St. Valentine School won (2) AOD awards: 3rd Place for 5th Grade “Highest Score” and “Most Improved School”.

· School Open House – (2) Open House events held in 2016. The first was the largest one in years! The second brought (7) families. Giving (2) tours per week on average since.

· Kindergarten will be full again this year; anticipating (24) students. There are (22) this year.

· SAC working with J. Bentley on a marketing video for the school.

· PTC hosting a Trivia Night on 16-APR-2016 in the gym from 6:30-10PM.  Event is designed to grow and support families who need tuition assistance.

· Rachel has requested the formation of a “buildings & grounds committee.”   Members from the parish, Men’s Club and school should all be involved.

Need a list of things that need to be done similar to the one previously maintained by Stewardship.

Pastoral update:

· Synod “Encounter, Grow and Witness” – Parish Dialog Gathering to be held 16-MAY-2016, facilitated by Mike Nowak and Deacon Lawrence. Goal of 100+ people; representatives from each group should attend.

· Fr. Socorro approached the AoD about 15% of the rent Montessori pays Our Lady of Loretto that usually gets sent to the AoD and ultimately is dispersed to other parishes.  He requested all the funds to be sent to their sister parish.  St. Valentine parish now receives $1,400.00 every month!

Worship:

· Mass in June for High School & College graduations; 5th,12th or 26?  Donut Sunday to accompany it?

Next meeting 19-APR-2016 @ 7:30pm

Easter Greetings

Kathy Weekly message

Dear Parishioners,


ChristisRisen With great joy in my heart I announce to you: “Christ is Risen; Yes He is Risen indeed!” This ancient greeting sums up what we celebrate this Easter Sunday, the joy of Christ risen and alive in our midst.

 “This is the day the Lord has made: let us rejoice and be glad” (Psalm 118). This then is the Joyful Good News: Christ by his death and resurrection has conquered sin so we may live.

May our encounter with the risen Lord on our journey of faith touch us deeply and transform us as He did for His Disciples. When we live the new life of the resurrection we become what St Augustine referred to as an “Easter People”, a people transformed into disciples and stewards who commit to give their time, talent and treasure in witness. May we live as people deeply touched by the resurrection and proclaim: Christ is Risen, Alleluia, Alleluia!

On behalf of Fr. Henry and the staff we wish a very Happy Easter to each and every one of you! May you and your families be blessed as you celebrate the true meaning of Easter.

With prayers and blessings,

Fr. Socorro 

 

Welcome and Congratulations to our Newly Initiated Catholics

 This year at the Easter Vigil our community was blessed to be able to welcome new members into our faith and to celebrate their initiation as full members of the Catholic Church.  We send our congratulations and welcome to Christine Hainley-Peavley, Evan Peavley, Shawn Durrant, Barbara Lefevre, Susan Franz, Cassandra Barnes and Thomas Ryan Alexander.

 Are you Prepared for Merciful Sunday?

divinemercyPope John Paul II was instrumental in promoting Divine Mercy Sunday from its very beginning. Even before he became Pope, he is credited with the approval of St. Faustina’s Diary detailing our Lord’s request to spread devotion to his Mercy. He requested that the Sunday after Easter be the Feast of Mercy.

This feast is not only a day in particular for worshipping God in His mystery of mercy, but also a time of grace for all people. The Lord Jesus said:

· “I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners.” (Diary, 699)

· “Souls perish in spite of My Bitter Passion. I am giving them the last hope of salvation, that is, recourse to My Mercy. If they will not adore My Mercy, they will perish for all eternity.” (Diary, 965,998

 Conditions for gaining a plenary indulgence on Divine Mercy Sunday include complete trust in God’s goodness and love of neighbor, being in the state of sanctifying grace—having gone to Confession and worthily receive Holy Communion, and praying a Novena of Chaplets to The Divine Mercy.

 Next Sunday, April 3rd, is Divine Mercy Sunday. Many have started their nine day novena to the Divine Mercy beginning on Good Friday.  Even if you have not started, you can still take part in the wonderful prayer service that will take place at 3:00 p.m. next Sunday. The Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be recited with Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction.

 “The primary focus of The Divine Mercy Devotion is the merciful love of God and the desire to let that love and mercy flow through one’s own heart towards those in need of it.”

 We all need mercy. Our world needs mercy. Please join us to celebrate the  Divine Mercy of our Lord.