MeetingSynopsis

Pastoral Council Corner

For information on the Pastoral Council, please contact Mike Motsinger 800.9784

August 2010 We have reached another milestone in developing a Pastoral Plan for St. Raphael. On August 21 the Pastoral Council hosted a Leadership Conference wherein we gathered with our clergy, councils, administration, ministry leaders and other interested parishioners to discuss the results of the parishioner survey conducted in the spring of this year and to discern our focus as a parish over the next 3-5 years. We received wonderful insights and recommendations, and we plan to spend the next months using this and other input to develop a draft of the Pastoral Plan. Many parishioners have been patiently waiting to hear the parishioner survey results. We will incorporate the additional input received at the Leadership Conference and publish the survey results within the next few weeks. Comments: Michael.Motsinger@gmail.com

July 2010 These may be the dog days of summer, but rest assured that the Pastoral Council is hard at work. It has taken some time to enter and analyze the large amount of data we received from 1800 parishioner survey responses. This phase is nearly complete. The next step is to interpret the data to give us guidance in making plans for the future of St. Raphael. This will be done in accordance with the newly published Pastoral Plan for the Diocese of Raleigh. To that end we will be convening a leadership conference on August 21 consisting of Pastoral Council, Finance Council, parish administration, ministry leadership and other parishioners to prayerfully discern focus and direction of the parish in the coming months and years. We will keep you informed of our progress and results.

June 2010 – If you are reading this article, you are the kind of person we need on the Pastoral Council – engaged and informed. Serving on the Council is an opportunity to influence the direction and focus of our parish. These are exciting times on the council, as we continue to develop a long range plan for St. Raphael. Be a part of making St. Raphael the best it can be in serving the people of our parish and our community. There will be information sessions explaining the role and the responsibilities of Pastoral council members, July 24 at 6:45 p.m. and July 25 at 1:00 or 4:00, Room 103. Please come and explore, if you feel called run for council.

May 2010 - We are very busy with working on the long term plan. Our wonderful volunteers have already completed input of the 1600 plus parishioner surveys into the database. Our next step is to analyze the input and find what our people are telling us they want and need. This process will take a number of weeks, as we analyze, consult and develop action plans. We will keep you posted on our progress.

Our annual plan is nearly complete. We will need to finalize budgets by the end of this month and will post the plan on the St. Raphael website.

We encourage all eligible parishioners to run for Pastoral Council. We are in the midst of some exciting changes and improvements to better serve our community. Come join us and be part of the team. Council applications are available in the atrium. Click for detailed information.

April 2010 - Thanks to the more than 1700 parishioners who have submitted their Parishioner Survey. We are grateful for your input and we will carefully consider your thoughts in formulating a long range plan for St. Raphael Church over the coming weeks and months. We will let you know of our progress through regular updates. There is still time to submit your survey. Please mail your completed survey to the office or drop it off during regular business hours.

March 2010 - At our March meeting we had two guests who shared progress reports. On behalf of the Finance Council, Dan Gerlach reports that weekly contributions are somewhat below budget. They will be monitoring the status and evaluating any needed actions to bring finances into balance. We also heard from Susan Clark of the Stewardship Committee. In a continuing effort to reach their goals of 1) developing a sense of belonging and 2) sharing the spirituality of stewardship they have recently sponsored the World Marriage Day celebration, as well as improve communications and prayerful reflections through the use of the atrium Stewardship bulletin board and the parish web site. Check out both when you can. In other news, the Parish Survey will be done in-pew on April 24-25 (with a supporting on-line option). We are also developing the required Annual Plan for the year 2010- 2011. Lastly, representatives from Pastoral Council, Stewardship Committee and Welcome Ministry are available after most weekend Masses at the Welcome table in the atrium to answer questions. We invite your thoughts.

The LTP - Our Long Term Planning Subcommittee is busy working on the initial planning process. An important aspect of this stage is to survey the congregation to find out what we are doing well and what we need to focus on implementing or improving. To that end, they are preparing a survey document which will be administered at all masses one weekend in April. Members of the Long Term Subcommittee are (l to r) Joe Pulowski, Kim Dixon (chair), Jack Tanas, Guillermo Diaz, and Scott Molnar.

February 2010 – The Pastoral Council is deeply immersed in planning for the future of St. Raphael. We are moving along, nicely, on the needs survey document to poll our parishioners about their needs and concerns. The survey will be administered during masses one weekend in April. More information will be forthcoming as we approach the survey date.

November 2009
Focus of the Nov. 9 meeting was a discussion about the role of a parish for its members, and specifically, what St. Raphael is and needs to be for its members. Our brainstorming was in preparation for a needs survey that will be given as part of the development of a long range plan for St. Raphael. This subject will receive much attention over the coming months.

We also encouraged the Council members to be very visible to the parish by attending the major events within the parish and our community and to wear their identification name tag in order to be available for comments and concerns from our parishioners.

October 2009
At the October 12 Pastoral Council meeting the following transpired:

Elaine Dompka, Chair of the PAC Committee, reported that Activity Center fundraising is going well. We will soon enter a new phase of the campaign to boost contributions to the level required to go full speed with building plans. Groundbreaking celebration is scheduled for October 31, with Bishop Burbidge in attendance.
The Parish financial report, given by Dan Gerlach, was that weekly contributions are below budget. We need to redouble our efforts to reach budget goals, to be able to provide needed services.
Pastoral Council officers were elected: Mike Motsinger-Chair, Kellie Cook-Vice Chair, and Lou Clark-Secretary. Also, Kim Dixon joins us as a member appointed by Fr. Hussey.
The Council will be designing a parish survey document to gather information from our parishioners as part of the development of a five year parish plan.

August 2009
At the August meeting of the Pastoral Council the following items were discussed.

Mr. Barry Thomas, the principal of St. Raphael Catholic School gave his annual update. He mentioned that we have a healthy enrollment and informed us about personnel changes for the 2009-2010 school year. The biographies of our newest teachers are most impressive. The year will begin with the Mass of the Holy Spirit and end with a celebration for 15 years of success.
The committee working on the Ministry Directory reported that it would be completed and distributed before the Stewardship Fair in the atrium in late August.

June 2009
At the June meeting of the parish council the following items were discussed.

Maria Romp gave a presentation about a new ministry--the Reconciliation Ministry. the Saturday reconciliation in the Mary Chapel is more organized to better serve the people who attend, There is a greeter at the entrance to the chapel to direct the penitent to a specified seat , soft instrumental music sets a prayerful tone and there are prayer cards in both English and Spanish for anyone who would like them. This is a big improvement and we thank Maria and her committee for all their work.
Mike Motsinger reported on the Pictorial Directory. Sign Ups begin June 20 and pictures will be taken in July. Please sign up in the atrium or on-line. This is our parish 2009
Directory and we want all the people in the parish to participate.

May 2009
The following items were discussed at the May Parish Council Meeting.

Jeanne Lewin, our Religious Education Director, showed an excellent power point presentation that explained and previewed our religious education plan for the 2009-2010 year. The parish will be using the Finding God series published by Loyola Press. There is and emphasis on Jesuit spirituality, parent involvement and a deepening of the Catholic faith on a daily basis for all students at each grade level.
Jim Paris, the head of our Stewardship ministry updated the council on their progress and suggested that we develop a printed comprehensive directory of all parish ministries. A committee was appointed to work on this project.
Another committee has been assigned to look into the feasibility of publishing an up to date parish pictorial directory.

April 2009
At its April meeting, the Pastoral Council heard and discussed the following items.

Fr. Hussey discussed plans for the Parish Activity Center.
The 2009-2010 Parish Plan has been received and compiled by the committee and will be sent to Fr. Hussey for his stamp of approval in late April.

February 2009
Here are the major items discussed at the February Pastoral Council meeting.

The Parish goal for the 2009 Bishop's Annual Appeal is $230,000.As of 2/9/09 we have $174,658 in pledges.
Work has begun on the 2009-2010 Parish Plan.
We have a new part time staff member, Lynette Ernest. She was hired to fill the position made available when Mickey McGoldrick became Parish Administrator.
Renewal of Safe Environment Training for those working with children will begin soon. This training needs to be completed by December 2009 to be in compliance with Diocesan guidelines.

January 2009
At its January meeting, the Pastoral Council heard and discussed the following items:

A report regarding the Spanish Ministry in the parish was presented by Moris Aldana Revelo. In his report he announced that the ministry is trying to be financially independent as well as better stewards by helping out with their time and talents. They will present a plan to the Council in the next couple of months. They are also preparing a tour of the church in Spanish.
Mike Motsinger reported that phone calls were going well by his Welcome committee each month to newly registered parishioners. There will be a new member reception after the 5:30 Sunday Mass on 1/25/09 in the Lewis Room. Ministry leaders are urged to attend to inform others about their ministry and make connections.
There will be a Heritage Dinner and evening of entertainment held in Raphael Hall on Friday evening 2/13/09 beginning at 6:00PM.
Fr. Hussey introduced our new Parish Administrator Mickey McGoldrick to the council. She will be attending the Council meeting each month.
Fr. Hussey was pleased with the great attendance of St. Raphael parishioners at the InterFaith Service in November. He also feels that the observance of the new liturgical norms is going well.

October 2008
At its October meeting, the Pastoral Council heard and discussed the following items:

Results of the election of the 2008-2009 Executive Committee: Chairman, Mary Lynn Whittaker, Vice Chair, Moris Aldana Revelo, and Secretary, JoAnn Knorr.
Elizabeth Dukes discussed atrium changes, especially the placement of the St. Raphael statue in the middle alcove on a stand with a plaque and explanation of its history for more visibility.
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be held this year at Beth Meyer Synagogue on Tuesday, November 25 at 7:00 p.m. with Fr. Bob Hussey, S.J. as the homilist.
During the recent Pastoral Council Election 741 ballots were cast.

September 2008
At its September meeting, the Pastoral Council heard and discussed the following items:

Stewardship Committee preparing an annual report, arranging ministry showcases, and planning a sign-up weekend in October.
New School Principal Barry Thomas indicated enrollment was within a few students of budget. Weekly All-School Masses, Principal Coffees, and a Spirit Store are planned. The field is closed pending maintenance and grounds work.
Effort to install defibrillators in Church and Parish Center progressing.
Update on storm water lawsuit (in closed session).
Finalizing slate of candidates for Pastoral Council election, Sept 27-28.
Length of Masses under review, in conjunction with implementation of new liturgical norms.

August 2008
At its August meeting, the Pastoral Council heard and discussed the following items:

Final preps underway for this year’s Parish Fair. Looking to the future, the fair’s layout will change with addition of St. Raphael Activities Center.
Depositions scheduled in the storm water lawsuit filed against the parish.
Parish will consider formation of AAMEN chapter following NC Black Catholic Conference.
Looking into placing defibrillators in Church and Parish Center.
Parish finished 2007-2008 Fiscal Year in good shape. 2008-2009 budget includes offertory increase.
Finalizing list of candidates for next month’s Pastoral Council election.
Fr. Bob Hussey will focus early attention on activities center campaign, provost search, and changes in liturgical norms.

June 2008
At its June meeting, the Pastoral Council heard and discussed the following items:

Transition between pastors will take place in early August. Fr. Fran Gillespie introduced Fr. Bob Hussey to the Council.
Pat Parrish has made major improvements to the parish web site.
Endorsed Social Justice Committee’s Just Faith program, which seeks to empower individuals to develop a passion for social justice.
2008-2009 Parish Plan is finished. It will be posted on the parish web site and submitted to the Diocese by June 30th deadline.
St. Raphael Activities Center fundraising will resume in the fall.
Deaconate Ordination Mass for Hector Velazco, Coordinator of Hispanic Ministry in the parish, scheduled for July 23rd.
Acknowledged and thanked Fr. Gillespie for his six years of service and many accomplishments at St. Raphael’s.

May 2008
At its May meeting, the Pastoral Council heard and discussed the following items:

Social Justice Committee pitched a new program called Just Faith, which seeks to empower individuals to develop a passion for social justice.
Music Ministry plans include effort to energize children's choir and replace old hymnals.
Bereavement Ministry will host several sessions on advance funeral planning.
English as a Second Language (ESL) program has a waiting list. 93 students completed the latest cycle. New college prep program starts this summer.
2008-2009 Parish Plan being finalized.
St. Raphael Activities Center fundraising now over one million dollars.
Principal Search Committee making significant progress.

April 2008
At its April meeting, the Pastoral Council heard and discussed the following items:

Review of storm water issues, including pending neighborhood litigation.
Parish finances in good shape through three quarters of Fiscal Year 2007-2008.
Overview of expansive Hispanic Ministry plan.
First draft of 2008-2009 Parish Plan will be completed soon.
Parish-wide fundraising drive for St. Raphael Activities Center underway.
Following the resignation of the Provost on April 10th, administrative duties spread out among a handful of the staff. Procuring of provost's replacement deferred for a few months while other priorities are attended to, among which are: school principal's search completed, current phase of Activity Center campaign ends, Parish Plans for 2008-2009 are reviewed and finalized, FY 2009 parish budget finalized.
Holy Week Services had two venues and were especially well attended in Raphael Hall where our Hispanic faithful worshipped. For the Holy Thursday and the Easter Vigil services at Raphael Hall. many were turned away due to lack of space, and thus this space item needs to be addressed before next year's Triduum services.
Principal Search Committee, now led by Dave Monaco, interviewing candidates.

March 2008
At its March meeting, the Pastoral Council heard and discussed the following items:

Holy Week schedule and the tremendous amount of preparation involved.
Parish-wide fundraising drive for St. Raphael Activities Center beginning in April.
Finance Council visionary subcommittee recommended development of strategic plan to guide parish financial decisions.
Formation of environmental stewardship group is underway.
Stewardship Committee to approach various ministries and parish organizations to offer brief stewardship talks.
Parishioners pledged 120% of St. Raphael’s goal for Bishop’s Annual Appeal.
Redesign of Early Childhood Center playground, thanks in part to a grant from Blue Cross & Blue Shield and NC State School of Design.

February 2008
At its February meeting, the Pastoral Council heard and discussed the following items:

Steady progress being made toward our Bishop’s Annual Appeal goal. Money pledged is pacing ahead of last year, although number of pledges is down. Follow-up letters to be sent soon.
75+ parishioners are signed up for daily Stewardship Prayer through next fall.
Lenten Liturgical Prayer offered each Saturday, 8:30am, during Lent.
200+ people attended our Heritage Festival.
Fr. Gillespie indicated the Bishop has raised the bar in terms of questions for Confirmation candidates.

January 2008
In an effort to keep the parish apprised of issues brought before the Pastoral Council, the Council will begin publishing a synopsis of its monthly meeting. Here are the major items discussed at the January meeting.

There will be a fundraising campaign this Spring for the planned St. Raphael Activities Center, which is expected to cost about 3 million dollars.
A search committee has been formed following the announcement that St. Raphael Catholic School Principal Joanna Burley is leaving at the end of the current school year.
Per the Finance Council Chairman, parish finances are stable.
Sherry Hiltbrunner is the new Manager of the Business Office of the parish (the former CFO moved on in December).
The parish goal for the 2008 Bishop’s Annual Appeal is $219,378.
Work will begin soon on the 2008-2009 Parish Plan.