ST. PATRICK’S PARISH COUNCIL

CARBONEAR, NL

Date:          June 15, 2005

Location:     Parish Centre

Time:          7:35 p.m.

Present:       Rev. E. T. Bromley

                     Gerard Butt

                     James T. Butt

                     Ray Carey

                     Anastasia Furey

                     Jeannie Garland (Recording secretary)

                     Mary Johnson

                     Frank O’Keefe

Unavailable: Bern Fitzpatrick

                      Eleanor Ash

Gerard called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. and said an opening prayer.

The minutes of the May 11, 2005 meeting were reviewed. Ray moved that the minutes from the May 11, 2005 meeting be adopted as presented. Seconded by Mary. Motion carried.

BUSINESS ARISING

Minutes from the April 6, 2005 meeting have been posted on the bulletin board in the church. Mary will replace these with the minutes from May 11 which have been adopted.

A letter has been sent to Monsignor McCarthy Council Knights of Columbus informing them of the council’s motion to give them permission to carry out improvements to the site of the former St. Clare’s School.

The 2004 financial statement will be placed on bulletin board in the church.

NEW BUSINESS

Gerard reviewed a memo from Bishop Currie regarding the diocesan committee that has been put in place for the 150^th Anniversary of the Diocese. Each parish has been requested to hold a celebratory Mass some time in February 2006 to mark the occasion of the first canonical establishment of the diocese (February 29, 1856). Gerard will present this to the Liturgy Committee. The Bishop also suggests in the memo that each parish form a committee to plan celebrations within the parish. Parish Council will form this committee by September. Parishioners will be informed of the anniversary by way of the weekly bulletin. The diocesan committee also requests a list of the names of priests who have served in the diocese and are known to be buried in the parish cemetery. Anastasia will look into compiling this list. Monsignor Bromley also suggested that the council consider recognizing some parishioners who have given long and faithful service to the parish by having the Bishop present them with a diocesan medal and also that we recognize the seniors of the parish as well as the ill. These ideas will be presented to the parish committee when it is formed.

Gerard informed the council of the donation to the parish by the White family (Peter White and the late Samuel White) of property located in Irishtown. This is currently being finalized by the family lawyer. Matter deferred until transfer of property completed.

Deferred from the May 11 meeting was the matter regarding the request from the Knights of Columbus to transfer land ownership form the RC Episcopal Corporation of Grand Falls to Monsignor McCarthy Council Knights of Columbus. The chair presented some possible alternatives and after some discussion a motion was made by Frank that Parish Council set up a meeting with Monsignor McCarthy Council Knights of Columbus to discuss their request regarding transfer of land. Seconded by Monsignor Bromley. All in favor. Motion carried. Gerard will call to request this meeting with them.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Liturgy

The chair of the Liturgy Committee, Eleanor Ash was not present, so Monsignor Bromley reported that the annual Interfaith Cemetery Service will take place on June 26. Edward Slade will be asked to represent the parish as Monsignor Bromley is unable to attend. A Cemetery Mass will take place on July 25, 2005 at St. Patrick’s Cemetery. The committee is aware of the Diocesan Anniversary. Monsignor Bromley will participate in the Memorial Day Service on July 1 to take place at the War Memorial.

Finance

Jim reported that the bank balance as of May 31 was $13 300, May disbursements totalled $15 171, receipts totalled $23 153. The biggest liability of the parish is to the diocese, $16,000 plus approximately $7 000 for insurance (expected in July).

Building and Maintenance

Frank reported that the committee met and looked at the roof over the sacristy, the bathrooms and the furnace room of the church. It looks like the issue is more than a problem with vapor barrier. There are leaks that need repair. They have requested price quotes from three companies. When these quotes are received they will meet again to discuss the possibilities.

OTHER BUSINESS

Roy Clarke has reported to Jim that there are some problems with some graves in St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Jim will inform him to order some fill or topsoil to repair the problems.

Monsignor Bromley reported that there St. Joseph’s School building has been vandalized. The School Board has had someone board some broken windows. Monsignor Bromley is in the process of contacting someone at the Eastern School District office to discuss the issue.

The dates were set for the next four meetings: September 7, October 5, November 9 and December 7.

Gerard closed the meeting with a prayer.

Submitted by

Jeannie Garland