ST. PATRICK’S PARISH COUNCIL

CARBONEAR, NL

Date:          May 11, 2005

Location:     Parish Centre

Time:          7:30 p.m.

Present:       Rev. E. T. Bromley

                     Gerard Butt

                     James T. Butt

                     Ray Carey

                     Bernard Fitzpatrick

                     Anastasia Furey

                     Jeannie Garland (Recording secretary)

                     Mary Johnson

                     Frank O’Keefe

Gerard called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Monsignor Bromley opened the meeting with a prayer.

The minutes of the April 6, 2005 meeting were reviewed. Msgr. Bromley pointed out that the installation of the parish council in fact took place on April 24, 2005 with all members present. Bernard moved that the minutes from the April 6, 2005 meeting be adopted as presented. Seconded by Mary. Motion carried.

BUSINESS ARISING

The Memorial Mass in honor of the late Pope John Paul II took place on April 11, 2005. Parishioners had an opportunity at that time and for two weeks following to sign a memorial book. This book has been forwarded to Bishop Currie who will forward it to the Papal Nuncio in Ottawa who will in turn forward it to the Vatican.

There was some discussion regarding the motion carried at the last meeting regarding changing the present format of the parish bulletin to a half pre-printed page. There were some concerns pointed out regarding further costs. However, since the intent was to create more space, the motion will remain in place and Jeannie will order the new pre-printed pages and begin to use them until a later date when we can discuss any problems or feedback from parishioners.

As noted, the installation of Parish Council has taken place. Msgr. Bromley pointed out that this ceremony is not always necessary when new members are elected to take the place of those whose term of office has expired.

Jim reported to the council that he spoke to Pierce Carey, Business Manager for the Diocese, regarding Revenue Canada Forms for charitable status required by Revenue Canada which include the name and date of birth of parish council members. This is for contact purposes only, members will not be liable as the Diocese is a corporation. The date of birth is used for identification purposes only. Jim will see if he can find written information that has been issued by Revenue Canada.

If any members have any suggestions regarding the parish website they may contact Msgr. Bromley or Gerard. Msgr. Bromley pointed out that Gerard has done a very good job with the website and that we are getting a good response from people who have visited the site.

NEW BUSINESS

Members of the council agreed that receiving the minutes from previous meetings at the following meeting is suitable. The agenda will also be presented at the beginning of the meeting. Gerard asked that if any member has any item for the agenda to inform him before the meeting. Once the minutes have been adopted by the council they will be posted on the bulletin board at the church entrance.

Gerard presented a letter from Monsignor McCarthy Council Knights of Columbus requesting permission to carry out some improvements to the former site of St. Clare’s School. The improvements would be to dump backfill and to level areas in order to dress up the landscape that is adjacent to the council’s facility. There would be no cost to the parish in any way. The intent would be to improve the image of the property, to use as parking space for the K of C and the church and to host events such as garden parties. After some discussion it was moved by Ray that as per the request form Monsignor McCarthy Council Knights of Columbus, we give permission to them to carry out improvements to the site of the former St. Clare’s School. Seconded by Mary. A letter will be sent to them informing them of this decision.

The financial statement for 2004 was published and presented to parishioners on May 1, 2005. It was agreed that it should be presented to parishioners yearly. Msgr. Bromley moved that the submission of the 2004 Financial Statement be accepted. Seconded by Bernard. Motion carried.

Gerard presented a second letter from Monsignor McCarthy Knights of Columbus dated May 8, 2005 requesting a transfer of land ownership from the RC Episcopal Corporation of Grand Falls to the Monsignor McCarthy Council Knights of Columbus for the sum of $1.00. The land in question is detailed in full in the letter. After some discussion regarding this issue, Gerard suggested that the parish council take some time to consider the issue before making any decisions. Msgr. Bromley pointed out that it is ultimately the decision of the Bishop and that the parish council can only make recommendations. Frank was concerned about the advantages and disadvantages of this, of any precedents set by the Diocese and the fact that the letter stated that they have occupied these properties since their inception over 30 years ago, when in fact they have not occupied the former St. Clare’s School site at all. It was also discussed that some parish council members may be in conflict as they are members of the Knights of Columbus and one parish council member has family members who are in conflict with the Knights of Columbus over the Gunner’s Pond property. Any members in conflict should abstain from any decisions made. The matter was deferred until the members have time to consider it.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Eleanor, the Liturgy Committee Chair, was absent from the meeting due to illness and therefore there was no Liturgy Committee report.

Jim Butt had nothing to report from the Finance Committee as they had not met since the last Parish Council meeting.

Gerard reported that the Building and Maintenance Committee met informally on May 8, 2005 to look at the condition of the built on section of the church. He read sections of a report submitted to the parish by Atlantic Roofing and explained that a combination of poor or on-existent vapour barrier & insulation as well as attic ventilation is the cause of the problem. They will meet again in the near future to discuss and make recommendations.

OTHER BUSINESS

Msgr. Bromley informed the council that the Chrism Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Church next year on April 6, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. because of the 150^th Anniversary of the Diocese.

Msgr. Bromley also discussed the exterior of the church and the calcium deposits that have formed on the building. The Building and Maintenance will look into this problem.

The next meeting will take place on June 1, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. at the Parish Center.

Msgr. Bromley closed the meeting with a prayer.