ST. PATRICK’S PARISH COUNCIL

CARBONEAR, NL

Date: April 25, 2007

Location: Parish Centre

Present: Bernard Fitzpatrick, Monsignor Bromley, Eugene Hurley, Eleanor Ash,

Dave White, Paul Baldwin.

Rose Mooney, Ches Sheppard & Gerard Butt were unable to attend.

Noted that Joseph Griffin was unable to stay at the meeting due to work commitments. He apologies for any inconvenience.

The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Bernard. Monsignor Bromley said an opening prayer.

Bernard read a letter from Joseph Griffin stating that if he should be nominated for vice-chair then he accepts the nomination.

The minutes of the March 28, 2007 meeting were reviewed. Eleanor Ash moved that the minutes of the March 28, 2007 meeting be adopted as read. Seconded by Eugene Hurley. Motion carried.

BUSINESS ARISING

Nomination for the position of Vice-Chair

Dave White nominated Joseph Griffin. Seconded by Eleanor Ash. Nomination accepted.

Eugene Hurley nominated Paul Baldwin. Seconded by Dave White. Nomination accepted.

Joseph Griffin elected as Vice-Chair.

Bernard reported that the repair to the rectory roof will be taken care of by him in a few weeks. The tree limbs near the roof will be removed which should help solve the problem of moss growing on the roof. He also stated that there is an old birch tree near the church parking lot which needs to be removed as it is in danger of falling. He also suggested that we ask for volunteers to help rake around the church yard, and then Brian Butt, maintenance person for the parish can then dispose of what is collected.

Joseph Griffin is in the process of applying for a provincial grant for students to help with the cemetery this summer. He reported to Bernard that we should be able to get a grant for at least two students.

Eleanor reported that there will be a plaque presented to Patrick Merrigan thanking him for his service to the Cemetery Committee. Monsignor Bromley will present it to him on Sunday, April 29 at the end of Mass. Eleanor will also look into obtaining an engraved plate (stating that the paschal candle is in memory of the White family) to placed on the paschal candle stand. Peter and Alice White donated the family property to the parish in 2005 in memory of Samuel, Mary and Sammy White.

Paul reported that the Knights of Columbus will agree to use their club room for the proposed small scale parish bingo if the parish will agree to a 50/50 split on the profits. After some discussion Bernard stated he was not happy with that arrangement and the issue was deferred.

Monsignor Bromley reported that Anne Whalen has started a Youth Choir. They have begun practice and have about 15 members. They will be presented to the parish on May 13, 2007. The Knights of Columbus agreed that their piano can be used as Anne prefers that to the organ. The piano will be placed in the church. The parish will pay to have it tuned. (Approximate cost is $80.00 for tuning).

NEW BUSINESS

Bernard reported that he has met with a representative from the Presentation Sisters regarding further access to the convent building via the property that St. Joseph’s School was located. He proposed to the representative that the entrance be from Chapel Hill on the east side of St. Patrick’s Cemetery instead of their proposal to enter from St. Clare Avenue which will result in the property being spilt. Bernard has asked Scott Mullins for an estimate on what it would cost to create this access. Bernard also pointed out that this property has not yet been turned back over to the diocese from the school board and that further discussion is required by the parish council before any parish property is disposed of.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Historic Trust has asked the parish to participate in their “Doors Open” program which takes place in Carbonear on August 4, 2007. The Trust organizes tours of historic property. There is a cost of $50.00 to be a part of the event. The church doors would be open and a person available to give information on the church history. Paul Baldwin moved that we support the Newfoundland and Labrador Historic Trust and pay $50.00 to promote our church. Seconded by Dave White. Four for, one against. Motion carried. Paul will take care of the details.

Eleanor reported that there have been complaints about the condition of the church, that is it is not cleaned very well. The floors under the pews as well as the porch is not being swept. The caretaker has only been working casual hours during the winter and will be back to work on May 1 for the summer at full time hours. Bernard will explain to him what needs to be done.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Liturgy Committee

The committee will meet on May 9, 2007.

Finance Committee

The minutes of the last Finance Committee meeting were distributed as well as a proposed budget for 2007. The committee is currently working on ways to reduce expenditures and increase income.

There was some discussion regarding ways to increase the collection in the church. Dave asked for this issue to be placed on the agenda for the next Parish Council meeting.

Youth

Paul reported that there will be a NET (National Evangelical Team) Retreat at McCarthy Cabins on May 9, 2007 from 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. hosted by the Knights of Columbus. He is hoping that this event will encourage more youth to attend Steubenville Atlantic. Presently there are 15 registered. Eleanor added that the confirmation candidates will also attend the retreat. The Knights of Columbus are also planning on having a take out supper fund-raiser to help defer the cost of Steubenville Atlantic.

The next meeting will take place on September 26, 2007. Dave White said a closing prayer. Bernard adjourned the meeting at 8:55 p.m.

Submitted by Jeannie Garland.