ST. PATRICK’S PARISH COUNCIL
CARBONEAR, NL
Date: March 8, 2006
Location: Parish Centre
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Present: Rev. E. T. Bromley, Gerard Butt, James Butt, Ray Carey,
Anastasia Furey, Mary Johnson, Bernard Fitzpatrick Jeannie Garland (recording secretary). Frank O’Keefe and Eleanor Ash were unable to attend.
Also present: Paul Baldwin, Pat Merrigan and Jack George.
Gerard opened the meeting with a prayer and a reflection on Lent.
The minutes of the February 2, 2006 meeting were reviewed. Bernard Fitzpatrick moved that the minutes from the February 2, 2006 meeting be adopted as presented. Seconded by Ray Carey. Motion carried.
BUSINESS ARISING
Elections for three positions on parish council will be held on March 18 & 19, 2006. Eight people have been nominated. Three have declined the nomination (Helen Baker, Gloria White & Brendan Sullivan). Five people will be running: Paul Baldwin, Bernard Fitzpatrick, Mary Johnson, Chester Sheppard and David White. A short bio on each candidate will be published in the parish bulletin on March 11 & 12.
Parishioners were requested (through the parish bulletin) to come and help clean the church on Tuesday, March 7. However, since only 2 people turned up, it was not done. Parishioners have also been requested to come and help with repairs to the sacristy on Monday, March 13.
Pictures for the photo directory were taken on March 3 & 4 and will be completed on March 11.
Gerard wrote a letter to the Grand Knight of Monsignor McCarthy Council Knights of Columbus regarding their request to purchase the land surrounding the K of C building on Adelaide Street in Carbonear and the cleared land surrounding Camp McCarthy on Gunner’s Pond Road in Carbonear. Gerard informed the Grand Knight that no decision has been reached by the parish council.
NEW BUSINESS
Also regarding the request by McCarthy Council requesting to purchase land, Gerard spoke to the Grand Knight and asked for the specifics of their request. The Grand Knights has not yet replied. Bernard moved that this issue be deferred until further information is received. Seconded by James. Motion Carried.
Pat Merrigan informed the council that he has been taking care of the cemetery for the past 30 years and wishes to end his obligation in May, 2006. He stated that there is a lot of work involved and that the road leading into the cemetery is in need of repair. He will see that this is taken care of in the spring. He also stated that there is very little room left in the cemetery for further burials, perhaps only enough for a year. He is willing to share with his knowledge of the cemetery with his replacement when one has been found.
Gerard read a letter from St. Patrick’s Parish Finance Committee dated February 13, 2006 regarding the Convent Building and their objections to leasing it. Issue deferred pending discussion of the next item on the agenda.
There was some discussion regarding the sale of excess land and property owned by the parish. There are parcels of land located in the area Connelly’s Hill, Bunker Hill and possibly Moores’ Hill owned by the parish. There is also a parcel of land where St. Clare’s School was located as well as the land that St. Joseph’s School is built on. James will gather any information that is available on these properties. Bernard moved that we defer this issue until the parish council has all available information regarding land and property owned by the parish. Seconded by Mary. Motion carried.
It was decided that Gerard will schedule a meeting with the chair of the Finance Committee, Jack George for a joint meeting with the Finance Committee and the Parish Council to discuss the issue of the excess land and property as well as the Finance Committee’s objection to the lease of the convent building.
Gerard presented the 2005 written report of the Interfaith Cemetery Association. It will be posted on the church bulletin board as well. Currently three people represent our parish on this committee, Bill Finn, Boyd Riggs and Pat Merrigan. Bill Finn & Boyd Riggs agree to remain, however, Pat Merrigan will not. A letter will be sent by March 21, 2006 to Mr. Finn & Mr. Riggs formally requesting their service on the committee as well as one to Mr. Merrigan thanking him for his service. Monsignor Bromley will find a replacement for Mr. Merrigan.
There was some discussion regarding the format of the weekly parish bulletin. Currently we produce all but the front page of the bulletin. Bernard moved that we revise the format of the weekly parish bulletin so that the front cover has a photo of both churches as well as schedules etc.. and that it be entirely produced at the parish. Seconded by Mary. Motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Liturgy Committee
The next Liturgy Committee is scheduled for March 15, 2006.
Building & Maintenance
Volunteers have been asked to help with plastering, painting and any necessary repairs to the sacristy. They are asked to meet on Monday, March 13.
Diocesan Anniversary Committee
Ray Carey has made two table top display cases for items to be displayed in the church. The proclamation of the anniversary has been framed and hung in the church as well. Lapel pins and sun catchers depicting the diocesan crest are available for sale at the religious article stand.
OTHER BUSINESS
Monsignor Bromley noted that most of the priests of the diocese will be here for the Chrism Mass on April 6 and they will have supper at Fong’s. The parish will pay for this meal.
Gerard noted that since Ray Carey has decided not to run for re-election for Parish Council, it is his last meeting. Gerard thanked him for his dedication to the council and also thanked Bernard and Mary, who are running for re-election. Since Ray Carey is presently vice-chair, there will be an election for that position and any other vacant positions at the next meeting.
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 5, 2006.
Monsignor closed the meeting with a prayer.
Submitted by
Jeannie Garland