Minutes from April 3 Meeting
Attendees: Sylvia Catania, Alma Cortes, Steve Gaitan, Tom Leahy, Mike Kehoe, Kathy Lewis, Alicia Moral, Fernando Ramos
The meeting scheduled for 6pm began at 6:10pm with a prayer to the Holy Spirit. All members were present.
The President, Tom, referenced the worksheets that each member was to have completed based on their analysis.
He also spoke to the “Moving Forward: Phases & Key Deadlines” handout he prepared. A copy of this handout is included as an addendum to the minutes (see below).
Tom also said that while we committees are moving toward consensus on what the Parish Pastoral Priorities should achieve, avoid and improve upon, the analysis may continue.
Father Robert affirmed the progress being made as he is now learning from the Council whereas before he was the one instructing.
Next, each committee [Youth, Family Faith Formation, Hospitality and Welcome] and its members met separately to do the “Group Accumulation” of the achieve, avoid and improve upon worksheet.
At 7:10pm all members reconvened to report back on their progress.
The meeting adjourned with a prayer offered by Kathy at 7:45pm.
Moving Forward: Phases & Key Deadlines
Phase One: Analysis (February – April 2025)
Each committee will conduct thorough research and report findings by May 1, 2025. The goal is to determine clear outcomes, pitfalls to avoid, and areas for improvement in each of the following areas:
- Family Faith Formation: Mike Kehoe, Alma Cortes, Alicia Moral.
- Youth: Sylvia Catania and Kathy Lewis
- Hospitality and Welcome: Tom Leahy, Steve Gaitan and Fernando Ramos
To complete this phase effectively, each committee should:
- By March 20, 2025: Assign tasks within your committee to complete the following research steps:
- Studied what we are currently doing in these areas
- Interviewed pertinent staff about what we are currently doing
- Interviewed pertinent parish staff about what they would like us to be doing, what direction, initiatives, and ideas
- Interviewed those who will be served about what they would like (at least three people)
- Interviewed those who minister in these areas about what they would like (at least three people)
- Consulted with leadership at two other parishes who are doing what we would like to achieve well
- Reading from at least two sources on the subject and best practices
- Utilize the attached Goals and Objectives Worksheet and/or the Analysis and Smart Goals.
- Prepared a written report that includes all these elements
- By April 3, 2025: Each member must complete the Initiate 15 form based on their research and experience. Bring a draft to the April meeting.
- By May 1, 2025: Each committee will finalize their Initiate 16 form, outlining:
- Five desired outcomes.
- Five things to avoid.
- Five ways to improve.
Phase Two: Goal Setting & Strategy (May-August 2024)
- By July 17, 2025: Committees will develop at least five concrete goals for their area, using the worksheets on pages Appendix 112 & 115.
- By August 2024 Meeting: Each committee will present a formal report with:
- Five key goals.
- How these goals were determined.
- Suggested strategies for implementation.
Phase Three: Reflection & Implementation
- Fall 2025: The Pastoral Council will review and prioritize the proposed goals.
- Late 2025: Recommendations will be presented to the pastor for approval.
TBD: A Parish Event to share the finalized Two-to-Three-Year Pastoral Plan with the broader community.