First Meetin

April 17, 2023

Attending: Chris Blachowski, Betty Reidy - STL, Monica Zielinski, Betsy Tirado, Donald Ward - CB, Gwendolyn Jervis-White, Nancy ? - SMdP, Mickey Dick, Luis Clay, Nancy Langer - BT

There was a good spirit shared among the attendees despite the dreary weather!

The first topic of discussion was Engagement.  After considering the possibility of creating a new event, it was concluded that adding all four parishes to an existing event would be better.  The event discussed was the yearly Mass and picnic hosted by SMdP’s Holy Name Society.  It is scheduled this year for Noon on Sunday, August 20 at the Gazebo at Como Park.  It was suggested that each parish provide a sign-up sheet, then STL, CB, and BT would make a donation to cover the cost for their parishioners.  Nancy from SMdP will check with the Holy Name to get their feedback on whether this would be possible.  We would also need to check with Fr. Joe.

The next topic was Fundraising: Upcoming parish events are listed on a joint calender of Family 21 activities.  The calendar is available in parish bulletins.  Examples are the chicken dinners at CB on June 4 and BT on June 10 and the SMdP Father’s Day Gala being held at the Grapevine Restaurant on June 17 (previously, this event was held on New Year’s Eve.)

A desire to include more of this type of information in the parish bulletin was expressed so the parishes can do more together.

Information about additional fundraising activities was shared.

CB held a chili cookoff in March.   They hold a soup sale in the Fall, a chocolate sale in February and a book sale in May.

SMdP held a successful basket raffle and auction on Zoom.

STL holds baked goods sales.  They also hold a monthly 50/50 raffle.

Chris (STL) and Mickey (BT) shared their experience with Bingo.  While games raise up to $1,000 a week, most of the people attend because of the opportunity to socialize.  Currently, there are no Bingo games available during the day on Friday.  The possibility of running a game at STL and splitting the proceeds within the Family was discussed.  In addition to applying for a license (which Chris knows how to do,) this would require sufficient volunteers and arrangements for maintenance.

Another suggestion was a 40 week club followed by an event at a local hall.

The attendees shared the ministries and services within their parishes.

BT: weekly Bible study; recitation of the Rosary outside after Friday Mass; year-round music; sacristans; ushers; greeters; lectors; and Eucharistic ministers; parish council and finance council; social media and live stream Masses; church tours; Women’s Group; Christmas package prison project.

CB: Men’s and Women’s Groups; Monday Rosary via Zoom in three languages; Sunday Bible study; Gardening Angels.  The food for their parish pantry is donated by parishioners.  It was suggested that other parishioners contribute to the pantry collection.  The parish has a finance group, a liturgy group, a choir, ushers and Eucharistic ministers, Pre-Renewal, there were parish council groups for youth and Spanish speakers.

STL: Annual Christmas Toy Drive was suggested as a future family project.  The people in the neighborhood appreciate the ability to obtain gifts for their children.  There is a need for more volunteers to keep this event successful.  STL hosts the biannual Mass for Congrega Society in honor of our Blessed Mother.  In the past, the parish sent birthday cards to parishioners.  The finance function of the parish is currently taken care of by volunteers.

SMdP: The Women’s Guild meets the first Saturday of each month.  Other groups include the Holy Name Society, Peter Claver and St. Vincent de Paul.  Volunteers help clean the church.  A fundraiser is held on Fat Tuesday.  Gifts are given to men considered to be pillars of the Church on Father’s Day.  Black History Month is celebrated.  The choir holds a concert every year.  There is a compassionate care ministry.  Cards are sent to visitors inviting them to come again.

The parishes do not have the same level of staffing.  Some of the parishes rely on volunteers for lawn care, building maintenance and bookkeeping.  There is an opportunity to pool resources to purchase equipment that could be used by all parishes.  One suggestion was a high quality printer for copying weekly bulletins.  Another was a van and van driver.  A third was a system to share information in the same way we used to rely on a phone tree.

Next meeting 5/15/23

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