Minutes: Meeting on January 22, 2007 at 7:00 PM

In attendance:

1. Linda Marovich, Christmas Giving Tree
2. Natalie Keeker, Good Samaritans
3. Kay Wirganowicz, Good Samaritans
4. Linda Burns, BeFrienders/Bereavement
5. John James, BeFrienders
6. Linda Moore-Kosslow, Saint Andrews Moms
7. Chris Lwowski, Soulful Craft/Angel Connection
8. Cara Husk, Mothers Lifeline
9. Jean Benware, Parish Nurse/Ministers of Care
10. Cathy Bergmann

Absent: Mike Swanson

The meeting opened with a prayer and then the group spent time with the Scripture from the previous Sunday, 1 Corinthians 12 – the body has many parts. Additionally, various members read the paragraphs from the Pastors forming Pastors document on inclusiveness. The discussion was held on the following points:

• There is a parallel to the Corinthians reading and the document.
• In regards to inclusiveness, there is an inclusion of families, regardless of age or situation.
• Inclusiveness includes openness to others from other parishes or denominations, this is particularly the case with Angel Connection/Soulful Craft as many of the women come from outside the parish, but are welcomed at the annual mass and as part of the support group.
• Others noted the activities of Christmas, and reaching out into the greater community as well through the extensions of Mother’s Lifeline and Good Samaritans.
• Honoring the gifts of the Body and balancing the many gifts.

Discussion regarding change with Fr. Joe’s impending retirement

• Acknowledge that change is hard
• There has been a great openness and welcome to the children of the parish and how they are responded to. This is very important to the transition of the parish leadership.
• Acknowledgement that with change there is loss and grief is involved.
• Positive image that was left by Fr. Joe’s announcement was the image of ‘grandfather’ and a hope that whatever role Fr. Joe takes in the future will be that of a grandfather to the community.

Discussion or information to share among ministries

• Angel Connection, will have the Mass of Remembrance in the Fall. They are working to determine when the hospital will have the walk of remembrance so that there will not be a conflict this year.
• Christmas Giving tree was a success and the planning will begin again in the summer months.
• Good Samaritans with Youth Ministry will be having the “Souper Bowl” of Caring on February 4th.
• BeFrienders did an evaluation on January 15 of the ministry and will be training new BeFriender Ministers on February 3 and 10.
• Blood drive was held; next scheduled blood drive will be April 15, 2007. CPR training will be held on February 24 and the cost is $15.00

Discussion based on the “pulse of the group” document from BeFriender Ministry What is the purpose of Caring Ministry

• Reaching out to others in times of need
• Providing support for people in crisis; whatever that may be.
• A network of support both in and out of the parish.

What are the benefits of Caring Ministry to you:

• More understanding of people in need
• Use gifts and talents to help others
• Gives a perspective on the multitude of blessings
• Ability to “see people as people”
• Personal interest in a more worldly way
• Non-judgmental of all stages of life
• Ability to give back and help support others
• A sense of wholeness
• Being a facilitator between church community and larger community.

As a group:

• Ability to be more involved in the community
• Helping people through the outreach possibilities
• For instance those in bereavement – a group where others understand the journey.

To those you minister to:

• There is a sense of comfort when coming to the community to ask for help; often heard by comments such as “you’re nicer here”

What challenges are faced in your ministry:

• Pastor change
• Family and community involvement
• Busy lifestyles, over extended family schedules
• Many demands for time
• Meetings/scheduling gatherings for the ministries is a challenge
• Leaders spend time in preparation for meeting, not to have followed through by participants is frustrating.
• Invitations/marketing for involvement into ministry
• Knowing the parishioner needs

What would you like to change?

• Discouragement experienced because of ‘requirements’. (example, Safe Environment/Call to Protect).
• Learning to make a ‘family’ connection (for instance old neighborhood churches) – Most of the parishioners have moved here from somewhere else; there is not a network of support for the family; how to facilitate a better support network?

What questions do you have?

• How can we reach out to the neighbors? (i.e. old model of neighborhood church)

Given what has been shared, what actions might our group take?

• Ministry fairs
• Stewardship committee
• Understanding of time and talent.
• Gift discernment and invitation to use skills (i.e. a CPA who would like skills to be used).
• Marketing – getting the word out, besides the bulletin –
• Example – blood drive – was in the bulletin for a number of weeks yet only 16 participants. Last three that came in claimed they “did not know about it” even though there were posters up and it had been in the bulletin.
• Announcements from the pulpit, personal witness of ministry experiences.
• Pastoral pipeline is good – can it be forwarded to ministry – (YES).
• More testimony/sharing of personal experiences
• Keep the welcoming environment.

Stations of the Cross for Lent – Caring Ministry will lead them on Friday, February 23.