Saint Eugene Catholic Church - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Pastoral Council Report

February 7, 2008

The time line for Commission Structure for 2008-2009 was reviewed and approved. Effective ways to invite and encourage participation in the commissions was discussed. The 50th Anniversary Committee reported that Hispanics in Action and the Knights of Columbus will be working together to host the brunch to be held during the parish celebration. Priests who have previously served at St. Eugene’s have been sent invitations to attend the 50th Anniversary celebration, and Save the Date cards have been sent to founding members of the parish. September 20, 2008 is the date that has been set for the formal dinner at the Beacon Club which has a capacity of 300 to 400 people. Valet parking will be provided. Donations for wine for the event are being sought. The New Church Design Committee provided an update regarding the forthcoming distribution of booklets “A Legacy of Faith: Raising Up a Holy Place” created by members of the committee (Anne Codding, Judi Wilkinson, Colleen Linke) to inform parishioners of the proposed design of the new church, and to offer opportunities to contribute to the sacred project. The DVD, produced by parishioner Cordell Jordan, which will accompany the booklets, was reviewed by council members.

ADMINISTRATION

The Stewardship drive received 450 names from the cards returned by parish members. This committee is reviewing various alternatives for increasing parish participation including holding the drive at a different time of the year. A volunteer appreciation dinner was held January 26th. The Moran and Varela families had their stewardship cards drawn from parish members participating in the stewardship drive for a dinner with Fr. Jacobi. A web designer has been identified to develop a template for a revised parish website. The WEB committee will meet with ministries to ensure accurate information the revised website. May 1st is the goal for the website for be up and running. Financial contributions in December were slightly higher than past months but still below budget. Revenues are exceeding expenses mainly due to the special effort to keep expenses to the bare minimum. The school is preparing to present their preliminary budget to the Finance committee for the upcoming fiscal year July 2007 through June 2008. The Building and Grounds Committee is working on various projects including a leaky bell tower and trying to find a solution to keeping the music room sounds within the school music room.

COMMUNITY LIFE

Pat Horn is the new Chair of the Newcomer’s Committee. Ministry/ Organization Leaders are encouraged to be available after the Masses on Mar. 2 to greet newcomers and answer questions about their ministry. Plans are being discussed for the Parish Picnic. The fruit, bagels and cream cheese will be replaced by muffins at Coffee and Donuts after the 10:00 Mass each Sunday. The Community Life Commission had a retreat to reflect on unity. It was suggested that this would be good for other Commissions to do. A discussion was held on the facility reservation process and the need to get reservation requests in early. The “Gathering of Ministers” is scheduled for April 3, 2008.

FORMATION

Preparation and instruction for the sacrament of Baptism continues to be held on the second Monday of the month. Trainees who are preparing to conduct Marriage Preparation will have a group worship focused on the Blessings of Marriage. The school has experienced extensive illnesses among students and staff during this flu and cold season. Twenty or more children are attending Liturgy of the Word held concurrently with the 10:00 a.m. Mass This ministry is seeking volunteers such as empty nesters to help facilitate this ministry. Standards are also being created to set age parameters for children developmentally suited to attend the children’s liturgy. Problems are being encountered in planning this summer. Extended Care has requested that Vacation Bible School be held in evening to better accommodate schedules. 700 people have registered to hear Dr. Scott Hahn speak at Bishop McGuinness on February 9, 2008. Students participating in Confirmation Preparation are participating in a service project putting together snack packs for Sister Barbara Joseph.

OUTREACH

Sue and Bill Clifford presented ideas regarding possible implementation of a ministry “Let’s Talk” which was utilized in the 1970’s in Ardmore,OK to facilitate interaction and mutual respect among people of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The potential for creating an interfaith forum in the community at large was also discussed. Stephen Ministry proceeds with registration at the upcoming Leader Training Conference in St. Louis,MO. Just Faith reported on their first “Border Crossing” held in downtown Oklahoma City at Project OK Compassion, which serves homeless persons. There is a new family in the Laughlin House. Mobile Meals reports delivering boxes of food as well as hot meals to those in need. An informational meeting will be held 2/11/08 in preparation for the Friends of Bolivia Mission slated for May 2008. English as a Second Language reports an increase in enrollment up to 21 people currently. A new ministry leader is being invited to facilitate The Prayer Network. Anyone interested may call Mary Rueb or the church office.

WORSHIP

Following a parish-wide survey conducted by the commission, it was determined that 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday mornings was the most desired choice for an additional weekday Mass. Stations of the Cross for Lent were discussed and besides coordinating and presenting the Stations of the Cross at 6:00 p.m. (English) on March 14, the Worship Commission will also be responsible every Friday evening throughout Lent for the set up of Stations of the Cross (unlock the sacristy, set out booklets, etc.). Cathy Carr will serve as chairperson of the Liturgy Committee. Names of possible additional members were discussed for the 8-12 members needed. John Spaid, Jr. will replace Barbara Curcio as the Worship Commission Link to the 50th Anniversary Committee. Booklets created by the New Church Committee are nearing completion by the printer. They will be embossed with the parish Jerusalem cross on the cover, and will have an accompanying DVD for distribution to the parish membership for the capital campaign. Additional people are needed to serve as coordinators of the Communion Ministers ministry and as Sacristan. More parishioners are also needed to serve within these ministries.