PARISH COUNCIL
The purpose of the Parish Pastoral Council is to foster full participation of the entire parish in the life and mission of the parish and the Universal Church. The parish faith community participates in this mission by:
- Worshipping God
- Creating and nurturing Christian Community
- Growing in Faith and Holiness
- Serving those in need, especially the poor
Members of the parish council are elected by the parishioners.
http://archphila.org/pastplan/INDEX/PPCindex.html
Parish Council Meeting - April 29, 2019
In attendance:Fr. Murphy, Sue Phelan, Regina Jean Claude, Maryann Cassidy, Gina Flatley, John Cooke, Dave Maile, Dan Hilferty, Joe McGonigal, Sr. Thomasina, Bob Gross, Amy Brennan
In Absentia: Nick Caramanico, John Donnelly, Mike Fohner, Kim Gerace, Tom Judge, Anna Louise Votta
The Parish Council began the meeting, as we always do, by praying with gratitude to God for His many blessings, and asking for His guidance and help in discussing Parish business and making wise and careful decisions. A review of parish activities since the last meeting as well as upcoming activities followed.
Parish Activity Document
The Council reviewed and updated the first three sections of the Parish Activity Document: A Worshipping Parish: Prayer and Sacramental Life; A Welcoming and Caring Parish: Family and Community; and A Witnessing and Proclaiming Parish: Invitation and Evangelization.
The Purpose and Mission of Parish Council
We discussed the role of Parish Council, how it differs from other parish advisory bodies such as the Finance Council, and how we can communicate the Council’s role in the parish more clearly. The Parish Council is a collaborative body, with members elected by the parish community, which exists to assist and advise our pastor as he makes decisions to further the mission of the Church as lived out in St. Dorothy parish. It was decided that a mission statement would be placed on the Parish Council website, above the minutes.
Welcoming New Parishioners
The Council discussed ways we have welcomed new parishioners and tried to incorporate them into the life of the parish, such as the Wine and Cheese event. Several ideas were put forth, and it was decided that a sub-committee will form to discuss this further and then present their ideas to the full Council.
Easter Egg Gift Cards
Easter Egg Gift Cards were collected on Easter Sunday to support the Family-to-Family Ministry at St. Dorothy’s. Of the 450 eggs provided, 375 were taken by parishioners on Palm Sunday, and 235 were returned at the Easter Masses. The cards donated totaled $2,825 and $108 in cash was also contributed, for a grand total of $2,933. Special thanks goes to the following and their families for their assistance with this project: Amy Brennan, Andy & Carolyn Corr, Brad and Stephanie Cowman, Carmela Gormley, Dan and Monica Hilferty, Sue Phelan, Donna Romera, Sue Short, Gail Veriabo, and Bob and Annette Young.
Parish Mission - 2020
We will be holding a Parish Mission next year during Lent. The Mission will be given by Father Michael Sullivan, O.S.A. and is entitled
A Parish Retreat: A Time of Grace. Father Sullivan will speak at all Masses March 28 and 29, 2020. The Mission will be held March 29 to April 1 at
7:00 p.m. A free will offering will be collected on the last night of the Mission.
Planning is underway for a 2021 mission to be given by Sister Bridget Haase, O.S.U.
Parish Events – Upcoming and Proposed
The St. Dot’s Challenge 5K, scheduled for June 1, 2019, is now fully sponsored, and seeking runners. The 5K webpage can be found under Upcoming Events on the home page of the parish website and on the school website.
The Coat Drive dates were set for the weekends of November 9-10, and November 16-17. The coat drive benefits St. Vincent de Paul and St Katherine Drexel parish in Chester.
Class Masses will be scheduled again for the upcoming school year. The dates are as follows:
Sunday, October 6, 2019 10:00AM Grade 3
Saturday, October 26, 2019 4:30PM Grades 6, 7, 8
Sunday, November 17, 2019 10:00AM Grade 1
Sunday, January 26, 2020 10:00AM Grade 4
Sunday, February 23, 2020 10:00AM Grade 5
Sunday, March 22, 2020 10:00AM Kindergarten
Sunday, May 3, 2020 10:00AM Grade 2
Anniversary Mass
It was suggested that we have an Anniversary Mass where all married couples in the parish who are celebrating milestone anniversaries may renew their vows. It will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2019 during the 10:00AM Mass. All couples who are celebrating a milestone in five year increments (married in 2014, 2009, 2004, 1999, etc.) are invited to participate in renewing their wedding vows. All couples married prior to 1969 are also invited to participate. This is a wonderful opportunity to renew your love and commitment to your spouse in the eyes of the church, family, and friends. More information will be available in September.
The Novena to Our Lady, Undoer of Knots, will be held again this September, with the closing Mass at 7 PM on September 30.
The next Parish Council meeting will be held September 23, 2019 at 7:30 PM.
2019 Parish Council Members
Fr. Murphy
Sr. Thomasina
Amy Brennan
Nick Caramanico
John Cooke
John Donnelly
Tim Fenning
Gina Flatley
Mike Fohner
Kim Gerace
Bob Gross
Dan Hilferty
Regina Jean Claude
Tom Judge
Joe McGonigal
Sue Phelan
Eileen Sheehan
Anna Louise Votta