|
PARISH COUNCIL AT CORPUS CHRISTI CHURCH v |
● Home
● News
● Liturgy ● Music ● History
● School ● R.C.I.A.
● Site Map ● Links |
|
September 10, 2007 June 2, 2008
MINUTES OF MEETING OF PARISH COUNCILOF CORPUS CHRISTI PARISH – October 1, 2007 at 7:30 PM.
Present: Tom Croft, Elizabeth Browne, Rev. Raymond Rafferty, Rev. William Wizeman, Miriam Duran, Marcia Y. Ruiz, Robert Meadows-Rodgers, Brenda Fairaday, Conchita Gonzalez, Julie Nsanzurwimo, Francis Paz, & Ann Plogsterth & John Balbi.
Opening Prayer: Rev. Raymond Rafferty.
Approval of Minutes of September Meeting: A number of amendments were made to the Minutes & then Miriam Duran moved that the Minutes, as amended, be approved. Fr. Wizeman seconded the motion & the Minutes were approved unanimously.
Pastor’s Report: Fr. Rafferty reported: i) The refurbished stained glass window of the Sacristy has been installed. ii) A new housekeeper, Anna Matos, started today. iii) An additional bid, of $57,000.00, for the renovation of the Rectory kitchen was received. iv) The Centennial year is coming to a close. Some Parish Council members are on the Centennial Committee. It was suggested the Parish Council a supper or a lunch for the Centennial Committee as an acknowledgment of the work that Committee has done. v) Maintenance issues are still arising frequently so a Maintenance committee is seriously needed. Robert Meadows-Rodgers suggested he contact Jim Welby to get him to organize a Maintenance Committee. This Committee would be the first point of contact for problems & would have a list of companies to make the repairs. Also, to prioritize the problems. vi) A deficit in the finances of the School is projected with one of the contributors to this situation being fewer children in the School. There is an immediate cash flow problem. The balance of the checking Account is $0.00 while there is a balance of $140,000.00 in the Savings Account. There will be $8,000.00 used to pay part of the Insurance. The Payroll is $70,000.00 per month. It is likely the Parish will have to request funding from the Inter-Parish Committee of the Archdiocese. However, to receive that funding all Parish funds must be spent first. Robert Meadows-Rodgers wanted to know the reaction of the School Advisory Board’s to the School’s financial condition. The Board has requested certain information from Fr. Rafferty who will be answering the Board. Vii) Fr. Rafferty has received a Summons from the City of New York to appear in Court in January 2008. It was issued because problems with the elevator have not been repaired even though Century Elevator company had stated they were done.
Principal’s Report: John Balbi reported: a) A Request for Funding Proposal (RFP) is being developed. Several structural issues are being included which will give the RFP more importance. Fr. Rafferty estimates the total costs between $500,000.00 & $550,000.00 minus the amount of $250,000.00 already raised by the Bicentennial Committee. However, the Bicentennial amount has been spent so we need the full amount. Fr. Rafferty will not sign the RFP unless we can get the full amount. b) Regardless of the number of students in the School, which is currently 192, the tuition only pays about ½ of the expenses. This is in line with other parochial schools. c) The School received a $5,000.00 Literary grant which is being used for new library furniture, etc. for the Pre-Kindergarten class. d) Fr. Rafferty was able to get a grant of $5,000.00 from Columbia Services. The money is being used in the Computer Lab to purchase 30 refurbished computers & some new computer tables. e) Members of the Parish Council are invited to attend the 8 AM Prayer service in the School. The theme is “Be mindful & serve.” This Centering Prayer sets a positive tone for the day.
Middle States Reaccredidation Report: Betty Browne reported: I) This week the Committee is finishing the time schedule for the three phases. ii) Next Tuesday, October 9, Mr. Arpino, Chairman of the Visiting Team will be at the School to meet with John Balbi & Betty Browne at which time they will give Mr. Arpino the School Plan. iii) The Visiting Team, comprising four members, will be at the School on November 13, 14 & 15 with the Plan to see if it has been implemented. There will be a welcoming supper for the Team at about 6 PM on November 13 to which the Parish Council is invited. iv) On November 16, the Team will present an Exit Commentary as they end their visit. v) Six weeks later a draft of the Final Report will be given to the School. vi) Another six weeks after that date the School will issue a response to the Final Report. vii) John Balbi will be a member of a Visiting Team to another School. This will give him an opportunity to gain knowledge of how a Team works in a School. Finally, John Balbi congratulated Betty Browne on the large amount of work she had put into this important project.
Cleaning of the Church: Fr. Wizeman had looked at the Church calendar which already contains many things so recommended the cleaning be postponed to the New Year. This was approved.
Old Business: a) Fr. Rafferty mentioned that several events have been booked for December, 2008 so he suggested a date be set now for the 2008 Flea Market. After discussion, the date of December 6, 2008 was agreed on. b) Robert Meadows-Rodgers said preparations for the events on October 14 & 21 are in good shape. c) Brenda Fairaday reported that the Merton Day on September 29 was well attended.
New Business: a) Marcia Ruiz mentioned the annual Hispanic Marian Festival will take place on Saturday, October 6. b) Brenda Fairaday mentioned: i) There will be a Retreat Day on Saturday, November 17 from 10 AM to 4 PM. ii) On January 26, 2008 the Thomas Merton Society & the Center for Spiritual Development will present John Eudes Bamberger who will address the topic “The Inner Experience.”
The next meeting will be held on Monday, November 5 at 7:30 PM.
The meeting then adjourned.
Submitted by Tom Croft.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF PARISH COUNCILOF CORPUS CHRISTI PARISH – November 5, 2007 at 7:30 PM.
Present: Tom Croft, Elizabeth Browne, Rev. William Wizeman, Miriam Duran, Marcia Y. Ruiz, Robert Meadows-Rodgers, Julie Nsanzurwimo, Francis Paz, & John Balbi. Absent: Rev. Raymond Rafferty, Brenda Fairaday, Conchita Gonzalez, & Ann Plogsterth Opening Prayer: Rev. William Wizeman. Approval of Minutes of September Meeting: Robert Meadows-Rodgers moved that the Minutes be approved. Francis Paz seconded the motion. The Minutes were approved unanimously.
Pastor’s Report: Fr. Rafferty is away but he left a printed report as follows: “Pastor's Report Parish Council, November 5, 2007 I am away for eight days, returning November 6. I did not ask for a postponement of the council meeting because next week is filled with Middle States activities.
a) Wasn't the close of the centennial year a joy! So many people were made happy by the activity of those who worked so hard on the events of the year, especially the final events of the Cardinal's Mass and reception, the Vespers and the potluck supper. Thank you. Hopefully, you all will be able to join in the celebration of thanks at the Columbia Faculty House on Tuesday, November 27, at 6PM. For those who do not know the area, the entrance is off 116th St. between Morningside and Amsterdam. Go through the Courtyard to the side of the building which faces Morningside. Take elevator to 4th floor.
b) Arlene and Dave Morgan have taken measurements of the rectory kitchen in hopes of going to Lowe's or Home Depot. I do not know when this will be. Additional bids are in the $60,000 range.
c) In regards to the minutes of Oct. l, there is more than a $0.00 balance in the school savings account, but it is not large. Also, remember that the savings account money contains $125,000 which is designated by the Disney grant.
d) Negotiations are underway concerning the restoration of the crucifix over the pulpit. Work may be done by NYU Art Institute. Currently, questions are being answered by the Archdiocese concerning the insurance on the crucifix when it is outside an insured archdiocesan building.
e) Maintenance concerns continue to pile up. The latest concerns some electrical work around the kitchen of the auditorium.”
Fr. Rafferty included a map showing the location of the Faculty House at Columbia University but it would not scan for Tom Croft.
Principal’s Report: John Balbi reported: a) The School received The Manhattan Media’s Blackboard Award for Excellence in Education. Fr. Wizeman suggested that a notice about the Award should be included in the Parish Bulletin. Mr. Balbi agreed & will take care of it. b) The Middle States’ Visiting Team will be at the School on November 13, 14 & 15 with the Plan to see if it has been implemented. There will be a welcoming supper for the Team at 6 PM on November 13 to which the Parish Council is invited & asked to bring food & to help with the clean up afterwards. On Thursday, November 15 the Visitors will meet with the Faculty & Steering Committee. There will be early dismissal of the students on Friday, November 16 to allow the Visitors to deliver their Exit Commentary. The decision on reaccredidation by the Middle States is expected in next May. The Visiting Team will be staying in a local hotel after they decided the Convent was not adequate to meet their needs. The cost of their stay is expected to be $3,000.00.c) At the 8 AM Morning Prayer time the recitation of the School’s Mission Statement is included. Members of the 6th grade decided to memorize the Mission Statement, have done so & now other grades are joining in. d) Mr. Balbi a member of a Middle States Visiting Team that went to a school in Brooklyn & stayed in an immaculate convent. e) 30 computer towers are being installed. f) Mr. Balbi will be visiting Trinity Parish to speak at of their Masses this weekend. Middle States Reaccredidation Report: Betty Browne showed the professional looking book that has been printed in support of the School’s Application for reaccredidation. Ms. Browne pointed out one goal they will be working on to reverse. There is a downward trend in the number of students. If that decrease should continue there will a reduction of 34% in the number of students. Ms. Browne mentioned the two other goals to be worked on: a) A state of the art Science Lab (currently there is no Lab) & b) Curriculum mapping/integration. Flea Market/Raffle: Marcia Ruiz was thanked for arranging the printing & distribution of the raffle tickets. Parish Council Elections: The dates for the elections have been set to Saturday/Sunday, February 23/24, 2008 & Saturday/Sunday, March 1/2. Maintenance Committee: Robert Meadows-Rodgers reported that he had spoken to Jim Welby who is unable to work on establishing a Maintenance Committee. However, Jim Welby will speak to the Property Manager at Ascension Parish to see if he has any suggestions. Jim will also speak to the Pastor of Ascension Parish to find out how that parish hires its Property Managers. Robert Meadows-Rodgers said another alternative is that 3/4 parishes would join together to hire a Property Manager responsible for these parishes. Old Business: a) Robert Meadows-Rodgers said the Vespers Service on October 21 impressed him as did the detailed preparations behind the scene especially the work done by Conchita Gonzalez. b) Marcia Ruiz reported that the 10th Annual Hispanic Marian Festival went very well. New Business: a) Marcia Ruiz informed us that the Masses in celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Divine Providence will take place on November 18; 10 AM at Corpus Christi & 2 PM at the Cathedral. b) Marcia Ruiz told us about the Can Harvest that will take place at 200 Lexington Ave. from November 8 to 21. Admission is by donating a can, or cans, of food. Elaborate architectural structures are made from the cans. Marcia thought it was an event the students of the School might consider visiting. c) Marcia Ruiz mentioned that President Bush has declared this to be Native Americans Month. d) Julie Nsanzurwimo suggested we register Parish & School as charitable organizations on the Good Search Internet search engine. Then every time anyone uses Good Search & clicks on the Parish &/or School as his/her favorite charity the Parish or School receives 1c. It was agreed to consider this seriously as a way to raise money. The next meeting will be held on Monday, December 3 at 7:30 PM. The meeting then adjourned. Submitted by Tom Croft.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF PARISH COUNCILOF CORPUS CHRISTI PARISH – DECEMBER 3, 2007 at 7:30 PM.
Present: Tom Croft, Elizabeth Browne, Rev. William Wizeman, Marcia Y. Ruiz, Robert Meadows-Rogers, Julie Nsanzurwimo, John Balbi, Rev. Raymond Rafferty, Brenda Fairaday & Ann Plogsterth. Absent: Miriam Duran, Francis Paz & Conchita Gonzalez. Opening Prayer: Blessing of Advent wreath by Fr. Rafferty. Approval of Minutes of December Meeting: Moved by Robert Meadows-Rogers to approve Minutes & seconded by Ann Plogsterth. Approved unanimously.
Pastor’s Report: Fr. Rafferty presented the following written report: Parish Council Meeting December 3, 2007 l) On Monday, January 28, the Cardinal will pay a visit to the Westside Vicariate for a celebration of the Bicentennial of the Archdiocese. The celebration will take place at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, 3lst St. There will be a Mass at 7PM and a reception will follow. Each parish will be allotted 35 tickets. In early January, we shall distribute these. The priests of the Vicariate have requested that some of the young adults will be represented. Keep the date free. 2) There is a revised budget for the parish school, and the deficit is approximately $135,000., based on enrollment. The parish will have to request funds of the Archdiocese of New York, and a meeting is being arranged for early February. Currently, there is enough in the school account for 3 payrolls of approximately $35,000. a payroll. That includes 2 for December and 1 for January. I ask the principal of the school to check tuition payments to try and get parents up to date so that we can try to meet other bills. Concerning Archdiocesan bills (insurance, etc), they are approximately $16,000 a month. We owe all of November, and we have paid half of September and October. Other big issues include the teachers’ contract. When a settlement is arrived at, we shall have to pay back payroll through September, and we should probably expect an increase above the payroll of $35,000. 3) Regarding maintenance, serious issues continue to surface. There is no word on approval of the $795,000 needed from Archdiocese to pay for the roofing, leaking, belfry and pointing. 4) Regarding parish maintenance, some of the issues that really need work are. a) rectory kitchen – money available from bicentennial fund b) rectory plumbing in pastor's room c) dining room ceiling d) stairwell between church and sacristy e) Newman Room In response to a question from Tom Croft, Fr. Rafferty said there were no new developments with the restoration of the crucifix.
Principal’s Report: John Balbi reported: 1) A Parents Committee has been established to do things to help the School The first meeting of the Committee is scheduled for Monday, December 10. 2) A program by Creative Classrooms, for art & music, will run a series of workshops at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for grades 1 through 4. 3) There will be series run by the Archdiocesan Drug Prevention Program for grades 4 through 8. 4) Students in 7th & 8th grades are spearheading the St. Nicholas Project to raise gifts for a needy family. 5) The canned food drive, undertaken before Thanksgiving, was very successful. 6) A former colleague of John Balbi who is doing a course in Administration & Supervision will do an Internship at the School. 7) The Visiting Peer Review Team witnessed a wonderful School Assembly, liked the Pot Luck Supper & the final meeting with them went smoothly. The decision from the Middle States will be given in mid-spring. Betty Browne added that she was pleased with the tone of the meeting. Flea Market/Raffle update: Marcia Ruiz reported that the set up for the Flea Market will be on the Friday evening. The raffle tickets are being picked up & tickets will be sold during the Flea Market. Parish Council Elections: Marcia Ruiz & Ann Plogsterth will work on creating/updating the biographical information on any candidates. There will be 3 vacancies as the terms of Ann Plogsterth, Julie Nsanzurwimo & Francis Paz are expiring. Francis Paz can be re-elected. Brenda Fairaday suggested there an Ex-Officio member of the Parish Council from the Young Adult Group. After some discussion Brenda Fairaday moved that: “Fr. Raffertyy to ask the Young Adult Group to recommend a person to be appointed to the Parish Council as an Ex-Officio member.” Robert Meadows-Rogers seconded the motion which was carried unanimously. Maintenance Committee Report: Robert Meadows-Rogers had nothing further to report. He will work with Ann Plogsterth to work on researching who should be called. Old Business: John Balbi said he had not done anything more about the Good Search Internet project but will follow up. New Business: i) Brenda Fairaday reported that preparations are underway for the January 26, 2008 Thomas Merton Society & the Center for Spiritual Development presentation of John Eudes Bamberger. It will run from 2 to 4 PM followed by a reception downstairs. Brenda asked for volunteers to help from 1:30 to 5 PM in addition to Jane Hart who is organizing the reception. A notice will be put in the Bulletin. ii) Marcia Ruiz mentioned that December 8 is the feast of the Immaculate Conception & on December12 Our Lady of Guadalupe. Marcia is also distributing flyers announcing the celebration at Holy Name Parish. The next meeting will be held on Monday, January 7, 2008 at 7:30 PM. The meeting then adjourned. Submitted by Tom Croft.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF PARISH COUNCIL OF CORPUSCHRISTI PARISH – JANUARY 7, 2008 at 7:30 PM.
Present: Tom Croft, Elizabeth Browne, Marcia Y. Ruiz, Julie Nsanzurwimo, John Balbi, Rev. Raymond Rafferty, Brenda Fairaday, Miriam Duran, Francis Paz & Conchita Gonzalez.
Absent: Rev. William Wizeman, Robert Meadows-Rogers, & Ann Plogsterth.
Opening Prayer: Fr. Rafferty.
Approval of Minutes of December Meeting: Moved by Brenda Fairaday to approve Minutes as amended & seconded by Miriam Duran. Approved unanimously.
Pastor’s Report: Fr. Rafferty presented the following written report:
Pastor's Report Parish Council January 7, 2008
l) The tickets for the Cardinal's visit to the Westside Vicariate for the Bicentennial of the Archdiocese have not arrived. Please keep the date free. It is Monday, January 28, with Mass at 7:00PM followed by a reception. The Mass will take place at the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, 31" St.
2) Rocco Signore Plumbing and Heating have submitted a bid for the second floor bathroom. The bid is $17,800 and I believe that we should accept the bid. Timing of the work will depend on my time to vacate the premises, presumably after Easter. One addition that will increase costs. I suggest that the shower be made handicapped accessible.
3) Arlene and Dave Morgan have begun to work on the rectory kitchen project. They have gone to Home Depot and received samples. They are arranging for measurements to be made.
4) Please consider the attached information from Union Theological Seminary concerning fundraising seminar.
5) I have to appear in court on Thursday, January 17, at 8:30AM, in order to answer the summons concerning the elevator.
6) Some new maintenance issues: a) Roland Hiller came to work on the church door before Christmas. Did some repair, but he never finished it. b) the sacristy sink has been leaking into the music room. Ray Hughes was called, said he would come- but did not come.
Comments, discussion on above: 3) Arlene said it takes six weeks from when the supplies are ordered to receive them. The renovations include a dishwasher & a freezer. The sink etc. will be removed in the smaller area which will be converted to an eating area. The projected expense is $30,000.00 & the project is expected to take one week. 4) Fr. Rafferty strongly recommended the Seminar at Union Theological Seminary even if one could only attend parts of the Seminar.
Principal’s Report: John Balbi reported that the School is running smoothly: 1) Fr. Rafferty blessed the classrooms for Epiphany on Friday, January 4. 2) Catholic Schools Week will begin on January 27 with an Open House on Tuesday, January 29. 3) John Balbi had a positive meeting with the administration of St. Hilda & St. Hugh’s School to discuss marketing issues. 4) English Language Arts tests on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday of this week for 4th grade students & on the same days next week for the 8th grade students. 5) There are currently 188 students enrolled. Francis Paz asked about the deficit. Fr. Rafferty responded by saying there has been an appointment made with the Archdiocese to request funding to cover the deficit. It is expected the meeting will take place on February 19. There is just enough money to cover the payrolls of January 15 & 30 & the faculty is aware the School is operating in a deficit mode. John Balabi said some money is expected from the State of New York.
Flea Market/Raffle update: Conchita Gonzalez reported that $4,500.00 was raised & was glad so many people participated. There are mini Flea Markets planned with the first one on January 20.
Spring Social: Betty Browne reminded the Council that it is scheduled for May 3.
Parish Council Elections: Marcia Ruiz reported that the notice has been prepared in English & Spanish. Nominations for the three vacant positions are needed by January 27. The election will take place over the weekends of February 23 & 24 & March 1 & 2. Francis Paz will run again and Eileen Canty has announced that she will run.
Maintenance Committee Report: No report.
Old Business: Brenda Fairaday distributed the flyer for the Merton event on January 26. Volunteers will be needed by January 19.
New Business: Betty Browne suggested that the Spring Social be another “pot Luck.” This will be discussed further.
The next meeting will be held on Monday, February 4, 2008 at 7:30 PM.
The meeting then adjourned. Submitted by Tom Croft.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF PARISH COUNCIL OFCORPUS CHRISTI PARISH – February 4, 2008 at 7:30 PM.
Present: Tom Croft, Elizabeth Browne, Rev. William Wizeman, Miriam Duran, Marcia Y. Ruiz, Robert Meadows-Rogers, Julie Nsanzurwimo, Ann Plogsterth, Rev. Raymond Rafferty, & John Balbi.
Absent: Brenda Fairaday, Conchita Gonzalez, & Francis Paz.
Opening Prayer: Fr. Rafferty.
Approval of Minutes of September Meeting: Marcia Ruiz moved that the Minutes, as amended, be approved. Robert Meadows-Rogers seconded the motion. The Minutes were approved unanimously.
Pastor’s Report: Fr. Rafferty reported as follows: 1) There are two events associated with the Pope’s visit to New York: a) A Program for the Youth at Dunwoody Seminary on Saturday, April 19. The School has received nine tickets for 7th & 8th graders & one for a chaperone. Fr. Rafferty has four tickets which he will give to Young Adults. b) The Papal Mass at Yankee Stadium will take place at 2:30 PM on Sunday, April 20. The Parish’s allocation will be 3.5% of the Sunday Mass attendance of 2006. Fr. Rafferty will conduct a raffle for those parishioners who want to attend. 2) The Westside Vicariate Mass, in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Archdiocese, took place last week. It was well attended & beautifully done with a diversity of languages expressed in the Intercessory Prayers. 3) Fr. Rafferty attended the Court hearing about the Elevator problem on January 17. The charges were not dismissed but were “taken ender consideration.” Fr. Rafferty could be fined $5,000.00 with the Parish being fined an additional $5,000.00. 4) The Inter-Parish Finance meeting to consider the request for funds for the School will take place on February 19. 5) Arlene & Dave Morgan are still working on the restoration of the Rectory kitchen. Home Depot has provided a blueprint of the plans which will be reviewed by the priests who will have to approve it before the work can proceed. The contractor will be coming on Wednesday & it is expected the work will be done in April. 6) The alcove in the gallery on the Amsterdam Ave. side has been leaking. The leak was caused by the boys’ bathroom above the area & that has been fixed. A repairman from Ascension Parish repaired & painted the alcove at a cost of $600.00 (Fr. Rafferty is not sure if the Parish will be billed any more but will have it checked out). Now the floor has to be repaired so Fr. Rafferty asked Betty Browne to call the Ascension Parish to see if someone can come & do the floor. 7) On this coming Sunday three candidates will be chosen to receive Baptism, Confirmation & Eucharist at Easter. On the following Sunday eight candidates will be chosen to receive Confirmation & Eucharist at Easter. 8) Ron Hiller came & put a temporary repair on the front door. He will wait for warmer weather before fixing it permanently.
Principal’s Report: John Balbi reported: i) As part of The Creative Classrooms Grant grades 1 – 4 visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art to look at certain sculptures & discuss them. Upon their return to the School the students will write about the sculptures & make their own sculptures. The next visit will be on February 23. ii) Grades 5 & 6 visited Avery Fisher Hall to watch a rehearsal. iii) The Home School Association will have its second meeting tomorrow. iv) Thanked Julie Nsanzurwimo for recommending the Good Search Internet Search Engine to generate income. v) Fr. Rafferty has planned Ash Wednesday services for the different grade levels. vi) Mr. Balbi took a tour of the Columbia Warehouse today & saw filing cabinets, chairs & other furniture in good condition. Any furniture wanted has to be moved during the School day as the Warehouse is open form 9 AM to 5 PM. vii) The Benefit for the School will take place from 6 PM to 9 PM on Thursday, March 27.
Parish Council Elections: Marcia Ruiz reported: a) Three candidates have come forward; Eileen Canty, Connor Hailey & John Bolebach. b) Will get the material ready by February 16. c) On the Election days Tom Croft will cover the 5 PM Saturday Masses & the following for the Sunday Masses: Marcia Ruiz for 8:30 & 10, Julie Nsanzurwimo for 11:15 & Betty Browne for 1. Fr. Rafferty asked about the minimum age for voters because Connor Hailey is about 15. The Council will review the matter. Also, Fr. Rafferty has asked the head of the Young Adults Group, on a couple of occasions, to nominate one of their members an ex-officio member of the Parish Council. There has been no response so far but he will persevere.
Parish Social: Betty Browne said that all tickets for this event need to be ready immediately after Easter.
Maintenance Report: Betty Browne reported that she had called Matt Collins of Ascension Parish to let him know we need a Director of Maintenance. Mr. Collins said he would do it & wants to do a “walk through” of the premises to assess the condition of the buildings.
New Business: a) Julie Nsanzurwimo attended two of the sessions of the recent Fundraising Seminar at Union Theological Seminary. Brenda Fairaday was also there. At Fr. Rafferty’s suggestion Julie agreed to make the information available whenever the need arises for any of our events. b) Ann Plogsterth made a recommendation (see attached). Betty Browne said we need a Committee to consider the suggestion & make recommendations as to how it will be implemented. c) Fr. Rafferty & the Parish Council thanked retiring members, Ann Plogsterth & Julie Nsanzurwimo, for all of their work while serving on the Council.
The next meeting will be held on Monday, March 3 at 7:30 PM.
The meeting then adjourned.
Submitted by Tom Croft.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF PARISH COUNCIL OF CORPUSCHRISTI PARISH – March 3, 2008 at 7:30 PM.
Present: Tom Croft, Elizabeth Browne, Rev. William Wizeman, Miriam Duran, Marcia Y. Ruiz, Rev. Raymond Rafferty, Brenda Fairaday, Francis Paz, Connor Hailey, Eileen Canty & John Balbi.
Absent: Robert Meadows-Rogers, Conchita Gonzalez.
Opening Prayer: Fr. Rafferty.
Approval of Minutes of February Meeting: Marcia Ruiz moved that the Minutes, as amended, be approved. Fr. Wizeman seconded the motion. The Minutes were approved unanimously.
Pastor’s Report: Fr. Rafferty presented the following report: Pastor's Report, Parish Council, March 3, 2008
l) Concerning tickets
for papal visit events, I announced the availability of tickets
2) The charge against me
regarding the elevator violation has been dropped. The
3) Kitchen work is
scheduled to begin right after Easter. The work will take 4 - 6
4) The bathroom plumbing
work for the second floor of the rectory will begin
5) About two weeks ago,
water was dripping into the boiler room from the street. I 6) The Cardinal's Appeal goal is $24,000. As of last Friday, we raised $8,365.
7) The meeting with the
Archdiocese concerning funds for the school will take place
8) I believe that there
should be a representative to the council from the Young
Principal’s Report: John Balbi reported: i) The Harlem Parents’ United Education Fair will be on Saturday, March 15 & John will be representing the School. ii) 4th Grade Math test will be this week & the 8th Grade test will be next week. iii) Betty Browne reported that there was a Formative Assessment meeting last Friday. Testing is being re-vamped in the Archdiocese. Teachers will develop their own tests before starting to teach the curriculum. The test will be devised for all different levels within each grade. The text book is only one tool because there are other ways to teach students. John Balbi then continued: a) The Principal has been moving the Faculty in this direction since his arrival at the School. b) There is an 8th Grade Portfolio Assessment. iv) Distributed this list of 8th Grade Placements as follows: List of Catholic High Schools the following 8th Grade students have been accepted to: 1. Adriana Areizaga - Notre Dame School - ($5000 Scholarship), Our Lady of Good Counsel ($6,000 Scholarship), Mana Regina HS- (High Honors Classes) 2. Anthony Balter - Xavier High School, St. Agnes Boys HS, Mt. St. Michael Academy 3. Clarissa Blanco – Cathedral HS - (Full Scholarship), Mother Cabrini HS ($5000 Scholarship), Notre Dame School 4. Michelle Driscoll - Scared Heart HS (Yonkers), Notre Dame HS ($2000 Scholarship, Cathedral HS (Honors Program) 5. George Gotsiridze Porter - La Salle Academy ($1500 Scholarship), St. Agnes HS 6. Mitchell Johnson - Cardinal Hayes HS, Mt. St. Michael Academy 7. Armoni Joseph - St. Jean Baptiste, Cathedral HS, Mother Cabrini 8. Wiilard Lewis - Cardinal Hayes HS, St. Agnes Boys HS, Mt. St. Michael Academy 9. Joab Liriano - Mt. St. Michael Academy, Cardinal Hayes HS, St. Agnes Boys HS 10. John Marino - Cardinal Hayes HS, St, Agnes Boys 11. Martinez - Notre Dame Academy, Cardinal Spellman,Cathedral HS 12. Gabriela Martinez - Cathedral HS, St. Jean Baptiste HS 13. Brandon Mayor - St. Agnes Boys HS, Mt. St. Michael Academy 14.Joseph Medina - St Agnes Boys HS, Mt. St Michael Academy 15. Victoria Paredes - Cathedral HS, Cardinal Spellman 16. Darlenis Rivas - Mother Cabrini HS ($4,000 Scholarship), Notre Dame HS ($2000 Scholarship), Cardinal Spellman 17. Sergio Rodriguez - Mt. St. Michael Academy ($2,000 Scholarship), St. Agnes HS, Xavier HS 18. Giancarlo Sanchez - Xavier HS, Mt. St. Michael Academv 19. Sydney Sanchez - Mother Cabrini HS, Notre Dame HS 20. Anna Spaeth - St. Michael Academy 21. Martina Tran - Dominican Academy (Scholarship Program), Notre Dame HS ($4,000 Scholarship), St. Vincent Ferrer ( Scholarship Program) 22.Domenika Troshani - Notre Dame School, Mother Cabrini HS, Cathedral HS 23. Danell Vanterpool - Xavier HS, La Salle Academy ($3,500 Scholarship), St. Agnes HS v) Spring Gala will be on March 27. Invitations were handed out. vi) The proposal from the Cooke Center was discussed. The proposal is for a number of the Center’s students to be given space in the School. There will be some reimbursement to the School. The Cooke Center was begun in 1987 by a group of parents of children with special needs. Numerous questions were then raised & Fr. Rafferty took a note of them to take to the meeting tomorrow with Ms. Cook from the Center. Fr. Rafferty also asked us to be on standby to have a special meeting on March 31 to discuss this proposal further should it be necessary.
Parish Social: All tickets for this event will be ready immediately after Easter, March 30. The Social is on May 3.
Old Business: Betty Browne will call for the maintenance that needs to be done.
New Business: Brenda Fairaday announced there will be a Merton Chapter from 2 to 4 PM on April 5. Fr. Rafferty will make a presentation on Merton’s connection with Latin America.
The next meeting will be held on Monday, April 7 at 7:30 PM.
The meeting then adjourned.
Submitted by Tom Croft.
MINUTES OF EXTRAORDINARY MEETING OF PARISH COUNCIL OF CORPUS CHRISTI PARISH – March 31, 2008 at 7:30 PM.
Present: Tom Croft, Elizabeth Browne, Miriam Duran, Rev. Raymond Rafferty, Brenda Fairaday, Francis Paz, Connor Hailey, Eileen Canty, John Balbi, Robert Meadows-Rogers, Katherine Tillman & Conchita Gonzalez.
Guests: Veronica Cook & Michael Termini of the Cooke Center for Learning & Development.
Absent: Rev. William Wizeman, Marcia Y. Ruiz,
Opening Prayer: Fr. Rafferty.
Agenda: Consideration of application by the Cooke Center for Learning & Development to have two classes housed within Corpus Christi School.
Introduction: The meeting took the form of questions to Ms. Cook & Mr. Termini who answered them. Then they were asked to leave the meeting while the Council members deliberated & voted on the proposal. As a prelude to this meeting Fr. Rafferty had provided the following information to the Council at the Council’s regular meeting on March 3: “The proposal is for a number of the Center’s students to be given space in the School. There will be some reimbursement to the School. The Cooke Center was begun in 1987 by a group of parents of children with special needs.”
Questions and Answers: Ø How much will the School be reimbursed? A. $50,000.00 per year. Ø How many classes & students? A. Proposing 2 classes: 1 of 12 & the other between 7 & 9 (probably 7). Ø Ages of students? A. Level 1 will be between 5 & 6 while Level 2 will be between 7 & 8. Ø Location? A. The present Art/Music room & Faculty room would be converted into classrooms for the Cooke Center students. The students of Art & Music would be either housed in the Convent (see more later) or stay in their regular classrooms with the Art & Music teachers being itinerant. The Faculty would move to a smaller room. Ø Renovations & who pays for them? A. The Cooke Center has limited funds this year so could only take care of smaller things such as painting, moving furniture & fittings & installing their own telephone line. Could not pay for any major repairs, if needed, to the Convent space. There may be substantial repairs needed to & around the skylight. A qualified engineer should inspect it. John Balbi said he would pay for any plexi-glass panels. The Center’s VP of Finance would be available to do a “walk-through” because she is a good estimator of cost & would know what repairs/renovations the Center could do. Ø When would renovations have to begin? A. As soon as possible after the end of this School Year & Cooke Center is available to plan the changes. Ø Would the Center’s support specialists be available for the regular School? A. A Resource Room could be established that would include regular students who are on the cusp between classifications of regular & needing support. The City would finance such a Room. Also, the Center’s staff would be available to assist regular teachers with any problems. Ø How many Staff members & where would they be housed? A. About 3 for each Level, the Administrator, & Supervisor who would all be in the classrooms. Ø Will the students wear the Corpus Christi School’s uniform? A. Yes they would &, as much as possible, join the regular students at prayer, attend Church, eat lunch & join in other activities. Ø The Center has been successful in 2 schools but failed in 1 school. Why? A. The Center withdrew from 1 school because the regular teachers were not comfortable with the Center’s presence. In another case, the School of St. Stephen of Hungary needed to expand so the Cooke center moved out. Ø Would Corpus Christi have any liability? A. None at all. All Insurance & other liability issues have been approved by the Archdiocese. Ø Has any Cooke Center student moved into a regular classroom? A. Yes, it does happen occasionally. Also, in some instances the student can move into a regular class with a support teacher there to help if & when needed. Ø What kinds of disabilities do the students have? A. Higher levels of cognitive delays, mainly in language, Asperger Syndrome, autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, epilepsy & several others. Ø How are emergencies handled? A. With a medical situation, the staff would call 911 &, if necessary, ensure the student is taken to a hospital & notify parent/caregiver. In a confrontation intervention by the Guidance Counselor, Site Supervisor, Principal & parents as necessary. The Cooke Center has a strict screening process in place to minimize the acceptance of youngsters with behavioral problems. Ø Any medication administered by the paraprofessionals? A. Yes, either administered or monitored. Ø How closely does the Center follow the Parish School’s Calendar? A. Arranges with the regular School the Calendars to coincide as much as possible. Sometimes there are occasional days when the Center has to be open when the regular School is closed. Ø There is no mention in the Center’s literature about Religious education? A. The Center is operated as a non-sectarian program. The parents are asked if they would like their children to have Religious instruction. It is a “Values Integration” program. Most parents are happy their children are in a religious environment. Ø In how many sites is the Center located? A. 3 Elementary sites but the Center wants to increase the number, 1 Middle School & 1 High School site. Ø Any opposition by parents to the introduction of the Center into their Schools’ sites? A. Generally parents are appreciative so not really. Ø What about the parents of the children in Corpus Christi School? A. The ones to whom the Principal has spoken are in favor of the Center.
Deliberations & Voting: At this point Ms. Cook & Mr. Termini left the meeting. The Council then discussed the issues for some time until Robert Meadows-Rogers formulated the following motion that he proposed & was seconded by Francis Paz:
It is moved that the Parish Council approve this proposal subject to: 1) The Cooke Center providing an engineering evaluation of the Convent space; 2) The two calendars must be integrated; 3) Transportation strategies to minimize confusion and safety issues.
The motion was then put to the vote with the results being: 7 in favor, 3 opposed* & 2 abstentions.
* At least one of the opposed was dissatisfied with the conditions in the Motion & not with the Cooke Center being invited to come to Corpus Christi School.
The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, April 7 at 7:30 PM.
The meeting then adjourned.
Submitted by Tom Croft.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF PARISH COUNCIL OF CORPUSCHRISTI PARISH – April 7, 2008 at 7:30 PM.
Present: Tom Croft, Elizabeth Browne, Miriam Duran, Marcia Y. Ruiz, Brenda Fairaday, Francis Paz, Eileen Canty, Katherine Tillman, Conchita Gonzalez, Robert Meadows-Rogers & John Balbi.
Absent: Rev. William Wizeman, Rev. Raymond Rafferty & Connor Hailey.
Opening Prayer: John Balbi.
Approval of Minutes of March 3 Meeting: Eileen Canty moved that the Minutes be approved. Robert Meadows-Rogers seconded the motion. The Minutes were approved unanimously.
Approval of Minutes of March 31 Meeting: Robert Meadows-Rogers moved that the Minutes be approved. Betty Browne seconded the motion. The Minutes were approved unanimously with a commendation to Tom Croft with his work with these Minutes.
Pastor’s Report: Fr. Rafferty presented the following report via Betty Browne:
Pastor's report The Cooke Foundation did not find our caveats burdensome. Veronica is in the process of getting someone to look at the convent.
4 seminarians from the mid west have asked to use the convent during the papal visit. They will be here Thursday through Sunday of next week. We do not have to supply food, only lodging. – Betty Browne said the days will be 4/17, 4/18, 4/19 & 4/20. Conchita Gonzalez will arrange for cleaning the rooms & ensure linens, towels, etc. are supplied.
A group has requested a concert venue here on May 1, 2009. For a few years, that weekend has been the weekend of the spring social. Having a concert would mean that we couldn't set up on Friday night. What should I tell them? – The Council decided to approve the request & asked Fr. Rafferty to convey that decision to the group.
I have requested that a parishioner who is a musician to supply entertainment for this year's social.
Principal’s Report: John Balbi reported: i) The Archdiocese has instructed all Schools to be closed on April 17 & 18 in honor of the Papal visit. ii) The Scholastic Book Fair will now take place from April 14 through April 16 instead of the original plan of April 14 through 18. iii) The Parents’ Committee will be hosting an International Food Fair this Friday, April 6 at 8 PM. There will be games & music with the Gym being decorated with the flags of different countries. iv) The ITBS testing is running smoothly.
Parish Social: Conchita Gonzalez has contacted the caterer for some of the food & parishioners for another part. The wine will be separate so Tom Croft will email WSP members asking for donations. The tickets will cost $18.00 with wine & beer $1.00 per glass. Volunteers will be needed for both Friday evening & Saturday at noon. Katherine Tillman will email members of the Young Adults to help. Miriam Duran suggested a notice in the Weekly Bulletin. Conchita will need to know the number of acceptances by Wednesday, April 30. The Social is on May 3 from 7 to 10 PM.
Old Business: 1) Conchita Gonzalez reported that Saturday’s bus trip to Mohegan Sun was a success & raised $850.00 for the Parish. 2) Brenda Fairaday reported that the Thomas Merton Address will be given by Fr. Rafferty on this Saturday, April 12 from 2 to 4 PM. 3) Betty Browne reported that the cabinets for the Rectory’s kitchen renovations have been delivered. 4) Betty also reported that Matt Collins, maintenance man, visited to look at the sidewalk & leak. He will do a walkthrough of the buildings soon. 5) Robert Meadows-Rogers said that the issue of getting a Sunday Sexton is still under discussion.
New Business: a) Conchita Gonzalez announced that the next Mini-Flea Market will be on June 7 & 8. b) Brenda Fairaday, citing the example of the Episcopal Parish at which she sings, suggested we arrange for people who are trained in emergency procedures such as CPR to attend our Masses just in case someone suffers an emergency. Robert Meadows-Rogers enquired if the Parish has a defibrillator & the answer is “no.” Betty Browne will raise the issue with Fr. Rafferty.
The next meeting will be held on Monday, May 5 at 7:30 PM.
The meeting then adjourned.
Submitted by Tom Croft.
MINUTES OF MEETING OF PARISH COUNCIL OF CORPUSCHRISTI PARISH – May 5, 2008 at 7:30 PM.
Present: Tom Croft, Elizabeth Browne, Miriam Duran, Marcia Y. Ruiz, Francis Paz, Eileen Canty, Katharine Tillman, Conchita Gonzalez, Robert Meadows-Rogers, John Balbi, Rev. William Wizeman, Rev. Raymond Rafferty & Connor Hailey.
Absent: Brenda Fairaday,
Opening Prayer: Fr. Rafferty.
Approval of Minutes of April 7 Meeting: Eileen Canty moved that the Minutes be approved. Robert Meadows-Rogers seconded the motion. The Minutes were approved unanimously.
Pastor’s Report: Fr. Rafferty had no report but took questions as follows: Q. Robert Meadows-Rogers asked how are the renovations progressing? A. i) The plumbing upstairs is complete at a cost of $18,000.00. ii) Emergency repairs had to be done to leaking boiler pipes. iii) Kitchen delayed because the company did not begin on time. Just started a week ago Wednesday. The floor is down and installation of the cabinets today. Linoleum will be laid tomorrow. The plumbing & electrical work still needs to be done. The countertops have been ordered. Q. Eileen Canty asked if there was anything we can do to help. A. No.
Principal’s Report: John Balbi reported: 1) Poem-In-Your-Pocket day was a success. The 1st & 2nd grades recited Rudyard Kipling, the 3rd & 4th grades recited Edgar Allan Poe, the 5th & 6th grades recited Shakespeare, & the 7th & 8th grades recited Walt Whitman. 2) The dance for 7th & 8th grades will be on this Friday. 3) First Communicants will receive the sacrament on May 13. 4) The Science Fair will be on May 15 &16. 5) A number of the students will be joining other youngsters in performing in Carnegie Hall on May 19. 6) A Family event, with a theme of a “Luau” will be on May 23. 7) The Spring Concert will take place on May 30. 8) A new leak has developed in the 8th grade classroom. 9) Prepared a document listing the activities of the School for the Inter-Parish Finance Meeting (John Balbi distributed copies to the Council members. 10) An architect for the Cooke Center has inspected the Convent & agreed the Center will pay for the repair of the tiles on the skylight. A timeline for the repairs & preparations for the moving in of the Cooke Center’s students is still to be worked out. 11) Fr. Rafferty asked for the number of returning students but John Balbi said he did not have that information at this time. 12) Fr. Wizeman enquired if the report from Middle States has been received. John Balbi replied no, not yet. 13) Fr. Wizeman also asked if there was any more news about the request for financial assistance from the Archdiocese. Mr. Balbi said nothing yet but that request has been reduced to $51,000.00. 14) In response to Conchita Gonzalez, Fr. Rafferty said the projected profit from the March Benefit is $120,000.00 but that is not definite. 15) Francis Paz asked how much did the School raise its tuition given that the Archdiocese has recommended an increase of 10%. John Balbi replied he will be raising the tuition by 8%. Betty Browne added that the new Teachers’ Contract provides an 11% increase over 4 years & medical costs to be kept at their current level for the first year. 16) Marcia Ruiz wanted to know how much income the box tops program is generating. Mr. Balbi said not much. Conchita Gonzalez said that chocolate sales always earned quite an amount of money. John Balbi agreed.
Parish Social: Conchita Gonzalez & Miriam Duran expressed thanks for the support of so many people, including the Young Adults. It was an enjoyable time but the amount of income was not known yet. Miriam Duran asked if there was a rule precluding children younger than 10 attending Socials. Fr. Rafferty replied that there is no ban. Betty Browne mentioned Jane Hart has volunteered to be Chairperson of a Hospitality Committee & will attend the next Council meeting.
Internal Elections: Betty Browne said there has been a suggestion that the positions of President, Vice-President & Recording Secretary be formally established. Many questions then arise that have to be resolved if this is to be done including, but not exclusively, term limits, eligibility (1st or 2nd year of term), actual date of appointment, moving election & the establishment of other committees such as Maintenance, Finance, Hospitality, Spirituality, Young Adults, Teenagers. Eileen Canty asked if there is a Constitution. Fr. Rafferty mentioned that Brenda Fairaday says there is one but has not produced a copy. Betty Browne & Tom Croft will meet to discuss these issues & report back at the next Council meeting.
Old Business: 1) Robert Meadows-Rogers asked how the seminarians liked their accommodation in the Convent during the Papal Visit? Fr. Rafferty said they appreciated the space. 2) Robert then asked if the Elevator Company has paid the fines that they agreed to do? Fr. Rafferty has heard nothing about that.
New Business: a) Conchita Gonzalez reminded the Council that the next Flea Market will be on June 7 & 8. Katharine Tillman will have some of the Young Adults to help with preparations as Conchita said she will need help from as many people a |