PARISH COUNCIL OF ST. PATRICK IN ARMONK
MINUTES OF MEETING ON APRIL 26th, 2001
Present at the April 26th, 2001 meeting were Alex Bacon, Bob Ballengee, Arcangelo Bollella, Frank Golden, Joanne McMahon, Ann O'Sullivan, Father John Quinn, Mary Ryan, Ann Silvestri, Barrie Watson, and Nanette Yaroscak Naclerio.Father Quinn welcomed everyone and outlined the agenda for the meeting. The agenda included reports by committee chairpersons, an expression of recognition and appreciation to the St. Patrick's Day Dinner Dance Committee and to Martha's Guild for their outstanding work, an update on the classroom extension project, a report on the Archdiocesan Total Catechetical program, and the announcement of the date for the next parish Blood Bank.
Ann Silvestri led the Parish Council in Vespers.
Alex Bacon told the Parish Council that the architectural plans for the classroom extension project are 99% complete with the site work drawings due for completion by next week. These plans reflect changes to the septic fields that were worked out at a meeting Father Quinn, Alex and Tom Lindgren attended with Peter MacNamara from the Archdiocese on April 24th. The project is on target with all permits and approvals having been submitted. The pre-bid meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 3rd with proposals due back on May 10th. Then, the decision will be made as to who will build the classroom extension. The bricks for the project have already been reserved, thanks to Brian Arrone. During the last week in May the concrete will be poured. The project is on schedule for occupancy in September.
Father Quinn informed the Parish Council that Phase II of the Parish Construction Plan will be to finish the basement by converting it into a games room for the young people of the parish. This will be facilitated by the construction of an additional exit to the basement during the classroom extension project, which is Phase I of the Parish Construction Plan.
Bob Ballengee told the Parish Council that the Social Concerns Committee collected 47 bags of food and $458 in cash from St. Patrick's during the past 6 weeks for the Food Pantry. At the Food Emporium 17 bags of food and 30 cases of soda were donated. The Committee collected 3 bags of food at the library. Surplus food was donated to St. Crispin's Mission. Bob noted that 9 members of the Committee work at the Food Pantry. The Education Drive, which benefits a needy school in the Bronx, is progressing very well. A baby items drive for a center for unwed mothers is awaiting word on what items are most in need.
Joanne McMahon reported that eight members of the Teen Life Group attended a Zionist service at the Taylor Care Facility, where they served coffee and cookies to the patients. Their exemplary behavior was highly commended. The C.Y.O Dinner Dance is scheduled for May 5th. On May 20th the teens will attend C.Y.O. Day at Blair Lodge. Frank Golden suggested, and all concurred, that the teens share their activities with the parish at Mass one Sunday.
Ann O'Sullivan reported that 83 First Communicants will attend their Blessing Cup Meal this Saturday in a tent set up on the lawn. The following Saturday, May 5th, they will receive First Eucharist at 3 Masses. On May 12th, 44 students will be confirmed.
Father Quinn announced his reappointment as pastor to St. Patrick's to the applause and congratulations of the Parish Council. He reported that the May Crowning will be on Sunday, May 13th. On May 20th, the Respect Life Society will sponsor the Blessing of New Parents. The parish Blood Bank will be on Pentecost Sunday, June 3rd. Father Quinn noted that the Lady Chapel, complete with votive candles, will be accessible for meditation during the day.
Father Quinn expressed his heartfelt thanks and admiration to all who worked to make the parish's annual St. Patrick's Day Dinner Dance a resounding success. He especially thanked co-chairs Claire Fasano and Karen DiPietro for their wonderful work. Father Quinn thanked the members of Martha's Guild for their dedication, and especially appreciated the great gatherings they hosted for Valentine's Day, Mardi Gras, and last Sunday's “Hello to Spring Festival.”
Turning to the Archdiocesan Total Catechetical program, Father Quinn reported that St. Patrick's was chosen by the Archdiocese as one of the parishes that will formulate new plans for augmenting adult catechesis. As part of that program, St. Patrick's will form a committee of 15 parishioners who will participate in the planning process. A Dad's Club will also be formed within the framework of the Total Catechetical program, with its first meeting anticipated for a Monday night in June. A seminarian, who has been assigned to the parish for an internship during June and July, will also assist in this program.
Mary Ryan suggested that the parish erect a cross, covered with a purple shroud for the next season of Lent. As all agreed, a cross will be erected this summer.
The next meeting of the Parish Council will be on Ascension Day, Thursday, May 24th after the 7:30 P.M. Mass.