PARISH COUNCIL OF ST. PATRICK'S IN ARMONK

Present at the September 14^th, 2000 meeting were Alexander Bacon, Arcangelo Bollella, Michael Clohosey, Pat Cummings, John Erikson, Joe Finnerty, Anna Sachko Gandolfi, Frank Golden, Vincent Greco, Mary Harnett, Thomas Lindgren, Joanne McMahon, James Morrone, Carole Muller, Jim Murphy, Ann O'Sullivan, Ruth Pell, Elvira Pinto, Father John Quinn, Sheelagh Rabo, Mary Ryan, Bill Shaheen, Mary Ann Shaheen, Ann Silvestri, and Barrie Watson.

Ruth Pell led the Parish Council in Vespers.

Father Quinn welcomed everyone and distributed the agenda for the meeting which included committee reports, a review of upcoming events, and a discussion of the proposed classroom expansion.

Joanne McMahon reported the results of the Teen Life elections. The officers include President Kristy Fasano, Vice President Jessica Di Pietro, Treasurer Chris Fasano, Secretary Rosanna Peretti, and Chairperson of Special Projects Justin Tripodi. Chris Fasano also was elected Vice President of the CYO for Westchester County. The Parish Council congratulated the Teen Life officers on their election to office.

Joanne informed the Parish Council that the Teen Life group will take over the operation of the Arts and Crafts Fair. This annual event will be held on Saturday and Sunday, November 18^th and 19^th and will feature a white elephant table, a photo contest, baked goods and a raffle in addition to the beautiful crafts made by parishioners. Anyone from the parish interested in participating the fair is welcome to call Roz Rocco for information (273-3680). To donate white elephant items in good condition contact Jean Lillo.

Pat Cummings told the Parish Council that the Respect Life Society prays the Rosary before the 10:30 A.M. Mass on the first Sunday of the month, and on every Sunday in October. On Sunday, October 1^st Respect Life will sponsor the Blessing of New Parents and Parents-To-Be. The date for Making Strides against Breast Cancer is Sunday, October 15^th.

Tom Lindgren announced that registration for CYO basketball will be held this weekend, September 16^th and 17^th in Wallace Hall. CYO basketball is open to all boys from third through eighth grades. Girls teams will be formed for the same age groups if enough are interested. Tom plans to post all basketball information on the parish Web site.

Regarding upcoming events, Father Quinn informed the Parish Council that the parish will host a Halloween Gathering after the Sunday Masses on October 29^th. The Annual Fall Festival will be held on Saturday evening, Nov. 11^th after the 5:30 P.M. Mass. Everyone is warmly welcome to attend this always popular event for which volunteers are much needed. On Wednesday, December 6^th all are encouraged to attend Damien, a one-man play. Father Quinn invited the Parish Council to a Christmas party to be held at Sir John's. The party is tentatively scheduled for Friday, December 8^th.

Ann O'Sullivan reported that 529 students are enrolled in the Religious Education program. To accommodate the increase in enrollment the program is running double sessions 5 days a week. Ann noted that 24 students attend the Good Shepherd Catechesis Program. This new program has been developed for 3 and 4 year old children and has been very well received.

The increase in enrollment in the Religious Education program from 360 students 6 years ago to 529 students today points to the need for an expansion of the Religious Education facilities. To that end the Parish Council has explored the option of constructing classrooms in the basement directly below the existing School of Religion.

Father Quinn introduced the architect, Alex Bacon, to the Parish Council. Father Quinn consulted Alex about the proposed expansion of the Religious Education facilities. In response to Father Quinn's request Alex drew up plans for the proposed project which he presented to the Parish Council.

Alex explained that 6 additional classrooms could be constructed in the basement. The new classrooms would mirror the 6 existing classrooms on the ground floor. The project would require the installation of stairs, an elevator, and additional exits. If started soon the project could be completed by next September.

Questions were raised about alternatives to using the basement for classrooms. The feasibility of building above the existing School of Religion or of expanding on ground level was discussed. Concerns were expressed about bringing natural light into the basement. Frank Golden suggested the formulation of a master plan to accommodate all the future facilities needs of the parish. He further suggested that the master plan precede any classroom expansion project. It was decided that Alex will take a broader look at the site plan and develop alternative proposals for expansion.

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be on Thursday, October 5^th at 7:30 P.M.