PARISH COUNCIL OF ST. PATRICK'S IN ARMONK

MINUTES OF MEETING ON MAY  9^th,  2002

            Present at the May 9^th, 2002 meeting were John Alberga, Bob Ballengee, Lisa Baroni, Arcangelo Bollella, Pat Cummings, Thomas D’Agostino, Mary Jane Fazio, Sister Mary Rose Golden, Vincent Greco, Joe Looney, Joanne McMahon, Dorothy Mitchell, Frank O’Neill, Ann O’Sullivan, Father John Quinn, Gino Silvestri, Corinne Strianese, Edward Strianese, Barrie Watson, and Lynn Watson.

            Father Quinn led the Parish Council in prayers following the evening Mass for Ascension Thursday.

            Lisa Baroni asked for the use of an office or classroom at St. Patrick’s for the counseling of clients unable to climb the stairs to her offices.  All are Roman Catholics, for whom meeting in a place identified with the Catholic Church would be meaningful.  Father will consider providing space for counseling barring legal, liability, or parish issues.  This matter will be taken under advisement while the issues are explored, and the views of other parishioners are sought.

            Reporting for the Building Committee, Joe Looney stated that the Parish Center went before the Zoning Board following a review by the Planning Board on April 8^th.  The project will go back one more time to the Planning Board and then go on to the Zoning Board, before moving on to the Architectural Review Board.  This process is within the original schedule of 3 to 5 months anticipated for the Town review process.  The break ground date for the Parish Center is scheduled for September.  The Parish Center will encompass nearly 10,500 square feet.

            Mary Jane Fazio inquired as to whether the Fundraising Committee had reached all parishioners.  The response was that the Fundraising campaign had been very successful and that the endowment fund for the maintenance of the Parish Center would remain open to all who wish to contribute.  The Fundraising Committee was commended for conducting an extremely professional and effective campaign.

            Frank O’Neill reported that he went before the Zoning Board to discuss parking for the Parish Center.  The Zoning Board stated that there is nothing in the ordinance that allows for shared parking.  To satisfy both the Planning and Zoning Boards the parish intends to present a plan which will indicate where the site can accommodate the necessary number of parking spaces that will be required to be land banked.  Frank O’Neill and Joe Looney indicated their belief that this plan will meet the approval of both boards at their upcoming meetings.

            Ann O’Sullivan reported that 63 students made their First Communion on May 4^th, and that 57 students will be confirmed on May 11^th.  For next year’s registration, enrollment in the Religious Education program is estimated at 560 children from 238 families. 

            Pat Cummings informed the Parish Council that the Respect Life Society will recite the Rosary every Sunday in May before the 10:30 A.M. Mass.  On Sunday, June 9^th, the Blessing of New and Expectant Parents is planned. 

            Father Quinn and Ann O’Sullivan reported that the pilot project on total parish catechesis is proceeding on schedule.  The 7 selected parishes were asked to make preparations for fall events.  These events will be the first anniversary of 9/11, the fortieth anniversary of Vatican II, and the canonization of Pope John XXIII.  The archdiocese suggested a number of possibilities for the parishes.  Once again, we were reminded that religious education is “not just for kids any more.”  We remain conscious that there are, at any time, four distinct generational cohorts in any parish.  The religious education of each generation needs to be implemented more fully.

            Bob Ballengee reported that the Social Concerns Committee’s Food Pantry collections from all sites for the last month totaled 45 bags of food.  At St. Patrick’s, $321 in cash was donated.  Donations of men’s clothing and toiletries will be collected at St. Patrick’s for the June 1^st Midnight Run, organized by Holy Innocents.  The Lenten Men’s Clothing Drive to benefit the Men’s Shelter in Graymoor received one more carload beyond what was last reported.  The Armonk Ecumenical Social Concerns Committee decided not to participate further in the Habitat for Humanity Project because this project primarily needs fundraising, not volunteers.

            Father Quinn expressed the deepest sympathy of the Parish Council to Joanne McMahon on the death of her father.  Joanne thanked Father Quinn and all who had extended their condolences to her and her family.

            Joanne Mc Mahon reported for the Teen Life group.  St. Patrick’s parish queen, Rosanna Perretta, was 1^st first runner-up at the C.Y. O. Coronation Ball on May 4^th, and our king, Andrew Tompkins, was 2^nd runner-up.  Warmest congratulations were extended to Rosanna and Andrew.  A Socks for Tots drive will be held for the Children’s Unit of the Westchester Medical Center.  May 18^th is C.Y.O. Day and World Youth Day.  On June 2^nd the teens will participate in Walk F.A. R. for NAAR, a 2 mile walk at Manhattanville College, to benefit autism research.