PARISH COUNCIL OF ST. PATRICK'S IN ARMONK

MINUTES OF MEETING ON NOVEMBER 21^st,  2002

            Present at the November 21^st, 2002 meeting were Bob Ballengee, Michael Clohosey, Pat Cummings, Thomas D’Agostino, John Erickson, Mary Jane Fazio, Frank Golden, Sister Mary Rose Golden, Vincent J. Greco, Thomas K. Lindgren, Joanne McMahon, Sandra McMahon, Nina Pavone, Father John Quinn, Ann O’Sullivan, Ann Silvestri, Corinne Strianese, Ed Strianese, Barrie Watson, and Lynn Watson.

            Ann Silvestri welcomed everyone and presented the agenda for the meeting which included Vespers, an update on the Parish Center, the pew renovation project, religious education, committee reports, new business, adjournment and scheduling of the next meeting.  Ann led the Parish Council in Vespers.

            Frank Golden updated the Parish Council on the progress of the Building Committee.  At a recent meeting with the architect for the Parish Center, it was learned that excavation for the foundation is expected to proceed on schedule in December, following the issuance of 1 or 2 more permits.  The architectural plans remain essentially unchanged.  Next week there will be a meeting with the architect concerning the finishing touches for the exterior of the building.  Construction is planned for the latter part of February.

            John Erickson reported on the pew renovation project.  The plan is to replace all the kneeler pads at a cost of approximately $5.25 per foot, for a total price of between $3,000 and $4,000 for the materials.  John has volunteered to assist with the installation and will seek other volunteers.  A parish family has generously offered to contribute to this project. On behalf of the Parish Council Ann Silvestri thanked John for his time and work on this project.

             Father Quinn informed the Parish Council that approximately 20% of the eighth graders are not following the Church’s requirements for Confirmation.  For the purpose of review, Father Quinn presented St. Patrick’s Confirmation Covenant to the Parish Council.  In an unanimous vote following that review, the Parish Council indicated that the requirements in the covenant are reasonable and that all students are expected to abide by them or defer Confirmation until sufficiently mature to prepare for that sacrament.  Having thus consulted with the Parish Council, Father Quinn will send a letter to the parents of the Confirmation candidates involved.  In that letter Father will state that in the event the terms of the covenant are not met, the Parish Council strongly recommends that their children not be confirmed this year.

            Joanne McMahon told the Parish Council that the Teen Life group numbers over 30 members.  They were a very strong presence at the Hunger Banquet sponsored by the Armonk Ecumenical Social Concerns group on November 14^th at Hillside Church.  For Operation Hope Sunday, the teens collected almost $500 for the Maryknolls’ effort to combat AIDS in Africa.  On November 23rd they will visit pediatric patients at the Westchester Medical Center.  A bake sale is planned for December. They will attend the C.Y.O. conference on December 13^th - 15^th.

            Bob Ballengee, reporting for the Social Concerns Committee, expressed his gratitude to the parish for their generosity over the last 6 weeks to the Food Pantry, the Midnight Run and the Clothing and Kitchen Utensils Drive.  Parishioners are requested to donate presents by the middle of December for the Christmas gift drives for the children of the inmates of the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility and the patients at the Ruth Taylor Geriatric Center.  In the area of global concerns, Father Quinn requested a field trip for the parish to the Hunger Memorial in Battery Park and to Ground Zero.

            Pat Cummings informed the Parish Council that the Blessing of Expectant Parents on Sunday, October 6^th was a great occasion.  The Respect Life Society recites the Rosary before the 10:30 A.M. Mass on the first Sunday of each month and every Sunday in October and May. 

            Father Quinn announced that the next first Friday evening Mass will be offered on December 6^th, St. Nicholas’ day.  Advent Vespers and Communion will be offered each weeknight at 7:30 P.M. Father Vigilanti will give a talk in Advent on “The Rights of the Laity under the New Code in Canon Law.”  The Parish Council is invited to attend St. Patrick’s Christmas party at Sir John’s Pizzeria on the evening of Saturday, December 7^th.  On the weekend of December 7^th - 8^th Sister Mary Rose will speak to us on the topic of religious life pre-Vatican II and post-Vatican II.  December 20^th is the date for Advent Penance Service.  The annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance is scheduled for Saturday, March 15^th.  Father Quinn has researched the topic of devotional candles for the vestibule of the Church.

            Father Quinn noted that starting in the spring, St. Patrick’s may possibly have a plant manager.  In that fortunate event, the plant manager, together with his wife would assume the responsibility for St. Patrick’s preparation programs for Baptism, the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults, and marriage.  They have run Archdiocesan marriage preparation for 14 years.

            The next meeting of the Parish Council will be on Thursday, January 9^th at 7:30 P.M. 

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