Johnny Ip called the meeting to order at 1:05 PM. Theresa Yuen offered the opening prayer.Vincent Chun reported that of the 19 PPC members who attended the last meeting on January 10th, 12 had approved the minutes by email.All were in favor of approval. The minutes will be posted in the lower church hall and on the BCCC/St. James website.Johnny presented the financial summary on behalf of Steve. The surplus of $31.8K is mostly due to lower than expected expenses.Vivian Chu indicated an interest in the BCCC bookkeeper position. Judy Tam will provide training for her. Lilly Hong, who is new to the community, also indicated some interest. She can potentially serve as backup/standby.St. James positions: Fr. Kevin reported that several parishes are being supported by one business manager, with no payment needed from the parishes. Perhaps the archdiocese can arrange to have a bookkeeper for the same cluster, to then include St. James. Fr. Kevin hopes to bring in a full-time bookkeeper by September.Vincent Chun reported that up to eight candidates had been nominated. However, several withdrew, leading to there being only 5 nominees remaining. Because this is exactly the number of replacement members needed, and in accordance with the Nomination and Election Committee rules, the five candidates have been elected by default.Johnny mentioned that based on Archdiocese guidelines, the five appointed PPC member positions are up for replacement or re-appointment by Fr. Kevin, as their annual term is ending. The newly appointed (or re-appointed) members will begin to serve at the May 2010 PPC meeting.The Finance Council members are also up for replacement or re-appointment by Fr. Kevin.The annual election for PPC Executive Committee members, Vice Chair, and Secretary will take place at the May 2010 PPC meeting.Simon reported that blueprints have been obtained (at ~$1,200). Many detailed tasks and plans need to be taken, that will result in more costs.Upper floors: as a sprinkler system will be required for four or more rental units, we will limit the number of units to avoid this additional cost (~$100K). Consultation is needed to ensure that the plan is economically feasible. Bottom floor: this will be kept for parish use, and will be configured for potential rental as conference facility during the weekdays.Heating system: contractor suggested a small heating system, since it will only be used for heating the bottom floor (residential units have their own systems).The 501c3 application is in progress. Once BCCA has ownership of the property, the parish can help support it by paying rent for usage of the space, e.g., for religious education, meetings, etc. The plan is to apply for the mortgage using the 501c3 organization, and then negotiate with the Chancellor for the title to the property.Douglas moved and Peter seconded the motion to set up a 501c3 organization.Due to Sr. Madeline's upcoming return to Baltimore, there is a need to identify someone to be officially authorized to make purchases and approve bills for Pastoral Center expenses.Teresa and Tim Luk have taken care of the fire extinguishers, cleaning the Center, and the Pennies for Lepers program.Mary Young volunteered to check the mail on Sundays and Mondays. Agatha will check it on Friday. We will rely on participants of Saturday Pastoral Center activities to check the mail on Saturdays.Sr. Madeline will attend the May 22 Confirmation and leave on May 23, to arrive in Baltimore before Memorial Day.Francis asked Douglas to lead the Security Team. They have collected the names of people who hold St. James keys, to keep track of access.Team is reviewing security procedures for upper and lower church. Most of the problems have been with closing the church on Sunday afternoon. The team will start scheduling people to stay behind to perform security check and to close the doors.Religious Education - Sr. Madeline has gotten agreement from Stephen Baruffi and Donna Chen to be the next Religious Education coordinators, to start in July, after Mary Tse's term ends.Spiritual Development - Mary Young reported that Fr. Lynch will be arriving this summer (June 23 - July 30) to offer talks, workshops, Sowing Seeds of Contemplation program, talks for parish leaders, workshops on child rearing, and religious counseling. He is fluent in Cantonese, Mandarin, and English. The Marian procession will take place on May 16, following last year's route.Kitchen Remodeling - Anita reported that the Agape Lunch program has raised about $4,000 since it began more than a year ago. The funds were to go toward kitchen renovation. Simon contacted a contractor to estimate renovation costs. Kevin To will donate the countertop. Some Fujianese group members had pledged support for purchasing appliances and supplying labor. However, this fell through. The total cost of the renovation will be about $16K - $3K for cabinets, $2K for the gate, $1.5K for materials, $4K for labor, and $5K for appliances. Parishioners will be solicited for donations at the next 3-4 Masses. The remaining funds will be borrowed from BCCC and repaid from future Agape Lunch income. Work can start immediately and be completed in time for Palm Sunday. Laura moved, and Carol seconded a motion that Simon and Anita proceed with the project as presented. All were in favor.Scholarship - Teresa Wan reported that the Deacon Chao and Fr. Hines Memorial Scholarship will begin accepting applications next week. Up to three scholarships will be awarded, at $500 each, for academic excellence and contribution to BCCC. Fr. Hines's mother, Maureen Hines, recently passed away. Donations in memory of her have been dedicated to sponsoring this scholarship fund. Shuting has been slated to speak after Mass to kick off this year's application process.Fujianese group - Chris has forwarded a copy of the group's constitution to ??? The group will contribute to the kitchen project by dedicating the second collection from the next three Fujianese Masses for this purpose. Due to the recent miscommunication regarding the group's assistance with the kitchen project, Chris clarified that the core group consisted of himself as Chair, Shuting as Vice Chair, and Lydia as secretary. Philip Chu, Joseph Leung, and David Lam serve as advisors. Johnny reminded everyone that the Archdiocese guidelines state that second collections should be for parish maintenance funds. Perhaps, there should be a special collection for the kitchen renovation instead.Outreach & Welcome - Agatha voiced some concern about the success of reaching out to non-Christians. While the volunteers have done a good job of attracting people to come, the newcomers do not seem to continue coming. It is felt that this is because the children are not interested and the parents did not want to impose on them. Some suggestions:
Have young professionals, college students, or recent grads provide advice, helpESL, tutoring for children. Sr. Madeline was involved in ESL classes for non-Christian Fujianese. Mary Young stated that lack of teaching materials had been a problem, but she has now gotten suitable materialsProvide prayer service, Eucharist at people's homesAugust Moon outreach - this was previously handled by other groups, suggest forming a cross-commission group to coordinate this activity - discuss at the May PPC meetingFarewell party for Sr. Madeline - Peter is picking a date. Theresa Yuen felt that May 2nd, Parents Day, would be a good date. There will be a slide show highlighting the work of Sr. Madeline's Order.Fr. Anthony Huang of Toronto had enquired about St. James/BCCC interest in having him come to Boston. The Executive Committee agreed to meet with Fr. Huang at his expense. There has not been a reply to the Committtee's invitation.The Convention of North American Chinese Catholic Clergy, Religious, and Laity will be held during June 25-28 in Toronto. We have been invited to send representatives. Cost of the event will be $420 per person (double occupancy) or $39 per person (triple occupancy). The Pastoral Council would need to support airfare, or driving costs. Deadline is March 31. Johnny moved, and Shirley seconded a motion for the parish to support two representatives (at $840) and up to $1,000 for travel to the event. All were in favor.Fr. Kevin commented that outreach is important, and the community is putting good effort into it. He commended the PC for the financing effort for the Pastoral Center. Similar efforts are pursued elsewhere in the Archdiocese and at the Cathedral.Fr. Kevin reported that it would be a liability to the homeless person to camp in front of the church. His tent is a hazard to himself and others, and hygiene is also an issue. The Crime Watch Team is working with Boston Police to help him move. The next PPC meeting date will need to be moved from the regular time due to Mothers Day. Johnny to send out new date. |
Budget
|
Actual
|
Actual
|
Actual
|
%
|
Variance
|
|
FY 2009-10
|
Jul09-Feb10
|
Jul09-Feb10
|
Jul-Feb Total
|
|
|
|
St. James + BCCC
|
St. James only
|
BCCC
|
St. James + BCCC
|
|
|
INCOME
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Offertory
|
42,000
|
22,639
|
|
22,639
|
54
|
-19,361
|
Sacramental Offerings (Shrines/flower/candles/Mass Intention, etc..)
|
10,000
|
6,546
|
|
6,546
|
65
|
-3,454
|
Donations (Individuals/Door Project)
|
20,000
|
15,610
|
17,512
|
33,122
|
166
|
13,122
|
Annual & Christmas Appeal (St. James & BCCC)**
|
92,700
|
|
77,680
|
77,680
|
84
|
-15,020
|
Interest Income
|
200
|
834
|
697
|
1,531
|
766
|
1,331
|
Rental Income
|
14,000
|
4,200
|
|
4,200
|
30
|
-9,800
|
Fundraising Activities (Club 90)
|
10,800
|
8,740
|
|
8,740
|
81
|
-2,060
|
Total Income
|
189,700
|
58,569
|
95,889
|
154,458
|
81
|
-35,242
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Exempt Salaries/Compensations/Insurance
|
9,600
|
6,329
|
|
6,329
|
66
|
3,271
|
Clergy Stipend
|
13,000
|
6,825
|
|
6,825
|
53
|
6,175
|
Pastoral/Liturgical (Altar Supplies/Flowers)
|
5,100
|
2,708
|
631
|
3,339
|
65
|
1,761
|
Books/Pamphlets/postages (Religious Ed/Spiritual Develop.)
|
6,750
|
5,592
|
234
|
5,826
|
86
|
924
|
Telephone/Equipment Contract/Office supplies
|
5,750
|
3,331
|
43
|
3,374
|
59
|
2,376
|
Utilities/Heat/Water & Sewer
|
40,400
|
14,770
|
|
14,770
|
37
|
25,630
|
Maintenance & Repair/Improvement of Building
|
16,500
|
12,733
|
20,197
|
32,930
|
200
|
-16,430
|
Rectory Household Expenses/Food
|
7,500
|
959
|
|
959
|
13
|
6,541
|
Property & Liability Insurance
|
26,000
|
19,799
|
|
19,799
|
76
|
6,201
|
Interest on Revolving Loan/Bank Charge
|
9,550
|
5,131
|
|
5,131
|
54
|
4,419
|
Professional Fees (Auditing, Hospital Chaplain)
|
5,350
|
3,600
|
|
3,600
|
67
|
1,750
|
Parking
|
11,000
|
4,017
|
2,328
|
6,345
|
58
|
4,655
|
School Tax
|
3,000
|
|
|
0
|
0
|
3,000
|
Fundraising Awards (Club 90)
|
6,300
|
3,219
|
|
3,219
|
51
|
3,081
|
Advertisement/Evangelization/Youth/Social Life/Parish Sharing
|
17,900
|
9,435
|
|
9,435
|
53
|
8,465
|
PPC Chair/BCCC Chair Contingency Fund
|
6,000
|
748
|
|
748
|
12
|
5,252
|
Total Expenses
|
189,700
|
99,196
|
23,433
|
122,629
|
65
|
67,071
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET INCOME/DEFICIT
|
0
|
|
|
31,829
|
|
31,829
|