Sep 20

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=100 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="01af8641egerdp.jpg"> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="743" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 100 ><NOBR><div> <B><IMG SRC="0147b640.jpg" border=0 width="123" height="100" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="20"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="100" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="20" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="600"><div> <B>St. James Parish Pastoral Council</B></div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <bR> <div> <B> </B></div> <bR> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=123 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="0167b003.jpg"> <bR> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Boston Chinese Catholic Community"><U>Home</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="brief_history.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Brief History"><U>Brief History</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="committee_members.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Committee Members"><U>Committee Members</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="church_activities.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Church Activities"><U>Church Activities</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="calendar.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Calendar"><U>Events Calendar</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="bible_sharing.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Nov 22"><U>聖言分享</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="nov_15.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Bulletin"><U>Bulletin</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="audio_recordings.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Audio Recordings"><U>Audio Recordings</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="gallery.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Photo Gallery"><U>Photo Gallery</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="links.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Links"><U>Links</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="contact_info.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Info"><U>Contact Info</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="community_service.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Community Service"><U>Community Service</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="rcia.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="RCIA"><U>RCIA</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="naccrlc07.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="27th NACCRLC"><U>27th NACCRLC</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="ev08c.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="EV Concert 08c"><U>08 福傳音樂會</U></A></div> <div> <B>St. James Parish Pastoral Council</B></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=380 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="00f5b5b3.gif"> <div> <I><B>Sep 20</B></I></div> <div> <B>Meeting Minutes</B></div> <div> <B>Attendance:</B></div> <div> SJPPC members:  Laura Chan, Lydia Chan, Peter Chan, May Chan, Mee Chan, Chris Chen, Shuting Chen, Vincent Chun (Secretary) , Vincent Fung, Sr. Madeline Gallagher, Simon Ho, Johnny Ip (Vice Chair), Carol Ip, David Lam, Judy Lew, Fr. Kevin O'Leary (Chair), Rose Sun, Francis Sung, Steve Tam, Albert Tse (Finance Council Chair), Br. Mike Vricella, Douglas Wong, Mary Young, Theresa Yuen</div> <div> Absent:  Selina Ng, Shirley So</div> <div> Parish Commission leaders:  Anita Sung (Youth), Agatha Tong and Pauline Lieu (Outreach & Welcoming); additional Parish Commissions are represented by SJPPC members present: BCCC-Laura, Evangelization-Carol, Fujianese Community-Chris/Shuting, Immaculate Heart of Mary-Mee, Married Couples-Carol/Vincent Chun, Social Life-Theresa Yuen, Spiritual Development-Mary Young</div> <div> <B>Opening:</B></div> <div> The meeting was called to order at 1:05 pm by Fr. O'Leary, who also offered the opening prayer.</div> <div> <B>1.   Approval of Last Meeting's Minutes</B></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Vincent reported that 14 of the 18 PPC members who attended the last meeting on July 12th had approved the minutes by email. The minutes have been posted in the lower church hall and will soon be put on the BCCC/St. James website.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Meeting attendees further confirmed their approval by voice vote.</div> <div> <B>2.   Chairman's Remarks</B></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Fr. O'Leary expressed his thanks for the hospitality and welcome at his first Mass, and for the preliminary welcoming meeting he had with the Executive Committee. He was excited to see the spirit of volunteerism in the community.</div> <div> <B>3.    Administration of Day-to-Day Operations of St. James Parish</B></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Currently, Fr. Joe Baggetta, besides doing his regular job as Chaplain for Juvenile Corrections for the State, he is the St. James resident onsite person/priest who takes care of many things and acts in the name of the Administrator/Pastor at times per their request.  These jobs include overseeing the daily operations, maintenance, and opening and closing of the church, make arrangements regarding parking for weddings and funerals, etc...</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Fr. O'Leary met with the two Rectory volunteers, and understands their need for clarification on how approvals are made. Fr. O'Leary agrees that there is a need to appoint a business manager to take care of the day to day matters relating to finance and to issue approvals on his behalf. Johnny reported that Steve Tam has agreed to serve as business manager if the PPC were to approve of one.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Agatha reported that there has been confusion among Finance Council members regarding their role and relationship with day-to-day operations. Fr. O'Leary reiterated the guidelines of Archdiocese, which require the Finance Council to review, periodically all work done by the business manager and his team, determine feasibility of funding projects, overseeing the properties and inventory of assets of the church, overseeing the budgeting process, and assisting with fund raising.  Johnny also indicated that the Parish Finance and Administration Policy Manual, which contains definition of role of Finance Council, has been distributed to all members of the Finance Council of St. James. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Johnny moved for the PPC to approve the appointment of Steve Tam as Business Manager of St. James to be in charge of St. James's day-to-day financial matters and approvals. Steve is also empowered to assemble a team of volunteers to assist him to do the job. Peter seconded. All agreed with voice vote.</div> <div> <B>4.    Financial Planning Overview</B></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Albert reported that the Annual Appeal has begun. Appeal letters have been distributed. Unclaimed letters will be sent out via mail shortly.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The budget is being finalized, with $28K for Parish Commissions (so far). Pastoral Center expenditures are about $15-20K per year, based on two years of records. In addition, BCCC donated $36,000 annually to defray part of the St. James operating expenses. With the available information accessible to the Finance Council to date, Albert projects the annual expenditure to be around $85K, a preliminary estimate if $36,000 is indeed the real St. James annual expenditure. The actual St. James annual operating expenditure is likely to be higher and will be determined when the financial information is available to the Finance Council for review. Total fund raising (Annual and Christmas Appeals) usually net around $100K.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Fr. O'Leary suggested that the St. James and BCCC accounts should not be merged. Annual Appeal proceeds should be deposited into the BCCC account instead of into the St. James account.   To support the budget of St. James, BCCC would make periodic donations into the account of St. James.</div> <div> <B>5.    Roles of Fr. Joseph Baggetta</B></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">As discussed earlier under Item # 3, Fr. Baggetta has been taking care of many of the operational aspects of St. James, as well as other hidden tasks that many parishioners are not aware of.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Johnny moved that the PPC send a letter of thanks to Fr. Baggetta. All were in favor.</div> <div> <B>6.    Refurbishment Of Main Doors Of The Church And Replacement Of Signage</B></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Fr. O'Leary presented a quote by Ridgemont, Inc. for work on the front of the church: door repairs: $5,400, concrete facade scraping and painting: $4,900, new hardware for storm doors: $4,600, window repairs: $2,255, for a total of $17,185.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Simon suggested, and Fr. O'Leary agreed, that a detailed inspection should take place to ensure that rotted wood be replaced instead of just painted over.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Johnny reported that Theresa So has agreed to donate up to $10,000 for awnings for the rectory, as well as for making banners for St. James using the hardware that is still in place from the vacated Propagation of the Faith. Fr. O'Leary knows a source that can provide heavy canvas awnings for $600.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">There was discussion about how to fund the refurbishment and signage. To avoid clashing with the ongoing Annual Appeal, it was decided that capital fund raising to be postponed till later. Instead, money from the BCCC reserve fund will be used to pay for the work.  The reserve fund will  then be replenished from capital fund raising or Annual Appeal. Laura proposed moving forward with refurbishment of the front of the church, replacement of the signage as soon as possible. All were in favor.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">It was suggested that, in the future, a planning meeting needs to take place to determine capital projects for the year, as part of the budgeting process. The approved plans should be incorporated into the Annual Appeal letter, to inform parishioners about the use of funds.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Johnny moved that Simon head up a task force to work with Ridgemont on the refurbishment work, as well as oversee the signage and banner projects. All were in favor.</div> <div> <B>7.    Future Planning of Pastoral Center</B></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Fr. O'Leary reported that, currently, the Pastoral Center building is not a parish asset.   However, the Chancellor of the Archdiocese has verbally agreed to transfer the title of the center to  St. James. It was estimated that it has a market value of around $1.1 million. Should St. James decide to sell the property, part of the proceeds has to  be used to repay the existing  debts. The remainder can be kept by St. James.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">There needs to be a study to determine the future needs of space and facilities of St. James, should the center be sold, including how we can remodel the other buildings of St. James to create function rooms to accommodate the activities that are currently utilizing the Pastoral Center.</div> <div> <B>8.    Parish Pastoral Council Retreat</B></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Johnny suggested arranging a retreat for all PPC members and leaders for the purpose of affording everyone an opportunity to reflect on the mission of St. James and on individual ministry.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Fr. O'Leary recommended doing a half day retreat at the new pastoral center in Braintree. Sr. Madeline suggested retreat facilities, such as Marimar Retreat Center (Duxbury), Campion Renewal Center (Weston), or Espousal Retreat House (Waltham), which might provide a better environment for reflection.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Johnny nominated Carol Ip and Mary Young to coordinate with Fr. O'Leary on date and place.</div> <div> <B>9.    Archdiocese Justice Convocation</B></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Johnny reported that the Archdiocese's Justice Convocation will take place on Saturday, October 17, at 8:30 am -2:30 pm, at BC High School. There will be many breakout sessions and many speakers. The event is meant for PPC members and Parish Commission leaders. It is a great opportunity to meet with other parish leaders. Cardinal Sean will celebrate Mass in the morning. He would like to see at least 2-3 representatives from each parish attending the event. Those who are interested, please sign up with Johnny.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Peter suggested that the PPC sponsor participants' registration fee of $5 each. Agatha suggested that members are all motivated enough that there is no need.</div> <div> <B>10.    Parish Commission Reports</B></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Carol Ip reported on the Evangelization Commission's history of formation, its theme, past activities and future initiatives to be implemented.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Agatha Tong and Pauline Lieu reported on the Outreach and Welcoming Commission's goals of outreach to people outside the church and welcoming and caring for people within the church. They presented the Commission's activities and operations.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Sr. Madeline reported on the Religious Education Program, currently with 50 students and 14 teachers, as well as a program run by Anita and Francis for post-confirmation children.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Mary Young reported on the Spiritual Development Commission's 10 programs for this year (2009-2010) on the celebration of the Year of the Priest and Vocations.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Mee Chan presented a report on the 59-member Immaculate Heart of Mary's activities, including washing of church linens, visits to the sick and shut-ins.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">David reported on the Fujianese group's activities and recent growth, highlighting the impact of the Thanksgiving Day celebration. Johnny encouraged all Parish Commission leaders to coordinate their activities to be inclusive of Fujianese participation.</div> <div> <B>11.    Bishop Hennessey to Celebrate Mass on November 22</B></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">There is no special theme for the Mass, other than treating it as any Thanksgiving Day Mass.</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Laura mentioned that the Fr. Maurice Wong award will be handed out during that Mass, to acknowledge someone who has worked for the community in a not-so-visible role. Nominations should be sent to Judy Tam and Laura by the second week of October.</div> <div> <B>Next Meeting</B></div> <div> The next meeting will be held on Sunday, November 15, 2009 at 1 pm at the Pastoral Center.</div> <div> <B>Adjourment</B></div> <div> There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:45 pm, after a closing prayer by Sr. Madeline.</div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>