Members of the parish are welcome to attend the meetings of the Parish Pastoral Council. Council members invite you to voice your concerns or ideas for at Parish Council meetings. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at the parish office. Meeting Minutes posted below (scroll down.)
Your Parish Pastoral Council Members are:
Valerie Hodgson, Vice Chairperson Community Liaison Office at the base, Webmaster for the parish website. Email Valerie at vhodgson@gibralter.net call 401-4004.or
Brigid Sears, Secretary Having spent a lifetime as an educator, Brigid brings fresh and innovative ideas to the council. Her writing and organization skills have proven valuable in arranging our meeting agendas and taking detailed meeting minutes (which are posted on this page.) Have a subject you would like to add to the council agenda? Contact Brigid at 361-0632.
Laurette Hill, Director of Catechetical Ministry With a warm personality and bright smile, Laurette has dedicated herself to the education and Christian formation of our converts, and of our returning catholics. She is the coordinator of RCIA and adult religious education. Laurette is extremely knowledgeable and approachable. Ask her any question, and if she doesn't have a ready answer she will find it for you. Call Laurette at 367-6560.
Astrid Johnson, Director of Youth Ministry Children, youth, and young adults in our parish have Astrid to thank for the many educational and spiritual activities she coordinates. Astrid spent her younger years in the African peace corps and her adult years as an educator. She is the caretaker of a number of rescued animals. Contact Astrid at 367-6144.
September 11, 2008 Present: Sharon O’Neill, Laurette Hill, Maggie Chaffer, Brigid Sears, Ryan Bowman, Astrid Johnson, Tito Candelaria, Dave Deanslow, Tony McDowell, Father Gerry, Lisa Bowman
Opening Prayer Review Minutes Welcome, Ryan Bowman who will be the youth representative to council.
Guests/ public comments- Lisa Bowman requests a key to have access to bathrooms on Faith formation days. Often the door to main office is deadbolted and not accessible. Especially hard when there is only one adult in class and not a second person to continue lessons. Any help to resolve this while bathrooms by classes are being fixed would be appreciated. Father Gerry shared Bishop’s letter on faithful citizenship
Reports Temporal o DDF-has raised $33,320, still receiving pledges. This amount was up from years past. Goal was $18, 700. Also, Funds on deposit-reserves- (currently about $70,000) are increasing from two years ago. These funds must have Bishop’s approval to withdraw. o From ministry meeting- § Bingo! How can we help bingo help us?Also need ADA doors at Mercy and bathrooms- Bingo suffering large losses. How many people need to be present in order to make Big Bingo show profit? Does this criteria need to be adjusted and made public? § Thrift shop- need wheelchair ramp George was going to be reviewing lease contract; also someone to haul off large items left- Large item haul off has dump fee expense tied to it. Rather than paying a dump fee each time for large items, would it be more cost effective to get larger dumpster (perhaps with lock) and then just have some strong people come to store as needed to break down the items and put in dumpster? · Liturgy-Priests convocation Sept 16-19 o First Friday- OCT 3 – 7:00pm -10:00- Needs to be placed in bulletin. Liturgy of the hours and exposition., this time, to accommodate those who work. Ministries may be assigned slots. o Month of October- Devotion to Mary- Traveiling Madonna from house to house to pray rosary o Dec 6-7 Bishop visit o Dec 9- Advent Mission ; Sr. Sase, Benedictine, presentation o Dec. 10 wed. 6:00 Penance service with reconciliation · Christian Formation/ Youth- Sept 29 Fun Zone. Open to students of Jr. High and High school age. Need Tvs, Extension cords,; door prizes also available · Service-Respect life and bottle boomerang in October · Public Relations- old website in community services bulletin, could we link with new? Brigid will address with Val next meeting
Old business · Fence / paving/ survey? Fence has not finalized design, location; won’t do survey til there is enough info for informed input. · Hospitality - Pastor decisions of recommendation Father Gerry will bring this to finance council for input, was hoping to have already had meeting but was postponed. This is part of “draft” of fundraising guidelines which also need reviewed by finance. · Youth night- Pastor decision of recommendation- yes, but need conduct agreement, remember to act in Christian manner.; security of kids is non-negotiable
New Business · Bishop’s visit timeline- must get established o No audit necessary since one was completed last year o Parish input cards should be distributed and completed early October, so that information can be gathered for workbook to turn in. o 4:30 Mass will be Spanish mass with international potluck. There will not be an additional mass that evening. o 4-5 servers are needed for all the weekend masses, possibly the same children. o Letter needs to go out to Parishioners informing them of the schedule of events for the December weekend. o Also, information needs get out to parishioner concerning potluck….this item should be in accordance with Hospitality’s timeline needs. · By-laws update Other Neo-catechumenate request to make presentation to the council to explain purpose of program. Tentatively scheduled for Oct 9 meeting. Next meeting- October 9,2008 Prayer, adjourn
July 10 2008 Present: Val Hodgson, Sharon O’Neill, Father Gerry, Tito Candelaria, Astrid Johnson Laurette Hill, Bennie Coffman, Tony McDowell, Brigid Sears
Discussion: · Food Pantry- Can not make a final decision to Bob Berg until we have more information from the school district and its potential needs. Overall hope is to find a compromise to help accommodate this community need. Several ideas were discussed including looking into placing the Pantry connix box on land that would not interfere with school needs. However, this may not be an option for city or diocesan parameters. A strong recommendation from diocese still exists for guard. · MUSD request- may need some school space depending on results of geologic study of Joshua Tree Elem. Should know sometime in August one way or the other. · By-Laws= yes, or no? At diocesan training we were told by laws not absolutely necessary. We do nned to look at membership , roles, and new member procedures… as well as stating decision making voting criteria. Val will review diocesan guidelines for Pastoral Council and develop shorter document to guide mission, members, roles, and procedure for making recommendations to pastor. Temporalities: · Need to inform parishioners of a mid year report—what has been accomplished… ie Hospitality center, AC unit in Mercy hall, power point equipment. Also need mid year finance report of Bingo, thrift store, etc. · We also discussed the need for fundraiser procedures from beginning to end… from written request to council and on through the procedure for scheduling events with other groups. The ministry that is sponsoring the fundraising needs to also submit to bulletin the amount that is raised after each event for transparency. Amounts should be counted and verified by another for accuracy. Brigid will draft some generic guidelines/handbook to be discussed at the next meeting.
Liturgy- · Trying out a monthly Spanish Mass (Aug. 2) and a monthly Filipino Mass(July19) · Parish needs Sacristan to prepare items for Mass. All present recommended to Father Gerry to move forward with discussing this with two or more individuals who are willing to serve at his discretion.
Christian Formation · Youth group- (Astrid) would like to plan some events (soak city, bbq, Rel. Ed. In Feb, or possibly pilgrimage to an Abbey)- Council recommend bulletin for publicizing youth events. Also appropriate funding needs should be prepared in writing to Father Gerry with an objective and timeline included.
Service- · Need persons to visit shut ins- perhaps place in bulletin request. Next meeting- Aug. 14. Sandy Fleck to give presentation on Reach Out Morongo Basin Also, fundraising guidelines to be on next agenda
June 25, 2008 Present: Father Gerry, Tony McDowell, Dave Denslow, Brigid Sears, Sharon O’Neill, Betty Garrett, Leanne Duncan, Wally Brumbalow, Lolita Marquez, Lita Harkley, Bennie Coffman, Mary Rosenthal, Pat Bitter, Bev Collard, Astrid Johnson, Lawrence Powers, Darrell Hill, Laurette Hill
Created Ministry contact phone and e-mails list
Bishop del Riego will be coming to Blessed Sacrament. · December 6-7 2008 · Objective- to look at the life of the Parish as a whole. This includes a look at liturgical, financial, catechetical, social outreach, community service, diocesan interaction status. o 1. Celebrate spirituality o 2. Recognize/commend efforts o 3. Give opportunity for Bishop to interact with leaders and members of parish o 4. To focus parish into the future with recommendations o To gather a clear picture of the life of the parish
PRIOR to the visit- · Need to establish a timeline · Schedule a financial audit · Compose and send letter to parishioners informing them of visit and process · Complete parish input cards (provided in workbook) · Gather demographic data of Parish – check procedure · Collect Ministry info (as discussed at 6/25 meeting)- past accomplishments, present work, future goals, including number of volunteers and special qualifications/certifications if applicable. Also this provides written record of ourselves. · Use the above data collections to complete self study workbook to give a valid and true picture of parish life. Workbook is to be turned in 3 weeks prior to visit.
Self study workbook includes a look at · Current parish staff · History of parish · Description using demographic, sociological, economical and ecclesial information-groups with needs met, groups that need more care · Qualities of Parish life o Evangelization, conversion, catechesis o Community outreach o Pastoral care o Worship o Training and support for ministry workers o Stewardship and administration · Parish Objectives and action plans · Parish diocesan interaction
DURING THE VISIT- Parish is responsible for meals and lodging expenses · Saturday o AM- Visit the homebound sick going to 2-3 homes (decided 6/25) o PM- Lunch with parish staff, individual meetings with priest, and deacons Betty needs numbers for lunch o Evening- Preside at 4:30 Mass § Dinner we decided would be whole parish potluck international (decided 6/25) · Sunday o AM Breakfast? On own? o Preside at 8:00 and 10:30 masses- Knights of Columbus to be locked on for 10:30Mass (Tony) o PM - Lunch- TBD- o - Town hall meeting- 1st hour Bishop talks, 2nd hour questions o Evening- Working dinner with Pastoral and Finance Councils –members only-no spouses
AFTER THE VISIT § The Bishop will prepare and return a report to the Parish § The Parish leadership will act on the recommendations of the Bishop.
The ministry chairpersons will continue to meet once a month to help continue smooth communication between groups. These meetings will be held the 4th Thursday of the Month.
Next meeting: July 24, 2008, 7:00 pm.
May 8, 2008 Present: Dave Denslow, Astrid Johnson, Brigid Sears, Val Hodgson Tito Candelaria, George Collard, Maggie Chaffer, Laurette Hill, Father Gerry Discussion Items/ Reports Temporalities-Book sale June 7- assign duties-Dave to put in paper for May 29 and June 5.Brigid will do flyer George to coordinate with local preschools for pre-sale day viewing and purchase. George will supervise on June 7, 9-12; Brigid will find person to receive money High school scholarship procedure George updated scholarship application. Brigid will pick up appl. On May 14 deadline and verify scholarship awards assembly dateNeed rep from Bingo, Altar society, Finance council, Parish council, to review applications weekend of May 18-19.Astrid volunteered to be one to review applications Arts and Environments- received letter to request permission to begin fundraising for paving church parking area and put up security fencing. Council agreed to support efforts. As money is raised and ready to look at options of fencing, etc, Tito Candelaria will be point man for information. Brigid will prepare written response to ministry chairperson. BINGO! was discussed. Reviewed Monthly income/expenses from July to February. Request line item breakdown of both bingo and kitchen for same time period, so that direct expenses can be extracted. Money raised in Bingo is kept in separate account from parish. Bingo profits can then be donated to church for non-personnel expenses or capital expenses associated with bingo.Still need volunteers- 3 helpers a Friday night for Bingo (banker, runner, caller) can work. Kitchen needs help as well. Money raised in Kitchen goes to general fund of parish.HVAC system for summer cooling has been in. Hopefully, numbers will stay up, and volunteers here to make this viable for future months. Parish Council will continue to review Bingo numbers in the line item budget of recent past and future months/year to make a determination about Bingo’s future at our Parish.Payout for winners is $150 (regular) and $250 (big bingo night). Advertise in our bulletin needed, too. Food Pantry also requested use of Blessed Sacrament space for distribution. Currently moving from Church of Nazarene and looking for new space. Council would like more information from organization concerning funding and logistics before deciding one way or the other. Brigid will send written request to contact Kelly Yarbrough for meeting with representative, or on June 19, 7:00 during Joint Council session. Liturgy –May 24 and May 25 is Blessed Sacrament Feast Day (Corpus Christi)The following activities are planned for the weekend as reported via Laurette from Liturgy meetingSaturday, May 24 4:30 Mass (all invited at 11:30 Sunday for picnic)Adoration from 5:30-9:00, open to all who can be there at anytime.To ensure that Jesus is not alone, the following schedule is recommended:5:30-6:00 Altar society6:00-6:30 Arts and Environment6:30-7:00 Lectors7:00-7:30 Knights of Columbus7:30-8:00 Pastoral Council8:00-8:30 Finance Council8:30-9:00 Eucharistic MinistersAlso was suggested to have beverages available in hospitality room , water, coffee, juice as you leave. Refill/refresh as neededSunday, May 25 8:00 Mass (come back at 11:30 for picnic)Root Beer Floats – Parish Council providesSunday, May 25, 10:30 Mass, 11:30 pot luck picnic at the patioRoot Beer Floats- Parish councilFood- Filipino communityKnights of Cols.- meat cookers Providing meat, tooWatermelon- Altar societyMexican food- Hispanic communitySalad/ Deserts- choir, lectors, Eucharistic ministersIf you are in more than one ministry, use your judgment, and choose one item to shareChristian Formation- Initiations, baptisms, confirmations were all recognized in the bulletin.Position of assistant of catechetical ministry was approved by finance council as well as parish council. Father Gerry will contact diocesan human services to gather accurate information regarding vacancy flyer, description, and appropriate wage offering.Youth- May 31 Christian Band / Youth rally playing at YV community center. St. Mary’s is helping to organize. Advertise in bulletin.
Service- Food pantry request see above
Public Relations-Anyone who has pictures please send to Valerie electronically valerie.l.hodgson.ctr@usmc.mil for the website. Don’t forget to send your caption or any other details you want included on website to go with pictures.
Other: Communication between committees- The more that we all know about what is going on in other committees, then the better able we are to answer those questions about our parish events to people who ask… then we all benefit by not looking foolish about things that, as leaders, we should know. How novel!! J We are all in this together!
So that we all are “in the loop”, the parish council will request that each ministry assigns a communication point of contact… essentially a secretary to write, send and receive minutes of the meetings, preferably via e-mail.
For example, Brigid is Parish Council secretary . She will maintain these minutes and distribute to Parish council members (contact group #1). In addition, she would e-mail the minutes to the points of contact for each ministry and parish office(contact group #2). They , in turn, would forward those minutes to their own ministry members.
The reverse would work like this: Minutes or meeting notes are recorded at the xyz committee meeting. That person would compile minutes and send a copy to their own members and to the other committee contact persons. My name would be on the second list. When I receive the xyz minutes, then I would forward them to the other Parish council members.
Send committee secretary information (name, phone number, e-mail) to Brigid Sears rbsears01@verizon.net
Future Agenda Items: · Next meeting June 19, Joint meeting with Finance Council and representative of Food Pantry , 7:00 Parish Conference room Closing Prayer
April 10, 2008 Present: George Collard, Laurette Hill, Dave Denslow, Dennis Ellison, Tony McDowell Brigid Sears, Sharon O’Neill, Reyna Stephens, Father Gerry, Mary Orozco, Astrid Johnson
Discussion Items/ ReportsBishop’s visit in December. More information coming in fall Temporalities-Book sale, followup- did not happen in April. Books have been sorted. Sale Is rescheduled for June 7, 9:00 A.M. -12 noon Discuss and make a recommendation as to which position best meets Blessed Sacrament needs… business manager or bookkeeper. Discussed pros and cons. Recommendation of the council forwarded to Father Gerry Discuss and make a recommendation as to whether or not to hire assistant to catechetical ministry, six hours/week. Discussed pros and cons. Recommendation of the council was forwarded to Father Gerry. Liturgy –Request for intercessions for military; also request to announce second collections at the greeting; Perhaps once a month, with birthdays and anniversaries, also recognize/name new parishioners. Christian Formation- Initiations, baptisms, confirmations.- 21 students for reconciliation; First communion on May 10; 2 adult confirmation on May 4. Service- Follow up Walk for Life, pregnancy center- positive turn out Breaking Bread Ministry dates- April 19, 26. Public RelationsOther: Letter received: , Mary Theis Craft circle of the Altar Society is disbanding due to lack of participants. Item list and location given in letter.Knights of Columbus accepting nominations to recognize service of individuals or familiesHigh school student scholarship applications and nominations and selection from out Church need to be made prior to High school awards night at end of May. Future Agenda Items: · Next meeting May 8, 2008 , 7:00, Parish Conference room Closing Prayer
March 12, 2008 Present: Father Gerry, Tony McDowell, Sharon O’Neill, Reyna Stephens David Denslow, Astrid Johnson, Maggie Chaffer, George Collard, Brigid Sears, Tito Candelaria, Val Hodgson, LeeAnn Duncan
Discussion Items/ Reports Temporalities-Used book sale details- April 5Laurette will pull books for faith formation and/or parish library. Other ministries are also welcome to pull books prior to sale for use in their ministry. Arrange time with office for access.Dave will put ad in paper- April 5, 9 am-12Local preschools will be notified for prior look.Expenditures/ BudgetIt is time to be looking at budget for next year.Need to review job descriptions of book keeper and business manager. These items will be sent to council for review(prior to April), discussion and vote at next meeting as to which position best fits our Blessed Sacrament current needs.Security/ There is concern about the lack of accountability of keys, esp. master keys. Locks may need to be changed.MaintenanceAccomplished- Heating/cooling in Mercy hall.Still looking into 14 inch tile for Hospitality floor (400 sq ft.) Tony will be in touch with someone who may be able to provide.A work order system is getting started to help track the work that needs done and is getting done.Tito offered his and his family’s help with projects around the grounds.Idea also came up that, after a list of needs is generated, to put a “Call to tradesmen” of the parish to gather, meet, and request to share talents with the parish. Maybe announcement and bulletin.Parish Clean up day will be sometime after Easter holiday with barbecue for lunch. Liturgy –Holy Thursday, 7:00- - Washing of feet.Good Friday,12:00-3:00 Open for silence, prayer 3:00, Seven Last Words (no communion) reflectionDave will bring big screenVal assist with power pointGood Friday,7:00 , Veneration of the cross with communion o Holy Saturday-7:00, 2 adults, 6 children entering becoming Catholic Christian Formation- Catechetical Ministry Proposal- (Handout given with specific numbers) Ministry is growing. Request is to hire a six hour/week assistant at $12 an hour. Vote will take place at April meeting along with other budget/temporality topics. Service- Walk for Life for High Desert Pregnancy center March 29, registration 8:30, begins at 9:00; lunch food provided by Knights of Columbus Public Relations-See above Other- Maggie was thanked for the donation of laptop and printer .
Can we set up a joint workshop with Finance Council and start developing an organizational plan? (Outlining procedures between the two groups and the people)
Future Agenda Items: · Next meeting April 10, 2008 , 7:00, Parish Conference room · Vision · Personnel descriptions · Catechetical Ministry proposal · Call to tradesmen · What else could real estate be used for to help generate money?
February 14, 2008 Present: Reyna Stephens, Val Hodgson, Laurette Hill, Dave Denslow, Astrid Johnson Brigid Sears, Tito Candelaria, Tony McDowell, George Collard, Sharon O’Neill
Discussion Items/ Reports Temporalities-Bingo discussion- Bingo account is separate from Parish money. From it can be paid those expenses associated with Bingo- utilities of Mercy Hall, supplies, Pay Out for winners. Overall balance is not enough to cover large expenses associated with Bingo such as Heating/AC system.Because Bingo is a primary source of income, and because as weather gets warmer or colder Bingo participation from community drops, the parish council unanimously recommends to Father Gerry to allot the $15,000 to replace the Heating and Cooling system in Mercy Hall by the end of April. (Motioned, Val; Seconded, Tito)Nuwu Casino is currently working Phase I of Casino. This Phase includes RV Park and casino. Bingo is not slotted for this first phase but is planned in subsequent phases. Nuwu leaders are working with local groups to discuss impact on community activities, in our case, the long term impact on our Bingo events. Leaders will be meeting with Finance council in near future. Used book sale, from school library will be April 5 (not Mar. 29) from 9 am-12. Local preschools will be contacted for a first look. Other ministries also need to pull out relevant materials for their programs and/or Parish library. Liturgy –Wednesdays of Lent, Soup supper after Mass in Mercy hall continue.2/20- Knights, 2/27- Hispanic community, 3/5- Parish council, 3/12- Filipino, 3/19- Finance CouncilMarch 13 penance serviceHoly Thursday, 7:00 (no 8 am), Good Friday 12-3 with 7 last words at 3, Holy Saturday Vigil at sunset. Christian Formation- RCIA- Six children, two adults to join Catholic faith on Holy Saturday. After Holy Saturday, 2 more adults will be confirmed.Youth- LA congress Feb 28. Knights of Columbus donated charter bus money up to $1700. Service- Pregnancy Center Walk for Life will happen at end of March. This is the center’s major fundraiser of the year. Help get the word out for a good turnout. Public Relations Dave is to put Wednesday Mass and supper schedule in paper.Val requests information to be sent to her electronically, including pictures. Also, annual renewal was $278.00 to continue website. Need to look at benefits in one year to decide whether or not to continue site. Other-Pope is coming to the United States in April 15-20 Positive feedback on monthly calendar insert. Future Agenda Items: · Next meeting WEDNESDAY March 12, 2008 after Mass/Soup supper which begins at 6:00.
January 10, 2008 Present:Tony McDowell, Bennnie Coffman, Astrid Johnson, Valerie Hodgson, Brigid Sears, David Denslow, Maggie Chaffer, Laurette Hill, Deacon Darrell Hill
Contact list distributed Discussion Items/ Reports
Temporalities-Diocesan Development Fund kick off this weekend (goal $18, 700 plus 20,000 for parish) Question response- “religious articles” in finance report refers to candles in back of ChurchMass requests are $10.00, come to office to select days. Calendar opens in November for following year.
Liturgy –Father Gerry in PI for month until Feb. 11; substitutes scheduled for Mass.Lent- Soup suppers on the Wednesdays beginning 2/13. Mass in Mercy Hall, 6:00.Christian Formation- 8 students going to Big Bear for Confirmation retreat beginning of February. Confirmation May 1 in Yucca Valley14 students going to Rel. Ed Congress in Anaheim at end of February.RCIA meetings continue on Monday nights
New- This session is established to get thinking out of the box, and is not intended as a ‘to do’ list. Ideas only, no decisions, all information must be presented to Father Gerry upon his return.
Workshop- preliminary discussion, brainstorming- How can we become more cohesive with what we have and move forward, without incurring expense to parish or burden on current volunteers?Ideas included bulletin organization- monthly insert calendar, maybe a FAQ or ‘Did you know?’ section to address liturgical or procedural questions (ie How do I request a Mass?) Section to welcome new parishioners, baptisms, weddings, funerals, etc.Goal- build community, make connections with all groups and cultures.Organize more adult opportunities to interact about faith, and grow in faith.Communication- Bulletin board in a public parish space, get information where the people are. Is it feasible? Reasonable?
December 13, 2007 Present- Tony McDowell, Tito Candelaria, George Collard, Brigid Sears, Bennie Coffman, Valerie Hodgson, Dennis Ellison, Astrid Johnson, Deacon Darrell, Laurette Hill, Maggie Chaffer, Sharon ONeill
Review minutes and update e-mail and address list Discussion Items/ Reports
Temporalities -Head Start update- still in negotiationsCourtyard sale- About $800 madeBook sale- slated for Mar 29. Ministries will be notified so they can review and pull what is relevant.
Liturgy –Christmas Masses and Novena times discussedUshers- some discussion of role clarification
Christian Formation- Advent mission Dec. 10- had good turnout; many stayed for reconciliation. Hope to have another community penance service during Len
Other- Father Gerry will be out of country the month of January.
Present: Tony McDowell Bennie Coffman Father Gerry Mary Orozco Cecilia Kemp Astrid Johnson Deacon Darell Laurette Hill Sharon O”Neill Valerie Hodgson Maggie Chaffer Brigid Sears Tito Candelaria Dennis Ellison
Discussion Items/ ReportsTemporalities-
Head Start update- Still in negotiations. Some discussion about the need to repair/update facilities for our own vested interest regardless of Headstart outcome.
Obsolete Sale- Last minute prep…Primo and Lolita will be assisting with money receipts. Set up tomorrow.
Use of Mercy Hall- BoyScouts, Knights of Columbus- Use of Mercy Hall approved for both. Finance council requested approval of $35.00 fee for use of hall by Knights for pancake breakfasts. After discussion for clarification it was decided that $35.00 fee will be a KITCHEN fee charged to church affiliated groups/ministries when kitchen is used in conjunction with fundraisers to help offset utilities cost. (ie. Fee would apply to Youth group spaghetti dinner fundraiser; fee would not apply to bereavement ministry after funeral since this is a service element of Church and NOT a fundraiser)Liturgy –Bishop’s Visit- Follow up discussion- Positive feedback from Bishop, looks forward to coming again.Sharon O’Neill agreed to head Eucharistic MinistersDeacon Darrell shared many upcoming opportunities locally and in diocese;Dec. 10 is Mission- Sr. Gretchen- “Advent a time of waiting” Talk followed by community Reconciliation service. No Mass.Dec. 12 Our Lady of Guadalupe, 24 hour adoration, Novena Dec 4-12 5:30, Father Gerry’s 10 year anniversary, Parish Christmas Party (see bulletin for details)Dec. 15-23, Christmas Novena with Yucca Valley, 7:00American Sign Language Mass beginning Nov. 18 at Sacred Heart in Palm Desert, Sundays at 5:30—Spread the wordSalt and Light- a course in the Social Mission of the Parish. Dates are in January12, 19, 26 at San Bernardino Diocesan office
Christian Formation- Spaghetti dinner-last minute prep.- gave directionJesus Jam Dec. 1 in Rancho Cucamonga,LA religious education conference Feb 28-Mar 2
Public Relations- Valerie needs Pictures (electronically) and info that is ready to go for update to website. Any written information should be prepared and sent electronically.
OtherEcumenical Service Nov. 18 – Youth choir is singing at Smith’s ranch
October 11, 2007 Present: Maggie Chaffer George Collard Tony McDowell Valerie Hodgson Dennis Ellison Astrid Johnson Sharon O’Neill Brigid Sears Bennie Coffman Father Gerry Primo Marquez Opening Prayer- (Tony) Welcome new members- Thank you, Maggie and Sharon for accepting a role on the council. Review minutes- Accepted Standing Committees Temporalities- Obsolete Sale (Bennie)- Weekend of Nov. 17 and 18, 2007 .Will sell all unneeded and obsolete property in school courtyard. This includes, student desks and chairs, computers, books, other misc. items. Reasonable offers will be accepted. George will head it up, Valerie will organize flyer for distribution, Brigid and Astrid will go through books, Tony will check with Knights concerning sale of hot dogs or burgers on Sat., Bennie to advertise on Channel 10. (From below item- Spaghetti dinner Nov 18)Headstart is still interested. Estimate for needed repairs is $50,000-70,000. At this point, formal negotiations have not yet occurred, but that would be next step. Financial details, expectations and obligations of both parties will be in writing before an agreement is finalized or accepted by the Parish. Liturgy – Looking for Eucharistic Ministry coordinator. Letter will be sent to Eucahristic ministers to reconfirm commitment and preferred Mass times. Sharon is willing to help with Deacon Darrell. Christian Formation- Youth group is brainstorming T-shirt designs to sell. Also would like to organize spaghetti dinner for fundraiser to attend conference in February. Dinner will be Sunday Nov. 18, take out is available as well, with a discount for families. Service- Pregnancy Center is holding its Baby Bottle fundraiser. Return full bottles with coin/bill change to church. Also, Father would like to get a Bereavement ministry started here. Public Relations- Tony will touch base with Dave concerning communication tasks from last meeting. Discussion ItemsBishop’s Visit- Final Plans- Bishop Del Riego will install Father Gerry as Administrator at 8:00 mass October 28. At 10:30 mass he will commission the Parish Council. Please plan on attending. Review of 9/22 Training- Parish Council/ Pastoral Council- We are currently called a Pastoral Council, but will run as a Parish Council (doing what needs to be done) until we are able to bridge into Pastoral actions (vision, action planning) naturally. We currently do not have enough volunteers to have to two separate entities and there is much that needs to be done in the immediate future. Future Agenda Items:Next meeting November 15, 7:00, Parish Conference room Closing Prayer
September 13, 2007 Meeting Minutes Present: Deacon Darrell Hill, Laurette Hill, Brigid Sears, Astrid Johnson,Tony McDowell, Father Gerry, David Denslow, Bennie Coffman, George Collard Opening Prayer- Psalm 137, Thank you Astrid Review minutes- no quorum, file as is Standing CommitteesTemporalities- George reported Finance -Headstart representatives did walk through of school facilities for possible rental. Facilities do not currently meet state and federal guidelines. A list of “need to correct” was submitted by Headstart to bring into compliance. Parish finance council will be seeking estimates and completing a cost/benefit analysis to determine future direction. Could be cost sharing options between two groups. Potential rent could be 99 cents/per square foot. Budget Status (Bennie) Currently about $6,500 in the black compared to one year ago this week about $7,000 in red. Security-Looking into options to consolidate safes into one area that maximizes security. Also looking into rekeying doors/locks; possible consideration is a keypad with codes. Dumpsters are also being used for non parish waste; may get dumpster locks. Inventory- It is necessary to inventory all current Parish goods; all items should be tagged/stickered with item, number, date received to create master list. This includes donations. George and Deacon Darrell will be inventorying the garage/woodshop. Thrift Shop- Building will be upgraded and the shop will be staying in its current location. Use of facilities forms (Bennie) must be filled out for use of any church or school property, including regular monthly meetings. Should be filled out one month ahead. This avoids double ups. Will be approved and placed on master calendar. Liturgy –Deacon Darrell reported Arts and Environment continues to decorate side space-last week was devotion to Mary. Now set for Catechist Sunday in 3 days. Lectors- 6-8 new sign ups for a total of 14-16 lectors Eucharistic ministers meeting on Sept. 16 Youth choir about 12 student sign ups Altar servers- need more individuals, need more training on Mass procedures. Deacon opened idea of an alb(or some visual distinction) for senior level servers. Deacon will invite Mr. Bowman to next Liturgy meeting. Christian Formation- Astrid and Laurette reporting Sal Solo event will not be happening this December. Commissioning of catechists will be this Sunday 9/16.Children’s liturgy has begun at the 10:30 Mass. May extend to the 8:00 Mass.Sunday Faith Formation Classes and Monday RCIA classes began last week.77 students enrolled6 -8 adult inquirers (RCIA) Rite of Christian Initiation format worked well- Informal discussion with facilitator and other current parishioners to be support was well received by all involved.Service- Hospitality- Bishop will be visiting October 28 to install Father Gerry. Public Relations- Tasks to look into-DavidRadio and Time Warner Community Cable station- public service announcements about BingoLocal Newspaper- Can Blessed Sacrament be included in the “Join us in Worship” ad section on the Religious News page Other: The Bishop will be here to install Father Gerry as our Pastor October 28. Father Gerry will ask if he could possibly commission Parish Council as well… nothing definite now.Dave and Tony will arrange Knights Hospitality being arranged by the GarrettsTwo letters of interest were received and reviewed to fill current vacancies on Parish Council. Pastoral Council workshop on September 22, 2007 in San Bernardino DioceseFather Gerry will be at Priest convocation Sept 18-21. Future Agenda Items:Next meeting October 11, 7:00. Tony to prepare Prayer with scripture.Pastoral Guidelines and Fiestas/Festivals distributed, read and reviewWelcome new membersFinal Plans for Bishop Closing Prayer
May 10, 2007 Parish Pastoral Council Meeting Minutes...
Opening Prayer Roll Call Present Council Members: David Denslow, Dennis Ellison, Valerie Hodgson, Brigid Sears, Astrid Johnson Laurette Hill, Tony McDowell, and Business Mgr Bennie Coffman Absent: Jim Petras, Isabel Austin, Primo Marquez, Monsignor (vacation) Review and approve minutes Minutes from April 12, 2007 approved as stands. Public Comments- Those individuals who would like to address the council concerning issues of the parish that are not topics on the agenda are free to speak now. In general, individual comments shall not exceed 3 minutes. No public comments Standing Committee Reports- · Temporalities Committee No report · Liturgy Committee First Communion May 12. o Liturgy workshop May 30, 31, and June 4 o June 10 Pancake breakfast/ Baccaulareate · Christian Formation Committee- a)report, b) How do we get more youth involved? Next year Faith Form will run Sept 9-May 18; In addition to Emma and Nathan, other adults have inquired about validating marriages, and inquiring about the faith; grant funds (Spangenburg) available for youth and Christian Formation programs/opportunities. · Service Committee- Pregnancy Center workers getting ultrasound training; volunteers gathering information bags for clients concerning positive options. - Public Relations Committee. Anybody can send pictures or info directly to Valerie to post on website. It does not have to go through this liaison; individual web addresses have been established. Old Business. Followup with website feedback see public relations; working on calendar as well. Discuss Privacy Information Gathering and Publishing Council members agreed that there is no need to gather phone numbers since the numbers we need as contact point are already on the bulletin. New Business. Do we need to gather more information on Needs of Parish between now and workshop in August to help with Goal Setting and Action Plan?Systems organization. Roles of committees- Communication process. Some concern has surfaced that Standing Committees are replacing or another bureaucratic level to current structure in place. Not so. “Standing Committees” is a phrase used by council to stream line and categorize the many ministries currently in place. The role of the standing committee liaison (who sits on council) is strictly supportive in nature so that any issues that need to be brought up to the council can be via the liaison or public comment. The council is interested in information from the ministries so that needs can be identified and these needs could be included in action plan if appropriate. A bulletin insert may be necessary so that parishioners have an awareness of who we are, what we have done, and what is in the future. Scheduling procedure for events to avoid double ups when planning events, work through committee heads to coordinate event. Contact parish office to check if date is available for event prior to publicizing event.This procedure applies also for use of church patio, including for hospitality which may require a follow up call to Hospitality coordinators. Other: Tony, as Knights of Columbus Grand Knight, has been working with Monsignor, and Catholic Chapel priests to brainstorm ways in which both Churches can work together. Future Agenda Items Next meeting June 14, 2007 at 7:00 pm Come prepared to have picture taken at meeting for website Sell CASH GIVEAWAY tickets. Closing Prayer
April 12, 2007 Meeting Minutes Opening Prayer Roll Call Present Council Members: Primo Marquez, Tony McDowell, David Denslow, Valerie Hodgson, Brigid Sears, Astrid Johnson, Laurette Hill, Msgr. Encinares, Bennie Coffman, Absent: Jim Petras (water heater), Isabelle Austin, Dennis Ellison (available by phone), Dorothy Bloecker (injury) Review and approve minutes Name correction on last minutes from Dennis Denslow to David Denslow · Minutes approved with above correction. · Council accepted resignation of Dorothy Bloecker as of April 12, due to long term injury; Short discussion on possibility of asking Maggie Chaffer to replace Dorothy Bloecker. Public Comments- Those individuals who would like to address the council concerning issues of the parish that are not topics on the agenda are free to speak now. In general, individual comments shall not exceed 3 minutes. · No public comments Standing Committee Reports- Members identify the committee they shall represent today, become active, and report monthly. · Temporal Committee Liason: Primo Marquez; Title should be changed to Temporalities · Liturgy Committee Liason: Dennis EllisonChristian Formation Committee Laurette Hill, Astrid (youth) Report: Next meeting April 26. Need more adults to take safety course and get fingerprinted. Some events coming up include Steubenville in San Diego; continue to pass out flyers of World Youth Day(2008- Autrailia) and other diocesan events; Continue to research more contemporary music for mass. Teen Mass scheduled for April 22. · Service Committee Liason: Astrid Johnson Report: Astrid is beginning to become involved with Pregnancy Center. Public Relations Committee Liason: David Denslow; Valerie Hodgson. (webmaster) Report: Valerie requests electronic picture of each of us for the website, please everyone review the website; she is working on individual e-mails through website; any information or pictures of recent events should be sent to he electronically; eventually, parish will pay for and upgrade to more flexible and expandable web site software. Old BusinessFinal Mission Statement was finalized as printed in updated ConstitutionSign Constitution/ Bylaws Final signature page dated March 8, 2007 was passed around.Initial terms of membership Initial terms of membership will be staggered at 2 and 3 years, with all following memberships being a 2 year term in accordance with the by-laws. New Business Lack of quorum at onset of meeting resulted in these items being discussion only Pastoral Planning- getting a directionReview Jan. 31 HandoutsNeeds AssessmentReview survey responses from the fall Areas of concern: Youth ministry, and the school (what will happen to it?)Do we need to get more information from the parish? Discuss Priorities Short/ Long term direction for School Facilities was highlighted at last meeting in March; Brigid volunteered at April meeting to be on committee to do facilities walk through.Writing Goals and Objectives (Begin the process) 3-5 year Plan Planning for 3-5 years will most likely happen in August through a Friday/Saturday Retreat Workshop setting. All key Leadership Parishioners will be included in the process. Other: Discussed current status of Hospitality Room updates- Next step is to get estimate for removing garage door and replacing with French doors.Also discussed Cash Giveaway for June 9, 2007. Encourage people to purchase Reverse Raffle. Only 225 tickets, $100 each, includes prime rib for two and chances at other great prizes. Future Agenda Items/Actions Next meeting May 10, 2007, 7:00pm Between April and May meeting 1. Review Website 2. Send photo electronically to Valerie 3. Talk up the Raffle 4. Get information about other leaders to add to standing committee contact list. Closing Prayer
March 8, 2007Present Council Members: Primo Marquez, Tony McDowell, Jim Petras, Dennis Denslow, Valerie Hodgson, Brigid Sears, Astrid Johnson, Isabel Austin Other Attendees: Absent: Bennie Coffman, Business Mgr. Dorothy Bloecker Jane Smith, Finance Council Rep. Laurette Hill Maggie Chaffer, Parishioner Dennis Ellison · Opening prayer 7:08 · Minutes read and approved · Constitution and By-Laws- Reviewed 3rd draft; special time given to definitions of standing committees (Temporal, Liturgy, Christian Formation, Service and Public Relations), roles of standing committees as defined in Paragraph VIII, and Task Organization of Paragraph X. o Task Organization is established to define to whom each reports; it is not intended to hinder or limit communication among committees to accomplish the daily tasks at hand. o Constitution and By laws were approved with minor corrections, and pending final feedback from all members concerning Mission Statement Parish Pastoral Council Officers- The following individuals were nominated and elected as officers: Tony McDowell, Chairperson Valerie Hodgson, Vice-Chairperson Brigid Sears, Secretary Mission Statement- From the council members present and submitted suggestions, the following Parish Mission Statement was composed and recommended for approval pending feedback from Monsignor Encinares and absent council members:
We, the Catholic Community of Blessed Sacrament Parish shall strive to live the Gospel. Nurtured by the Eucharist and inspired by the Holy Spirit, we will gather to worship, serve, and educate all so that Christ may impact the lives of those whom we encounter. (italics- grammar pending) Website Update- Positive feedback regarding www.blessedsacrament29.com . Thank you, Valerie. Site is still under construction; Valerie will look into the e-mail option of the program. Personal Giftedness- All members should contemplate their gifts and preferred standing committee and be prepared to make commitment at April Meeting. Future Agenda Items: Jane Smith (Finance) requested the Council to consider creating a sub-committee to look at (brainstorm) short term and long term needs of parish in regards to the school facilities.Pastoral Planning (short term and long term- see Jan 31 minutes) Closing Prayer (8:40 pm)
Members of the parish are welcome to attend the meetings of the Parish Pastoral Council. Council members invite you to voice your concerns or ideas for at Parish Council meetings. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at the parish office. Meeting Minutes posted below (scroll down.)
Valerie Hodgson, Vice Chairperson Community Liaison Office at the base, Webmaster for the parish website. Email Valerie at 
Brigid Sears, Secretary Having spent a lifetime as an educator, Brigid brings fresh and innovative ideas to the council. Her writing and organization skills have proven valuable in arranging our meeting agendas and taking detailed meeting minutes (which are posted on this page.) Have a subject you would like to add to the council agenda? Contact Brigid at 361-0632.
Laurette Hill, Director of Catechetical Ministry With a warm personality and bright smile, Laurette has dedicated herself to the education and Christian formation of our converts, and of our returning catholics. She is the coordinator of RCIA and adult religious education. Laurette is extremely knowledgeable and approachable. Ask her any question, and if she doesn't have a ready answer she will find it for you. Call Laurette at 367-6560. 
Astrid Johnson, Director of Youth Ministry Children, youth, and young adults in our parish have Astrid to thank for the many educational and spiritual activities she coordinates. Astrid spent her younger years in the African peace corps and her adult years as an educator. She is the caretaker of a number of rescued animals. Contact Astrid at 367-6144.