Minutes from the meeting held on March 22,2005.

The meeting began with a Scripture reading and the parish prayer.

An update on reconfiguration within the Archdiocese of Boston was discussed. The Friends of Star of the Sea are waiting for a response to their Appeal from the Vatican. It was also reported in the media today that they will be having Easter mass in a Protestant church in Squantum and it will be officiated by a married priest. 

Regarding our Adult Formation/Education activity, we are looking for suggestions for other films and books.  We continue to have a small interested group of people (10 to 20) and we want to continue to offer it as long as there is an interest.  The book for discussion on April 10th is The Shoes of the Fisherman by Morris West. Father O’Brien talked about reviewing the Little Rock Scripture series at the Newton Country Day School.  He said it was impressive and certainly worthwhile.  He will follow up with others teaching religious education at Sacred Heart.  One of the issues is finding facilitators. Another program entitled, “New Beginnings” by Paul Wilkes has a good reputation and may be offered in three sessions of two hours each session.  This would be particularly good for parents and hopefully we can do something for next Fall.  We also would open it to other parishes.

The CAP program (children abuse protection) was discussed. We need to revisit the list of people who need to attend.

We reviewed the musical event offered on March 12th the Irish musical by the Reagle Players which was sold out quickly.  The evening included wine and cheese, a light supper and a scheduled bus was included.  People that attended seemed to enjoy the entire evening and it is certainly an event that we would consider again.

During Lent we held a retreat for Sacred Heart and St. Ann’s parishes.  We believe it went very well and would certainly do something similar in the future.

Status of the Parish Nurse Program is in progress but nothing to report yet.

Glastonbury Abbey Bookstore program may occur October 1 and 2 of this year. They may have some lists we could use for our Adult Education program to select more books for discussion.

Some discussion occurred regarding our parish school.  We have some additions and some losses regarding the numbers attending. They are raising the standards at school.  The focus has been on math and science in particular. They will have the Science Fair in the Auditorium this year.  The principal is also looking at increasing the skill levels in writing.   The early childhood program is going extremely well.  Father O’Brien asked if some people on the council would like to spend some time at the school. The principal spoke to parishioners one Sunday at mass to update them on the school. Both Father O’Brien and the principal, as well as staff attend the North Quincy Business Professional Assoc. business meetings. 

A report on religious education was given by the director.  There are about 90 children from Star of the Sea.  We are getting the children ready for receiving First Communion (77 children).  Tuition will be increased next year.  The dates for First Communion will be Apr. 30, May 1 and May 7.

Confirmation this year will take place on May 6th with Bishop Lennon.  Service for the candidates for Confirmation was discussed and ideas solicited for inviting the students to participate in the community service projects.  Many ideas were forthcoming, and Deacon Salenius listed many programs they are already involved in.  

Those present at this parish council meeting were: Rosemary Kubera, Rose Mary Feeney, Norma Murphy, Angela Marre, Peter Jae, Michael Marcinkus, Howard Lotis, Marge O’Day, Deacon John Salenius and Father John O’Brien.