Agenda Item

Discussion

Action Item

Opening Prayer

The meeting opened with a prayer led by Michael Cowell.

Review Agenda

Accepted

Open Forum

No parishioners were present.

Update on Deanery meeting for input                 Discussion

 to the Archdiocesan Strategic Planning

Task Force

Michael called a few Churches to set up a Deanery meeting with little or no interest or reaction from the other Churches.  This is mainly due to quarterly meetings have already been set up by the Archdiocesan to discuss the Task Force issues.  At this time we will not continue to arrange a meeting with other Churches in our Deanery.  

We can get together as a Deanery after the changes to the Archdiocesan have been communicated. 

Discuss topics for the All Parish                       Discussion

Leadership meeting

Our goal is to have the All Parish Leadership Meeting on April 20^th.  Fr. Mike will discuss some topics with staff.   

Develop a topic for APLM by our next PPC meeting in March.

Commission Visits

Overall the visits to the commissions have gone well.  The feedback from the commissions so far is they do want to have good communication between the PPC and themselves.  It is finding the best method for that communication to occur.  The PPC will continue to visit the commissions and gather more insight into the best methods of communication between the commissions and the PPC. 

PPC will continue to visit the different commissions during their meetings to communicate the commission’s works back to the PPC

Parish Update

Fr .Mike said the trip to our sister parish in Nicaragua went very well.  The Parish is very appreciative of all the efforts of St. Edwards.  Fr Mike recommends   The first concert celebrating the new organ will take place on April 25^th at 2:00 PM.     

Budget Update

  December 2009 income month to date is $13,243 below budget and year to date $6,377 below budget.

   Expenses year to date are $14,708 below budget.

   Payment will be completed next month for the new vertical blinds in the Social Hall from the Capital Reserve Fund in the amount of $2,524. The blinds will prevent glare for events during the day as well as reduced heating and cooling costs.

   The 40th Anniversary Fund has collected a total of $602,532 from 813 pledges of $740,010.99.  With about a years worth of pledge payments still to be paid, it looks good to come close to reaching the pledged amount.

   The Christmas Collection (Friday) was a bit over budget; however that weekend’s budget was $42,000 under budget.  This was mainly due to Christmas being on a Friday and the weather.  As a result we are $36,227 under budget for collections year to date. 

.

Next PPC meeting

   Our next meeting will be on March 16^th at 7:00 pm.  The host will be Martie McMahon.

Closing Prayer

   Michael Cowell led closing prayer

Agenda Item

Discussion

Action Item

Opening Prayer

The meeting opened with a prayer led by Mariar Gannon.

Review Agenda

Accepted

Open Forum

No parishioners were present.

Reaction/ Comments on final

St. Edward's Mission Statement

After a discussion, including feedback received from parishioners, it was decided to use the first sentence of the proposed revised Mission Statement and was agreed to by consensus.

  We are a welcoming eucharistic Catholic Community called by God to live out the message of Christ in love and service to all.

Revised Mission Statement will appear in the Weekly Bulletin

Discuss PPC role in realignment of Archdiocese & Call to Action meeting

A discussion ensued using the timetable (which was included in previous Sunday bulletin) of Archdiocesan Strategic Planning Process. Fr. Mike explained about diocesan budget concerns and sense of community concerns in regard to likely changes which may include closing and/or consolidating of schools and parishes.

Michael will set up a meeting with the 7 other PPCs in our Deanery for purpose of formulating input to the Archdiocesan Strategic Planning Task Force

Commission Visits

.   Spiritual Life & Worship report by Martie McMahon

   There will be a change of Christmas Eve Children’s Mass time to 4 pm and 6 pm. Overflow will continue to be in the narthex as it provides a connection to the service via the glass doors.  Video monitors will also be used.

   Sunday, January 31, 2010 is the date of the updated organ (made possible by the 40th Anniversary funds) dedication. PPC members will be present with nametags for welcoming hospitality. The 52 Trumpet en Chamade will be added before Christmas. There may be opportunities for other concerts in the Spring for the larger community; perhaps an ecumenical fundraiser for the benefit of VEAP.

   Parish & Community Life report by Amy Bedor Salmay

   Cana Dinner will be the February 13th.

   Donut Sunday could use more volunteers for second shift, 10:45-1:00.

   The VEAP Garden will expand next year as it was a huge success. Efforts will be made to control the nibbling deer.

   Dinner club is losing participation. It is not a gourmet club.

   Pastoral Ministry report by Mariar Gannon

   Met with John Gockel, Commission Chair and Casey Moore, PPC on October 22 to gain insight of commission’s function and needs.

   The Director, Mary Hayden, is transitioning with the Associate Director, Joni Apt over a two year period.

   1/3 of Pastoral Ministry is extended to people outside of our parish in keeping with the Mission Statement.

   Would like to see more collaboration between commissions besides the staff members collaborating.

   Would like to see more outreach for PPC candidates. Sees PPC as a visioning and advisory role.

   Would like to further explore providing transportation to shut-ins as smaller parishes and Protestant churches do. 

Because of liability concerns, Metro Mobility may be the best way of offering this service with the parish paying.

Parish Update

Fr.Mike interjected his input and updates throughout the meeting

Budget Update

  The 2008-2009 Annual Report was included in the November Happenings mailer. The report shows the amount budgeted for each Ministry in pie chart format.

   October 2009 income month to date is $17,644 below budget and year to date $10,291 below budget.

   Expenses are on budget and year to date $51,551 below budget. Net surplus for operations month to date $3,863 and year to date $12,497.

   Payment has been completed for the 6 new HVAC units from the Capital Reserve Fund in the amount of $66,792.50. This includes an Excel rebate of $9, 137.50.

   The 40th Anniversary Fund has collected a total of $522,960 from 813 pledges of $740,010.99. It has a balance of $114,240.

   Weekly collections were below budget for 9 weeks previous to November 15th when they went over by $3,350.

Martie will email Archdiocesan Budget to PPC members.

Next PPC meeting

   A December 15th Christmas dinner is planned immediately following the 6:30 Mass

Rena will make arrangements.

Closing Prayer

   Mariar Gannon led closing prayer

Agenda Item

Discussion

Action Item

Opening Prayer

Rena Chrysler led the opening prayer

Review Agenda

Accepted

Open Forum

Larry Welte is a founding member of St. Edwards and has served on the PPC in the early years of the parish. He was on the original Building Committee and on the Education Committee.

He attended this meeting of the PPC to comment on the 8/18/09 Minutes, specifically the role and make-up of PPC.  He said he would like to have the PPC take more time to consider reducing the size and the frequency of PPC meetings.  Larry said that he voiced his disagreement several years ago about increasing the size of PPC at that time to 17 members.  He thinks that is too large and would recommend 7 – 10 as an optimum number: 6 Commissions Reps and 3 Members-At-Large.

Michael Cowell asked for clarification that Larry agreed with the second half of the Discussion of Role and Make up from the 08/18/09 Minutes (reduction in number of Members-At-Large from 6 to 2 or 3 and Larry said yes.  Michael also asked Larry what he sees as the vision or role of the PPC, but no discussion ensued on this topic.

Larry also stated that he was in favor of parish elections for members on the PPC.  It would help the parish to become more familiar with the PPC and make it come alive.  He suggested having 9 lay members, each serving 3-year terms, so that there would be 3 new people each year.  He also would be in favor having a Executive Committee of the PPC with about 4 members.

Update from Next 40 Years Committee Sub Group

No report was given.

Continued Discuss of the make up and roll of the 2009/2010 PPC

Lonne Murphy (Staff Representative) described the Pax Christi model of PPC:  The Commissions and PPC all meet on the same evening.  They have a meal together first and then the entire group joins in prayer before they break up into Commissions.  Later in the evening, the PPC meets.   

Rena mentioned that the role of the PPC is a consultative function to the pastor concerning the pastoral needs of the church.

A point was made that drawbacks to sending a PPC member to an unfamiliar Commission meeting are:  1)It could feel uncomfortable and 2) A lot of time is spent explaining to the PPC member about the Commission, and work doesn’t get done.

Fr. Mike stated that although there is not a canonical requirement for a parish to have a PPC, but it is strongly recommended.  The PPC was consulted recently on major decisions, for example the new Memorial Garden and the Organ renovation. 

Lonne mentioned that there will be lots of Liturgical changes coming soon, and it’s good to educate the PPC, staff, parishioners and SPL Commission members about these changes – so the whole community is aware.

We could meet fewer times during the 2009-2010 year, but Michael Cowell suggested we at least set the schedule for the beginning of this year.  Perhaps every other month or quarterly would be sufficient.  It was suggested that it would be easier to recruit PPC members who are also Commission members if PPC only met quarterly (fewer meetings overall)  Also, by spacing out the PPC meetings, it is more likely the Commission would have met between PPC meetings – so there would be news to report.  Currently we often have no Commission reports because the Commission hasn’t met.

Below are the Commission liaisons.  If there is not a designated liaison, someone else from PPC will visit that Commission before our next PPC meeting on November 16:

Spiritual Life and Worship     -     Martie McMahon

Parish & Community Life      -     Amy Bedor Salmey

Faith Formation                      -     Mike Ott

Pastoral Care                           -      Mariar Gannon and Casey Moore

                                                                will visit this Commission

Stewardship                              -     Rena will ask someone from

                                                                B&G, HR or Finance

Social Justice & Charity         -     Michael Cowell will visit

It was decided that the PPC will cancel the October meeting.  The next meeting will be on Monday, November 16 at 7:00pm.  The All Parish Leadership Meeting, which was scheduled for 7:00pm that evening, will be canceled because we have not determined a speaker or topic yet, and because the PPC is focused on determining it’s new make up and schedule.

PPC members will visit Commissions as stated

Reaction/Comments on St. Edwards Mission Statement

Michael Cowell passed around the suggestions from the parish regarding the new Mission Statement.  Rena asked if the “be” before witness should be removed, making witness a verb.  The Council agreed with that, or else “as witness.”  Other suggestions from parishioners:

“His creation.” 

“we are a welcoming, supportive, Eucharistic…”. 

“My suggestion for the new version would be just the first sentence in the new version – period.  That says it all.  Or, perhaps insert “caring” for “welcoming” in the first sentence.”

Parish Update

 Fr. Mike reported that the Bloomington Clergy met and were discussing having a Ecumenical Thanksgiving service.  He offered our church building.  They are considering having it the night before Thanksgiving or the Sunday before.  We’ll have to coordinate with our choir.  Most of the organ will be installed by then.  Fr. Mike suggested it would be appropriate for PPC members to be on hand to welcome visitors. 

The Bloomington Clergy also discussed the H1N1 virus.  Fr. Mike quoted Mike Osterholm  “(there is a) big oncern over the common cup”

(Dr. Osterholm is director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP), director of the NIH-supported Minnesota Center of Excellence for Influenza Research and Surveillance (MCEIRS) within CIDRAP, a professor in the Division of Environmental Health Sciences, and an adjunct professor in the Medical School, University of Minnesota.)

in communion services.  Shaking hands at the sharing of peace is also an issue.  The MN Dept of Health has a study particularly for churches, but they are heistant to say much.

Mike Ott explained that the regular flu is caught through the air, for example by sneezing.  But the H1N1 is caught through contact, ie. the chalice or a hand shake.. 

Hand wash, such as Purell or an anti-microbial foam does help stop the spread of H1N1.  It was suggested that it would be good to speak about this from the pulpit. 

Talking points:

1.    If you or your child is sick, you may stay home from Mass – there is no obligation.  Communion could be brought to the home.

2.    The Common Cup is optional

3.    Shaking hands is optional – another greeting is acceptable

Mike Ott reminded us that hospitals have a anti-microbial foam hand wash and he will try to bring some to St. Eds.

Rena will obtain the wording concerning this that the Basilica uses, and give to Lonne.

Mike Ott to bring anti-microbial foam hand wash to church.  Rena will notify PPC about what kind of hand wash St. Ed’s will use.

Budget Update and 40^th Anniversary Fund

Rena reported that the income for the month of August was above budget by $11,762 and above budget year-to-date by $10,797.  Expenses are holding at slightly below budget.  The 40^th Anniversary Fund – there were no disbursements in August.  When the organ is completely installed there will be one final payment of about $11,000.

No disbursement from the Capital Reserve Fund this month, however the six new HVAC rooftop units will cost $75,930, including the six additional voltage meters which were ordered after the units were installed.  We will receive a rebate from Xcel Energy of $9,437, so the final cost will be $66,492.  The budgeted amount was $66K. 

Commissions Update

Parish and Community Life / St. Edward’s Feast Day:

Mass on the Grass looked well attended.  However, Amy noted that they served 495 sloppy joes, whereas in past years they served 700 – 800.  Perhaps fewer people came to church or fewer stayed for the Feast because of a football game that afternoon.  The weather was so good that maybe a lot of people had other plans.  Amy also told us that she had difficulty getting volunteers. 

Closing prayer

Michael Cowell led the closing prayer.

Agenda Item

Discussion

Action Item

Opening Prayer

The meeting opened with a prayer.

Review Agenda

Accepted

Open Forum

No parishioners were present.

New PPC Members

Mariar Gannon is our new Lay Leader Member.

Martie McMahon is the new representative from Spiritual Life and Worship.  Amy Bedor Salmey is the new representative from Parish and Community Life.

Still needed are representatives from Pastoral Care and Social Justice and Charity. 

Finalize St. Ed’s Mission Statement

A consensus vote was taken to accept the revised St. Ed’s Mission Statement. The new Mission statement is as follows:

We are a welcoming eucharistic Catholic Community called by God to live out the message of Christ in love and service to all. We commit our time, talent and treasure to be witness to God’s peaceful plan for creation. 

Discuss Role and Make up of 2009/2010 PPC

It was proposed by Father Mike to decrease the number of meetings held by the PPC to every other month.  A proposed schedule for 2009/2010 would have the PPC meet on 9/15, 11/16, 1/19, 3/16, and 5/18.  The focus of the PPC would be to concentrate primarily on the commissions and the ministries in the church to ensure they are meeting the needs of the parish.     It was proposed to have the number of lay leaders reduced from 6 to 2 or 3.  It was also proposed to have the lay leaders stay at 6 but have their role increased to attend commission meetings and report back to the entire PPC especially if the Commission Representative is unable to attend the PPC meeting. 

Review the PPC constitution and by-laws.  During next meeting vote and finalize role and make up of this year’s PPC

Parish Update

The Vacation Bible School (VBS) last week was a big success.  There was good weather and good participation from both volunteers and students.  VBS worked very closely with the sister parish in Minneapolis to translate the VBS program into Spanish and do some dual activities. 

Six new heating and air conditioning units were installed this week on the roof of the church.  These units will be very efficient and allow the church to take advantge of rebates with the utility companies. 

Father Mike commented on the very tough year it was on some our the parishioners but the church did a very good job of meeting some of the financal needs of the parish and as a result people were able to stay in their homes and stay financially intact during these tough econmic times. 

40^th Anniversary Funds

YTD the fund as collected $501,894 of the $740,010 that has been pledged.  The total disbursed is $404, 252  There is one final payment ($11k) coming once the organ is finished this fall.  The balance of the funds will be used for roof maintainence and replacement in the coming years.   

Budget Update

A month and half into the new fiscal year the income and expenses are right in-line with the budget.  As stated above the 6 air and heating units were just installed and the bill of about $63,000 will be paid next month.  This payment will come out of the Capital Reserve Fund. 

Commission Updates

Parish and Community is working hard on the upcoming St. Eds Feast which will be after the 11:00 Mass on the grass on Sunday September 13th.  Many  volunteers are still needed to help set up the event on Saturday as well as work at the event on Sunday. 

Faith Formation has made some changes over the past year.  This includes Confirmation to be offered to 9th grade only next year.  The Adult Faith Formation is looking for younger adults to volunteer and will now be offering daycare services for adults with younger childeren. Life Spirtual Life and Worship bought a new tall candle lighter to help light the new Easter candle. 

Agenda Item

Discussion

Action Item

Opening Prayer

The meeting opened with a prayer.

Review Agenda

Accepted

Open Forum

No parishioners were present.

Update for next 40 years

Susan Bongaarts presented the newest draft of the census as well as a calling process (tree) for following up on interest in ministries. Don Lies brought about the idea of increasing the parishes gathering and usage of parishioners emails.

Don, Mike Ott and Casey Moore will head up a committee

to begin collecting email addresses

Parish response/thoughts to St. Ed’s Mission Statement

Michael presented a list of several responses and thoughts for the revision of the parish mission statement. This sparked discussion and the existing Mission was reworded as follows:

We are a welcoming eucharistic catholic community called by God to live out the message of Christ in love and service to all. We commit our time, talent and treasure to build God’s Kingdom on earth.

A consensus was made to read over and consider any more changes to the mission statement.

Discernment Night Results

Michael contacted people interested in the PPC and had a discernment night on 6/3/2009.  As a result of that night Mariar Gannon decided to attend this PPC meeting as a visitor.

Martie McMahon will be the new representative from Spiritual Life and Worship.

Michael will need to develop the 2009/2010 roster for the PPC.

Parish Update

Fr. Mike thanked the staff and parishioners for coping so amazingly with the decrease in budget and economic troubles.

Through the tough times the church was still able to help 2 parishioners save their homes from bankruptcy.

Despite the times Fr. Mike was very pleased with the churches ability to keep tithing funds where they have been without cutting back.

Job transition program has been a success for various parishioners transitioning to new careers.

Cremation Garden has been finished using the Memorial Funds and arrangements already have been made for a few parishioners who would like to memorialzied there.

Security concerns prompted a computer update to prevent identity theft through computer hacking.

A count was done to find how many volunteers for various ministries there are within the church and the number is between 400-500 volunteers depending on how many volunteer at more than one ministry.

The RCIA program has now added Adult Confirmations.

40^th Anniversary Funds

The 2nd to last payment was made on the organ of $10k with the final payment ($11k) coming once the organ is finished.

Budget Update

The final budget for 2009-2010 was presented.  The new budget will assume a continuation of the trend being shown since October with the giving be being down about 7%. As a result the 10% budget cuts for all commisions allows for a little wiggle room and there is the assumptions that the economy and interest rates will be trending towards improvement.

A great deal was struck on new HVAC units and installation. If they are replaced after June 1^st , the church will receive a substantial rebate.  The units being considered are the most energy efficient and environmentally safe.

Commission Updates

The tithing committee presented their distributions for the FY 2008-2009. They were able to distribute $174,350 to various organziations.

Agenda Item

Discussion

Action Item

Opening Prayer

The meeting opened with a prayer.

Review Agenda

Accepted

Open Forum

No parishioners were present.

Update for next 40 years

Susan Bongaarts presented a rough draft of a parish census form.  Discussion on doing a census electronically was suggested.

Susan will make revisions and a copy will be submitted to the staff for input.

Parish response/thoughts to St. Ed’s Mission Statement

Michael received several responses and thoughts for the revision of the parish mission statement.  He will wait for more parishioner input and will compile a list of words and ideas to group together in preparation for writing up a new mission statement.

Michael will begin grouping words and ideas.

Interest from parish in joining PPC

Nine names of been submitted for PPC.

Selection will occur on Pentecost Sunday, May 31^st.

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Michael will contact the people and invite them to the evenings of discernment.

Parish Update

The cremation garden is being landscaped.  The fence has been put in place.  Interment should begin in the very near future. 

Fr. Mike presented information on the Archdiocesn Planning Process.  The parishes in Deanery 15 are from Richfield, Bloomington and Eden Prairie.  They meet on a monthly basis.  Deanery 15 is viable.  They have many support groups in place.  A chart was presented showing analysis of the future numbers and status for priests serving in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

40^th Anniversary Funds

Payments are being made for the organ renovation.

Budget Update

The budget for 2009-2010 continues to be worked on.  Rena reported ways to cut expenses such as having maintenance people shovel the walks rather then contracting out.  St. Ed’s will participate in PACE/PRISM next year for the first time, which will lower our general insurance premiums by 20%.  Expenses for this fiscal year continue to be under budget.

Replacing the HVAC units on the roof are in the planning process.  If they are replaced after June 1^st , we would receive a substantial rebate.  The units being considered are the most energy efficient and environmentally safe.

Commission Updates

Tithing met and will be allocating funds for the 4^th quarter.  The Families Moving Forward organization is in need of more funding.

Pastoral Care gave input on the mission statement which was very insightful.