Fr. Karl Loeb, Sr. Parochial Vicar;Tom Di Scipio, Chair, Annunciation Parish (AP); Chas Sauers, St. Vincent de Paul Parish (SVdP);Caryn Wojtowicz (AP); Brian Zittel, Liturgy Pillar, Immaculate Conception Parish (IC); Darya Brach, Spiritual Life Pillar, (IC); Deacon Marty Hackford, Chair, In-reach/Outreach Pillar, (SVDP); Stacy Robasse, (AP); Ed Bukowski, Recording Secretary (SVdP).
The meeting convened at 6:31 PM.
A. Fr. Karl led a prayer.
B. All present introduced themselves, in turn.
C. T. Di Scipio read the mission statement: “The Family Pastoral Council serves as a visionary body, guiding our Parish community toward a future rooted in faith and service. We inspire and empower our members to work together, leveraging our collective strengths to enrich the spiritual lives of our Parishioners and strengthen our community bonds.” The mission statement was discussed and the consensus was that it is adequate “for now”.
D. Family Structure Chart Review – (Copy attached.) The chart was drafted by C. Wojtowicz to capture Fr. Bernie’s vision. Ms. Wojtowicz noted that “Fr. Bernie wants to tweak it.”
E. Diocesan Pillar Presentation: “Road to Renewal 2.0” – The group discussed the recent presentation on RtR progress. T. Di Scipio: The WHEAT Family is in Tier 3, because of pastor changes and lack of reporting upwards. The Pillars are doing things and making progress. Fr. Bryan Zielenieski, Diocesan Vicar for Road to Renewal, will visit after the New Year. There should be a representative from each Pillar at the FPC meeting. D. Brach noted that we have difficulty getting people for the Pillars to do things. The Council discussed ways to recruit volunteer Pillar members. It was agreed that the In-reach/Outreach, Stewardship and Spiritual Life Pillars need people ASAP. D. Brach asked what the theme is for the coming year. We need people to drive programs. People are “turned off” by the sex-abuse scandal, settlement, bankruptcy, Parish mergers and closings. T. Di Scipio: “We need to find a way to grow the Faith.” Deacon Hackford: Leaders in Parishes should join the Family I/O Pillar; we cannot merge Pillars, but Pillars can collaborate. T. Di Scipio: “By the next meeting, each of us should report on reaching out to others to join the three critical Pillars. … Look for anyone who can bring energy and has a ‘Family’ mindset.” We need a representative from each Pillar at the next FPC meeting.
F. Family Action Plan Review – The Nov 5th FAP Review & Strategy Session was discussed. T. Di Scipio: The current narrative is “negative”, but there should not be bad news coming. “Celebrate the accomplishments.” Can we put a “Good News page” in the Family bulletin? The FPC is to overview Pillar activities. D. Brach: Fr. Bryan stipulated the bulletin should not be one page per Parish, but simply a Family bulletin. Chas: Fr. Bryan at the meeting said each of the (WHEAT) Family #6 Parishes is over1,000 members, so none will be closed. The FPC needs to assign every ministry to a Pillar; Deacon Hackford will provide a list for the next FPC meeting.
G. Closing Prayer: Fr. Karl led the attendees in the Lord’s Prayer and blessed those present.
The November meeting adjourned at 8:08 PM. Next meeting: 21 Jan 2026, Walter Hall, SVdP Parish, 6:30 PM.
