Fr. Karl Loeb, Sr. Parochial Vicar; Tom Di Scipio, Chair, Annunciation Parish (AP); Greg Wiltrout (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); Tammy Stanek, Liturgy Pillar (SVdP); Dawn Cahill, Family Business Manager; Ed Bukowski, Recording Secretary (SVdP).
The meeting convened at 6:32 PM.
A. Fr. Karl led a prayer for fruitful deliberations. All joined in.
B. Mission Statement – Evaluate 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.” D. Brach recommended “shelving” the mission statement discussion until 2027 because the Parishes are already planning for 2026. D. Cahill: There is a Road to Renewal (RtR) meeting in March; Fr. Bryan Zielenieski, Diocesan Vicar for RtR, may discuss requirements.
C. Theme for 2026 – Darya: See the previous item.
D. Review of Where We are with Pillar Members – D. Brach: “We need Pillar people.”
a. Stewardship – There is “nobody in (the) Stewardship (Pillar)”. C. Wojtowicz: It’s about “using time, talent & treasure.” The Stewardship Pillar assures that the Parishes don’t compete with fund-raising, programs, projects, etc..
b. Spiritual Life – Deacon Hackford: The Diocese wants to put on “Life in the Spirit”, beginning Sep 16th with 5 weekly sessions. D. Brach: We will publish a one sheet schedule of all Lenten activities in our Family.
c. In Reach / Out Reach – D. Brach: No one from IC is on the Pillar. Joe and Evelyn Morcelle are helping with Lenten Mission. T. Di Scipio: How do we get volunteers for the Pillars?
d. Forming Disciples Pillar – We need more involvement other than the Directors of Religious Education. T. Di Scipio: Is anyone really needed other than DRE’s? Fr. Karl: “They seem to have the Pillar well in hand.” D. Cahill: Fr, Bernie told the DRE’s “to get a chair, because none of them can be the chair.” C. Wojtowicz will follow-up. Chas will ask E. Morcelle to be chair of the FDP.
e. Liturgy Pillar – T. Stanek: We’ve worked hard, set up liturgy schedules, etc. then there’s an “end-around” by Fr. Bernie. T. Stanek, as paid staff, cannot be a Pillar member. We have ten OCIA candidates. B. Zittel: The Liturgy Pillar is being ignored by Fr. Bernie. Fr. Karl: We will have three individual Parishes in the WHEAT Family. T. Stanek: “We all want beautiful liturgies.”
E. Updates from Pillar Representatives on the Progress of the Pillars. (See above.)
F. Aligning all Ministries Under the Appropriate Pillar. D. Brach: All programs should be under a Pillar, for communication, coordination and to provide help. How are people in the Parishes to be made aware that programs and projects are to come under a Pillar? G. Wiltrout: AP is planning a picnic; we want to “open it up”; all the Parish picnics should come under a Pillar and be coordinated.
G. Paul Zuccarelli Speaking Engagement Opportunity (April 25th—29th) T. Di Scipio: Paul is from Arizona; he recounts near-death experiences and following life events. “I’ll give it to Evelyn Morcelle, of the In Reach/Out Reach Pillar, for action.”
H. Family Action Plan Review – Future action, for Diocesan review.
I. Closing Prayer: Fr. Karl led a prayer of thanks. All participated.
The meeting adjourned at 7:33 PM.
Next meeting: Wednesday, February 25th. Location: TBD.