June 5th, 2003

Susan Sell, Deb Meyer, Roger Dick, Mark Abeln, Janet Brown, Barbara Norrgard, Chuck MacDonald, Peter Eichten, George Wertin.
Guests: Ed, Sabrina, and Joyce.

1. Opening Prayer:
   Was led by Susan – introductions for the benefit of our guests, who were present at the meeting because of their concerns over the issues with the Archbishop.
2. Mission Statement: Was read by all.
3. Approval of Minutes: The Council approved the minutes from the May meeting.
4. Search Institute Report (Mark): Mark gave a brief update on the Search Institute stating that Jim Connelly will be speaking at St. Joan’s on Nov. 2, and that there are opportunities for other parishes to become involved with this process.
5. Old Business:
   1. Strategy for the meeting with the Archbishop & Pastor’s Report: George announced that we have received word from the Archbishop that he wants to meet with the Council on June 17. He sent a letter to Susan and also one to George. The letters were very hierarchical in nature and a bit threatening. George confirmed that he has never taught anything contrary to Church teaching, and that his dealings with the gay/lesbian issue has always been one of pastoral care, working with individuals. Peter and Chuck have been working on a letter of response back to the Archbishop, and that will get sent out by the beginning of next week. George met with Ron Bowers on Canon Law, and George found that to be very helpful. He also met with Ed Flahavan, and is trying to get in touch with of Kevin McDonough.

      Susan led a discussion on who should come to the meeting with the Archbishop. Susan and Steve will be out of town and unable to make the meeting. The Council felt that Kathy Itzin should not come, but that Anna Vagle should be invited along with Jim Cassidy. That list will go back to the Archdiocese along with the letter to the Archbishop. Chuck will serve as the spokesperson for the group at the meeting. Others should feel free to speak as needed at the meeting.

      The discussion moved to the purpose of the meeting. Chuck reminded the group that it was us who initiated this meeting. We would like the meeting to focus on ministering to the gay/lesbian community and improving how we relate to each other. It was mentioned that we are in a unique position in that the entire Council is going to this meeting, not just George. The Archdiocese is about documents, we are about people.

   2. Liaison Report: Roger gave a report, along with a handout, on his area of Parish Life. He has met with Anna Mae and she reports that Family Mass is going along very good, and she’d like to see something more in the summer along the lines of a Family Mass. Choir has become an integral part of the liturgies. Concert Series was a great success, netting almost $23,000, much of that will be used for the Justice Fund. The training sessions for readers have gone well, and the Earth Day liturgy in lent was fantastic. Overall, liturgically it has been a great year.
   3. Strategic Objectives: The upcoming meeting with the Archbishop could have an impact on our strategic objectives. Susan asked the Council if we could agree upon some objectives tonight, and Council did agree on the following two strategic objectives:
      • Clarify our relationship with the larger Church.
      • Work closely with Search Institute.
      George suggested that we could look at adding another one or two in August when we meet again. It was suggested that our key characteristics may be challenged on the 17th, and that we should be looking at that. Mark will continue to work on simplifying the Matrix. The Council thanked Mark for all the great work he has done with the Matrix so far!
6. New Business:
   1. Conceal & Carry lawsuit: Ed Walsh has been working on behalf of SJA to see if we want to be part of the lawsuit that is being threatened by several area churches. Ed and Julie Madden will draft a proposal and email it to the Council. Chuck volunteered to serve as the contact from the Council.
   2. Honoring of Kathy Itzin: Kathy will receive an award of excellence after the liturgies on Sunday June 8. Susan will make the presentations.
   3. Election of Chair: By unanimous agreement, Steve Boyle will be the new chair. The other officers will be elected in Aug.
   4. Dates: Pastoral Council Social will be Monday July 14 at Susan’s; the GLBT Parade is June 29th, all Council members are invited to attend; Orientation of new member, Barbara, will take place sometime in July or Aug, Peter and Steve will take care of that; Mark will represent the Council at the June 19 meeting of the Justice Fund.
7. Meeting adjourned at 9:15 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Peter Eichten