Meeting Minutes 4/4/01

Sister Parish Committee meetings are held the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 7 pm. in the school. Newcomers are always welcome. If you have questions, please contact any of the members of the committee.

What follows are the minutes of the Wednesday, April 4, 2001 meetings.

Wednesday, April 4, 2001

Present: Susan, Louise, Tim (w/daughter Siena), Trina, Mindy, Rick, Alex, Karen

Sunflower Room
We gathered in the Sunflower Room in the Parish Center and concluded that this will be a great place to meet for the Sister Parish Meetings going forward (besides, if we get hungry there is a microwave, stove, etc.).

Delegation
We want to let people of the parish know that we are planning another delegation (possibly set for sometime during the summer of 2002). Sister Parish wants to make it part of the agenda to start planning for this trip, however, whether or not to hold an informational meeting in April is still uncertain.

If people who are on the Sister Parish Committee have an interest in going on the next delegation, they should notify Louise. The group felt that we do not need to do a ìhard sellî on getting people to go, rather look to members of Sister Parish, Spanish class and Church staff who are genuinely interested in going and start there. These individuals can then relate their experiences and ideas to the parish through their delegation experience.

It was suggested that we include something in the Shared Ministry Form to mention that a delegation was being organized.

Petition
Susan was asked by the group Isaiah to gather signatures for a Petition to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Charlie Weaver which reads as follows:

There are thousands of Latino immigrants in Minnesota. Prior to 1998, they could get driverís licenses in order to get to their jobs to meet the needs of their families. Now that they cannot get driver's licenses, we all drive in fear. There is no guarantee that these unlicensed drivers understand the rules of the road, and they cannot get care insurance to protect our families and others on the road.

We understand that you do not think that Minnesota Latino community cares about this issue. We have heard loud and clear that they do. We understand that you do not believe that this is an issue of public safety. It is. I am signing my name to this petition to communicate to you how deeply I care about this issue, and how vital I believe it is to the safety of all Minnesotans that you change the existing policy and allow all immigrants to once again apply for, and receive, driverís licenses.

There were mixed feelings in the group about this petition and a good discussion was had addressing the pros and cons of the subject matter and trying to really understand its implications. This petition is not necessarily something that everyone who is an active member in the Sister Parish Council supports, rather individuals within the group felt strongly about it. If you are interested in gathering signatures contact Susan.

Alfombra Carpet
Tim and Rick brought a color sketch of the carpet design. Mindy checked her inventory of supplies from last year and has the majority of what will be needed for this years carpet. Mindy will get more: red sawdust, kidney beans, yellow split peas, sky blue. She will also bring a ìsprayerî on April 14th.

Rick is going to get more boxes to Tim before the end of this week to trace the design and prep it for cutting. Rick also said he has two bags of plain sawdust that he will bring on Apr. 14 along with 4x4 pieces of wood. He will also try to locate some sticks to be included in the carpet for the loom.

On April 14th volunteers are encouraged to come and help assemble the Alfrombra outside the Parish Center beginning around 10:00 a.m. and/or anytime throughout the day. Alex so graciously volunteered to bring a large sub to feed the Alfambra laborers.

Rick will drop off the templates in hospitality hall on Saturday, April 7th around 11:30 a.m. The Spanish class will be preparing their Spanish meal and will assist in cutting out the Alfombra design. Everyone is to bring a utility and/or xacto knife if they have them!

Let's Go to a Play
"Las Rumbaleros" is playing at the History Theatre. Julie Madden is going to see if group tickets are available and then see if anyone has an interest in going. Keep your eyes and ears posted . . .

Next Meeting: Wednesday, April 18th 7 pm in the Sunflower Room
Karen