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PARISH COUNCIL

The Parish Council of St. Monica, St. Elizabeth of Hungary and St. Stephen of Hungary is an advisory group, pastoral in nature, organized to support our pastor, Fr. Donald Baker in the apostolic work of the parish. We strive for unity while recognizing diversity. We are grounded in prayer, discernment, parish and community needs and wants, and take seriously the viewpoints of others. We engage in lively discussion, encourage thinking out-of-the box, and strive to provide inclusive community events, such as, the community Christmas Caroling and Cookie feast.

 

The Parish Council is comprised of thirteen men and women each serving a two-year term. We are looking for new parish council members who will commit their time, talent, and wisdom in a consultative and collaborative fashion. Typically, we meet in the parish center on the third Wednesday evening of each month from 7 PM to 8:30 PM.

 

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Father Baker blessing the 2023-2024 Parish Council, September 2023

Monthly Meeting Minutes

The Parish Council met on February 28, 2024, and discussed the following:

 

  • ​Our Annual Parish Retreat Day will take place on Saturday, March 23 from 8:30 AM through the 12PM mass. All adults are welcome to prepare for Holy Week with this morning of reflection. Our presenter will be Fr. Tony Ciorra, and the theme is “Lord, Make us Instruments of Your Peace.”

 

  • Green Team/Social Justice. On Sunday, April 7, a compost event will discuss compost and recycling tips led by Grow NYC

 

  • Hope Walk/Community Outreach. St. Francis de Sales’ program meets bi-weekly, making and distributing sandwiches. St. Stephen alumni are involved.

 

  • Bylaws, Parish Council Member Terms. Election procedures and optional third-year terms will be discussed.

 

  • Potential New Parish Council Members. A search for new candidates will be supported by a social event after Mass, getting volunteers to sign up for events such as the International Food Festival and more.

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Pastor Notes:

 

  • Parish and the School are collaborating on new ways to involve students in Masses.

  • Theology Thursday is a success with a surge in attendance.

  • The Senior Ministry will be seeking new leadership in the fall.

  • A food pantry is being established; Catholic Charities will provide the food.

  • The Parish Association will be seeking volunteers to participate in the Parish event

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The Parish Council met on January 24, 2024, and discussed the following:

 

•   Christmas Caroling, Cookies, and Cocoa: The event was a success.  The Parish Council discussed potential changes for the 2024 event.

•   Annual Parish Retreat: The retreat will be held on March 23, 2024.  The Parish Council is working on programming and plans for publicizing the retreat.

•   Green Team/Social Justice: The Parish Council was updated on the committees’ plans and coordination with local parishes.           

•   By-Laws/Member Terms: The Parish Council discussed updates to Council by-laws and recruiting new members.

•   First Aid Kits: The Parish Council is working to upgrade the first aid kit on-site at St. Monica Church.

•   Father Baker updated the Parish Council on the new Parish Association, the new banner in front of the church, and local community outreach plans.

 

The Parish Council met on December 13, 2023, and discussed the following:

  

  • Christmas caroling, cookies and cocoa planned for December 17, 2023, Volunteers, tables, and Santa's cookie workshop are scheduled.  Nut free and gluten-free treats will be served.

 

  • Green Team/Social Justice. Meeting on December 6 discussed collaborating with other parishes and organizations and learning what other parishes are doing.                                                           

  • Thanksgiving dinner was a success.

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The Parish Council met on November 15, 2023 and discussed the following:

 

  • New minutes approval procedure for quicker turn-around so minutes can appear in church bulletin. 

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  • Parish year-end financial report review with Jenn DeSpirito.

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  • Thanksgiving dinner update by Roz Panepento.  Dinner is scheduled at St. Stephen of Hungary Church auditorium on November 23, 2023. Final set-up and volunteering details discussed. Local businesses are appreciated for their generous support.

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  • Social Justice and Green Team: Environmental and social justice groups will merge to form a single ministry. This is based on the interconnectedness of planet and people and the alignment with Laudato Si’, Pope Francis's encyclical on Care for Our Common Home. The inaugural joint meeting will take place on December 6, 2023.

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  • Christmas caroling, cookies and cocoa planned for December 17, 2023.

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  • Christmas meeting/potluck dinner being planned.

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  • New Business—The Parishioners Association

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The Parish Council met on October 25, 2023, and discussed the following:

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· The Parish Theme for 2023/2024 will be “Make Us a Channel of Your Peace.” A banner will be created and hung on the façade of the church.

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· Parish Thanksgiving Dinner is scheduled for November 23, 2023, and will be held in St. Stephen of Hungary School auditorium. Click here for details.

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· A Social Justice Ministry Meeting will be held on November 8, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. Click here for details.

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· Green Team October film screening was well-received. 

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New Business:

o November 11, 2023 - Faith Formation Day at Fordham.

o March 23, 2024 - Parish Retreat in the morning; speakers are being explored.   

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 Pastor's Notes:

o November 4, 2023: Bereavement retreat in the church. 

o The church bulletin will have a new design.

o Relocated refugee seekers program is seeking religious organizations to help refugees settle and address various issues such as housing, jobs, etc.

o Sacristy space has been renovated.

o Families hosting German students was a positive experience for both the students and the host families.

o Second Sunday Social had 25 people and will return in the Spring. 

o Fr. Baker will do a German/Yorkville walking tour in the Spring. 

o Theology Thursday continues.

o In Advent, evening prayer will resume.

o Senior Ministry is seeking volunteers.

o St. Stephen of Hungary School won the National Blue Ribbon School Award and will be honored in Washington, D.C. in November.  The school is planning a Capital Campaign.

o Monica's Ark, the children’s quiet space in the back of the church has opened and is much appreciated by families with children.

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