The St. Thomas More Society Scranton, Pennsylvania


2301 N. Washington Avenue

Scranton, Pennsylvania 18509

Mr. Eric L. Bergman, Executive Director

 

Trustees Meeting

March 16, 2005
6:30 PM

            

Present:  Eric L. Bergman, Paul Coviello, Ed Facciani, David Kimble, Jerry McGreevy                  

               and Don Sanderson.

 

Absent:  Jim Reese, Bill Harris

 

Guest:     Joanne Shuemaker, Bob Hull

 

Meeting began with Evening Prayer

 

Fr. Eric advised that Joe Blake, President of the Anglican Use Society ( “ AUS “ ) wanted STMS to co-sponsor an Anglican Use Conference to be held on April 29, here at St Clare’s Church.  Fr. Eric got approval from Msgr Feldcamp.  If we move forward on the proposal, Fr. Eric would get the necessary approval from the Dioceses.  The AUS would pay for all the advertising, honorariums to be paid to the speakers (Fr. Adrian Nichols and Dr. Alexander Burke), and any travel costs for the speakers. We would charge an attendance fee of $ 35 to cover cost of meals and other out of pocket costs.  STMS would provide the volunteers for hospitality and to coordinate all aspects of the conference.  Paul Coviello will contact a caterer regarding the luncheon to be held April 29th. Fr. Eric and the caterer to work out the details.  Trustees approved action.

 

Minutes of meeting held on Jan 9, 2005 were approved as presented.

 

Financial report was accepted, with one exception.  Money received from members that have not pledged should be separated and not combined with the category “ Pledges”. It was noted that our annual budget was $ 78,987 when we began on January 1st.with pledges at that time our weekly “shortfall:” was $ 646. At present, our weekly shortfall is $ 357.  It was hoped that new members would help to cover the shortfall.

 

Confidential discussion:

Property: discussion ensued regarding “ what if “ the Diocese proposed providing a church to be used by STMS. This would be tempting, but we have not received sufficient pledges to fund us as we presently operate.  A number of $ 35,000 was suggested as a minimum cost to operate a small church and parish hall.  It was agreed that if the Diocese were to approach us, we would tell them that we are not in a financial position to take on more overhead and that such action might be premature in the immediate future.

 

Previously, on January 11th, 2005, Jerry McGreevy and Fr. Eric made application to The Church of the Epiphany Christian Outreach Fund.  To date, they have not responded to the application.  General discussion ensued and it was resolved that STMS would not follow up on the request for the grant.  It was resolved that should a grant be offered in the future, STMS would RETURN the check.

 

Joanne Shuemaker proposed at trip by members to Boston to see an Anglican Use Church in action.

 

Ed Facciani advised that a bible study would begin during lent on Tuesday nights at 7:30 and it will be held at the church.

 

With Bishop Dougherty out ill, Bishop Martino has appointed a Vicar General to handle day-to-day administration of the Diocese.  Fr. Eric will contact him in an effort to keep things on track for STMS.

 

New Bibles : several of the “older” members found the print to be TOO small.  Joanne Shuemaker found another bible that had larger print.  The total cost exceeds the amount that we have collected.  Early this year, Paul and Mary Coviello made a gift to STMS to be used to acquire items for the operation of STMS. If fund balance is not sufficient, Paul Coviello offered that he would make up the difference.  Trustees authorized the purchase of 40 bibles.

 

Meeting closed in prayer at 8:15PM

 

Respectfully submitted

Jerry McGreevy,

Acting Secretary