The St. Thomas More Society Scranton, Pennsylvania

2301 N. Washington Avenue

Scranton, Pennsylvania 18509

Trustees Meeting

January 8, 2006

Present:  Eric Bergman, Ed Facciani, David Kimble, Jim Reese,  Don Sanderson.

Absent:   Bill Harris, Jerry McGreevy, Paul Coviello.

Meeting began with prayer at 3:15 PM.

Minutes of the previous meeting were approved.

Financial:

Financial report through November and December 2005 was distributed.   It was noted that 22 pledge cards have been turned in at this time, with a number still out.    Generally there have been individual increases, but members should be reminded to fill out the outstanding cards as soon as possible.

Eric noted that the Society continues to receive donations from individuals throughout the country who hear about us on the web.

Some confusion exists with the presentation of the line item “Net Change in restricted funds-operating”.   This will be explained at the next board meeting by Jerry McGreevy.

The board acknowledged the donation of $1,078 in stamps by Paul Coviello.   Eric will continue to use these for mailings of communications to members who do not have

e-mail.

Pastoral Concerns:

This year’s conference date has not yet been set.   We are waiting for a response from Cardinal Dulles so that, if he is able to come, we can work around his schedule.

Eric continues to receive phone calls from Episcopal priests looking for information on conversion to the Roman Catholic Church.   Last month three called.   Some have the need to remain anonymous for various reasons.   It was suggested that we might invite these men to the conference and pay their travel expenses out of our outreach funds.   It was further suggested that if some do come they should be housed in members’ homes so that private conversations might take place about our journey.    If we do get seekers, it was suggested that we have a workshop set up for them to get their questions answered in a small group.

A new catechism class has begun with 8 listed members.

Eric would like to organize a group willing to visit shut-ins as part of our outreach program.

Ed brought to our attention the need to begin a prayer group to pray intentionally for ourselves and our society since spiritual attacks are likely.   Eric will poll the members to discern interest and pick which night would be most desirable.

Eric would like to suggest a pilgrimage for members to join.  He and his family will be going to the March for lLfe in Washington DC and will invite anyone interested to join them.   Another idea would be to visit an Eastern Rite church in the local community.

June 22^nd is the feast of St. Thomas More, and we need to begin thinking about what we should do on that occasion.  

 Other:

A new computer will be purchased for Eric.   He is also moving his office/study into another room and phone lines will need to be moved.   Both items were approved.

The Bergmans will be hosting a Super Bowl party at their home, and all are invited.

The meeting closed with prayer at 4:30PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Don Sanderson

Acting Secretary