St. Thomas More
Society
Scranton, Pennsylvania
|
St. Thomas More
Society |
|
|
|
|
St. Thomas More Society Scranton, Pennsylvania Trustees
Meeting Present:
Eric L. Bergman, Paul Coviello, Ed Facciani, David Kimble, Jerry
McGreevy, Jim Reese, Don Sanderson and Bill Harris Financial concerns Financial report through October 2005 was accepted: Budget – 2006 that was reviewed at the “Special Budget Meeting” of all the members, held on October 30th was not changed. Stewardship – Our budget is $ 97,922.33. We have received pledges from 19 pledging households for a total of $ 62,005.16. We have 22 non-pledging households, of which only 12 have been coming and making contributions, but not made a pledge for 2006. It was agreed that we should use the Internet as our main source of contact with STMS members. Out of the 41 family units, approximately 12 families do not have email addresses. These 12 families will receive a MAILED copy of all communications. Pastoral concerns Debt relief for a Society member : Our financial help at present will not improve the persons credit worthiness, it would only make them whole for the time being It was resolved that we continue to provide budget-planning advice and to work with the person in the coming year. New counting procedures. Counters will prepare the deposit worksheet and mail it to Jerry McGreevy, using the pre-stamped envelope that is provided. The deposit should be made on the next banking day by one of the counters. If counters can not make the deposit, for what ever reason, then the money will be given to Fr. Eric and he will make the deposit on the next banking day. It was noted that we have purposely avoided any media attention with respect to our Confirmation or the Weekly Anglican Mass. We do not want to appear to be triumphant in our progress, nor to somehow antagonize mean-spirited Episcopalians. Fr. Eric will not appear on TV until after his Ordination. Mass Attendance – It is important that we encourage weekly attendance of all STMS members at the Anglican Use Mass. Some members have been attending other Masses. We need to show the Bishops and the clergy that have allocated their time to assist us in providing an Anglican Use Mass, until such time that Fr. Eric is ordained, that we are serious and will attend and support STMS. This topic will be addressed at the annual meeting (Jan 8th following the Mass). Society Concerns A new Catechism class will begin on Sunday, Dec 11th at 3:00PM. Subsequent meetings will be held twice a month. CHRISTmas project – we will gather at Fr. Eric’s home to assemble the food baskets and wrap the CHRISTmas presents for those families that have indicated a need to Msgr. Feldcamp or Fr. Eric. In addition, we will use that time to have a STMS CHRISTmas party. Fr. Eric’s study requirements for ordination. Even though his papers have not been sent to the Vatican, the Bishop has assigned Fr. Connor as Fr. Eric’s mentor / instructor. In addition to a requirement that Fr. Eric attend Mass daily, Fr. Eric has been assigned certain topics for study in preparation to his anticipated testing prior to his ordination (assuming he is ordained). This will become a part of his DAILY preparation during 2006. New Year celebration – Following the Anglican Use Mass that will be held at 5:00 PM on Sunday, January 1st, we will have a New Years Day covered dish supper and party, together with festive hats, horns and noise makers. January 8th is designated as our Annual Meeting date. Following the Anglican Use Mass to be held at 5:00PM on Sunday, January 8th, we will gather in the fellowship hall to hold our Annual Meeting. The present Board of Trustees will continue to serve, however, we encourage ANYONE that has an interest to make it known to Fr. Eric so that they can be elected to join the Trustees. During 2006 we will continue to make preparations for Fr. Eric’s ordination and the continued growth of STMS. Upcoming Anglican Use Conference. STMS have been asked to host the conference again in 2006. The Trustees has agreed to take on this opportunity. We have requested permission from Bishop Martino to invite Cardinal Dulles to come to the Diocese of Scranton and to be the Guest Speaker and Preacher for the Conference. Cardinal Dulles ( former Episcopalian ) is retired, but his schedule is quite busy. Because of his conversion he is deemed to be a great draw for not only Episcopalians that are considering a change, but also for Roman Catholic clergy who want to know more about the Pastoral Provision of Pope John Paul II that is being implemented in the Diocese of Scranton. The conference date will be determined once Cardinal Dulles has been invited and subject to his schedule. Next Trustees meeting will be held on Sunday, Jan 8th at 3:00PM. Meeting closed in Prayer at 4:35PM. Respectfully submitted |
For suggestions or concerns, please contact the WebMaster
