Present: Tom Croft, Elizabeth Browne, Rev. Raymond Rafferty, Conchita Gonzalez, Francis Paz, Miriam Duran, Rev. William Wizeman, Brenda Fairaday, Katharine Tillman, Connor Hailey, Eileen Canty, Robert Meadows-Rogers, Dorothy Valla & Michael Morrison.

Absent: Marcia Y. Ruiz.

Opening Prayer: Rev. Raymond Rafferty.

Amendments & Approval of Minutes of June 2 Meeting: Robert Meadows-Rogers moved that the Minutes of June 2, 2008 be approved. Eileen Canty seconded the Motion. The Minutes were approved unanimously.

Welcome to Dorothy Valla: Parish Council welcomed Dorothy Valla the new Principal of Corpus Christi School.

Pastor’s Report: Fr. Rafferty reported: 1) Michael Morrison & Victoria Munoz are the new Trustees of the Parish replacing John Rudy & Marcia Ruiz whose terms have expired. Trustees can serve 2 terms of 2 years each. Michael Morrison was introduced to the Council. 2) Marcia Ruiz will continue to serve on the Council as Fr. Rafferty’s Representative. 3) The Air Conditioner has been broken since August 23. The Service Company inspected the machinery shortly thereafter & said repairs were needed but did not return until today when they said that they would be back within 48 hours to do the repairs. Tom Croft asked if there was a response time included in the Service Contract. Fr. Rafferty said he did not know but would check the Contract as it was a valid question.

Principal’s Report: Dorothy Valla reported: a) All teachers returned to work so no replacements had to be hired which was a relief. B) The current student enrollment is 185 v. the goal number of 200. Some parents are having problems with paying the tuition so the Principal is meeting with them to work on a solution. c) The Cooke Center is here & the staff has gone out of its way to be helpful to the Faculty & students of the School. d) The physical improvements to the School have had a very positive impact on the School: i) Fr. Rafferty arranged for 3 offices to be painted & the floors sanded. ii) Mr. Joseph was invaluable with the re-installation of the computers. iii) The Advisory Board got money to have the hallways of 2^nd & 4^th floors painted. iv) The Cooke Center financed the renovation of the Lobby as well as desks for the older students. e) This weekend the banisters on the stairways should be repaired. f) Hoping for the classrooms to be painted by Christmas time. g) The Cooke Center moved into the old Faculty Room & moved the Library to the Convent. More work is to be done in the Convent & Conchita Gonzalez is recruiting a cleaning crew. There remains a lot of work to be done in the School & Convent . h) Francis Paz asked how many students there are in the Cooke Center. Dorothy Valla replied that there are 20 students. i) Fr. Rafferty praised Dorothy Valla for putting in a lot of voluntary time from July 1 to make sure the School was ready to open in time. Dorothy Valla then praised all of the parishioners who have been helping. j) Betty Browne then mentioned that the ACAP (Archdiocesan Catholic Alumni Program) has established a database into which each Parochial School can enter the details of all alumni from 1945 up to the present. Betty has been supervising a group of young people who are entering the School’s alumni. K) Fr. Wizeman enquired about the status of the Middle States probation. Betty Browne replied that it is being worked on & will be completed by the deadline.

Fall Parish Social Date: It was decided to hold the Social on November 8.

Parish Council Constitution: Brenda Fairaday having some difficulty in retrieving certain information but said there will be a report made at the next Council meeting.

Old Business: 1) There will be a pancake breakfast served to parishioners after the Masses on Sunday, September 29 from 9 AM to 1 PM. It will be the occasion to launch the Hospitality Committee. Volunteers to help are needed. Jane Hart is in charge of organizing the event. 2) Tom Croft conveyed past Principal John Balbi’s thanks to the Council for its generosity in the gift it gave him. 3) Tom Croft asked Katharine Tillman for the status on the plan to establish an electronic newsletter for the Parish. Katharine Tillman replied more investigation is being done but a company most organizations use is Constant Contact. Michael Morrison said that he will check what company his boss, Betsy Gottbaum uses.

New Business: None.

The next meeting will be held on Monday, October 6, 2008 at 7:30 PM.

The meeting then adjourned.

Submitted by Tom Croft.

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MINUTES OF MEETING OF PARISH COUNCIL

OF CORPUS CHRISTI PARISH – October 6, 2008 at 7:30 PM.

Present: Tom Croft, Elizabeth Browne, Rev. Raymond Rafferty, Francis Paz, Rev. William Wizeman, Brenda Fairaday, Connor Hailey, Dorothy Valla & Michael Morrison.

Absent: Miriam Duran, Marcia Y. Ruiz, Conchita Gonzalez, Katharine Tillman, Eileen Canty, Victoria Munoz & Robert Meadows-Rogers.

Opening Prayer: Rev. Raymond Rafferty.

Approval of Minutes of September Meeting: Moved by Rev. William Wizeman to approve Minutes & seconded by Michael Morrison. Approved unanimously.

Pastor’s Report: Fr. Rafferty reported: 1) Could not find a response time in the Air Conditioning Contract. However, the Maintenance came the day following the last Parish Council meeting & repaired the Air Conditioner. 2) Currently there are no activities for the teenagers of the Parish. Fr. Rafferty suggested that Connor Hailey think about this situation & bring up some ideas. Examples of activities might be social or community service. Connor Hailey asked how many teenagers are there. The number is not really known, replied Fr. Rafferty. Connor Hailey agreed to think about it.

Principal’s Report: Dorothy Valla reported: i) School Census being undertaken. ii) It was discovered that approval of the School’s Technology Plan, allowing funding from the Archdiocese, had not been received after the Archdiocese had requested early in the year that certain conditions be met. Ms. Valla had sent a follow up letter satisfying the conditions & received approval from the Archdiocese last week. iii) The Middle States Plan is being worked on & will be finished & submitted by the deadline. iv) Bill Catucci visited the School to instruct the Faculty on how to use email. v) Sr. Alice is visiting the School weekly to instruct the Faculty on the usage of computers. vi) Parents are doing well with financial assistance to the School through various fund-raising activities. vii) The National Catholic Association is sponsoring a drive for all students to contribute $1.00 each to Catholic Schools that have been damaged by hurricanes in the Gulf Area.viii) On September 23 Fr. Rafferty & Ms. Valla attended a meeting in the home of member of Holy Trinity Parish. Members of that Parish’s young adults will paint the 3^rd floor of the School on November 15. ix) The tread on the stairs & the handrails on the stairs of the Broadway side of the School have been repaired. The Amsterdam Ave. side will be done.

x) The present enrollment of students is 187.

Hospitality Committee Report: An email report from Jane Hart is as follows:

Subject: Re: Hospitality Committee

Date: 10/2/2008

To: Elizabeth Browne

Betty

Sorry to be so late with my reply, I had a bit of an urgent situation with my job.

Here is the break down –

Religious education- -----2

Young adults----- -----------I

Flea market---------------9

Autumn social--- -----------8

Hospitality -----22+6 others previously committed

I believe The Spiritual Book Group, St. Egidio, Spirituality in Daily Life, Friends and CC School also had signers and took their sign-up sheets (which makes sense). There were no signers with the other groups. The groups who had recruiters seated at the tables had the best results. I think we got the representation we were hoping for on hospitality.

The breakfast cost $250, which was covered by donations collected plus an additional $80 which we would like to apply to stocking the hospitality closet when we reorganize it.

Perhaps you can share this info with the council via e-mail? –Jane

Fr. Rafferty thanked the organizers of the Pancake Breakfast.

Fall Parish Social Report: 1) Betty will pick up the raffle tickets for the Parish Secretary, Patricia, to stuff the envelopes. 2) Volunteers are needed after each Mass to distribute the tickets. Betty passed around a list for members to sign. 3) Betty to follow up with Jane weekly.

Parish Council Constitution: Brenda Fairaday distributed copies of the report compiled by the Committee comprising Brenda Fairaday, Francis Paz & Tom Croft at a meeting held on September 30. A lively discussion ensued giving the Committee a great deal of information & suggestions. The committee will meet again during October & report back to the Council at its next meeting.

Old Business: Michael Morrison had information on establishing a Parish electronic newsletter for Katharine Tillman. Betty Browne will give it to Ms. Tillman who was absent from this meeting.

New Business: Brenda Fairaday distributed a flyer announcing a day of recollection on Saturday, October 18, 2008 in observance of the 70^th anniversary of Thomas Merton’s baptism at Corpus Christi Church. Rev. James Connor O.C.S.O will lead the day.

The next meeting will be held on Monday, November 3 at 7:30 PM.

The meeting then adjourned.

Submitted by Tom Croft.

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MINUTES OF MEETING OF PARISH COUNCIL OF CORPUS

CHRISTI PARISH – December 1, 2008 at 7:30 PM.

Present: Tom Croft, Elizabeth Browne, Rev. Raymond Rafferty, Conchita Gonzalez, Francis Paz, Miriam Duran, Marcia Y. Ruiz, Brenda Fairaday, Connor Hailey, Eileen Canty, Robert Meadows-Rogers, Dorothy Valla & Michael Morrison.

Absent: Rev. William Wizeman & Katharine Tillman.

Opening Prayer & Lighting of the Rectory Advent Wreath: Rev. Raymond Rafferty.

Amendments & Approval of Minutes of November 3, 2008 Meeting: Tom Croft requested the first name initial of Katharine Tillman be amended to a “K” from the “C” recorded. Robert Meadows-Rogers moved that the Minutes be approved as amended. Francis Paz seconded the Motion. The Minutes, as amended, were approved unanimously.

Pastor’s Report: Fr. Rafferty reported: 1) Thanked the parishioner who gave an attorney’s name as a possible attorney for the Parish. 2) The Finance Committee met last Tuesday & reported on the 2007-2008 year. Full details of the report will be made available upon request. 3) The shortfall in the Parish finances was caused partially by one of the deposits being made to the School’s account. It has been corrected. There is a shortfall in the weekend collections. The shortfall seems to have been caused by the projected amount being set too high. 4) In a response to a question from Conchita Fr. Rafferty told us that even if the Cook Center is using more space than originally planned that has been more than offset by the Center being generous in paying certain expenses that led to the Parish saving between $15,000.00 & $17,000.00. 5) Spoke to a couple of teens who were last year’s graduates from the School & they gave permission for their telephone numbers to be given to Connor. 6) Robert wanted to know who are the members of the Finance Committee, what the income from the weekend Masses was in 2007-2008 & what needs to be done to cover finances during the summer when income is noticeably reduced. Fr. Rafferty replied: Dan Mangan, John Rudy & he are the members of the Finance Committee; in 2007-2008 $170,240.23 was received in the collections at Masses; & the summer finances must be discussed

more in-depth but after the Archdiocesan Bicentennial Campaign has finished.

Principal’s Report: Betty reported that the Re-Accreditation by the Middle States organization was received last week, just before Thanksgiving. Dorothy Valla reported: a) The School’s web address needs to be updated on the Parish Bulletin (she will speak to the Parish Secretary to have it corrected). b) The 5^th grade Social Studies State Tests were administered on November 12 & 13 & all students passed them. c) The structural problems with the School’s roof & front of the building have been discussed with two architectural companies & the Archdiocese. The problems are being researched & a plan for repairs will be finalized. d) A parent will pay for the extensive cleaning of the School which is expected to be done during the Christmas vacation.

e) The Christmas Pageant will take place in the Church on December 19 at 7 PM & everyone is invited. f) The Book Fair started today & will run through December 4. It looks very attractive & $600.00 of books was sold today. g) The Parents’ Committee will be sponsoring a brunch on December 14

Fall Parish Social Report: Betty will request a detailed from Jane Hart for the next Council Meeting. Fr. Rafferty said the profit was approximately $4,300.00 which better than recent similar functions.

Flea Market Report: Conchita needs volunteers to help on December 6 & 7 with this Flea Market. Fr. Rafferty mentioned that the Broadway Presbyterian Church needs men’s clothing so any extra might be donated to them.

Parish Council Constitution: After discussion the following points/decisions were made:

i) Marcia made a Motion that elections to be held in February & new members to join in the March meeting. Francis seconded the Motion. When the Motion was put to the vote it carried unanimously. This means that nominations will need to be received in January. ii) Expand the Article 2 – Purposes to be expanded by using the Constitution of the Parish of the Holy Trinity as a guide. iii) Members of the Nominating Committee will be Marcia & the retiring members of the Council; Betty, Miriam & Conchita. iv) Robert made a Motion that we change the minimum age of nominees to 16 & that we decide at the next Council meeting on the eligibility of who can vote. Eileen seconded the Motion. In the following discussion Eileen suggested we use the election to register anyone who wants to vote but is not already registered. Connor asked if Parish membership by one person extends to other family members. Fr. Rafferty said “yes.” The vote was then taken & the results were: 7 in favor, 1 against & 1 abstention.

Old Business: None.

New Business: Marcia announced Aids World Day. Also, one way to help feed the homeless is to donate cans to Canstruction. Details can be seen by going to their website at: www.canstruction.org

The next meeting will be held on Monday, January 5, 2009 at 7:30 PM.

The meeting then adjourned.

Submitted by Tom Croft.

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MINUTES OF MEETING OF PARISH COUNCIL OF CORPUS

CHRISTI PARISH – February 2, 2009 at 7:30 PM.

Present: Tom Croft, Elizabeth Browne, Rev. Raymond Rafferty, Marcia Y. Ruiz, Dorothy Valla, Francis Paz, Rev. William Wizeman, Robert Meadows-Rogers, Miriam Duran, Brenda Fairaday & Katharine Tillman.

Absent: Conchita Gonzalez, Connor Hailey, Eileen Canty, & Michael Morrison.

Opening Prayer: Rev. Raymond Rafferty.

Amendments & Approval of Minutes of January 5, 2008 Meeting: Robert Meadows-Rogers mentioned that he was absent from the January Meeting & it should be reflected in the Minutes. Robert then moved that the Minutes be approved as amended. Brenda Fairaday seconded the Motion. The Minutes, as amended, were approved unanimously.

Pastor’s Report: Fr. Rafferty reported: After consultation with experts in the field, it was decided that the stove in the Rectory kitchen could not be repaired. So a contract has been signed with a company to replace the stove. The old stove was removed today & a new GE stove will be installed in the next couple of days. The kitchen was never heated & was extra cold because of the large, non-closeable vent above the stove. As part of the contract, the company has closed the vent & installed a small electric baseboard heated in the eating area so the kitchen is now warm. In addition the company has removed, sanded & replaced the doors between the kitchen & dining room. Finally, the areas affected by the installation of the new stove will be painted. The cost will be $6,200.00 that will be paid from the Bicentennial funds.

Principal’s Report: Dorothy Valla reported: 1) There was a serious flood about 2 weeks ago that was probably caused by a blocked drainage pipe with a running faucet. The water ran down & damaged the 5^th grade classroom & faculty room on the 4^th floor & the 2^nd grade classroom on the 3^rd floor. The repairs, including painting, should be completed today. 2) It is expected the Nurse will move from the room on the Street Level to the 4^th floor during the Easter break instead of this month. 3) Grants for financing for new windows are being submitted. 4) A grant application has been sent to Columbia Services for smart boards & subscriptions. 5) Catholic Schools Week went well. 6) On January 19 a demolition crew cleaned out the Convent, including 3 pianos. 7) New shelving has been installed where the leak originated.

At this point, Fr. Rafferty thanked Dorothy, faculty & staff for working so hard to minimize the negative impact of the flood on the students. He also mentioned that the Advisory Board Benefit & Auction will take place on Wednesday, May 6.

Dorothy, in answering a question from Frank Paz, said the present student enrollment is 188. She would be happy with 200 or more with the ultimate goal being 248.

Kat Tillman will ask the Young Adults if any of them would like to volunteer in the School as Substitute Teachers or in the Library.

Parish Council Elections: Betty Browne reported that there are seven candidates for the five vacant positions. The candidates are: Brenda Fairaday, Joseph Mascheck, Samuel Bortka, Timothy Willert, Tom Warren, Brian Questa & Robert Meadows-Rogers. Betty passed a list around for volunteers to sign up to oversee the elections that will take place on the weekends of February 21 & 22 & February 28 & March 1, 2009.

Date for the Spring Social: After discussion it was decided the best date will be Saturday,

May 2. Betty will check if the date is OK with Jane Hart.**

** The next day Betty confirmed the date of May 2.

Parish Council Constitution: There was a lengthy discussion on the proposed Constitution during which Fr. Rafferty recommended that it should not be voted on tonight but at the next Meeting. This will give everyone time to read it carefully & think about the contents. All agreed that the vote be taken at the next Meeting.

New Business: Fr. Rafferty told us that he will not be available for Parish Council Meeting on May 4. He reminded us that April 6 is in Holy Week so it may be better to change the date to late March.

The next meeting will be held in two sections on Monday, March 2, 2009 at 7:30 PM. The first section will be for the current members & the second section, to begin at 8:00 PM will be for the new Council members.

The meeting then adjourned.

Submitted by Tom Croft.

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