PARISH COUNCIL

Present: Tom Croft, Rev. Raymond Rafferty, Conchita Gonzalez, Miriam Duran, Brenda Fairaday, Connor Hailey, Dorothy Valla, Tom Warren & Brian Questa.

Absent: Marcia Y. Ruiz, Robert Meadows-Rogers & Michael Morrison.

Opening Prayer: Rev. Raymond Rafferty.

Amendments & Approval of Minutes: It was unanimously agreed that the Minutes of the June Meeting be tabled until the next Meeting because of their late delivery.

Pastor’s Report: Fr. Rafferty reported: 1) As of last Friday Fr. Maurice Mamba is living in the Rectory while studying at Columbia University/ Teachers College. He comes with recommendations from Seattle & Chicago. Fr. Mamba will act as Parochial Vicar. Fr. Mamba receives a salary but no Health Care Insurance. Some Health Care Insurance is provided by Columbia University. 2) Fr. Joel Warden, from the Oratory in Brooklyn will be residing at Corpus Christi Parish from October 1 until the end of the year while he works on his doctoral thesis. 3) Andrew Mussina is helping with Sunday school. 4) Natalie Perez was able to raise money for her stay in Rome (see June Minutes) so no assistance is needed from the Parish. 5) Conchita was asked for the date of the Flea Market & she answered Saturday, December 4. 6) There was major work done on the School during the summer especially on the stairwells. Most of the work was covered by insurance money. Not all work was done in the convent with the chapel & several other rooms needing to be finished. 7) Repairs to the red entrance doors of the Church cost $8,000.00. Also, a telephone/buzzer had to be installed in the elevator which cost $8,000.00.

Principal’s Report: Dorothy Valla reported: a) Enrollment is around 180 with several possibilities. b) The repairs in the School meet with the approval of the children & their parents. The work Michael Morrison did was acknowledged. c) The School has a nurse which is good news. d) There are two new after school directors (they act as co-directors) plus one for younger children. The after-school program went well today which was its first day. e) The School’s part-time Development Director left but a replacement has been found who will work one day a week.

Recording Secretary: Tom Croft reminded the Council members that Marcia Ruiz had agreed to be Recording Secretary until the end of the June Meeting. This means we need a replacement but said he would take the Minutes for this meeting. We should think about whom we can approach to fill the position. There will be an announcement in the Bulletin. In the meantime the names of Vivian Paz & Ann Plogsterth were mentioned as possible candidates for the position.

Fall Parish Social Date: It will be held on November 13. Fr. Rafferty asked that Jane Hart form a committee to get the planning underway. Tom Croft will speak to Jane as well as to the Parish Secretary to get the raffle tickets ordered. Conchita Gonzalez will speak to the Parish Secretary about the labels for the envelopes for the raffle tickets.

Committees’ Reports:

No reports from the Hospitality & Maintenance Committees.

Spirituality/Liturgy Committee: Brenda Fairaday said that there will be two evenings in October; one for Lectors & the other for Eucharistic Ministers. Also, there will be a one-day Retreat for all Ministers in April, 2011.

Education Committee: Brian Questa said they are working on registering students for Sunday School.

Old Business: None.

New Business: 1) Discussion centered around the replacement of 2 Council members. Brenda Fairaday will check the Parish Constitution. Tom Croft asked for the members to email him by September 20 with the names of possible replacements. 2) Brenda Fairaday reminded the Council of the Merton event on September 25 & handed around a flyer with details. 3) Connor Hailey asked Fr. Rafferty if anything permanent had been considered to honor Fr. Wizeman. He, Connor, thought an award being given to an 8^th grader of the School. Fr. Rafferty replied he had received a number of enquiries but suggested the Council consider what should be done & the ideas brought to the next Meeting for discussion & decision. Brenda mentioned that some people have suggested a concert or a lecture be established in Fr. Wizeman’s honor.

The next meeting will be held on Monday, October 4, 2010 at 7:30 PM.

The meeting then adjourned.

Submitted by Tom Croft.

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Parish Council Minutes

Corpus Christi Parish

Meeting of Monday, October 4, 2010

Present: Tom Croft, Conchita Gonzalez, Michael Morrison, Brenda Fairaday, Connor Hailey, Tom Warren.

Absent: Rev. Raymond Rafferty, Dorothy Valla, Miriam Duran, Robert Meadows-Rogers & Brian Questa.

Opening Prayer: Tom Croft.

Amendments & Approval of Minutes: The Minutes of April 12, 2010, May 3, 2010, June 7, 2010 and September 13, 2010 were all approved unanimously as amended.

Pastor’s Report: In Fr. Rafferty’s absence, Tom read the following excerpt of an email received from him: “I shall be out of the parish on vacation Oct. 11-20.
Please ask:
November l is NOT a holyday because it is a Monday. However, if the council would like because of the nature of the day, I can celebrate Mass bi-lingual at 7:15PM. It would be over by 7:45PM so we could have our meeting as usual.” The Council liked the idea of a Mass but to start at 7:00 PM. Tom agreed to ask Fr. Rafferty if this change of time would be OK.

Principal’s Report: In Dorothy Valla’s absence, Tom read the following that he had received from Dorothy:

“1. Attached is an invitation to a "Town Hall Meeting" with Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Timothy McNiff. As you see, we can have five people attending. I hope that this will include one Parish Council member. Other than myself, I expect to have the Chair of our Advisory Board, our new Development person, and a parent, hopefully, the chair of the School Parent Association. Please invite someone to volunteer to join us on Tuesday, October 12.

2. Enrollment – 177

3. Fourth and fifth grade students are cooperating on a Memory Tree project with senior citizens from Morningside Gardens and Teachers College students. This is a six week or so project, and the children interview the seniors, take photos, learn to photoshop the photos at the TC computer lab. The work is done after school on Mondays. All seem to be enjoying a worthwhile endeavor.

4. We have a new part-time (one day per week) Development Director, Mary Ann Lynch. I have known Mary Ann for a few years and am very pleased that she is working with us. We meet on Tuesday afternoons to assess the development needs, and she attends the Advisory Board meetings, working closely with the Advisory Board chair. This is a very good development!

5. Since the major repairs have been done, a number of minor repairs are being dealt with slowly. Perhaps Michael will address the electricity in the convent and the Exit signs in the stairwells. We have a quote for these jobs. Some plumbing issues have arisen as well, but these are not quite as urgent as the electricity.”

Recording Secretary: Tabled until the next meeting. Tom Croft said he would take the Minutes of this meeting. Before the next meeting Tom Warren will speak to Katharine Tillman to see if she will act as Recording Secretary and Tom Croft will ask Ann Plogsterth. There was no response to the notice placed in the Bulletin.

Fall Social: Tom reported he had attended the Hospitality Committee meeting on September 30 that was devoted to the Fall Social: 1) On October 24 there will be a Pre-Fall Social Pancake Breakfast to promote the Social. 2) Decorations: OK because only a few are needed to replace some from last year. Jim Welby has bought a supply of paper goods with a Fall theme. 3) Music: The current Sound System is difficult to work with so some research will be done to see if a better solution can be found. Jane will speak to: a) Isabel about the Columbia/Barnard Madrigal group; b) A woman from the Mannes School; c) Santos Duran; d) Fr. Rafferty. 4) People will be needed for set up/ clean up. 5) Silent Auction: Items will be needed. Parish Council members to be canvassed for items. Jane will also speak to: 1) Ann Plogsterth; 2) Conchita Gonzalez. 6) Food: Jane & Dinora are working on the menu & Patricia will be the liaison with members of the Spanish community coordinating their contributions. 7) Wine: Donations to be sought from various groups. Tom Croft will email WSP members.

8) Additional Comments/Suggestions: a) It was noted there are very few, if any, photos of the Socials that could be incorporated into a display at the Social so Tom Warren will be asked if he would like to take some this time. Tom Warren said he had been asked & has accepted the job of being the photographer of this Social. b) Should there be a tiered-price of tickets; for example, tickets would be cheaper if bought ahead of time than at the door. After discussion it was decided not to adopt this suggestion. c) Could Mary Boys be asked to address the congregation of the 11:15 AM Mass to encourage participation from their midst? d) Could a percentage of profits from the various functions catered by the Hospitality Committee be set aside to provide “starting” cash for future events? Currently members have to put up money out of their own finances & have to wait to be reimbursed. After discussion it was decided that the present situation should remain in place.

9) Tom also said he still needs a couple of volunteers to complete the schedule of raffle tickets distribution. Connor volunteered to take care of all 1 PM Masses & Tom Warren agreed to do this job on October 10 & October 17 at the 11:15 Masses. Tom Croft will check that Brian Questa can do this at the 8:30 AM Masses.

Committees’ Reports: i) No report from the Education Committee. ii) Maintenance: Mike reported: a) A couple of leaks have appeared that are affecting the Church. They will be checked out. b) The FDNY came by for a second inspection visit. The inspectors said that a cover needs to be installed over the light in the elevator. Also, Mike needs to take the test certifying him as a Fire Warden. c) The School’s floors were sanded & the bathroom in the basement painted. d) Several electrical switches in the Convent don’t work properly and need to be replaced. Also, the leaving on of lights in the Convent is causing unnecessary wastage of electricity so Mike is exploring the possibility of timers being installed on the switches that would reduce the amount of electricity being used. e) From the 2^nd floor of the School up to the Convent on the Amsterdam Ave. side of the building there is no electricity. It has been like this for about two years. iii) Hospitality: see the report on the Fall Social. iv) Spirituality/Liturgy Committee: Brenda reported there will be two meetings conducted by the Committee; the first will be from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on October13 for Lectors and the second will be from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM on October 18 for Eucharistic ministers. Planning of these meetings in detail will take place tomorrow, October 5. Provision will be made for the separation of the English and Spanish speakers. There will be changes starting the first weekend of November. Finally, on April 2, 2011 there will be a retreat from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM with lunch being provided.

Old Business: 1) Brenda said the Merton event was well attended. A special thanks to Jane & Dinora of the Hospitality Committee for catering a good repast. 2) Mike mentioned that contact was made with the Daily News to see if they would be interested in reporting on Corpus Christi. They have responded favorably and have asked for a reply from Fr. Rafferty. 3) Mike also said that membership dues in the group Interfaith Assemblies of the Homeless are too expensive so this will not be pursued any further.

New Business: a) Tom Croft reported three names have been supplied of possible Council members. They are: Dinora Rivera, Carolyn Halpin-Healy and Steve Williams. The last mentioned is a parishioner and father of two children in the School. Tom Croft suggested the matter of replacements be tabled until the next meeting when there should be more attendees. In the meantime Tom will consult the Parish Constitution to check the rules surrounding the length of the terms they would be serving. b) Conchita announced that she will not be at the next Council meeting.

The next meeting will be held on Monday, November 1, 2010 after the 7:00 PM Mass.

The meeting then adjourned.

Submitted by Tom Croft.

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Parish Council Minutes

Corpus Christi Parish

Meeting of Monday, November 1, 2010

Present: Rev. Raymond Rafferty, Tom Croft, Michael Morrison, Dorothy Valla, Tom Warren & Miriam Duran.

Absent: Conchita Gonzalez, Brenda Fairaday, Connor Hailey, & Brian Questa.

Opening Prayer: Rev. Raymond Rafferty.

Amendments & Approval of Minutes: The Minutes of October 4, 2010, were approved unanimously as amended.

Pastor’s Report: Fr. Rafferty reported: 1) Next year will be the 75^th anniversary of the present Church & special events should be held around October 2011 to celebrate the occasion. Suggest a Committee be formed early in 2011 to plan the activities that could include a beginning Mass & ending with Vespers a few weeks later. There could be events in between. The School alumni should be involved. The Council was asked to consider committee members. 2) the husband of now deceased long-term parishioner, Mrs. Kurinichi, is returning to Japan to live. The couple own a large wood table he would like to bequeath to the Parish. Fr. Rafferty asked for the Council’s opinion whether he should accept the offer. After a discussion it was decided to decline the offer because of the lack of a suitable space for the table & the likely cost of having it moved.

Principal’s Report: Dorothy Valla reported: i) Two weeks ago the 5^th grade teacher resigned. A new teacher, Sean Patrick Kennedy, began today after 6 candidates were interviewed.

ii) Enrollment is currently 174 because 4 students left the School. There are 5 students from 2 families who can’t afford the tuition. Dorothy would like to start a Scholarship Fund. The Council was asked to give Dorothy any suggestions or thoughts on how to establish such a fund or how to increase enrollment. iii) The Census, BEDS, Immigration & Safe Environment reports are all completed. iv) An application to YESS for a grant for treads on the stairwells is being worked on. The deadline is December 17. The average grant is approx. $15,300.00 which would allow for one stairwell (on the Broadway side) to be done. v) The building itself is in better shape than last year. The latest repairs include a blocked toilet in the Men’s bathroom in the gym & the installation of an emergency telephone in the elevator. The thermostat is not communicating with the boiler & will be fixed in the next couple of weeks.

Recording Secretary: Tom Warren reported that Katharine Tillman could not serve as Recording Secretary. Tom Croft had not asked Ann Plogsterth but will do so. In the meantime Tom Croft will do the Minutes.

Parish Social: Tom Croft distributed copies of the Hospitality Committee’s report on the Social that had been prepared by Jane Hart:

Parish social report

The menu has been printed and distributed with the Sunday bulletins.

     Tom Warren has agreed to photograph the event.
     Ann Plogsterth has researched saints to be assigned to each table instead of table numbers.
She will also create a holy card of the saint to be placed at each place setting at the table.
     An e-mail will be sent out to committee members regarding set-up times etc. Mary Hines will make follow -up phone calls based on response to e-mail.
     Wine and beer will be available for a suggested donation.
     Valerie Luzier's daughter has donated her late mothers jewelry to C.C. Conchita does not want to sell the items at the flea market as they are of excellent quality. We were thinking that we could set up a special table at the social, perhaps calling it something like "Boutique Valerie"
with a framed sign honoring Valerie as she was the driving force behind the social for many years. We would be interested in the council's thoughts on this idea. Please note that Conchita is in Puerto Rico and we have not discussed this with her as yet.
     There will be a small silent auction as well.
     Gail Archer's Barnard College vocal group has agreed to perform.
     We have still not dealt with the sound system for recorded music and would welcome any suggestions.

Committees’ Reports: 1) No report from the Education Committee. 2) See under Parish Social the report of the Hospitality Committee. 3) Maintenance Committee: Michael Morrison reported that the School is being kept clean at all times & a number of people, including parents of the students, have commented favorably on its condition. As Custodian, Michael, will always pursue a solution to a problem. There have been many plumbing & boiler problems that all place a financial burden on the Parish. 4) Spirituality/Liturgy Committee: In response to his question, Tom Croft was informed that the members of the Committee are Fr. Rafferty, Jim Welby, Mary Croft, Brenda Fairaday, Willy Malarcher, Angie Robinson & Nicholas Chong. Fr. Rafferty said that there will be a meeting with the Spanish speaking Lectors & EMs on November 13.

Old Business: None.

New Business: None.

The next meeting will be held on December 6, 2010 (feast of St. Nicholas) at 7:30 PM.

The meeting then adjourned.

Submitted by Tom Croft.

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Parish Council Minutes

Corpus Christi Parish

Meeting of Monday, January 10, 2011

Present: Brenda Fairaday, Connor Hailey, Michael Morrison, Dorothy Valla, Rev. Raymond Rafferty, Brian Questa, Dinora Rivera.

Absent: Miriam Duran, Conchita Gonzalez, Tom Croft, Tom Warren.

Opening Prayer: Rev. Raymond Rafferty

Amendments & Approval of Minutes: Fr. Rafferty motioned and the December 6^th minutes were approved. Brenda took this time to thank Fr. Rafferty on behalf of the council for his service during the Christmas season events.

Pastor’s Report: 1) The wake and funeral times for Miriam Duran’s mother were noted. 2) Three parishioners were selected to participate as representatives in the Archdiocese’s program “Making All Things New”. The representatives are Todd Austin, Angela Robinson, and Susan Gallahue. The representatives are chosen to meet with the bishop and report back to the parish regarding a number of issues. They have yet to meet with Fr. Rafferty concerning the information they received in their meeting with the bishop.

Principal’s Report: 1) The YESS grant was submitted. 2) Open houses for closed schools from St. Joseph and All Saints parishes will be held on Thurs. Jan 27, Fri. Jan 28, and Wed. Feb. 2. 3) A Steam Pipe broke in the convent during the Christmas break. It damaged equipment and the room. New floors and a new paint job will be installed. The approximate costs for the Cooke Center is $4,500 and for Corpus Christi School is $12,000 or $13,000. 4) Friday Jan. 14^th the school will be closing for a Conference Day.

Vice-Chair Position: The appointing of a vice chair will be done at the next meeting in order to have the chair filled for the beginning of the next election cycle.

Committee Reports: Education Committee –Brian reported, the committee did not meet. Hospitality Committee – Dinora reported 1) that she intended to talk with Jane about ways to avoid spending so that there are too many leftovers after events. 2) They intend to organize a Lenten Soup Supper for the week of the feasts of St. Patrick and St. Joseph, possibly on the Thursday of that week sometime between 5:30 PM and 8 PM. It would be open to everyone; volunteers could bring food. 3) On the Corpus Christi Parish website regarding the Hospitality Committee, Jane Hart’s email address is spelt wrong. Dinora will be in touch with Ann Plogsterth about changing the contact information to an official hospitality committee email address accessed by both Dinora and Jane. Maintenance Committee – Michael reported 1) that the representative from the Archdiocesan Building Commission had not made contact over the Christmas season regarding the faulty church doors. 2) The school doors which were installed in the summer are unable to be propped open. The man responsible for fixing them is difficult to get a hold of. Contact with him will be tried again. Spirituality/Liturgy Committee – Brenda reported 1) that processions including the lectors have been happening since November in four of the parish Masses. 2) On April 2nd from 1- 4 PM a Retreat Day for all Lectors & EMs will be held.

Old Business: 1) Catholic Charities successfully picked up the remains of the Flea Market. 2) Possible dates for the Parish Brunch with Raffle include May 1^st, May 22^nd and June 12^th.

New Business: 1) the registration form for Parish Council Elections was reviewed. The new registration deadline is Feb. 6^th. The elections will be held on the weekends of Feb. 26th and 27th and March 5^th and 6^th. 2) Brenda mentioned the next Merton event “Merton and St. Francis” on Sat. January 29^th.

The next meeting will be held on Feb. 7, 2011.

Michael motioned and the meeting was adjourned.

Submitted by Brian Questa.

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Parish Council Minutes

Corpus Christi Parish

Meeting of Monday, February 11, 2011

Present: Rev. Raymond Rafferty, Tom Croft, Dorothy Valla, Connor Hailey, Tom Warren, Conchita Gonzalez, Brenda Fairaday, Michael Morrison, & Dinora Rivera. Members of the Making all Things New Committee: Susan Gallahue & Todd Austen.

Absent: Brian Questa & Miriam Duran.

Opening Prayer: Rev. Raymond Rafferty.

Making all Things New: At the suggestion of Fr. Rafferty the members of the “Making all Things New” Committee were invited to this meeting so that the Survey & its interpretation could be discussed with the Council. Two of the three committee members attended: Susan Gallahue & Todd Austen. Fr. Rafferty said there had been a high response rate to the Survey. Susan Gallahue mentioned some parishioners are afraid the Parish will be closed. She has been impressed by the thoughtful responses. In answering a question, Todd Austen said that the Archdiocese was not specific if comments can be sent in with the tabulated results. He said we can decide so everyone agreed the comments should be included. Also, the results are due in at the end of February but a short delay is possible. Susan Gallahue suggested we respond to the parishioners after the Survey is completed so that it just doesn’t drop out of sight. Everyone agreed that it is a good idea. The Committee will collate the results & comments that will be distributed to the Council for discussion before they are sent to the Archdiocese.

Amendments & Approval of Minutes: The Minutes of the January 10, 2011 Meeting, as amended, were approved unanimously after a motion to do so came from Brenda Fairaday & seconded by Dinora Rivera.

Pastor’s Report: Nothing to report.

Principal’s Report: Dorothy Valla reported: i) Enrollment now is 182. Twelve parents visited from St. Joseph’s & All Saints’ parishes so maybe ½ will enroll. ii) The Open Houses were all snowed out. An Open House will now take place on Thursday, February 17 from 6-7:30 PM. Notices of the new date were sent to the relevant parishes. iii) Information about the Scholarship Tuition Assistance Program will be distributed within 7-10 days. A copy of the Flyer had been sent to Sr. Mary Tyler’s family. iv) Some events of Catholic Schools Week were re-scheduled with a Religion Bowl taking place on Tuesday & Sports on Friday. v) School will be closed on March 18.

Elections: We have or will have 5 vacancies that need to be filled. So far only one nomination has been received from Marcia Ruiz. All Council members were asked to contact people & encourage them to come forward as candidates. Members are to report to Tom Croft by Wednesday, February 16 on the results. The elections will take place on the weekends of March 5/6 & 12/13.

Committees’ Reports: 1) Hospitality: Dinora Rivera said, firstly, she still has to get Jane Hart’s email address corrected on the Parish’s website. Secondly, the Lenten Soup Supper will be on Thursday, March 17. Finally, she has resigned from the Committee. Dorothy Valla thanked Dinora for all of the work she has done on the Hospitality Committee. 2) Maintenance: No report. 3) Education: No report. 4) Spirituality/Liturgy: Brenda reported: a) There will be a Retreat Day on Saturday, April 2 for all Lectors & EMs. b) After each of the 10 AM Masses in Lent there will be a guest preacher. c) Lenten Vespers will begin on Sunday, March 13.

Then a discussion ensued about involving students from the School in various functions, what training would be required & if such service could be credited to the students’ School records.

Old Business: 1) A date has not been set for the Parish Spring Raffle/Brunch. Tom Croft will speak to Jane Hart & settle on a date. 2) Brenda Fairaday said that the recent Merton event was well attended with about 2/3 of the attendees not seen before. The event appeared in Catholic New York & on the Archdiocesan’s online Calendar.

New Business: Brenda Fairaday notified us that the last of the Merton Society’s 10^th anniversary events will take place on Saturday, March 5 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM here at Corpus Christi. Sr. Kathleen Deignan, CND’s topic will be “Thomas Merton’s Franciscan Soul. Sr. Deignan is the President-Elect of the International Thomas Merton Society.

The next meeting will be held on March 7, 2011 at 7:30 PM.

The meeting then adjourned.

Submitted by Tom Croft.

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Parish Council Minutes

Corpus Christi Parish

Meeting of Monday, April 4, 2011

Addendum: Corrections to the April 4, 2011 minutes are being done on Ascension Thursday, 6/2 at 5:23pm from the minutes taken during the Monday, May 2^nd 7:30pm parish council meeting.

Fr. Rafferty and Principal, Dorothy Valle stated for page 1 corrections, should be the Inter-finance parish group…we allotted $50,000.00 an additional $83,000 last year.

Pg 1 in the Principal’s report, it should be, financial assistants for the students, Italian teacher, reinstitute every 3 years.

In old business – they received the info, acknowledged and accepted well received.

As amended: Miriam, 2^nd Susan, all in favor.

Present: Fr. Raymond Rafferty, Marcia Ruiz, Connor Hailey, Dinora Rivera, Miriam Duran, Dorothy Valle, Dan Nichols, Susan Gallahue Steve Williams

Absent: Angie Robinson, Michael Morrison, Conchita Gonzalez

Approval of the March 7^th 2011 Minutes

1^st Susan Gallahue, 2^nd Dinora Rivera

The meeting was called to order by council-president, Tom Croft.

Opening prayer by Fr. Rafferty.

Pastor’s Report, Fr. Rafferty:

Fr. Rafferty opened up by saying that the annual Stewardship appeal has a good response, we have passed our parish goal. This year over 80 families replied approximate goal this year is $32,000.00. There is an amount of $24,000 to over $30,000 the pledges have gone over. The number of contributors is quite good and noted in the bulletin. The parish gets 60% back to the parish; we raised last in last year’s appeal $26,000 and we were able to get back $2,000.00 for 2010.

The Committee for the 75^th anniversary, Dinora Rivera, Ann Plogsterth, and Mary Goffin, met with me. We have October 16 date for a combined 11am all in one and not the regular Sunday hours. A prayer before the event before 10/16. Alumni, what can they do per each night of that week with the other parish groups. April 9^th at 2:30pm, fund raiser attached to it; Christmas cards or calendars for the season. Rectory current building is 75 years old; this unique building has served the community for 75 years. People have given positive remarks for an alumni evening event.

Principal’s Report, Dorothy Valla

Enrollment looks good right now. Looking and preparing for Sept 2011, All Saints & St. Joseph’s families and their children have visited to see the school. Benefits advisory board, May 10, all are invited. Question presented… (10-20 new students…)

April 12, Interchurch finance-grants money every parish is taxed. We, Corpus Christi, will take some money from $50,000. We got last year, $100,000.00…$83,000.00 on top of (what was recorded in previous minutes, refer to)

We are getting replies from alumni appeals, (assistants for school teachers, in new Fr. Ford room) . Sledge-lights repairs will begin on Weds, one week roof and library are off limits.

Science lab-we need an architect pro-bono work.

There is an Italian grant, grants for teachers; we are sending in the forms trying for a forth teacher, then wait on their reply. Question presented, asked if there is another language teacher; answer, we have a language teacher here for 3 years.

Easter break, April 20^th half-day.

Suggestions, Williams says what about after school, so many parents, so many languages to do an after school program. Reply, Connor will look into and speak with the Christian service director, for after school programs, language student volunteers.

Spring Social: Date given was June 12^th looks good, it would be a Sunday brunch; Tom will ask and speak with Jane.

Committee needed for the raffle tickets. The tickets immediately be ready with envelopes and distribution come May 1^st. Tom will speak with Patricia, rectory secretary.

Old Business

Tom: the survey, convey to the parish when it should happen; how it should happen. Susan let the parishoners know, thank you, for your response. Fr. Rafferty our individual response is bigger..it is for the Diocese to make the changes in the near future.

Survey will eventually make the move to make changes. Fr. Rafferty, the most we received was a thank you to us.

Last month the surveys were sent to the diocese; they sent the surveys back…

Dinora- the soup supper went well last month; there was plenty of soup. There were about 30 adults, 40-50 children we had green lemonade for St. Patricks, various soups and an exchange of recipes. The Spanish community used the leftovers for the next day, all day Lenten retreat; nothing went to waste. Several are saying that this should be repeated more often, not just an annual event with an incentive for a can food drive.

Committees:

Maintenance: Michael Morrison and Connor, after Easter, 4/24 general meeting. Fr. Rafferty and Dorothy will report to the maintenance committee.

Education: Connor presented with opening remarks, last month what direction, draw up suggestions, two divisions, 1) spiritual ed. and 2) pratical for the community examples, service programs, go out and paint the church and/or school, go to a soup kitchen.

Fr. Rafferty replied, the focus should be the Sunday school program. Corpus Christi needs more children and we need to sustain recruit teachers. Right now as it stands, the Sunday school program is run by Fr. Rafferty and Fr. Maurice; we have layperson volunteer staff for the Pre-communion 1^st and 2^nd grades, first-communion, and confirmation. We have 3 teachers, two of the three are not resident; they travel from further away to get here. They are generous to do what they do with right now we have 30 to 40 children are registered. Corpus Christi needs faculty to make the time. There is training courses, Catechists needed over a period of time, in-service via the Archdiocese; 12-18 courses level 1 – level 2 every Saturday, some on-line.

Tom asks the question, who can volunteer and who can chair the committee?

Dorothy (at Holy Name) was allowed to teach level 1 not theology level 2.

Marcia Garandino who comes from Yonkers is one of the teachers and Joyce is a substitute.

Connor will take up the challenge to look for a full-time religious coordinator, after school for the public school students of the community; Sunday school (used to be after school on Weds)…Fr Rafferty note that we need a full-time person where a full-time salary is just not there.

Fr. Rafferty mentioned, Weds, early dismissal.

New Business

Marcia mentioned that she saw on the news channel, NY1, money being given away, prize up to $25,000.00 if you create a video of what confession means to you; this is being done through the Brooklyn and Manhattan Archdiocese; you have to visit the website: www.I-confess.com This Saturday, April 9^th at 11am Corpus Christi is one of four churches listed to receive “young adults” on an annual pilgrimage to pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament. There will be no Spanish 11am mass in order to receive the “young adults”, there walking from uptown, Mother Cabrini 1^st then with us, then they will go to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and then further downtown.

The TC bookstore located on the corner of 120^th and Amsterdam Avenue will close on May 27, 2011; new location will be the CU Barnes & Noble bookstore on 114^th St and Broadway, but the staff will not have jobs there.

Meeting Adjourned.

Minutes prepared by Marcia Y. Ruiz, on Mon, 5/2/11 5:05pm+

Next council meeting: Monday, June 6, 2011 at 7:30pm, the rectory

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