Pastoral Regions

Most Recent News from the Regional Pastoral Council

Posted on Friday April 4, 2008

Minutes from the San Pedro Regional Pastoral Council Meeting of January 22, 2008

SAN PEDRO REGIONAL PASTORAL COUNCIL
Most Reverend Alexander Salazar
Deacon Bob Miller
Meeting Minutes
January 22, 2008

I. Gathering and fellowship: The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, David Kennedy. Present were Dn. Bob Miller, Dn. Frank Dieter, Dn. Matthew Nguyen, Sr. Kathleen Burns, SND, Rev. Antonio Garnica, MSC, Hank Cierpich, Kathy Hamrock, Jim Dela Torre, Marisol Meza, Rosalie Marquez, Frances Jonte, Charles Salfity, Rosemarie Kelley, David Kennedy, Earl Lovett, Ana Rosal, Nora Rodriguez, and Francisco Gonzalez.

Absent were Bishop Alexander Salazar, Rev. Michael Gleeson, Rev. Michael Sears, Msgr. David Sork, Sr. Miriam Harney CHF, Tom Connolly, and Jose Luis Perez.

II. Opening Prayer: Jim de la Torre read Matthew 4: 12-17. Rosalie Marquez read a reflection then everyone shared their thoughts on the questions: In what ways is your faith a “light” to you? Where is there darkness that needs light?

III. Agenda Confirmation: The meeting agenda was reviewed and approved.

IV. Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the last meeting were reviewed and approved. Hank Cierpich thanked everyone for getting their comments on the draft copy of the minutes to him in a timely manner so as to post a corrected copy before the meeting for everyone to review.

V. Moderators’ Comments: David Kennedy said that the Archdiocese wants their meeting minutes reviewed beforehand as well.

VI. Bishop’s Comments: Deacon Bob Miller apologized for Bishop Alexander Salazar’s absence. He said that the Cardinal called all the Bishops for a meeting on this evening to discuss the Archdiocesan budget. In the past the Cardinal would meet with each region, now he wants to meet with each deanery. The main subject to be discussed will be the sexual abuse settlement and how the Archdiocese will go from settlement to recovery. The presentation will elaborate on the overview of the settlement, how the money will be raised, what are the financial implications of the settlement, and how we can all move forward to lessen the impact of the settlement. Those invited are priest, pastoral council and finance council members, and paid staff members of the parish. 45 minutes of the 120 minutes of the meeting will be devoted to questions. The four meetings for San Pedro are:

Deanery 17 Feb 25, St. Bernard, Bellflower

Deanery 18 Feb 13, St. Gregory the Great, Whittier

Deanery19 Jan. 24, American Martyrs, Manhattan Beach

Deanery 20, Feb. 5th at St. Anthony, Long Beach

VII. Old Business

1. Initiative I, Evangelization: Frances Jonte reported that after the council seats have been filled, we plan to have a “Day of Reflection” for all council members. The focus would be on the new Evangelization.

2. Initiative II, Structure and Accountability: David Kennedy reported that the Parish visits are still ongoing and hopefully will be completed soon.

3. Initiative VI, Social Justice: Frances Jonte reported she attended a training session for “Operation Rice Bowl” Saturday, January 12, 2007, at St. Jerome Catholic Church, Thomas Awiapo, Senior Program Officer for Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Ghana, shared his story of survival and success, in large part due to the help of CRS and Operation Rice Bowl. She encouraged everyone to participate in Operation Rice Bowl and the following events:

• Cesar Chavez Mass – April 6, 2008, at 3:30 p.m. (Cathedral)

• Catholic Lobby Day – April 22, 2008, in Sacramento

4. Discernment Days: David Kennedy said noted that we have four members whose terms are up this year and may choose to serve a second term if so desired. The question is what process do they follow if they want to serve a second term? Have we defined a method that addresses this issue? Deacon Bob Miller clarified that Hank Cierpich does not have to go through any process because he was appointed by the Bishop; therefore, it is up to him to discuss his term with the Bishop. What about the other three, do they go through a process? After a participatory discussion on the process, it was agreed that those members whose term will expire and wish to continue for a second term will participate in the discernment process as a council member and a candidate. They will submit their names as viable candidates to be voted on by their respective deaneries.

The discussion then focused on the discernment days agenda and after some discussion, appropriate changes were made. It was agreed not to hand out copies of the Regional Charter at the discernment process. David Kennedy then facilitated discussion on what to do when a candidate couldn’t make the first discernment day but was able to make the second. After some discussion it was agreed that a candidate could submit a letter of intent which would be read during the discernment process.

As a final point, discussion ensued about the timing and notification of this process and how it would benefit all if the process was announced sooner so people could plan appropriately.
Lastly, discussion took place on the logistics of the two day discernment process.

VI. New Business: The “Tidings” Regional insert -- David Kennedy stated that we need to develop a plan to for the Regional insert for the Tidings.

VII. Synod Office Report: No one from the Synod office was present at the meeting; however, the following was discussed:

• We must now send a report to the Synod office informing them of our activities.

• Possible best methods we can incorporate to get active committees implemented for all six Synod Initiatives.

• Kathy Hamrock spoke on Initiative IV and announced Fr. James Forsen, Director of the Office for Vocations, will be a guest speaker at our next meeting.

VIII. Announcements: The Southern California Lay Convocation will be on March 29th. For more information, please go to the Archdiocesan web site.

IX. Closing / Night Prayer: Marisol Meza led the closing night prayer.

Our next meeting will be on April 1, 2008, in Kielty Hall. Opening prayer will be proclaimed by Rosalie Marquez. The closing prayer will be led by Deacon Matthew Nguyen. Refreshments will be served by Kathy Hamrock.

Respectfully submitted:
Hank Cierpich,
Secretary, SPRPC