December 2025
The meeting began with an opening prayer, a scripture reading with reflections, and intercessions, followed by approval of the last meeting’s minutes. The Pastor's Report included discussion of welcome tables at the Christmas Masses, distributing prayer card & blessed chalk for the Blessing of Homes & Household on Epiphany, hosting Safe Nights in January, and the vacant Church Maintenance position. The JDW Co-chair for the 11-week Alpha Series gave a presentation to the council on the upcoming program which will commence on February 20th thru May 5th (with no Alpha activities during Holy Week). Toolkit documents and a promotional video were reviewed to gain insights on parish preparation for the series. Many JDW volunteers will be needed for various roles and as planning stages progress, the volunteer sign-up link will be generated. All parishioners and their families will be encouraged to participate with childcare provided. Alpha messaging will be included on the parish weekly bulletin, website, and various social media platforms. Suggestion ideas for the theme/motto/symbol were proposed to coincide with evangelization efforts during the season of Lent. Meeting was adjourned by Father John with a closing prayer & Hail Mary.
October 2025
The meeting opened with a scripture reading, intercessions, and member approval of last month’s meeting minutes. The Pastor's Report highlighted the success of the “Be the Light Showcase” Ministry event, our fantastic volunteers, and the well-received booklet listing of JDW ministries & organizations. A wish list & gift card Baby Shower donation event is being organized by the Respect Life Ministry to benefit the Care Net Pregnancy Center in Prince Frederick. The Nov 1st All-Souls Memorial Mass will remember loved ones gone from our midst within the last year, followed by the Knights of Columbus Italian Dinner Fundraiser that same evening. Cardboard boxes for JDW’s Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive will be available at upcoming Masses. The parish bulletin “Living the Word” section will be renamed “Word in Action” since a new action challenge will accompany each week’s bible verse. Father also announced this year’s Advent and Christmas theme will be “The Light of Hope” to align with the 2025 Jubilee Year’s theme of “Pilgrims of Hope”. Similar to previous years, a book will be distributed from the parish as a gift at the conclusion of the Christmas Masses. The council continued with valuable discussion about the “Divine Renovation” book with impactful topics including “Clear Expectations”, “Strength-Based Ministry”, “Formation of Small Communities”, and to utilize the Alpha Program as a tool for evangelization efforts. The council will finish review of the book topics at the November meeting and continue strategic plans to implement the Alpha series in early 2026 working within the parish’s busy calendar timelines. Meeting was adjourned with a closing prayer.
Father John opened the meeting with a scripture reading and intercessions. This was the first official meeting with participation by the newly appointed Pastoral Council. The Pastor Report included updates concerning the “Amplify Worship” fundraiser for the new parish sound system and the “Be The Light Showcase” to highlight JDW ministries and outreach programs. The Men’s Group began a video series “Living Faith” on Formed and the Parish Safety and Security Committee held their initial meeting with special focus on active & retiree law enforcement input, to formulate and upgrade JDW action plans for enhanced parish protective measures in response to the tragic mass shooting at the Annunciation Catholic School in MN. The parish website is also being redesigned by a website company with JDW goals of improving visual layout and user engagement. Council members discussed the book, “Divine Renovation” by Father James Mallon with beneficial conversations about core community topics including “Parish Culture”, “Giving Priority to the Weekend”, “Hospitality”, and “Uplifting Music and Homilies”. Members will finish reviews of the book at the next meeting in October. Meeting was adjourned with a closing prayer.