The Community of  St. Malachi 2000-2001 Annual Report Annual Meeting — April 22, 2001

Dear Community Members,

It's hard to believe that a year has gone by. I'd like to share two significant matters -- the status of the St. Malachi Looks to the Future process, and the Bishop's recent letter, Vibrant Parish life.

This has been a year of planning and discernment. The St. Malachi Looks to the Future process has been exciting because of the participation of nearly 200 people from the Parish and the Community. I encourage anyone who hasn't read the recently published Directional Statements to get a copy and prayerfully consider them. Because these statements are the collective voice of the people, we have a mandate to implement the vision, a vision of new life and vitality for St. Malachi.

Implementation will require resources of time, talent, and money. We have always stressed the time and the talent at St. Malachi. At this point. I would like to stress the money. Many people have fewer hours to volunteer for church projects; at the same time, we have half of the priests at St. Malachi (between the parish and the Community) that we have had for most of our 25 years. Additional paid staff can help us maintain our vitality.

The specifics will come from five committees that have been formed to implement the vision. I want to make sure that these committees have all of the resources they need -- time, talent, and money -- to provide us what we asked for. To this extent, I will soon explore the issue of stewardship with the Community Council. I'm confident that we will provide the time, talent, and money that are needed to carry out our mission..

Achieving this mission is what the second issue, the Bishop's Vibrant Parish Life letter, is all about. In this letter, the Bishop expresses his vision that as the parish goes, so goes the church. If parish life is vibrant, alive, and life-giving, the church will be also. In the letter, the Bishop lays out his vision of what this means. I encourage all of you to read the letter -- it is available at the doors of the church, and portions have been reprinted in Communio. We have a big head start on this process.

I must mention that the Bishop has an additional motivation for this process: The diocese doesn't have enough priests to continue the current staffing level at its parishes. Over the next 10 years, a significant percentage of our priests will retire. The Bishop wants us, the local pastors and the people, to help craft the solution to this problem.


You will be hearing much more about Vibrant Parish Life over the upcoming months. In spite of challenges, I'm confident that, with the help of the Holy Spirit. St. Malachi will continue to be a symbol of hope for many. It has been a privilege to serve you over this last year.

Community Council President

COMMUNITY MISSION STATEMENT

      JESUS CHRIST HAS CALLED US TOGETHER AS A CATHOLIC CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY IN THIS PARTICULAR PLACE. THROUGH THE SCRIPTURE, CHRIST HAS GIVEN US: A PATTERN FOR
OUR SALVATION; A LIVING WITNESS OF GOD'S LOVE FOR US. OUR MISSION, THEREFORE, IS:
TO WORSHIP GOD AND CELEBRATE EUCHARIST TOGETHER; TO LOVE OTHERS THE WAY WE
ARE LOVED BY GOD; TO TAKE TIME TO COMFORT GOD'S PEOPLE; TO PROVIDE REFUGE; TO
HEAL; TO CONSOLE; TO GIVE HOPE. AS A PILGRIM CHURCH CONTINUING THE PRESENCE OF
CHRIST; WE RECOGNIZE THE NEED TO NURTURE OUR OWN PERSONAL AND SPIRITUAL
GROWTH; WE DESIRE TO TAKE MORE SERIOUSLY THE IMPACT OF THE GOSPEL ON OUR
WORLD; WE COMMIT TO BECOMING STRONGER WITNESSES TO THE LOVE OF GOD IN JESUS,
WHO IS OUR HOPE.





Liturgy Committee — Jeanette Shemo

Prompted by a request from a member of the Community that we consider standing during the Eucharistic Prayer, the Liturgy Committee launched a program on Sunday, June 25^th to reflect on the nature of the liturgy with specific focus on the Eucharistic Prayer and prayer posture. Following the seven-week series, feedback from the community was solicited and an evening of prayer and discernment was held in November that resulted in the Community's decision to stand during the Eucharistic Prayer.
Under the direction of Kay Vine, the Liturgy Committee sponsored two Funeral Workshops in the fall that consisted of theological presentations, funeral home and Catholic Cemetery information as well as a planning booklet and worksheet.
The Children's Choir was formed under the direction of our Music Minister, Charlene McEllwee. The choir is open to all children eight years and up.
Planning for the holiday seasons and special shared liturgies were a joint effort this year between the Parish and Community. Members were asked to bring socks and scarves to the Thanksgiving Liturgy and socks and undershirts to the Holy Thursday Liturgy. Sponsored by both liturgy committees, St Malachi's presented a service of word, reflection and song entitled, "With Him All Along, The Women on the Journey" during Lent. A special thanks goes to all those who participated in the planning and preparation for the Bishop's Liturgy on October 1st.

Christian Formation -- Mary Carol Lucic & Karen Duffy., D.R.E -- Mary Carol Lucic & Karen Duffy., D.R.E.


114 students are currently enrolled in preschool through 12th grade. 62 families are currently involved in the Christian Formation Program.
Highlights of the year:
Four and Five year-olds continue to use hands-on activities to experience the messages taught in the readings. They made personalized cards and wrapped the gifts that were donated during the annual Advent giving project.
---First graders collected clothing for the annual Advent giving project. The readings are discussed using the Seasons of Faith books and the messages expressed through art activities. They are also learning traditional prayers such as The Lord's Prayer and Hail Mary.
---Second graders are in the midst of preparing to receive First Eucharist. They have been following The Table of the Lord preparation series. Fifteen children will receive First Eucharist on Sunday, May 20th. Four second-graders participated in the preparation for First Reconciliation which was celebrated on December 6th.
---Third and Fourth graders shared a dramatic presentation of the Epiphany with parents and recently prayed the stations of the cross using their own illustrations of each station.
---Fifth and Sixth grade have learned more about the Malachi Ministries with a trip to Malachi Mart and a day of making sandwiches for the back door. They also tie-dyed tee shirts as a preparation for Lent and have played several rounds of Who Wants to be a Spiritual Millionaire? Using the parent group as a lifeline.
---The parent group viewed and discussed the following videos: The Millennial Pope. and Huston Smith, Hinduism, Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism.
---The evening Junior High class has discussed topics relevant to their age group such as an in-depth look at the world of contemporary music and videos; prejudice, racism, and discrimination; and moral decision-making.
---The evening Senior High class has been studying the gospel of Matthew in the light of the music of Godspell and will be performing those songs in the church on Sunday, April 29th at 8:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend. They are also looking to the future as they begin plans to attend the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis. December 6-9th.
---Twenty five students have been preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation. They will be Confirmed on Tuesday, May 8th at 7p.m.
---Both Junior High and Senior High classes have gotten together for several events throughout the year such as Bowling, a fall Hayride, and most recently a weekend Spirit retreat at Cedar Hills Conference Center in Painesville.



Membership Committee — Jocelyn Heaney

The Membership Committee continued its four major activities, with the help of coordinators and volunteers, as follows:

1. Membership Table: The Table was set up weekly during Coffee Hour with the assistance of a number of volunteers. The Table continues to be an effective way to connect with prospective members.
2. Prospective Member Meetings: Meetings were held about once a month, usually the first Sunday after the 11:00 Liturgy. This year's coordinator was Francine Cutura. We tried different locations this year besides Malachi Center, i.e., the hall during Coffee Hour and the Rectory. We had good attendance at several meetings. These meetings are a convenient way to provide information about CSM to new and prospective members on a regular basis.
3. Welcome Series: This year's coordinator was Rose Horning. The fall Welcome Series was held in October, 2000 at the Horning's residence and at Malachi Center. Carol Anders and Paul Wingenfeld facilitated this series. Twelve new members who attended were welcomed into the Community on New Member Sunday on November 5, 2000 (Feast of St. Malachi). The spring Welcome Series was held in March. 2001 at the Horning's residence and at Malachi Center. Mary Ann Marsal and Drew McAuliffe facilitated this series. The sixteen new members who attended were welcomed into the Community on New Member Sunday on April 1, 200 1, along with four children.. During the Series, representatives from Council and the committees and ministries discussed their roles and opportunites for involvement and volunteering. The Welcome Series continues to be an effective way for new members to connect with long time members as well as other new members, and to learn about ways to get involved. Thanks to Rose and Duane Horning for their hospitality!
4. Annual Recommitment Process: Coordinator is Bill McLaughlin. This year Bill prepared a total of 496 recommitment forms. They were distributed during the 3/11, 3/18, 3/25, and 4/1/0l Coffee Hours, and those remaining were mailed. After the process is complete, a new roster will be prepared for the upcoming fiscal year, and the interest lists (from back of recommitment forms) will be distributed appropriately.
A new goal of the Membership Committee is to follow up and go beyond the above initial welcoming efforts, to further help new, newer, and prospective members feel welcome and become involved in the Community. This need became apparent from Membership Committee meeting discussions on 12/10/00 and 3/4/01. and from the results of the process Rejoice and Renew: St. Malachi Looks to the Future. Therefore, the Committee will start a new effort for the upcoming fiscal year to address these issues, which we are calling Outreach, and it will be led by Coordinator Marc Giguere.
Our 3/4/01 discernment/discussion meeting resulted in the following leadership for next year's Membership Committee: Chair, Paul Wingenfeld; Co-chair, Francine Cutura; Coordinators Louie Finucane, Membership Table; Sue Colson, Prospective Member Meetings; Joann and Gene Kramer, Welcome Series; Marc Giguere, Outreach, and Bill McLaughlin, Annual Renewal.
I would like to thank the Coordinators, Committee members, Membership Table volunteers, Welcome Series facilitators and presenters, the new leadership for next year's Membership Committee, and of course those we serve, the new members of CSM.

Hospitality Committee — Rosemary Gray

The Hospitality Committee has successfully completed its two main functions during the past year.
The committee furnished ushers /greeters for the Community's 11:00 Liturgy and hosted Coffee Hour after the Liturgy. Patti Klatil coordinated the weekly lead ushers — Drew McAuliffe, Jim Majewski, Susan Kinize, Terry Hayes. They each had a team of nine members to greet and usher.
Vicki Steflik, coordinator of the Coffee Hour, scheduled volunteers to pick up donuts and serve them.
The Hospitality Committee has been expanded for the coming year to include a Sunday Brunch for Election Sunday and a social committee. The Social Committee is co captained by Kim Brosman and Gina Turella.



Social Action Committee — Lois Dingman

We started the year with Susan Shipley as Chairperson, however, Susan was lucky and found work but soon discovered she was unable to carry on with the Chairperson's duties. When Susan was in charge she invited Aggie Hoskin to speak at a meeting.
At that meeting the committee voted to support the West Side Catholic Center by raising enough money to furnish one new room at the newly expanded Center. Also during Sue's tenure the attendance at the meetings increased through her efforts.
As Co-chair, Lois Dingman then took over the committee.
A prayer service for those with HIV or AIDS was held. Stephanie Taylor-Ayers and Kay Vine prepared the service and carried it through. In November, the Committee voted to spend $100 for men's socks for the back door. This was done.
Our next project was the annual Giving Tree which is put up in the sacristy the Saturday following Thanksgiving. This year the ornaments on the tree provided Christmas presents for the older children who are served at Malachi Center and a second set of ornaments helped furnish the room at the West Side Catholic Center. Thanks to all who participated every ornament was taken.
The Giving Tree was successful thanks to the work done by Sharon Benyo and her stepfather who designed, cut out and prepared the ornaments for the tree. Thanks also to Mary Becker and her crew who picked up the gifts each Sunday and stored them until needed; Cathy Saegel who provided the names for the children needing gifts; Kay Vine who set up the tree and made provisions for the ornaments; Pat Forkas and Sharon Westerfield who helped pass out our flyer. Hopefully I have not forgotten anyone. However, even though it was successful there were a few glitches this year and some changes will have to be made next year if this tradition of providing gifts to the children from the Center is to continue.
The Furnish-A-Room was very successful. It cost $761 to furnish one room at the newly constructed facility at West Side Catholic Center. We raised $1635 because of the generosity of the members of the Community and their dedication to helping the less fortunate. A thank you goes to Bill McLaughlin for keeping track of the donations for us.
Our theme this year was Women's Issues which is one reason we chose to work

closely with WSCC. WSCC needs volunteers to help care for children, assist women in learning to dress for work, tutoring, and many other jobs that their limited staff cannot provide.
A report on the status of the Social Action Committee was prepared and sent to the President of Council.
I met with Dick Gibbons, Chair of the Spiritual Development Committee, to discuss the future of these two committees and whether or not they should be combined as was suggested by Frank Schiros. There are arguments on both sides of this issue and Dick and I decided that we should submit the question of the missions of each of these committees and their future to the membership of the Community.

Spiritual Development -- Dick Gibbons & Frank Shiros -- Dick Gibbons & Frank Shiros

The committee sponsored an Eastern Religions program with Mike Pettit presiding during Lent. There were capacity crowds at the weekly sessions. The committee researched a parish mission for the coming year, which will be held in conjunction with St. Malachi Parish. Frank Shiros resigned early in the year. Dick Gibbons resigned this past January. Our thanks to them both for their efforts.

Communications -- Dan Alaimo & Peter Toomey -- Dan Alaimo & Peter Toomey

It was a year of small steps and continuing efforts for the Communications Committee. Mary Englert kept up the twice-monthly publishing schedule of The Newsletter. Mike May continued to upgrade our very comprehensive web site (www.stmalachi.org), as well as working on sites for the Parish. Center and Malachi Mart. On Communio, the work of Luis Gutierrez and Joe Pulizzi was recognized with upgraded titles, Luis to Editor and Joe to Managing Editor. Kay Vine kept up her fine work on the archives, as Bill McLaughlin continued to put together The Calendar.
Thanks also to Ellen McIntyre, Judy Bozell, and Carol Lavelle in the Rectory who unfailingly reproduce the copies you receive. To Patricia Coffey for coordinating the collating and stapling. To Celeste Grunwald for organizing the distribution of the publications after Liturgy. And to Dolores Sullen for doing just about everything else that's needed doing.
Peter Toomey put together a policy on privacy and e-mail addresses that was approved by Council. We are making plans to make better use of e-mail for sending out our publications, other Community news and emergency notification about illnesses and deaths. We are still seeking someone to shepherd this effort, which is distinct from the other Committee ministries.
Thanks to the efforts of Mike May and his brother Bob, the Rectory and Fr. Tony now have e-mail -- malachirectory@catholic.org for general correspondence and ajstmalachi@catholic.org for Fr. Tony.
In a remarkable conclusion to the year, three Committee members stepped forward to fill the chair position for next year as Peter Toomey and Dan Alaimo step aside in deference to term limitations. Mike May, Luis Gutierrez and Joe Pulizzi will work together in what is believed to be the first triumvirate to head a Committee, unusual but justified given the expanding scope of the Community's communications.

Financial Report — Bill McLaughlin

The fiscal year started out with an aggressive budget for income and expenses but true to the Malachi tradition, our income has exceeded our estimate and our expenses have stayed within our forecast resulting inprobably a small net income for this year.

The records for fiscal year 1999-2000 and 1998-1999 were reviewed and we are awaiting the written acknowledgement from the auditor.

A revision was made for the counting of collection this year. Two members of the community counted one week each month with a council member assigned for the month. This has worked out very well for all parties and we will continue with this procedure next year.

The Preliminary Budget for fiscal year 200 1-2002 is being prepared with more funds being allocated for the committees. This step will allow them to be more proactive in their activities.

Shared Ministry -- Paul Kunkel -- Paul Kunkel

The group met for their retreat in September, a Thanksgiving service in November, Christmas caroling in December, and a Christian Unity dinner in January at St. Paul's Community Church. Lenten services were held weekly at Lutheran Hospital Chapel with Rev. Robin Schreiber, Seminarian John Retar, Fr. Tony Schuerger. Fr. Mark Dinardo of St. Pat's and Rev. Jim Lenk preaching God's Word. The Good Friday Service was held at St. Paul's with Rev. Jim Kulma, Lutheran Hospital Chaplain preaching. There were about twenty faithful from St. Malachi, St. Pat's, St. Paul's in attendance. New members of this near West-Side ecumenical group included Rev. Bill Spangler, the interim pastor at Franklin Circle Church, and Rev. Foster McElfesh at West Side United Church of Christ. Sr. Francis Borgia, Mary Ann and Paul Kunkel represent St. Malachi Church.

Dialogue with Fairmount Temple Community -- Paul Kunkel -- Paul Kunkel

A small group of members of St. Malachi Parish and the Community of St. Malachi met with community members of Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple for four sessions to dialogue about our faith and living it out. Two sessions were held at St. Malachi Church and two at Fairmount Temple. Fr. Tony Schuerger and Rabbi Melinda Mersack addressed the group at each of the sessions preceding the small group discussions.

It was a wonderful exchange and sharing of beliefs and experiences in our faith lives. There were tours of the facilities at both places of worship along with follow-up invitations to liturgies and Sabbath worship. Several of us participated in an interfaith Seder service at Fairmount Temple. St. Malachi Pastoral Minister, Mary Jane Treichel did the arrangements for the program which Father Tony and Rabbi Melinda coordinated.

The time has come to gather all nations and tongues; they shall come and behold My glory" Isaiah 66:18

25th Anniversary Report — Kay Vine

For the silver anniversary of the Bishop's recognition of the Community as the Diocese's first personal parish in 1975, we responded as follows.
Three Focus Areas: Education. Outreach. Celebration.
Activities: Calendar to promote: mailed to former members, clerics, religious; Malachi Ministries; Diocesan contacts; people outside CSM who have been important to our past. And distributed at Mass.
Education: Memory Book researched and captured history, solicited personal visions and hopes, detailed recent Council activities, explained the roles of the Malachi Ministries, remembered those who've passed into glory, and listed those who have been active in leadership. * Articles in Communio. Slide shows at Mass and Dinner — chose elements that educate and that represented all aspects of CSM. Appreciative Inquiry: supported St. Malachi Looks To The Future. The very act of inquiry generates good things. Brings people together. Establishes committee activity to implement ideas. Re-energizes, invites all to be very thoughtful. CSM Mission Statement: repeatedly published to remind all and to invite personal recommitment.
Outreach To All: 8/20/00 Picnic for all with games for children — Lakewood Park. 10/1/00 Breakfast; Bishop's Mass — Liturgical involvement of children; Dinner — made choices to keep price within reach for all. Entertainment: members in ministries and activities; Christian Formation theme. 11/00 Special reception after Thanksgiving Eve Mass to close the year. 12/00 Giving Tree for neighborhood youth at Christmas, Social Action Committee. Coat collection at end of year: overwhelming success.
Celebration: All activities of the year supported this focus. This allowed a wide range of people to participate in meaningful ways. Many members commented favorably — people felt a part of it. Pins: signs of inclusion, involvement, and belief. Banners: hang sanctuary. after Christmas when we switched to the Jubilee decor. Tour of the Churches of the Central West District: 10/8/00. Bookmark with the Mission Statement for Thanksgiving Eve, 2000. Candles candle with 25^th Logo, at various celebrations. To symbolize the Mission of the Community during the closing Liturgy as members prayed together.
Finances: fundraising to allow participation by more people. Successfully minimized costs for Dinner and Pins. Collections covered balance of costs.
Archives: provided impetus for establishing formal Archives. Work continues. Web site: gave boost to development of the Community's new site, including documents and photos.
Recommendations: The Anniversary became "the reason" for activities that were valuable to the life of the Community. And the personal lives of its members. Many suggested "don't wait this long again." Social Activities: members asked for more. Prayer/spiritual development — follow-up to the extremely popular Vatican II series. Mike Pettit's Eastern Religions would be better received if hosted in homes. Perhaps Looks To The Future will pick up the idea. Memory books, pins, banners helped people connect — such tools should be used again. Continue Council Corner outreach. Create a CSM Brochure — mission, history, ministries, relationships with other groups.

Develop in new members and especially in evolving leadership an overarching commitment to the lay-directed nature of the Community, which has always been the cornerstone of who we are.

— Reported by the Steering Committee: Peg Connell, Rosemarie DeJohn, Cindy DiNardo, Mary Englert, Pat Forkas, Greg Gortz, Lou Keim, Mary Ann Kunkel, Paul Kunkel, Peter Toomey, Kay Vine.

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