Minutes from the August 9, 2022 meeting

In Attendance:  Fr. Michael Gurnick; Judy Slivka; Judy Stowe; Tony Cresci; Cathy Graham; Jackie Krejcik; Melissa Smith-Morales; Steph Riccobene; Claudia Cabrera; Margaret Armstead; Janet Benoit; Jan Durkalski; Jeff Walters

Guests:  Lou Keim; Jeanette Shemo; Charlene McElwee; Stephanie Pritts

Opening Prayer:  Janet Benoit

Strategic Planning Update:  The first meeting of the newly-formed Strategic Planning Work Group (SPWG) will take place on August 13, 2022 from 9a-4:30p in the Library/Meeting Space

Approval of the Minutes:  The minutes from 6/21/22 were amended & approved

Ministry Leadership Meeting (10/29/22):  Call for volunteers

Administrator’s Report from Fr. Gurnick:

• Fr. Gary Yanus, General Vicar, will be the liaison to provide updates on the progress of our strategic planning to Bishop Malesic
• Numerous slates on the church roof need replacement—more extensive than expected, but supported by diocese

Discernment for Council (2022-2023) Leadership Positions:  Lou Keim: Chairperson:  Judy Slivka

Vice-Chairperson:  Tony Cresci; Secretary:  Judy Stowe

Announcements:  Next Meeting:  September 6, 2022 at 6:30p in the Meeting Space

Closing Prayer:  Judy Slivka

 

Respectfully submitted,

Judy Stowe, Secretary

 

 

 

 It is time to fill vacancies for the Parish Pastoral Council. Please use this link to prayerfully vote for up to four candidates.  http://bit.ly/SMP2022 VOTE

 You may also vote on paper ballots that will be at the exits of the church the weekends of May 21/22 and May 29/30, 2022.

Minutes from the  April 5, 2022 meeting

In Attendance:  Fr. Michael Gurnick; Patrick Cleary-Burns; Judy Slivka; Judy Stowe; Cathy Graham;

Melissa Smith-Morales; Steph Riccobene; Claudia Cabrera; Margaret Armstead; Janet Benoit; Tony Cresci.   Absent:  Deacon Leo Bistak; Shawn Blankenship; Heather Gernheim    Guests:  Jeanette Shemo; Max Giorgi; Hollis Johnson; Jim Bishop       Opening Prayer:  Patrick Cleary-Burns

Education & Enrichment:  Parishioner, Hollis Johnson, shared the inspirational story of his life and journey “back” to the church

Approval of the Minutes:  The minutes were approved as written

Discussion/Planning:

• Review of recent Ministry Leadership Meeting ●Annual Parish Meeting (5/15/22): Judy Slivka
• Draft of agenda was reviewed ●Comment cards will be used for question/answer
• Will attempt to focus on solutions instead of gripes ●Nominations for council:  4 have agreed so far
• Parking issues: Jim Bishop
• Atwood Industries lot on Washington St. may be available for our use on Sundays; a formal contract is pending
• A letter was sent to the area councilman re: concerns about signage, traffic light changes & safety issues
• Conversations are pending about moving the dumpsters to improve parking access at Malachi Center
• Parking on Vermont will be limited to those with mobility issues

Administrator’s Report from Fr. Gurnick:

• An insert for the next bulletin will list the Strategic Planning Team chosen to help create the vision & process; meetings are scheduled
• To focus on strategic planning, we may need to re-think the frequency of council meetings so Fr. Gurnick can attend
• Structural repairs have been approved for: Church: the next phase of painting; School: re-do of the 2^nd floor bathroom & steps

Announcements: 

• Tony Cresci described the Young Adult Ministry’s “7-Church Walk” this-coming Saturday beginning at St. John’s Cathedral and ending at St. Malachi’s
• Max Giorgi reminded us about & requested hospitality help for the combined meeting of all the Journey-Through-Lent groups on Palm Sunday at 3p
• Next council meeting: May 3, 2022

Summary of Meeting:  Cathy Graham Closing Prayer:  Steph Riccobene

Respectfully submitted, Judy Stowe, Secretary

 

 

 

St Malachi Parish Pastoral Council

Minutes from the March 1, 2022 meeting in the Library

In Attendance:  Fr. Michael Gurnick; Patrick Cleary-Burns; Judy Slivka; Judy Stowe; Cathy Graham; Melissa Smith-Morales; Steph Riccobene; Claudia Cabrera; Margaret Armstead; Janet Benoit; Tony Cresci    Absent:  Deacon Leo Bistak; Shawn Blankenship; Heather Gerheim  Guests:  Jeanette Shemo; Charlene McElwee; Stephanie Pritts; Max Giorgi            Opening Prayer:  Margaret Armstead

Education & Enrichment:  Fr. Gurnick presented an update on the parish’s multi-dimensional  process of Strategic Planning for the future.  The ad hoc Leadership Committee (names to be announced soon) will be meeting with consultant, Rosie Dolan Baker, on 3/9 & 3/23/22.

Approval of the Minutes:  The minutes from 2/1/22 were approved as written

Discussion: Updates

• Malachi Run:  Although still 30% down from pre-covid, registrations have been brisk and we are in good shape logistically.
• Nominating Committee: The search for candidates continues.
• Ministerial Leadership Meeting: Plans are pending for  3/26/22.
• Annual Meeting: Plans continue for 5/15/22.
• Homeless Jesus: Bishop Malesic will celebrate Mass at 10a on 4/3/22 with the blessing of the sculpture & a reception following
• After-communion Mass announcements: Continued dialogue about council members presenting information about current parish events; Patrick & Charlene will work on scheduling.
• “Radical Hospitality”:  Stephanie Pritts shared information about an upcoming grant to fund development of “vibrant faith—a culture of welcome” in the parish

Administrator’s Report from Fr. Gurnick:

• Lent/Holy Week:  Reconciliation for our cluster will be at St. Ignatius on 3/16 from 5-8pm.  Fr Hollis will celebrate the full Easter Triduum at St. Malachi’s
• Special thank-you’s to Jeanette, Steve & Willie for a successful re-do of the Library
• Listening Sessions:  Parishioners seemed to be invested. Themes included:  Strategic Planning; Fr. Tony; Parking issues; future of our ministries

Parking:  The discussions about space and traffic patterns continue.

Summary of Meeting:  Judy Slivka      Closing Prayer:  Judy Stowe     Next Meeting: May 3, 2022

 

Respectfully submitted, Judy Stowe, Secretary

 

 

 

What a pivotal time this is for our parish! We need a wise and caring Parish Council to lead us through these next few years. We have 4 openings for the coming election. The term length is three years.  Elections will begin in May and the term starts in July. If you are interested in more information, please contact Judy Slivka at JBSlivka550@gmail.com or Cathy Graham billandcathy@roadrunner.com. We ask everyone in the parish to pray that the Holy Spirit will call the council we need for the coming years.

 

St Malachi Parish Pastoral Council

Minutes from the January 4, 2022 meeting via Zoom

In Attendance:  Fr. Michael Gurnick; Brother Philip Bernier; Deacon Leo Bistak: Patrick Cleary-Burns; Judy Slivka; Judy Stowe; Cathy Graham; Steph Riccobene; Claudia Cabrera; Margaret Armstead; Tony Cresci

Absent:  Janet Benoit; Shawn Blankenship; Heather Gerheim; Melissa Smith-Morales

Guests:  Shauna Sanders; Jeanette Shemo; Mike Canfield; Max Giorgi

Opening Prayer:  Deacon Leo Bistak

Education & Enrichment: Shauna Saunders, Executive Director, reviewed the history and shared details about the awesome services/activities provided by Malachi Center

Approval of the Minutes:  The minutes from the November 2, 2021 meeting were amended and approved; volunteer tasks were filled for the next meeting.

Discussion/Planning/Action:

• The current Nominating Committee is searching for diverse candidates
• The Annual Meeting, on 5/15/22, following the 10 AM mass, will included a financial council report, discussion of neighborhood plans, a tour of the library and an introduction to Brother Phil.
• The Ministerial Leadership Day, on March 26 from 1-3:30p, will focus on networking
• Pat Dowd is stepping down from his Monday Night Meal leadership role. Hot meals in clam shells from the Hall window, will continue to be provided under Raquel’s direction until a new process is developed.
• Patrick is recruiting a committee to facilitate the Valley Ford Truck Corporate Challenge with attention paid to those already contributing to parish causes.

Action:  Council voted to affirm Social Action’s choice of Catholic Refugee Services as our 2022 Lenten Collection Recipient.

• Steph Riccobene shared information about an upcoming training program/one-day retreat on Faith and Racial Healing (scholarships may be available)
• Margaret Armsted reported that people are willing to donate to remodeling the gym in honor of Jimmy Bivins but need to know where it fits in our strategic planning .

Administrator’s Report from Fr. Gurnick:                              

• Library: Special thank-you’s were given to Jeannette, Steve & Willie for their help in remodeling the school library which is ready to open.  This “shared home space” seats 24 and will be available by reservation through Jeannette; recycling will be observed.
• “Listening Sessions” will be scheduled during February in the church after masses
• Website: a meeting to discuss updating and improved communications will be scheduled
• Strategic planning: information on viable options will soon be available

Announcements:  The next council meeting:  2/1/22              

Summary of Meeting:  Steph Riccobene

Closing Prayer:  Patrick Cleary-Burns

 Respectfully submitted,  Judy Stowe, Secretary

 

Minutes from the Oct. 3 2021 meeting in the Hall

In Attendance:  Fr. Michael Gurnick; Deacon Leo Bistak; Patrick Cleary-Burns; Judy Slivka; Judy Stowe; Cathy Graham; Melissa Smith-Morales; Heather Gerheim; Steph Riccobene; Margaret Armstead; Janet Benoit; Shawn Blankenship; Tony Cresci; Absent: Claudia Cabrera; Guests: Jeanette Shemo; Charlene McElwee; Daniel Lettenberger-Klein; Sharon Lowe-Chapman; Max Giorgi

Opening Prayer:  Tony Cresci

Education & Enrichment:  Daniel Lettenberger-Klein, CEO of Stella Maris, talked about their long, fond history with St. Malachi’s, highlighting the most recent connection with our convent/women’s supportive housing and the potential sale/purchase of the rectory.

Sharon Lowe-Chapman reviewed the recent Malachi Run and hopes, despite the decrease in runners & sponsorship, to break even.  There are already 170 runners registered for next year’s event on 3/12/22.  For logo purposes, research is needed to verify it as the “44thRun.”

Approval of the Minutes:  Minutes from 9/7/21– approved; tasks were chosen for next meeting

Discussion: All agreed to talk/encourage parishioners to attend the Volunteer Luncheon at the Music Box on 10/9/21.

Plans are unfolding for the ministry retreat, “Rekindling the Embers,” on 10/30/21. As this is an all-parish event, a separate meeting for ministry chairs to discuss role priorities to decrease overlap, will be considered for spring, 2022. All supported pre-choosing of tasks for council meetings. As future building and/or remodeling projects are being named/dedicated for specific donations, Margaret Armstead, suggested Jimmy Bivins, a boxer who trained for many years in the Old Angle Gym on the 3rd floor of the school.  Others to consider for naming included: Fr. Hritz, Sr. Frances and Miss Michele. Future speakers for council meetings:  Judy Hilow, Director of Malachi House, on 11/2/21; Shauna Sanders, Director of Malachi Center on January 4, 2022. In response to concerns of the Hospitality Committee about food at indoor events—the medical safety standards of the Diocese of Cleveland must be followed.

Administrator’s Report from Fr. Gurnick: The Financial Budget Report & the Status Animarum Report Highlights were shared. We are waiting for directives regarding the Synod for the Diocese of Cleveland. Negotiations with Stella Maris to lease and/or buy the rectory are continuing.

Summary of Meeting:  Shawn Blankenship

Closing Prayer:  Janet Benoit

Next Meeting:  The next meeting is on Nov. 2, 2021.

Respectfully submitted,

Judy Stowe, Secretary

 

St Malachi Parish Pastoral Council

Minutes from the September 7, 2021 meeting at 6:30 pm in the Hall

 In Attendance: Fr. Michael Gurnick; Judy Stowe; Cathy Graham; Melissa Smith-Morales; Steph Riccobene; Claudia Cabrera; Margaret Armstead; Janet Benoit; Absent: Patrick Cleary-Burns; Judy Slivka; Heather Gerheim; Shawn Blankenship; Tony Cresci; Guests:  Deacon Leo Bistak; Stephanie Pritts; Max Giorgi, Seminarian/Intern; Opening Prayer:  Margaret Armsted

Education & Enrichment:

• Backdoor Ministry Update presented by Fr. Gurnick for Racquel Jones. Number of volunteers is down; still serving 80-120 meals per day at the north Hall door. As the weather worsens, plan to serve brief meals to small groups of guests inside.
• Steph Riccobene offered suggestions tried by the Catholic Worker meal program, plus strategies for coordinating with the shower program & for providing bikes/tents/blankets for the homeless
• Pat Dowd & Robert Blackburn working on restarting the Monday Night Meal
• Efforts are being made to reconnect with the area’s monthly “Shared Ministry Meeting”
• Malachi Run—volunteers still needed: Melissa Smith-Morales: will do packet pick-up @ McCarthy’s on 9/17 from 3:45-7p; Deacon Leo: will do packet pick-up at Dick’s in Strongsville on 9/16 from 3:45-5:15p; Cathy Graham: will do packet pick up at Dick’s on 9/16 from 5:15-7p

Approval of the Minutes:  The minutes from August 3, 2021 were approved as written.

Discussion:

• COVID & the Masses update presented by Fr. Gurnick for Charlene McElwee
• Discussion of frustration with the inconsistent policies for mask wearing
• Diocese: currently requesting masking of Eucharistic Ministers and participants in ministry meetings.
• Singing is still limited to the loft, although more mass attendees are singing along
• We will always have the reserved area with social distancing, etc.
• Worship aids (including for hearing-impaired) will continue
• Ministry Retreat: “Rekindling the Embers”—St. Malachi Day of Prayer on Saturday, October 30, 2021; Begin 10:30a in the church; 12:30p in the Hall at 12:30a (lunch plans pending) with Mass at 4p; Some questioned how specifics for ministry leaders will be addressed
• Malachi House: update by Margaret Armsted (bulletins requested)

Administrator’s Report from Fr. Gurnick:

• BoxCast (a growing event technology business) has recently moved into a building on Superior Viaduct. Leasing them 6 parking spots is currently being negotiated. Want to support St. Malachi’s & invest in the neighborhood
• Stella Maris has offered to buy the rectory! Discussion ensued: excellent longtime history; is historical property $ available; need to be stewards to ensure our future; need for due diligence; need for “long-term vision;” repair/rebuild the school? Fr. Gurnick to pursue: open to conversation on sale not lease; parish vision—consultant (?); discuss with finance council/facilities; explore time line for the transaction

New Business:

• Janet Benoit: Solicit volunteers for opening/closing prayer; summary for next month at end of each meeting
• We still need to consider hiring a Communications Coordinator

Summary of Meeting:  Melissa Smith-Morales; Closing Prayer:  Claudia Cabrera;

Next Meeting:  October 5, 2021 at 6:30p in the Hall

Respectfully submitted,

Judy Stowe, Secretary