Parish Council Meeting

Members present: Father Rolando, Genevieve Bassham, Linda Gutierrez, Roy Cataño, Tina Lujan, Teresa Juarez, and Victoria Sanchez
Opening prayer was led by Father Rolando Minutes of July 22, 2008 Tina Lujan moved and Teresa Juarez seconded the motion to approve the minutes as presented. The motion carried unanimously.
Financial Report Linda Gutierrez presented the financial reports for the months of April, May, June and July. The financial report for the month of June represents the final report for the 2007-2008 parish fiscal-year. July 1st marks the beginning of the new fiscal year.
Mrs. Gutierrez reported that the cathedraticum assessment percentage increased from 11% to 13.5%. This went into effect on July 1st. Also, the parish will no longer be responsible for paying the retirement contribution as the Diocese of El Paso will cover the cost. The property insurance premium decreased from $620.00 to $600.00.
Genevieve Bassham moved and Roy Cataño seconded the motion to approve the financial reports for the months of April, May, June and July as presented. The motion carried unanimously.
Establishment of Marfa Youth for Christ Account Vickie Sanchez requested approval to establish a Marfa Youth for Christ checking account to record and deposit all funds raised for the youth program and pay for travel and other program costs. Father Rolando and Linda Gutierrez recommended that the checking account be a separate account so as to not mingle funds with other parish activities. The checking account will be established at the Marfa National Bank. The account will be listed under St. Mary’s Parish – Marfa Youth for Christ. Checks issued will require two signatures, and a monthly report will be provided. Genevieve Bassham moved and Teresa Juarez seconded the motion to approve the establishment of the St. Mary’s Parish – Marfa Youth for Christ checking account as requested. The motion carried unanimously.
Update on Facility Projects Church Doors – Roger Garcia has completed one door and is currently working on the second door. Parish Hall Air Conditioning – Roy Cataño and Vickie Sanchez both reported that the a/c units worked well when they used the hall on two separate occasions. Confessional Door – Father reported that the stained glass door is still in the production process. Father recently received a proof on the design, that he signed and returned. The door will be delivered from San Antonio to Marfa when it is complete. It was agreed that the supplies for a new sign to be placed at the front of the church is not a priority at this time. This will be addressed at another time.
General Discussion and Consideration
Parish Bazaar – Father reported that the parish bazaar will be held October 2009. This will provide the parish plenty of time to designate a coordinator and properly plan for the event. Once a coordinator is named, a committee may be established to help with the planning. Roy Cataño offered his help in setting up the booths, and Genevieve Bassham and Teresa Juarez also offered their assistance in preparing for the bazaar. Sister Margie purchased four tents for prior bazaars that may be used as well.
An announcement will be place in the bulletin that the parish is looking for a coordinator for the event.
Youth for Christ Program – Father reported that the Youth for Christ program has requested the use of the parish hall to meet each Sunday. The youth group will look for an alternate meeting place when the hall is being used for fundraisers or other events. It was agreed that the Youth for Christ Program may meet at the parish hall.
A site on the Internet will be developed under the Marfa Youth for Christ program. The site will be used as a means of communication for the program and to reach other teens in the hope of encouraging them to join. Written permission from the parents will be on file before pictures of the youth are posted and the site will be reviewed by Father Rolando.
A healing service will be held on Thursday, September 11th. A special presentation has been prepared by Father Rolando. Procedures were discussed in electing the next four council members. Four members are to be elected by the congregation and four will be appointed by Father Rolando. A call for nominations will take place this Sunday. The eight parishioners with the most nominations will be placed on the ballot. On election day, the congregation will vote for four of the eight nominees. The four nominees with the most votes will serve as members of the parish council for the next two years as will the four members appointed by Father Rolando.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 30 at which the both the current and new parish council will attend.
Genevieve Bassham moved and Teresa Juarez seconded the motion to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 6:42 pm.