Archdiocesan
News Archive
Posted on Monday August 4, 2008
San Gabriel Regional Pastoral Council
San Gabriel Regional Pastoral Council Meeting Minutes Saturday, January 19, 2008
San Gabriel Regional Pastoral Council
Meeting Minutes
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Members Present: Yolanda Brown, Chris Caenepeel, Sr. Kathleen Callaway, Mary Charles, Cathleen Crayton, Anita Ford, Maria de Jesús Garcia, Lupita Garza, Sister Carmen Maldonado, Mark Padilla, George Rigney, Dn David Estrada, Sherrie Saldana, Dn. Gus Sebenius, Jeff Storey, Bishop Gabino Zavala
Members Absent (Excused): Fr. Alex Aclan, Linda DeBerry, John Gateley,
Fr. Nestor Rebong, Jennifer Ocegueda-Reynosa,
Members Absent: Richard Garcia, German Robles,
Facilitator: Sister Mary Genino
Welcome and Purposes — George Rigney:
George welcomed everyone especially the visiting members from the sub-committees of Synod Initiatives I and II.
Purposes:
→ To continue to get to know each other so as to develop a collaborative style of working together.
→ To hear presentations and to interact with the Liaisons/Standing Committees from Initiatives I and II.
→ To begin to engage in a process in order to develop a three year implementation plan( SGRPC and Synod Priorities.)
→ To hear from the Standing Committees, the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council and the Synod Office.
→ To receive an update on the Council Chronicles and to hear the Ad Hoc Communications Committee.
→ To hear from the Ad Hoc Committee on Membership.
→ To hear from Bishop Gabino.
Approval of Minutes:
Linda DeBerry was not able to attend the meeting so the approval of the October minutes was postponed.
Prayer/small group reflection
The prayer service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. was led by Cathy Crayton. It included a hymn, excerpts from his speeches, time for personal reflection and small group sharing.
Presentation on Synod Initiative I
Evangelization and “The New Evangelization.”
Presenters: Mark Padilla and Maria De Jesus Garcia.
Committee Members Sr. Josefina Lopez, Connie Vasquez, Andres Garcia, Tessis Dimen, Rita Estrada, John De Nardo, Fr. Paul Griesgraber, Fr. Cyril Nnardi, Connie Vasquez, Charles Ngo, Fr. Keith Byrne, Ann Huckaby, and Purita Prathea were present for our opening prayer and presentations by the Synod Initiative I and II.
Mark Padilla and Maria De Jesus Garcia along with several members of the committee shared responsibility presenting the oral report. A power point presentation was made and a written overview passed out. The power point provided an overview of the standing committee’s approach and strategies. It also included a description of programs that address evangelization currently being used by parishes and several others that the committee is looking into. The report included an assessment of the goals initially identified by the standing committee and raised some critical questions as they begin to look at next steps. The committee was complimented for all their hard work and for undertaking such an in-depth study.
Presentation on Synod Initiative II
Structures on Participation and Accountability.
Presenters: Sr. Kathleen Callaway and Anita Ford.
Committee Members: Sr. Kathleen Callaway, Elizabeth Broyles, Anita Ford, Lupita Garza, Jeff Hudson, George Rigney, Rick Seeker.
A copy of the power point presentation was handed out to those present. The presentation addressed the goals, process and main focus of the work of the standing committee. Sr. Kathleen Callaway also spoke about the survey the standing committee conducted. She addressed the purpose of employing this strategy, shared the results and the conclusions drawn from the survey findings. Also included in this part of the report was reference to other steps that have been taken and future plans toward the implementation of the committee’s goals. Anita spoke to the specific information gleaned from the parish council survey and how the results have impacted the work of the standing committee. Again the members of this committee were complimented on their work and in-depth study.
Process to Develop Implementation Plan SGRPC priorities and Synod pastoral Priorities. After a brief discussion, it was decided that the number of members in attendance was insufficient to effectively begin this process today. It was decided that the process would be used by each of the Standing Committees and the input brought to the March Regional Council meeting. At this time the Regional Council would continue the next step in developing a three year implementation plan. Sr. Mary handed out an outline and walked the members through the process. She also distributed printed materials they could use.
Process:
→ Select a facilitator and a scribe.
→ Review last year’s priorities and the goals your committee set.
→ Assess what you have done …identify accomplishments and name challenges.
→ Where would you like your Standing Committee to be in three years, given the SGRPC priorities and the Synod’s pastoral priorities?
→ What steps do you think you need to take to get there?
→ How would you envision incorporating the Initiative’s Pastoral Priorities and Strategies into the plan?
→ What would you hope to accomplish in the 1st year, 2nd year, and 3rd year?
→ Who needs to be involved?
→ What support do you need from one another (Council Members) in moving toward the realization of these goals?
→ Summarize your initial responses, write them up and report back to entire Council.
Updates from Standing Committees:
Initiative III - Ongoing Formation and Education.
Sr. Carmen Maldonado and Mary Charles reminded the Council Members of their request to send them names of potential members for their standing committee.
Initiative IV - Ministry and Leadership:
Yolanda Brown presented a proposal to the Council with regard to a special recognition of collaborative models of pastoral leadership within the region. She distributed a handout for the Council’s review and answered the questions that were raised. After further discussion and clarity around the language of the proposal, the council endorsed the committee exploring next steps.
Initiative V – Eucharist and Sacramental Living:
No report due to Chair’s absence.
Initiative VI - Social Justice:
Cathy Crayton reported that several members of the Standing Committee will meet with the priests of Deanery 9 on February 4, 2008. They will share with them the Committees objectives and ask them how we can be of service to them. The Committee is planning a half day event, possibly in June, around the Faithful Citizenship document.
Bishop Gabino took the opportunity to let Council members know that only materials related to the document on Faithful Citizenship and statements from the Bishops conferences may be placed or distributed in our churches.
There is a new document put out by Catholic Charities on Racism and Poverty. It was released to coincide with the celebration of Martin Luther day.
The Committee will meet on January 20, 2008.
Ad Hoc Committee Membership:
Sr. Kathleen and the committee have met twice since the October meeting. There is an ongoing effort to identify new members. There has been a problem in reaching pastors with regard to obtaining their suggestions for new membership. The Committee is looking at questions related to diversity, representation from Deanery 9 and the presence and participation of the clergy. The timing of the Council meetings seems to be a problem. Saturday mornings are especially difficult for parents with young children and the clergy.
Bishop Gabino and Sr. Kathleen have met twice. They have planned a morning of discernment for potential Council members. This gathering will take place on February 2, 2008 at Ramona Convent.
Communication Project:
Anita Ford reported that there is a second edition of the Council Chronicles available. It will focus on the members and work of the Executive Committee.
Archdiocesan Pastoral Council
The last meeting of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council was held on Nov. 18, 2007. The main work of the Council is to keep working toward the implementation of the six Synod Initiatives. In the near future the members hope to develop and formalize a plan that identifies priorities and establishes a time frame. To help with this objective, Consulters in the various areas covered by the six initiatives have been appointed.
The Cardinal addressed the sexual abuse scandal. He noted that a global settlement of $660 million was made. The settlement addressed all the cases and involved the Archdiocese and 32 religious orders. Monies came from insurance, selling of properties and loans. To meet the Archdiocesan financial responsibilities, the Cardinal will meet with the pastors, clergy and lay leaders in 19 deaneries. He will suggest ways that the Church can address this situation. Some of the ideas that have surfaced include; borrowing from parish reserves with no or low interest loans, revisiting parish assessments, securing gifts. A task force has been formed to help the Cardinal in addressing this issue.
It was also reported that in the city of Ventura, in the Santa Barbara region, there is a Health Plan that is available which would enable 12,500 people to purchase health insurance. It was suggested that other regions might investigate the possibility of this plan or something similar being made available to an area within their reach.
Synod Office:
Deacon Dave was not present for this part of the meeting and left no report.
Retreat:
Anita Ford reported that the retreat conducted by Fr. Kennedy S.J. was very inspiring. Others confirmed her conclusion. The retreat was based on Ignatian Spirituality and held at the RSHM Provincial Center. The day was lovely, the setting was very comfortable and the participants bonded. It was suggested that the next retreat be scheduled at a time when more members of the council would be available to attend. Anita will ask the Executive Committee to add to the planning of next year’s calendar another retreat day.
Other:
Anita also presented a suggestion from the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee would like to invite the Chairs and liaisons from the six Synod Standing Committees, from each of the five Regional Pastoral Councils to meet. The object would to share experiences and resources. It would be held at the RSHM Center in Montebello, possibly in June.
The question of resources, especially financial to further the work of the differing Standing Committees was raised. Suggestions were made. The Executive Committee will address this concern at their next meeting.
Bishop Gabino:
Bishop Gabino commended the Standing Committees and those who made presentations. He also engaged Council members around the topic of what it means to be Church during a crisis and through a period of reconciliation and healing. He addressed the issues surrounding the sexual abuse scandal and the settlements. He attentively listened to the Council members concerns, comments and responded to questions.
Some comments that emerged from the dialogue:
→ There is a difference in how the Church is perceived between Anglo and Ethnic communities.
→ Women tend to be more negative about the Church when it comes to issues related to the sexual abuse scandal.
→ Some people do not understand church leadership and view the church as a corporation and the Cardinal as a CEO.
→ Many people read headlines only and draw conclusions without reading the entire article.
→ Some persons have left the church over issue.
→ The abuse issue has given some non-Catholics more reason to criticize the Catholic Church.
→ Settlements were made out of court because cases would tied up in court for years and a public airing could have become quite ugly.
→ The bottom line is that we are Church and all need to share the burden of repair.
George thanked Bishop Gabino for his sharing.
Evaluatiom:
All articulated that the meeting was very good. Gratitude for the prayer, reflection and exchanges were expressed. Commendations, again, were given for the wonderful presentation by Initiatives I and II.
The meeting adjourned at 12:30
