Saint Rita Parish Council Meeting
January 4, 2016
7:00 p.m.
Mary Star of the Sea Room
Council Attendees:
Father Kevin
Phil Holloran
Ed Valaitis
Marshall Wright
Tim Rose
Other Attendees:
Joe Colello
Karla Garcia
Andy Bukaty
Neill O’Connell
Gigi Vacaflor
Carlos Delgadillo
Mike Klein
Felita Asteinza
Teresa O’Neal
Tim Cole
Deacon Dave
Chick Huettel
Lisa Brooks
Ed Carone
Andy Bukaty call the meeting to order at 6:30 and Father Kevin started
with a prayer.
Following a review of the minutes from the December 7, 2015 and two
minor corrections, Tim Cole moved, and Marshall Wright seconded, that
the minutes be approved. The motion passed unanimously.
STAFF REPORTS
Carla Garcia, parish secretary, reported that she had been working on
updating the parishioner address list. Also, she has been working on the
diocesan project of Offertory Enhancement. All was going well.
Lisa Brooks, Preschool Director, related that there had been a problem
with one of the HVAC units that had caused water to leak into one of the
preschool rooms. The room had been vacated temporarily, cleaned, and
an independent expert had certified that there was no evidence of mold
being present. She expected that they would be able to resume using
that room in the next several days.
Monique Murray, Director of Religious Education, was ill and unable to
attend the meeting.
The Spring Clean Up Day will be held on March 19, 2016. Further
details will be discussed at the next meeting.
The planning of the Walkway from the Church to the Pre-school
continues to be led by our architect Matt Savioe. He has received two
bids, one of approximately $50,000 and one of about $160,000. The
high bid includes some elements not included in the lower bid, which
should still meet our needs. A third bid is being sought. Construction
could begin in early spring.
The next collection for our adopted sister-parish, Saint Thomas the
Apostle, will be held on February 6 & 7, 2016. Advance notice will
appear in the bulletin.
OTHER BUSINESS
Chick Huettel and Mike Klein discussed an offer to Boy Scout Troup 562
of free land in a newly planned development on the bay called Historic
Santa Rosa Landing. The scouts would have to raise the money for
construction, but a much needed home for the scouts could become a
reality.
Since the Troup is sponsored by Saint Rita Parish, the Council is being
made aware of the potential for the project. The Council voted to
support the project. Further reports to the Council will be made as the
plan proceeds.
The Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass and Festival was a huge success. As
many as 800 people attended the Mass, and over 300 took part in the
dinner afterward.
Approximately 70 people attended the breakfast after Midnight Mass.
Also, Father T.J. said a Mass on Christmas at the prison with the
assistance of Will Conley that was greatly appreciated by the inmates.
The Ecumenical Choir presented two concerts at Saint Rita that drew
nearly 1,000 people and raised about $4,000.00
The proposed roadway south of the church is working its way through
the planning stages and appears likely at this time.
January will be an active period in the parish with two Fish Fries as well
as a Bingo Night. Help advertising these events to our neighbors is
appreciated.
Joe Colello raised the question of whether a “Snowbird” who is active in
the parish and here for 5-6 months could run for the Council in the
January election. The Council said that it would welcome such
parishioners to be nominated.
Felita Asteinza mentioned that South Walton was holding a “Senior
Prom”
on February 12, 2016. She suggested that this would be a good event for
us to support.
Joe Colello reported that a final adjustment had been made to the sound
system and it was working very well. This is a big improvement to our
Mass experience.
The next Parish Council Meeting will be on February 1, 2016.
There being no further business before the council, Father Kevin said a
prayer and the meeting was adjourned.