Parish Council Minutes
Attendance:
Father Jack Costello, Presider: Judy Huth, Facilitator: Carol Lippert, Milly Collins, Frank Viola, Fred
Englert, Ann Keohan, Dave Morley, Monica Junek, Kristin Berkery, Peggy Lewis, Krys Cierniak, Kelley
Tate, Sergio Selva, and Carol George.
The meeting opened with prayer led by Peggy Lewis, Carol Lippert, and Carol George, followed by the
Council’s recitation of the Epiphany Cathedral Mission Statement.
A review of the minutes of the November 5, 2013 meeting revealed that, although they were emailed to
the Council members, many present did not receive their copies. Therefore, until copies are available for
all members to review, this was tabled until February 4, 2014 meeting.
Judy Huth made known that the new members who had not been photographed for the Council display
in the Cathedral narthex or any senior members who would like to change their pictures, should report
to the school office Friday, January 10, 2014 at 9:30 AM to have pictures taken.
The following Committee reports were presented:
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Buildings and grounds
o Milly Collins stated that a definitive date needed to be set for the committee along with
Fr. Jack to tour and evaluate the Epiphany Campus (buildings and grounds). Frank Viola
felt that, along with the finance committee, long-range funding plans should be
explored and put into place for future repairs/replacement needs. Fr. Jack stated that
the existing outdoor signs will be reviewed and updated with interior lighting. There is
also room for two more signs as needed on the campus.
By-Laws
o Milly Collins stated that some amendment needed to be made to the by-laws if we are
going to continue with the number of existing Council members and the required
number of meetings. In order to accomplish this, an announcement must be made to
the council at least one week before the discussion of said changes and at the next
Council a vote will affirm or deny the changes. On Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at
appointed time (7:15 PM) the Council was made aware of the desired changes to Article
II Section II of the by-laws which require 1- to 15 members, be changed to 10-20
members; Article II Section IV wording to be changed to “consist of 10 to 20 members”;
and Article Statement to include the words “hospitality, prayer, formation, and service”.
These changes will be discussed and then voted on at the February 4, 2014 Council
meeting. Mille Collins will also provide copies of the approved by-laws for all members
of the Council who are in need of them at the February meeting.
o Gem
 Carol George shared on Saturday, January 25, 2014 prior to the 4PM Mass, Nina
Drago, Director of Guadalupe Social Services, will present to Father Jack and to
the Epiphany Parish Family a beautifully engraved tray in recognition of the
parish’s generosity of the farm workers and rural poor Americans living in and
around the city of Immokalee in Collier County, our brothers and sisters in the
Diocese of Venice. A few minutes before every Mass that weekend, Nina will
address a few words to the congregation, thanking them for their caring and
their help. The tray will be on display in the narthex for the weekend and its
permanent place has not yet been determined. Fred Englert gave an update on
the number of parishioners and their friends who have been involved in the GSS
soup kitchen; volunteering their services the fourth Monday of each Monday
Judy Huth requested that Fred submit this as an informational article for
bulletin.
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*Communications-Kristine Berkery shared that the committee, along with Father Joseph,
have been working to revise the bulletin, making it more readable and the comments regarding
the changes have been very positive. A seminar is being planned by the diocese and will include
the three major bulletin publishers. After work is completed on the bulletin, the committee will
turn its attention to the parish website, adjusting as needed. In researching social media, it was
found that “texting” is being used as the primary means of market updating. Father Jack
requested that The Star be added under the communications umbrella. Kristin also showed the
three new logos chosen for the school.
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*Emergency Protocols-The committee is awaiting research information from Jerry Woelfel
at this time.
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*Hospitality—Fred Englert said that there was to be a cocktail party, Saturday January 11,
2014 in the parish hall as a “meet & greet” for new parishioners. On Saturday, February 8, 2014,
a dinner catered by the KofC, will be held in the parish hall to welcome new members into the
parish. He requested that those attending please sign up for the specific event.
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*Polish-Krys Ciemack stated a trip is being organized to Orlando to view the Black
Madonna on tour from Poland. They are trying to fill two buses and details are still being
worked out but lunch will be included. The information, when available, will be published in
Epiphany’s bulletin.
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*Religious Education-Ann Keohan gave Council members a copy of “Getting Back to
Basics—a Parish Plan for Family Catechesis” which is being implemented this year into the
Religious Education Program under the direction of Sister Frances Lalor. One Sunday every
month, the child and parents come as a family and participate in prayer, projects, etc. While the
children have refreshments, Sister meets with the parent group for sharing, support, and
improved communications. Also requested is the formation of a formal Religious Education
Board with membership coming from the Pastoral Council, Epiphany School Teachers, parents,
Religious, and Priests if possible. Father Jack requested that Adult Education be added also.
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*Spirituality-Peggy Lewis shared that each member of the committee has taken individual
ministries within this category to seek
Information specific to that group and to be a liaison with the Council if needed. All the
information will then be evaluated, condensed, and presented to the Council by the May 2014
meeting to be used as an informative tool for the parish.
There were no committee reports available from the Hispanic, Stewardship, Youth, or Young
Adult Committees.
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The parish advocate reports for November from Peggy Lewis and December from Carol George
were unremarkable with a few being referred to Father Jack.
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The transition team of Milly Collins and Carol George will begin building an agenda for new
Pastoral Council candidates. A preliminary report will be available for the February 4, 2014
meeting.
The T-coil has received the necessary funding and instillation will begin shortly.
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Father Jack’s Updates for Council information:
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He has received bids for a new organ and if the bid for a new Cathedral organ includes the
Chapel organ at the same time, the cost will be app. $220,000. Bids for the Cathedral organ
alone, 150,000-162,000 and up. Bids for the Chapel organ, $40,000.
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The stewardship program will kick off in November, 2014, beginning with education of the
parish in this concept. Father is concerned about the need in the parish and in Venice that will
not be met unless people are invested and giving of their time, their talent as well as their
treasure.
Father Jack is awaiting the final permission papers for the priest conducting the parish mission.
If needed, Father O’Madagain is willing to present the mission.
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Father Jack is seeking a financial report from the “foundation” holding $2.5 million in reserve for
Epiphany School. The school will receive $240,000 which will not touch the principle. He is also
seeking a report on the “good” things the parish has done (? for the school). He is looking into a
self-directed or donor advised fund for the foundation to promote.
Commendations:
Father Shea for his initiation of and efforts toward the success of the Cathedral’s very first Christmas
Dinner for those who otherwise may have been alone and/or working on this day.
Mike Hertel and his staff for the special attention paid to the entire campus during the Christmas
season, especially the Memorial Garden.
Wanda Jaworski for plantings added to the chapel side entrance of the cathedral.
Marie and Ron Thompson for their efforts in preparing the invitations for the upcoming “meet and
greet” party to all the new parishioners who have joined the parish over the last 2 years.
Colleen Roca and Sister Frances Lalor for their work with the children of the parish in presenting their
annual Christmas play at the celebration luncheon for the parish Feast of the Epiphany.
Rita Lamoureux for the donation of the Cathedral Nativity Figures.
Bishop Frank Dewane for his presence throughout Epiphany’s Christmas Masses personally wishing
Christmas blessings to many parishioners as well as “pitching in” to help serve at the Christmas dinner.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol George substituting for Jerry Woelfel, Recorder