Weekly THIS AND THAT for February 4, 2007: Part 3 of Bishop Rozanski's Report on Our Lady of Grace

This and That:
Part 3 of Bishop Rozanski’s Report on Our Lady of Grace

The following is the third of five bulletin notes on the November 8, 2006, visit of Bishop Mitch Rozanski and his staff to our parish. The complete report is being shared in this column over five weeks. This third part deals with his commendations and recommendations regarding The Pastoral Council, The Parish Coporation, and our Buildings and Properties. All are invited to share their thoughts with members of the Pastoral Team or any members of the Pastoral Council. (They are the folks with the red ribbons around their necks each weekend at Sunday Mass.) Council members have an opportunity at the conclusion of each monthly meeting to share with the entire Council comments, kudos, or concerns made be individual parishioners.

Fondly,
Father Nick Amato


THE PASTORAL COUNCIL

The Pastoral Council is commended for the following:

➢ Beginning meetings with substantive prayer, which is shared by all members of the Council.
➢ The balance of membership including a good mix of ages and a balance between men and women.
➢ The extensive expertise and experience that Council Members bring to the table.
➢ The obvious energy that the Council generates as a group on behalf of the parish community.
➢ The engagement of the Council in the development of a Pastoral Plan through pondering the deeper questions related to being Church today and in the future.
➢ The innovative spirit of the Pastoral Council.
➢ The fostering of lay leadership in the parish.
➢ The embracing of a Ministry of Presence.

The Pastoral Council is asked to address the following recommendations:

1. Work with the Pastor and Staff to seek creative ways to involve the 80% of parishioners who attend, but do not participate in the life and ministries of the parish, while respecting the constraints of family and job responsibilities.

2. Work with Pastor and Staff to develop a comprehensive evangelization effort that will identify and address the unique circumstances of people in the area.

3. Develop ways to inform and educate parishioners regarding future planning as it relates to The Hope That Lies Before Us. Begin to explore how this affects the future of Our Lady of Grace and lay leadership development.


THE PARISH CORPORATION

The Lay Corporators, Arlene Hoffman and Stephen Golueke are commended for the following:

➢ The focus on prioritized planning for the future of the parish.
➢ The commitment to reflect to the pastor what “people in the pew” are thinking and feeling.
➢ The dedication to the work of the Parish Corporation and familiarity with the Parish Corporation document, which outlines the role of the parish corporation.
➢ The commitment to quarterly Corporation meetings and sense of responsibility evidenced by the agenda items discussed at Corporation meetings.
➢ The desire to support the vision of the parish and the pastor’s role in articulating the vision.

The Lay Corporators are asked to address the following recommendations

1. The ongoing need to inform and educate the parish community on future regional planning in North Baltimore County related the The Hope That Lies Before Us.


BUILDINGS AND PROPERTY

The Building Committee, Maintenance Personnel and the Parish Administrator are commended for the following:

➢ The obvious attention and care of the grounds and buildings of the parish complex carried out by Chien Dang.
➢ The meticulous cleanliness and order of the buildings carried out so efficiently by Joe and Theresa Buchanan.
➢ The attention to keeping the infra-structure of the buildings in excellent working order.
➢ Compliance with all ADA codes and inspections.
➢ The creation and good use of the Youth Ministry Center.
➢ The system of water testing on a regular basis to ensure the purest water for drinking.
➢ The creation and maintenance of the Karl Heldrich Center for young children with reading challenges and the future planning to make this center accessible to children in the community.
➢ The tasteful and prayerful worship space.