The Council of Women Religious

Council of Religious

Minutes for the May 14th, 2007 Meeting

A. Opening prayer … Sr. Mary Therese

B. Attendance:

         Present: Srs. Mary Ann, Barbara Marie, Margaret, Joan, Mary Therese, Shirley, Mary Jean

         Excused: Srs. Gerry, Joanna

C. Discussion of Diocesan Budget with Russ Elmayan…the Chancellor came to talk to us about the new budget proposal. He had previously met with the Priests Council and the heads of the departments at the Diocesan Office.  After going through figures and filling in answers to our questions he asked if we had any suggestions. Ideas presented included: diocesan support for military families since we have three major bases in the state; a new way to transmit NEWS to the people of the diocese since the magazine format does not allow for that; a way to provide scholarships for adults for ongoing education that would make them a source of information for people of our diocese in such areas as stem cell research, ethics issues, etc.; use of retired people who are coming to our diocese in greater numbers and have expertise that could be valuable in the service of our church; etc. Questions asked covered such areas as: insurance for sexual abuse; building a new Catholic Center; sale or lease of land where Catholic Center, old CGHS, and NCSU Newman Center are now located; and the important fact that the “media” coverage we place on TV is “NOT WELCOMING” as is that of many other Christian Churches; and pictures of the Bishop seem to always include ONLY HIM when pictures of him with the people of the diocese might be more welcoming. Please feel free to contact any Council Member for any further information on this meeting. The budget approval meeting is on Monday, May 21st. Sr. Joan will represent the Council at this meeting.

D. Update on Sr. Barbara Marie’s meeting with the Bishop on April 13th to follow-up on concerns raised at the last meeting. (See previous minutes)

       Concern: Lack of access to the Jubilee reception for handicapped

       Response: We will move the reception to the Clarion Hotel where access is available. This will, however increase the cost of the reception to $2625. Also possible in the future, to move the Jubilee Celebration to        another place chosen by the Jubilarians. We have signed a contract with the Clarion for 2008 Jubilee Reception.

       Concern: Vocation Holy Hour always at Cathedral; involvement of Women Religious

       Response: Vocation Holy Hour will be moved to other deaneries during the next year. A simultaneous one will be held at the Cathedral for those in this area who are unable to travel to another deanary: a woman      religious will be invited to do the reflection at some of the holy hours.

       Concern: Annual gathering with the Bishop … different places and the possibility of an overnight to allow the sisters to spend time together.

       Response: 2007 gathering, Sept. 15th will be held at Cardinal Gibbons H.S.*

                         2008 gathering, Sept. 19-20 will be an overnight held at the North Raleigh Hilton and Our Lady of Lourdes. We have signed a contract with the Hilton. The manager is a member of Our Lady of Lourdes and is giving us a very good price.*

                  **More will follow on this later.

        Other areas of concern included: lack of a picture by NC Catholic of all Jubilarians with Bishop; easier way to get Jubilee liturgy approved in a timely manner.

E. Gathering of Sisters with Bishop Burbidge … Saturday, Sept. 15th, 2007

         Place: Cardinal Gibbons High School

         Time: 10a.m. Mass in the Chapel, followed by a gathering with the Bishop, and then lunch catered by Casa Carbone.

             We have asked that the intention for this liturgy be Sr. Mary Blaise

         *** For the gathering, any sister who wishes is invited to suggest to the   

                 Bishop a DREAM for her ministry!  Start DREAMING!!!!

F. Gathering of Sisters with Bishop Burbidge … 2008

          Friday evening, Sept. 19th

               6p.m. - 10p.m. North Raleigh Hilton … dinner, time to enjoy each other and overnight accommodations

          Saturday morning, Sept. 20th

               10a.m. Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes, gathering , lunch (catered by Mary Dudas)

G. Budget for 2007-8 and 2008-9

          Diocese indicated that money for gathering with the Bishop would come from the Council Budget from now on. This is requiring some discussion with the Finance Office to be sure that money to cover these events will be put into the budget for the ensuing years.  Srs. Barbara Mary and Mary Jean are following up on this and will report at the next Council Meeting.

H. Sisters leaving the Diocese this summer …

     New Bern – Sr. Mary Ellen Coyne, IHM

     Fayetteville – Srs. Helen Marie, Margaret Mary, Joan, DC

     Red Spring – Sr. Mary, SP

     Sr. Mary Jean will send card and small token gift from the Sisters of the Diocese to extend our gratitude and good wishes

     Sr. Barbara Marie will contact Msgr. Shugrue about some Diocesan wide message as he has done in other years.

I.  2007 Religious Retirement Campaign … Sr. Mary Jean is creating a poster for all parishes that will feature sisters who have served in our diocese and are now retired. So far she has gotten 6 pictures: 2 SU’s and 4 SND’s.  Sr. Barbara Marie received a prize for being FIRST!   Any other communities have any pictures to offer?  Send or email to Sr. Mary Jean

J.  Religious Stipend for 2007-2008 … this was sent by email to the sisters from Mr. Leo Tapler. As in the past several years, the Council of Religious was not given the courtesy of being consulted about this. We received it at the same time everyone else did.

K.  Cards will be sent to … Bishop Burbidge for his birthday, June 16th; and to Fr. Garneau indicating our prayerful support in this time of his sisters illness

L. Jubilee 2008 … Saturday, February 2; 11 a.m. liturgy followed by a reception.

           60 years … Sr. Maxine Tancraiter, CDP

           50 years … Sr. Edna English, DW

           50 years … Sr. Atracta Kelly, OP

     Sr. Barbara Marie will contact Sr. Gerry after her return in June to see if she is willing to work on information for the NC Catholic.

M. Because of the length of time spent with the Chancellor the issue of Council Leadership has been postponed until the August 20th meeting. Also the Annual Dinner for Council Members will take place on August 20th. It will be lunch at 1p.m. followed by the meeting.

N. Some other items suggested for next meeting: By-Laws, Job Description for Vicars of Religious, sharing resources among the sisters.

O. Other announcements

      …Sisters of Notre Dame will celebrate 35 years of ministry in NC and 35 years of ministry at CGHS on Aug. 4th, 2007

     -- Respectfully submitted by Sr. Mary Jean