St. Stanislaus Social Justice Committee

April 11, 2011

Kostka Hall 6:30PM

 

 

Present were: Pat Boylan, Karen Clifford, Mary Ann Krems, Dennis Ferriter, Beth Mortensen, Avis Pings, and Mary Ann Powell.

 

Dennis Ferriter called the meeting to order.  Beth Mortensen led the prayer.  Corrected minutes have been sent to Mary Ann Krems from Pat Boylan and Mary Ann will send them on to the members.

 

Right to life:  Mary Ann Powell distributed a number of items and include:

 

National Right to Life Legislative Action Alert providing a link to take action on no tax-funded 

abortions.

 

An announcement that the Diocesan Respect Life Committee is hosting a diocese-wide Pro-Life Convocation at Immaculate Conception Parish in Alma Center on Saturday, April 30, 10 am.-3:30 pm.

 

 An instruction sheet to contact Sean Duffy regarding “Defund Planned Parenthood Now.”

 

Avis Pings presented a book on adoption and would like to make it available to parishioners.

 

An ongoing retreat sight of Project Rachel is being locally established.

 

Social Concerns:  No information has been received.

 

Food Collections: Becky delivered the April food collection to the Salvation Army.  The May collection will be taken to St. Vincent by Dennis Ferriter with Beth Mortensen as backup.

 

Joint Justice and Peace Update:  Mary Ann Krems reported that it will held at St. Stephen and hopefully Catholic Charities will speak on adoption.  No date has been selected and she will alert us via e-mail.

 

Bulletin Boards: Mary Ann Krems updated the Social Justice one tonight including topics such as estate planning, sexual assault awareness, and taking unused medication to the Lincoln Center.  Avis Pings and Mary Ann Powell are maintaining the Pro-Life which includes information in general as well as announcements such as the convocation in April.

 

Meal at Salvation Army:  It was requested that a meal be prepared and served each month by a group from our parish.  A date was not established in March.  Becky Lee continues to work on the ones for April and May.  Karen Clifford said she mentioned it to the choir and its members are most enthusiastic.

 

Lenten Project for Parish:   Karen Clifford announced that this is a smashing success by way of donation and response and appreciation.  $600 is being collected each week.  She has purchased tons (literally) of fruit as well as granola bars and string cheese at a cost of approximately $50/week.  30 to 50 SPASH students are being served each week.  Pending Father George’s approval, we would like to continue this until the end of the school year or at least during the week of final exams. Our parish council contact, Mary Ellen Self, will be addressing this at the Parish Council meeting tomorrow night. Pacelli High School has been contacted and as of now, there does not appear to be a need.  The Alternative School will also be considered in the future.  

 

Good Samaritan Survey:  Mary Ann Krems reported that the Parish Council has formed an initiative assessing the needs of our parish by conducting a survey embodying family and social, economical, educational and emotional needs and desires.  Results will be tallied and analyzed and appropriate planning and action will be taken. 

 

Parish Council Retreat:  Mary Ann Krems will be facilitating a forum on Hunger and Poverty in Portage County.  Date is yet to be determined as well as to whether or not other interested people would be able to attend.

 

Personal Care Shower:  Items will be collected on weekends of May 14/15 and May 21/22.  Committee members will gather at the beginning of the 9:30 Mass on the 22nd to sort these items in Kostka Hall or in the undercroft depending on whether or not another event may be taking place ie. a graduation breakfast.  Recipients are HIV/AIDS, Family Crisis Center, First Choice and Prenatal Care Coordinate Progeram.

 

Girl’s School in Grenada:  Mary Ann Powell reported that collection and delivery has been pretty much under the auspices of the Rosary Society.  Pat Boylan talked to Gertrude Neuendorf who coordinates this mission.  She is revising the list and will publish it after Easter so as not to undermine  our Lenten project.  Deliveries can be made to Mary Ann Powell.

 

Next meeting:  Will be a picnic in June.  Karen Clifford tentatively graciously offered their home to once again to celebrate a year full of accomplishment and satisfaction.