Deacons’ Council
Minutes
March 19, 2003
The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m., and the opening prayer
was offered.
In the absence of the Secretary, attendance was not recorded.
Deacon Fund Update. All necessary documents have been prepared and
forwarded to Chancellor David Smith for review by the diocesan attorneys.
A response is hoped for in two to three weeks. We are proposing the
creation of a nonprofit corporation separate from the archdiocese,
to be called the Deacon Fund, Inc. Its purposes are to be for the benefit
of deacons in need and for the support of the formation of deacons.
The articles of incorporation and by-laws have been drafted. Fundraising
will commence after approval, possibly to be combined with an effort
at building community within the diaconate family through a social
event.
Budget Issues. The Secretariats have made their presentation to Bishop
Lennon, and at this point it appears that we will have to cut $40,000
from our budget of $180,000. This year’s budget had been reduced
11% from the previous year’s. Cuts had been anticipated even
before the recent crisis, since the Cardinal’s Appeal had seen
a decline in revenue. The only way to save $40,000 is to make reductions
in the amount of salary payments. It also appears that it will be necessary
to charge tuition for participation in the formation program. The amount
will be about $500 per semester. In cases where a candidate cannot
afford to pay the full tuition, it is hoped that the Deacon Fund will
be able to help.
Office Move & Classroom Space, The office will be moving to Peterson
Hall, probably in June. It is very likely that classrooms will move
to Peterson Hall for the coming academic year as well.
Reports. Formation is ongoing and the Director is optimistic for next
year
There is nothing new to report on the Food for the Poor proposal.
Old Business. None.
New Business, There was discussion regarding elections. No votes were
taken.
There was a national survey asking what percentage of deacons make
their annual retreats. It seems to be 25 to 30%.
At the Glastonbury retreat there was a common opinion that many deacons
don’t see benefits from the Council. It is clear that the Council
helps the Director; the question is how it helps other deacons.
There was a suggestion that a hard copy of Council minutes should
be furnished to each deacon.
Another suggestion was the formation of a subcommittee in each region
to gather the deacons of the region. They could provide for deacons
to backfill for overworked deacons or priests.
In the North and South regions, deacons are assigned to assist
the bishop at all confirmation. But when there is a deacon assigned
to
a parish, he should normally be the one to serve at confirmation.
Adjournment, At 9:20 p.m., the meeting adjourned to June 4, 2003,
at 7:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
John E. Whipple
Acting Secretary
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