Notes on Stewardship “Open Forum”

January 23, 2008

Topic: “What can we do to continue the momentum generated by the Parish Retreat”

The session began at 7:30 with the recitation of the “Stewardship Prayer”

Mary Carroll provided a brief introduction to the session stating that the purpose of the forum was to discuss concrete ways that we can continue the spirit of enthusiasm and community which was generated here last November during our parish mission.

Jerry Bobal laid down the ground rules for the evening and summed up his observations. He noted the contrast between the way it was when he was growing up. You didn’t talk to people in church...therefore you didn’t get to know the other parishioners who you saw in church every Sunday. It is a good and positive experience to meet other parishioners. Fr. Larry had energy and we need to keep that feeling of positive energy at St. Matthew’s.

A parishioner mentioned that Fr. George used to invite people to introduce themselves to those sitting near them at Mass. She felt this was a good way to get to know others.

Another mentioned that in the parish on Long Beach Island (a parish with many vacationers) people are asked to introduce themselves before Mass.

Someone remarked that it is nice to once again hear the greeting, “Welcome to St. Matthew’s” before Sunday Mass Begins.

It was pointed out that it is up to us to continue the enthusiasm in the midst of the existing day to day operation of the Parish.

A parishioner felt we are not so much in need of a charismatic as we are in need of a catalyst to bring out the enthusiasm. Perhaps we could take a look at those who enjoy parish life and ask each one to state what they would like to see happen in the parish and suggest ways to bring it about. Maybe that would offer a starting point to work on.

Another recalled events that were held in the past....such as the Mardi Gras covered dish evening. It was great fun and resulted in a true sense of community. She stated her disappointment that we are not having one this year.

One responded by saying that events such as this could probable continue if someone who enjoyed it took the initiative to organize it each year. She mentioned the Advent Covered Dish Dinner which was held here for many years. It was a great activity but someone needs to come forward to run it once again.

A parishioner mentioned that the choir is willing to buy carnations in order to bring back the tradition of distributing them to all mothers on Mothers Day.

One in attendance feels we need to bring “family” back to St. Matthew’s. She suggested reinstating the “We Celebrate Masses “ which included in a special way those families who had children preparing to celebrate First Penance and First Eucharist. These family gatherings at particular Masses were informative to both children and parents and created an atmosphere community and caring.

One parishioner stated that we do have a few upcoming events, a spaghetti dinner sponsored by Social Ministry and an Irish Night sponsored by the choir . She stated that we need an event such as these for the fall. Jerry Bobal mentioned that this was when we have traditionally had a Ministry Fair or if not a fair some type of Parish renewal or recommitment in the fall. It was mentioned that a Parish picnic would be the perfect event...but you need a person or group to organize it.

A long time parishioner remarked that it is more effective to hear someone tell you about projects they did rather than to read about the event. Perhaps we could have parishioners talk about certain experiences from time to time during Mass.

Another continued this thought by mentioning that the conversations that come about as the result of an event generally are more successful in getting people involved than any other means of communication. He said that he is more than willing to be second in charge for almost any event if someone else is willing to take charge.

A parishioner felt that people will sign up for things they perceive to be exciting as long as they know what the activity is and will entail.

Another long time member said that people liked to be personally asked to participate in or chair an event. It was just such a personal invitation over 25 years ago that resulted in his active involvement in the parish.

Father Jim mentioned a book by Father Bill Bausch which gives suggestions for events and activities for each season of the year. The book tells how to plan and carry out these events. He emphasized the fact that we must be sensitive to the fact that our parish now includes a diverse population and we need to plan events accordingly. Perhaps this book can be reviewed by several parishioners and used as a guide for event planning.

A Catechist noted that it has been her experience with Religious Formation classes that you need to have an activity or event catch the students eye and if it does they will not only come but bring their families also.

The moderator added that many parishioners do not come to church on weekends. How can we reach them?

One responded by suggesting we form a committee to study and determine what would entice them to come here in the evening.

A member related her experiences as a young girl. She remembers serving tables for a Parish Communion breakfast. She did this to earn a badge for Girl Scouts but remembers it as bringing together families to attend mass and enjoy a breakfast together. She liked the idea of combining service and parish activities.

Mary Carroll spoke about the stewardship retreat we hold annually for 7^th grade students and a parent. The purpose of the retreat is to encourage the students to identify their talents and to use their time and talent in service to others in their families, parish and community. Recently an Eagle Scout project resulted in the installation of a new fence around the convent property.

An active parishioner said that publicity is always an issue. How can we get the word out to get people to turn out for events?

In response, one said that most parishioners do not read the bulletin. We need to make announcements.

One member said that she attributes some of the success of the mission to the fact that throughout the planning a representative from every group was invited to attend every planning meeting. There were reminders to organizations and announcements from the altar.

It was suggested a phone tree or master list of key people to call for events. She said that no matter what you do it seems there are always a few who do not receive e-mails or letters.

A PPC member reported that a Leadership Conference will be scheduled soon and a master list of organization heads and staff will be needed.

A concerned parishioner thinks that if we were to have an event such as a parish picnic we would need to have an organizational meeting to write job descriptions for the various committees that would be needed.

Father Jim stated that there are set procedures for having pulpit announcements. The article must first run in the bulletin before it can be submitted as a pulpit announcement. Communication is a major problem in the parish. E-mail while good as a reminded is not a substitute for traditional means of communication.

Another agreed that communication is lacking.

One parishioner mentioned that she has concluded that if an organization does not know the proper procedures about bulletin and pulpit announcements then the article does not go in or get announced. If only one person from an organization knows how to submit an article and that person does not pass the information on to others then the procedure is lost.

Another offered a simple solution. Have a standard form available for bulletin articles. On the form have contact information as well as a check off as to when you request the article be run and another check off when and if you want it as a pulpit announcement. Have the standard forms available in the rectory and require their completion for submission of articles as well as announcements.

Someone mentioned that she heard about the Eagle Scout project at St. Matthew’s through coverage on channel 22. Perhaps we should take greater advantage of this for publicity purposes.

It was suggested that if parishioners really do not read the bulletin perhaps we could institute a greeting ministry where greeters could mention upcoming events as people enter the gathering area.

Another requested that this ministry somehow be linked with youth ministry.

A parishioner spoke about her experience in starting up a new ministry several years ago. She went through the procedures but when poor health of a family member prevented her from continuing to devote time to the group, the group fell apart.

Mary Carroll mentioned that this is unfortunate and that anyone who wants to establish a specialized group should speak to Father Jim who will be able to determine if there is a need for such a group in the parish and suggest resources for establishing the group. The Mothers Club was formed in the last few years by a parishioner sensing the need for such a group. When she was no longer able to lead the group she found a member of the group who was willing to do so. Every group needs to have others who can take over leadership when necessary.

Father Guy was not able to attend but sent a request that we establish some sort of fellowship after Masses on a regular basis. He felt people are so ready to leave as soon as mass ends that it would be nice to encourage them to stick around a few minutes after to enjoy some coffee and perhaps a donut...it would encourage people to talk to one another and establish a feeling of community.

David was unable to attend but wanted to ask if the group felt the $12 ticket price for the Starlite Chorale was too steep and kept more from attending? The feeling was that the cost was not prohibitive. One said it was the football playoffs that prevented more from attending. Father Jim thought it should be more clearly stated that some of the money would go to charity.

Father Jim thanked all for attending the open forum and made three points in his summary.

1. At every New Parishioners Welcome we have the number one reason cited by those

joining the parish is that St. Matthew’s is a welcoming Parish.

2. Many parishioners do share their stewardship in many ways.

3. We must be mindful to involve other races and nationalities in all that we do.