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March 21, 2013 – 7 P.M.
In Attendance: John Mitchell, Reno Sartori, Becky Estep, Marge Mattingly, Joe and Ginger Osteen
· John called the meeting to order and led us in singing “Open My Eyes Lord”.
· John’s opening remarks were about the humility of Pope Francis and how impressed he is about anyone being in that position and acting so humbly and looking out for the poor as he does. He told us that Deacon Rood said, “the Pope will be a unifier – bring us together again.”
· Reno wants the Pope to “be like Jesus” and clean house of any priests at the Vatican or elsewhere who are bad, i.e., sexual abusers, etc.
· Becky said we need good leaders who aren’t worried about being politically correct all the time. She mentioned, for example, that some Catholics are voting for non pro-life candidates.
· Everyone present agreed that Pope Francis seems to be the perfect choice and will help our Church in so many ways.
· Reno suggested that we have a scheduled prayer (maybe before Church) for our new Pope and our Holy Catholic Church.
· Marge shared two recent “evangelization” experiences. One occurred at a dental appointment when the dentist told her that maybe he should join the Catholic Church because it was the “nearest thing to heaven”. He was unhappy in his protestant church because he felt their traditions were changing too much. She also had the chance recently to share with a cosmetic’s sales clerk. John gave Marge two of our blessed lapel crucifixes to pass on to them.
· Discussion included the current Lexington Diocese position of not allowing single parents to adopt children.
· Becky wants to remind priests and deacons that the word “evangelization” is an intimidating word to most and to explain more simply and often that it just means “spreading the Good News.” John mentioned that he has added “Call to Holiness” on the Evangelization announcement in the bulletin.
· Our committee needs to come up with a plan for sharing our faith stories. It was mentioned that this is being done in small groups, i.e., CHIRP. Joe suggested that a parishioner’s faith story could be highlighted in our newsletter or bulletin insert. Sharing faith stories before Mass is also a possibility, although very nerve wrecking for a lot of people to be in front of that large a crowd. We will continue to explore different opportunities.
· It was suggested that the priests/deacons always use their microphones so that everyone can hear them regardless of where they are sitting in the church. It appears that many sitting further back in the church have trouble hearing the priest.
· Mention was made that priests/deacons be especially sensitive to their audience in speaking about specific topics that may be serious problems/issues or sensitivities for some of those present.
· John discussed his conversation with a man who goes to Quest Church who didn’t believe that our Catholic communion was really the body and blood of Christ. John cited the gospel of John 6:48-59 (attached) which clearly supports our Catholic belief of the actual presence of the Lord in our communion. An astonishing percentage of 59% (a recalled high number – est.) of Catholics don’t believe Christ is present.
· John told us that The Lighthouse Catholic Media display in the gathering area had SOLD OUT of CDs in English and they had been re-ordered already! Great news – thanks Laura!
· Closing Prayer was read by all and the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 P.M.
Ginger Osteen
(for Laura Hack)
last updated 09/07/2013
