Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon
Archdiocesan Pastoral Council
December 2, 2006
The Griffin Center, Portland
Present:
Archbishop John G. Vlazny, Fr. Dennis O’Donovan,
Outgoing Members: Mother Francine Cardew, Thom Faller, B.J. Finleybranch, Michelle Forster, Sr. Ruth Frank, Fr. Don Gutmann, Bruce Heldt, Eloisa Hernandez, Ray Houghton, F.J. Maloney, Eleanor Myers, Rick Nelson, Diane Peterson, Pat Ridenour, and Deacon An Vu
New & Continuing Members: Clint Bentz, John Cooper, Marie D’Agrosa, To-Ha Doan, Thom Faller, Anthony Granados, Sam Jackson, Wendell James, Sue Klemenhagen, David Mastroieni, John Mikitka, Rick Nelson, Gary Stump, Carmen Swan, and Ken Willett
Staff Present: Todd Cooper and Fr. Chuck Lienert
Absent:
Outgoing Members: Jesus Bojorges, Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, Francisco Peña, and Fr. Dick Rossman (E)
New Members Sr. Joyce Barsotti (E), Lois Cersovski (E), Deacon Brett Edmonson (E), Fr. Michael Johnston (E), Sr. Maureen Oliver (E), Fr. Gary Zerr (E)
E) = Excused
For a complete list of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council members, see ATTACHMENT A.
The twenty-third meeting of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council (APC) was called to order at 10:05am by the council chair, F.J. Maloney. Todd Cooper led the opening prayer.
The minutes from the September 30, 2006 meeting of the APC were distributed and accepted.
The meeting agenda was approved.
Council Chair, FJ Maloney welcomed all of the new members of the council. He explained that the meeting today included outgoing and incoming members. The first half of the meeting would be a joint meeting between the outgoing and the incoming members of the council. After lunch, the outgoing members would depart, leaving the new members to meet and continue their orientation.
Before moving forward with the agenda, FJ invited all present to introduce themselves by stating their name and home parish.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
Due to the pastoral assembly, the executive committee did not meet.
ARCHBISHOP’S REPORT
The archbishop echoed FJ’s welcome to all of the new members and thanked those who were elected for their willingness and openness to serve on the APC. He also expressed special gratitude to all of the outgoing members of the council and to those who were re-elected for a second term.
Newly Appointed APC Members
Because the turnaround between the assembly and this first meeting was so short, some of the newly appointed members of the council were unable to attend. The new priest representatives are Fr. Gary Zerr and Fr. Michael Johnston. The new religious representatives are Sr. Joyce Barsotti and Sr. Moe Oliver. The new deacon representative is Deacon Brett Edmonson. The new directly appointed members are Mr. Anthony Granados, Mrs. To-Ha Doan, and Mr. Sam Jackson.
Bankruptcy
We hope that the mediations will soon come to an end. Significant progress has been made. A plan of reorganization needs to be approved. Hopefully, there will be minimal financial impact on the parishes. We have thirty-four fewer employees than we did three years ago. The archdiocese has cut back on the pastoral priorities, but parishes have picked up the slack. How has the bankruptcy and sexual abuse scandal affected the Church? There have been challenges, but there are many signs of hope. From a financial standpoint, offertory income is up 5% in parishes over last year and the annual appeal has never been higher. Four million dollars was pledged to the appeal this year and about 3.6 million has been collected. Pastoral ministry formation continues. Six new deacons will be ordained in December, including three from the coast. We have thirty-five seminarians, which is more than ever before.
Recent & Upcoming Events
Cardinal Levada was in town recently for the dedication of a beautiful new academic center at Mt. Angel. The monks must have been saying their prayers because the weather was great for the occasion. This was part of the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the abbey.
An Ember Day will be observed on December 6 to encourage voluntary prayer and fasting for the healing of sexual abuse victims.
December 8 is the patronal feast day for the Cathedral and for the Archdiocese. The archbishop will celebrate the evening Mass at the Cathedral. This Mass will also serve as the final celebration for the Sisters of Providence, who have been celebrating 150 years of presence in this region.
The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Mass will return to the Cathedral on January 13, 2007 at 7pm. It had been celebrated elsewhere the last few years, but at the suggestion of Sam Jackson, newly appointed member of the APC, it will be back at the Cathedral.
Catholic Schools Week will be observed January 28 to February 4, 2007.
USCCB
The U.S. bishops held their November meeting in Baltimore. Part of the meeting involved discussion about the first major reorganization of the conference since it was established. Sixty people will be losing their jobs as a “pruning” takes place.
The bishops also discussed the need for church hymns to be reviewed by bishops. OCP does a good job. Fr. Jeremy Driscoll, OSB, who is on the Vox Clara Committee will come to speak. The bishops also addressed the issue of homosexuality and the importance of chastity. In addition, they addressed the worthy reception of the Eucharist by all Catholics. Finally, a former practice of a half day of prayer by the bishops was re-introduced into the meeting agenda.
Child Protection
The Child Protection Office at the Archdiocese is now full time. A new website is out. Cathy Shannon is staffing the office. Next year there will be another audit to see how the Archdiocese is complying with the bishops’ charter. A new element will be the random audit of parishes.
The archbishop is completing his ninth year of service in the archdiocese.
New council members are encouraged to be aware of pastoral priorities outside of the top three priorities and to bring those forward.
The archbishop concluded his report by wishing all a blessed Advent.
ARCHDIOCESAN PASTORAL ASSEMBLY
Todd Cooper reported. The Pastoral Assembly was a great success. 286 people attended with 106 of 124 parishes represented. The excellent turnout resulted in large part from the archbishop’s encouragement for parishes to attend, from individual phone calls made to parishes, and from APC regional representatives working to encourage attendance from their vicariates. In 2003, 264 people attended from 82 parishes. In 2000, 276 people attended from 100 parishes. Total cost to put on the 2006 assembly was about $9350. Registration fees of $15 per person brought in $3850 to help offset that figure. The final cost for the archdiocese to put on the assembly was about $5500. In 2003, the final cost was $7200, with a registration fee of $10.
The feedback from the 130 evaluations was a very good reflection of what went on at the assembly. Participants’ overall experience of the assembly was excellent. The wonderful mass and youth choir were especially enjoyed. The keynote presentation by Alejandro Aguilera Titus was good, though some felt the personal introduction was too long. The ministry success stories were inspiring. The vicariate discussions were helpful and a good beginning for further discussion, but more time should be allotted. The vicariate reports could be streamlined by shortening them and avoiding repetition. The elections were successful, but they were so quick and there was little or no chance to get to know the candidates. Food was fine, although breakfast was not ready at the scheduled time and the coffee kept running out. The facilities were excellent, but the meeting room was too cold and the many round tables made the room too crowded. The hotel accommodations were very good.
The vicariate discussions resulted in a resounding call for faith formation, which, as a priority, was thought to include the other two priorities of youth and young adult ministry and multicultural ministry. There was also a cry for better communication at all levels – diocesan, vicariate, and parish. The value of vicariate collaboration was also recognized and affirmed.
APC members received typed copies of the individual input on pastoral priorities that was collected at the assembly (See ATTACHMENT B). The input varied somewhat and was influenced by the suggested possibilities on the form, but there were some identifiable themes. Topping the list were care for the elderly, better media & web use, better communications, social justice, ministry to fallen away Catholics, vicariate communication, vocations, and family.
The ministry success stories that were published in a small booklet and shared at the assembly have now been posted on the archdiocesan website along with a few additional stories. Parishes are welcome to submit other ministry success stories for posting on the website. Ministry success stories can be viewed at:
http://www.archdpdx.org/pastoral-council/succesStories13Nov06.mht
The planning team for the 2006 Archdiocesan Pastoral Assembly did a superb job and showed obvious, personal commitment to making the assembly a success. Planning team members included Dick Akins, Paul Anctil, Mary Carow, Thom Faller, Ray Houghton, Subhuti Lichtman, Pat Ridenour, Rod Spring, Jeff Wiren, and Kathy Yee. Special thanks also goes out to Charles Holden, Margie Nolan, and Sr. Jeremy Gallet who contributed greatly to the event. The wrap-up meeting for the planning committee will be held this Monday evening, December 4.
FJ thanked Todd for the report and for his work to coordinate the planning of the assembly. It was a job well done, and the outgoing members of the council are pleased to see the new members, who will take up and continue the good work of the council.
SMALL GROUP MEETINGS
All present broke up into small groups. Outgoing members had the opportunity to share their experience of serving on the council with the incoming members. New members were able to ask questions and find out about responsibilities and expectations. The small groups were also given the opportunity to discuss the pastoral priorities feedback that was given at the pastoral assembly (ATTACHMENT B). The council members also discussed the direction of the APC.
Parting Gift
Following the small group meetings, each of the outgoing council members was presented with a framed group photo of the council as well as a framed personal photo with the archbishop. These gifts were presented to the council members by the archbishop as a sign of his gratitude for their work and service on the council over the last three years.
LUNCH 12pm to 1pm (Prepared by outgoing council member, Eloisa Hernandez)
After lunch, the outgoing members departed and the new and continuing members re-convened. Clint Bentz, vice chair of the council, who was re-elected to a second term as a vicariate representative, chaired the afternoon meeting. Elections for a new chair and vice-chair of the council will be held at the next meeting.
The afternoon meeting began with each of the council members sharing a little more about themselves with the group. Following these further introductions, council members received an orientation to the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council.
ORIENTATION
Each of the new council members received a three-ring binder containing the following items: A letter of appointment from the archbishop, a contact sheet with the names and info of all the council members, a list of the 2007 meeting dates (see 2007 dates at end of minutes), a list of all of the council members (see ATTACHMENT A), a copy of the pastoral plan ( http://www.archdpdx.org/pastoral-council/pastoral-plan.html ), a list of the area vicariates and their respective parishes ( http://www.archdpdx.org/pastoral-council/area-vicariates.html ), a vicariate reference booklet with the name of the pastor and telephone number of the parish in each vicariate, a copy of the minutes from the very first APC meeting explaining the role of the council ( http://www.archdpdx.org/pastoral-council/minutes/minutesMar1701.html ), a copy of the APC constitution ( http://www.archdpdx.org/pastoral-council/constitution.html ), a copy of the canons that deal with the formation and purpose of a diocesan pastoral council, an archdiocesan organizational chart, and a list of the contact info for the outgoing council members.
Role of the APC
Archbishop Vlazny spoke of the role of the APC members. As a bishop, he is called to be an agent of communion and evangelization. The APC is supposed to help him in this role. As a Church, we are one family. Our primary way of fostering communion is through the Eucharist. The mission of the Church is evangelization. As agents of evangelization, we are to bring the Gospel and its values to where we live.
The APC is the bishop’s primary pastoral planning body. It is a body that helps the bishop to be pastor. The bishop has a responsibility to teach through preaching the word of God, to sanctify through the sacraments, and to guide the people of God, especially by welcoming the poor and the stranger.
The Archdiocese of Portland is set up to do certain things, such as training priests. Parishes are responsible for doing other things, such as establishing Mass times. The APC does not focus on finance or administration, although there is some overlap. The APC focuses on the mission of the Church. In 1992, the U.S. bishops published a document entitled “Go and Make Disciples”, which is a national plan & strategy of evangelization. That document outlined three goals. The first was to help Catholics grow in their own faith and feel good about who they are. The second was to be welcoming to the strangers, the fallen away, and the newcomers. The third was to bring the values of Jesus to the world – to take it outside of the walls of our churches.
The archbishop read a quote from Pope Benedict XVI that captures some of these ideas. The pope spoke these words at a Mass in Istanbul on December 1 and are reported by the Vatican Information Service:
"As Saint Paul has just reminded us," said Benedict XVI in his homily, "the Spirit is the enduring source of our faith and unity. He awakens within us true knowledge of Jesus and He puts on our lips the words of faith that enable us to acknowledge the Lord."
"To manifest the Spirit, to live by the Spirit, is not to live for oneself alone, but to let oneself be conformed to Christ Jesus by becoming, like Him, the servant of his brothers and sisters. Here is a very concrete teaching for each of us."
The Church, said the Pope, "has been charged to proclaim His Gospel to the ends of the earth, transmitting to the men and women of our time the Good News which not only illuminates but overturns their lives, even to the point of conquering death itself. This Good News is not just a word, but a person, Christ Himself, risen and alive!"
"The Church's mission is not to preserve power, or to gain wealth; her mission is to offer Christ, to give a share in Christ's own life, man's most precious good, which God Himself gives us in His Son."
"You know well," the Pope told his listeners, "that the Church wishes to impose nothing on anyone, and that she merely asks to live in freedom, in order to reveal the One whom she cannot hide, Christ Jesus. ... Be ever receptive to the Spirit of Christ and so become attentive to those who thirst for justice, peace, dignity and respect for themselves and for their brothers and sisters."
The council is a microcosm of the Church. It includes lay people, religious and clergy. Collaboration in the mission of the Church is important – both on the local, or diocesan, level as well as on the universal level. When council members come to the APC meetings, they should “put a miter on”. See the big picture. Take a global perspective. Council members are not, strictly speaking, representatives of interests.
Fr. Chuck Lienert, who is the Vicar for Planning for the archdiocese, serves the council as executive staff. Todd Cooper, who is the Director of Special Projects, also serves as staff.
APC Constitution
Todd Cooper reviewed the provisions of the APC constitution. Please see copy of the APC constitution on the web at http://www.archdpdx.org/pastoral-council/constitution.html .
Discussion of Process & Procedure for Meetings
Meetings are chaired by the member of the council who is elected to the position of chair. Officers – chair and vice-chair, will be elected at the next APC meeting. The executive committee is made up of the ex-officio members of the council, the elected chair and vice-chair, and the APC staff. The executive committee meets prior to each APC meeting to set the agenda. Agenda items are brought forth by individuals, vicariates, parishes, and sometimes the archbishop. The APC focuses its discussion and work on matters of pastoral planning. The APC makes recommendations to the archbishop based upon its discussions and discernment.
There are three levels of pastoral planning – the diocesan level, the vicariate level, and the parish level. The APC and its members are meant to serve as a connection between all three levels of pastoral planning. APC members are members of their own parish pastoral councils, they are involved in the Annual Vicariate Meeting of Pastoral Councils and in their respective vicariates, and they are involved on the diocesan level of pastoral planning.
Overview of the Role of the Pastoral Center Staff
Fr. Dennis O’Donovan spoke about the role of the Pastoral Center Staff. In a nutshell, the Pastoral Center staff supports the ministry of the archbishop.
Q & A Period for New Council Members
Q. Is it possible for APC members to have an e-mail address through the archdiocese?
A. Todd will check on this and discuss it with the executive committee.
Q. What is the difference between an appointed member of the council and an elected member?
A. Elected members have the added responsibility of representing their respective vicariates.
Q. What is the objective for the next three years?
A. Start looking at issues beyond the top three priorities. Moving beyond bankruptcy.
Q. Will a vicar be appointed for the Middle Coast Vicariate?
A. For now, the contact should be Fr. Joseph Hoang, Vicar of the North Coast Vicariate.
The APC should try to schedule a meeting of the council somewhere south of Portland.
The meeting concluded with a prayer led by Clint Bentz.
2007 Meeting Dates
February 3, 2007 (Pastoral Center)
May 19, 2007 (Pastoral Center)
September 15, 2007 (Griffin Center)
December 1, 2007 (Pastoral Center)
NEXT MEETING: Saturday, February 3, 2007
from 10am to 3pm
at the Pastoral Center
Respectfully submitted,
Todd Cooper
APC Staff
ARCHDIOCESAN PASTORAL COUNCIL
2006-2009
Ex Officio Members:
Archbishop: Most Rev. John G. Vlazny – President
Vicar General: Rev. Dennis O’Donovan
Elected and Appointed Members:
Regional Representatives:
Mr. Ken Willett Downtown Portland/Southeast Portland
*Mr. Clint Bentz Albany-Corvallis/Santiam
*Dr. Thom Faller Beaverton Suburban
Ms. Marie D’Agrose Columbia County/Middle Coast/North Coast
Mr. David Mastroieni East Ptld. Suburban/South Ptld. Suburban
Ms. Lois Cersovski Metropolitan Eugene
Ms. Carmen Swan Metropolitan Salem
Mr. John Cooper Northeast Portland
Ms. Sue Klemenhagen South Coast
*Mr. Rick Nelson Southern Oregon
Mr. John Mikitka Tualatin Valley
Mr. Gary Stump West Portland Suburban
Mr. Wendell James Yamhill County/Marion County
*Re-elected for a second term.
Directly Appointed: Ms. To-Ha Doan
Mr. Anthony Granados
Mr. Sam Jackson
Priests: Rev. Michael Johnston
Rev. Gary Zerr
Permanent Deacon: Deacon Brett Edmonson
Religious: Sr. Joyce Barsotti, SSMO
Sr. Maureen Oliver, SNJM
Staff:
Executive Staff: Fr. Chuck Lienert
Recording Staff: Mr. Todd Cooper
INPUT FOR ARCHDIOCESAN PASTORAL COUNCIL AGENDA
Each person at the 2006 Archdiocesan Pastoral Assembly was provided with a sheet on which to offer input for the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council Agenda. The sheet was entitled “Input on Archdiocesan Pastoral Council Agenda.” It contained a blank at the top for participants to list what vicariate they were from and it contained the instructions & info listed in brackets below:
[Vicariate: _________________________________________________________
The Archdiocesan Pastoral Council would like to know what other agenda items you would like to bring to its attention for future discussion. The information gathered here will be taken by the newly elected Archdiocesan Pastoral Council Regional Representative to the first meeting of the new council for consideration. Please write down your input and give this form to your new representative. See reverse side of this sheet for a list of ideas. Thank you.
On Reverse:
The following list of pastoral priorities is simply a primer for ideas:
On Front:
Are there pastoral priorities outside of the top three priorities of Faith Formation at all levels, Youth & Young Adult Ministry, and Multicultural Ministry that you feel should be considered by the Archbishop and the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council? If so, what are they?]
The information below contains the input collected from participants at the 2006 Pastoral Assembly:
VICARATE: SOUTHEAST PORTLAND
VICARIATE: NORTHEAST PORTLAND
VICARIATE: WEST PORTLAND SUBURBAN
VICARIATE: METROPOLITAN SALEM
-the babies (from Meth parents)
-the elder care (legal needs)
3. P.R. - Positive “proud to be Catholics” Campaign.
VICARIATE: DOWNTOWN PORTLAND
*Not necessarily in this vicariate
VICARIATE: BEAVERTON SUBRURBAN
1. How to restore the family as the basic unit of society?
2. To be Catholic requires more than “merely” attending Sunday mass
3. Full teaching of “justice and peace”. Additional focus on this.
VICARIATE: COLUMBIA COUNTY
VICARIATE: YAMHILL COUNTY
VICARIATE: SANTIAM
VICARIATE: MARION COUNTY
VICARIATE: SOUTH COAST
VICARIATE: TUALATIN VALLEY
VICARIATE: ALBANY-CORVALLIS
VICARIATE: METROPOLITAN EUGENE
VICARIATE: EAST PORTLAND, SUBURBAN
VICARIATE: SOUTH PORTLAND, SUBURBAN
VICARIATE: NORTH COAST
VICARIATE: MIDDLE COAST
VICARIATE: SOUTHERN OREGON
VICARIATE: NONE NAMED