Present: Soledad Andrade, Friar Tarcisius Bucca, Lucy and Maria Cordon, Kokou Dagawa, Eunice Daniels, Stephanie Held, Yasha Hookens, Robert Krug, Fr. Alejandro Lopez, Heberto Machado, Jr., Michael Magada, James Murphy, Lorena Nava de Machado, Mercedes MacLaughlin, Fr. Romert Morales, Eva Niewiadomski, Lionel Osaghae, Joyce Ramirez-Knight, Susan Silvano, Deacon Paul Spalla, Fr. Bob Sprott, and Friar Jason Warrer.
 
Not present: Frank Ativie, Ms. Christine Boyd, Fr. Thomas Fetz, Mark Franzen, Chris Grant,
Greg Lindeman, Deacon Juan Ramirez, Vince Singvongsa, Deacon Ron Stricker, and Diane Trinh.
 
Guest: Ellen Credille
                                                                                                                                              
Opening Prayer from Friar Jason Warrer, meeting began at 7:05pm. Approval of Minutes from the 09/27/2023 meeting approved through a first motion from Robert Krug, followed by a second motion from Lorena Nava de Machado. Followed by unanimous approval.  

Present: Soledad Andrade, Frank Ativie, Lucy and Maria Cordon, Kokou Dagawa, Eunice Daniels, Mark Franzen, Stephanie Held, Yasha Hookens, Robert Krug, Greg Lindeman, Fr. Alejandro Lopez, Mercedes MacLaughlin, Fr. Romert Morales, Lionel Osaghae, Joyce Ramirez-Knight, Vince Singvongsa, Deacon Paul Spalla, Fr. Bob Sprott, and Friar Jason Warrer.
 
Not present: Ms. Christine Boyd, Fr. Thomas Fetz, Chris Grant, Heberto Machado, Jr., Michael Magada, James Murphy, Lorena Nava, Eva Niewiadomski, Deacon Juan Ramirez, Susan Silvano, Deacon Ron Stricker, and Diane Trinh.
                                                                                                                            
Opening Prayer from Friar Jason Warrer, meeting began at 7:02pm. Approval of Minutes from the 06/15/2023 meeting approved through a first motion from Robert Krug, followed by a second motion from Frank Ativie. Abstention from Greg Lindeman.

​Mary, Mother of God Parish Pastoral Council
Minutes April 17, 2023, 7:00 p.m.

Present: Soledad Andrade, Fr. Bob Cook, Lucy and Maria Cordon, Kokou Dagawa, Eunice Daniels, Fr. Thomas Fetz, Stephanie Held, Yasha Hookens, Peter Jansen, Robert Krug, Greg Lindeman, Mercedes MacLaughlin, Michael Magada, Fr. Romert Morales, Eva Niewiadomski, Lionel Osaghae, Joyce Ramirez-Knight, Susan Silvano, John Stimler, Diane Trinh and Friar Jason Warrer.

Not present: Ms. Christine Boyd, Mark Franzen, Chris Grant, Pat Kenny, Heberto Machado, Jr., Lorena Nava, Deacon Juan Ramirez, Vince Singvongsa, Deacon Paul Spalla, Fr. Bob Sprott, Deacon Ron Stricker, and Deacon Bede Thigpen.
​
Guests: Rosemary Ihejirika, Pamela Matamabazo and James Murphy
Meeting began at 7:20pm with opening prayer from Friar Jason Warrer. Minutes from the 02/16/2023 meeting were approved with unanimous approval.

1. Welcome new members: Susan Silvano, Eva Niewiadomski, Stephanie Held, Frank Ative, and Peter Jansen. Thank you to retiring members:  Maggie Flynn, Jane McCarthy, Kerry Reed, and Remedios Ryan.
2. Operations
   1. Deacon Bede Thigpen is healing from surgery at the House of Studies until the end of May. Will be ordained either end of summer or early fall.
   2. Fr. Robert Melnick’s last Mass was April 16. He is being transferred to the Shrine of Maximilian Kolbe in Marytown.  
   3. Fr. Alejandro Lopez arrives before 5/8 and will then take office.
   4. Fr. Bob Cook will move to the SGG rectory after 5/8 to help with the transition.  
3. Parish Staffing
   1. Scott Kumer has been hired as organist for SGG at 4:30pm. Will also be the assistant director to Dan Lagacy. Start day is 4/15.
   2. Stephanie Held will be our summer intern for communications, and also help SGH and Director of Stewardship Dorothy Julian.
4. Physical Plant
   
   1. Mural for SI is unfinished; exposed live wires need to be covered by ComEd. Project should be finalized by end of Spring.
      
   2. A campaign will begin for the new church sign at STC. Former artist-in-residence Joe Malham designed the new STC fixture. Building and Grounds Committee is working on the JH kitchen/bathroom accessibility project. Winter has been mild - snow removal costs were smaller.
      
   3. 1-year trial has begun for Passages’ use of the gym Saturday mornings. As SGH expands, use of the gym will increase and availability to school will be limited.
5. Outreach
   1. Soup Kitchen numbers have increased after dropping during COVID. Now it serves 90/100 per night.  During COVID, homeless shelters were dispersed. As a result, the Food Pantry numbers increased. Greater Chicago Food Depository area restrictions are easing, and the numbers for the FP are increasing each month. A portrait of Jim Eder by SGH artist-in-residence Sarah Crow will be installed in the SK on May 5.
   2. Canterbury House serves Parish through prayer, outreach, fellowship, and Catholic social thought. Currently one full-time live-in community member, James Murphy, and one part-time live-in member, Scott Moringiello (scholar-in-residence at St. Gregory’s Hall).
      
      1. Prayer: Morning prayer Mon. and Wed. 7:45am @ CH, Tues. and Thurs. @ St. Francis Catholic Worker 7:45am, Fri. at Wilson Abbey (Jesus People Community) 7:45am. Adoration Tues. 9am to 7pm @ STC. Compline the Sun.’s of Lent at 7:30pm at STC.
         
      2. Outreach: Every Mon. 1-5pm, CH opens to people living outside. Partnering with Thresholds social workers, who help with housing connections, healthcare and other services. Working with Saint Vincent DePaul Society and Pope Francis Center to expand Mon. efforts. Helps SK with weekly food run. Currently has 2 interns from Loyola University who helped build the raised garden beds at STC. Loyola Department of Sustainability is supporting urban farming efforts. CH and SGH working with Hank Center for Catholic Thought at Loyola to do a 2024 conference on life and thought of Peter Maurin. Supporting and working with St. Francis Catholic Worker. 
         
      3. Catholic Social Teaching and Fellowship: Roundtable discussions twice a month on Thursdays with potluck dinner. Solidarity Gardens - growing food for FP, SK and neighbors. Communion & Liberation - Tues.’s 7:30pm @ CH led by Danuta Mirka. CH hosted the MMoG Young Adult Group.
6. Saint Vincent DePaul Society - guests Rosemary Ihejirika and Pamela Matamabazo
   1. The Saint Vincent DePaul Society began 190 years ago in Paris when students were trying to explain Christianity and how they were serving; they modeled themselves on Saint Vincent DePaul’s way of serving. The Daughters of Charity were created as a result. SVDPS is in 152 countries with 850k people; 90k of which in the US.
   2. SVDPS composed of Conferences, which are localized to Regional Groups. They are attached to a Parish that serves as their physical/spiritual home, shared with people with like-minded goals and objectives interested in helping others. Archdiocese of Chicago has 10 districts, with 9 Conferences; those are divided into councils. Rosemary Ihejirika is the District President for the Conferences. Goal is to gain more partnerships and memberships to help friends in need.
   3. Parish leadership should grow spiritually and in friendship by examining their works and their community to work together. Pope Francis Center in Logan Square was created to work 1:1 with people on a long-term basis.
7. St. Gregory’s Hall
   1. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd: 3/9 Family Stations of the Cross. 5/13 First Communion with RE students. 5/21 Easter Egg Hunt and Open House for prospective families.
   2. Adult Faith Formation: March weekly reading group on T.S. Eliot’s “Four Quartets” led by Fr. Bob Sprott, OFM. 3/25 Lenten Retreat talk by Fr. Bob Sprott on “The Practice of Prayer: Suggestions from a 14th Century English Spiritual Writer.” April-May weekly course with Scott Moringiello on Encyclicals of Francis and Benedict XVI. 4/18, Conversation with Michael Heinlein, author of Glorifying Christ: The Life of Cardinal Francis E. George, OMI.  
   3. Sacred Art: 3/25 Lenten Retreat with talk by Sarah Crow on “Praying with the Blessed Virgin Mary in Art.” 2nd Saturdays: Monthly life drawing with live model.
   4. Church Tour and Art Workshop: Dates TBA  
   5. Sacred Music Program: 4/16 Divine Mercy Sunday Mass with Bishop Perry, Vox Fidelis Children’s Choir and St. Gregory’s Schola directed by composer-in-residence Kevin Allen.
   6. Upcoming: 5/21 and 6/4, Sacred Music talks by Kevin Allen. 6/13 Choral Mass for the Feast of St. Anthony.
8. School Report
   1. 4/21 First Communions at 5pm. 4/25 Confirmation at 7:00pm. 5/26 Graduation. Strong enrollment for next year. All who have applied have a Tax Credit Scholarship for this year. St. Francis and St. Joseph pledged to do the same for next year. We are over halfway funded.
   2. Ms. Christine Boyd received the Saints & Scholars 2023 Veteran Principal Award. Criteria included demonstrated long-term dedication to Catholic education and significant school leadership ability.
9. Liturgy and Worship
   1. Holy Week (4/2-4/9)
   2. Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter in discussion with letter to the Cardinal to allow the Mass at SGG.   
10. Religious Education and Sacraments
    1. Religious Education students from the 2nd year Confirmation class participated/volunteered during Holy Week. Confirmation practice will be on 4/22, First Communion practice on 5/6. C will be 4/25 and FC 5/13.
    2. RCIA has 8 new people. 2 adults were Baptized, 6 received First Communion and Confirmation. Mystagogy continues. RCIA members are expanding to other parts of the Parish; someone is joining the choir. For next year, 7 people are already enrolled. RICA had 3 candidates who received Confirmation. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - Confessions the weekend of 4/15.
11. Parish Life
    1. Stations of the Cross on Fridays in Lent, Compline on Sundays in Lent. Parish Penance Service 3/20. Days of Recollection – parish charismatic groups 4/1, English Retreat at SGG 3/25, Spanish at SI 3/19. SGH:  TS Elliot’s Four Quartets, The Confession of St Augustine. Triduum of Holy Hours for Healing—Bishop Bartosic (3/27-29). SGH Divine Mercy Mass (4/16). Fr Robert Farewell (4/16).
12. Upcoming
    1. Author Michael Heinlein Talk (4/18). Pedro Calungsod Mass (4/21). Confirmation (4/25). First Communions (5/13). May Crowning (5/14--Mother’s Day). School Graduation (5/26).

New Business Knights of Columbus Blood Drive 5/14. Fr. Bob’s Farewell Tour SI: 4/30 after 12:30pm and 5/7 after 8:30am and 10:30am. STC: 4/23 after 8am and 11:30am. SGG: 4/30 after 9:30am.

Next Meeting TBD on Fr. Alejandro Lopez’s arrival 

Closing Prayer by Fr. Bob Cook, meeting adjourned at 8:55pm

Mary, Mother of God Parish Pastoral Council
Minutes February 16, 2023, 7:00 p.m.
​
Present: Soledad Andrade, Ms. Christine Boyd, Fr. Bob Cook, Lucy and Maria Cordon, Kokou Dagawa, Eunice Daniels, Maggie Flynn, Mark Franzen, Chris Grant, Yasha Hookens, Pat Kenny, Robert Krug, Greg Lindeman, Heberto Machado, Jr., Mercedes MacLaughlin, Jane McCarthy, Fr. Romert Morales, Lorena Nava, Lionel Osaghae, Joyce Ramirez-Knight, Remedios Ryan, Vince Singvongsa, John Stimler, Deacon Bede Thigpen, and Friar Jason Warrer.

Not present: Fr. Thomas Fetz, Michael Magada, Fr. Robert Melnick, Deacon Juan Ramirez, Kerry Reed, Deacon Paul Spalla, Fr. Bob Sprott, Deacon Ron Stricker, and Diane Trinh. 
​
Meeting began on Zoom at 7:07pm. with opening prayer from Fr. Bob Cook. Minutes from the 11/16/2022 meeting were approved after Deacon Bede Thigpen’s motion of approval followed by a second motion from Remedios Ryan; with unanimous approval. 

1. Operations
   1. Transition Task Force for Fr. Alejandro Lopez’s transition: Fr. Bob Cook, Stuart Boldry, Mark Franzen, Dorothy Julian, Dan Lagacy, James Murphy and Soledad Andrade as secretary. Meets every two weeks.
      1. Fr. Bob Cook will remain on the SGH Board, along with St. Bonaventure Province provincial Fr. Paul Langevin.
      2. April 16 (Divine Mercy Sunday): Fr. Robert Melnick’s last Mass, with a reception to follow the 10:30am Mass. He will move to Marytown and remain the Spiritual Assistant for Secular Franciscans.
      3. Fr. Bob Cook’s last Mass will be on 5/7. Sendoffs will be at all three churches on 4/23, 4/30 and 5/7 - times/locations TBD.
      4. Friar Bede Thigpen will undergo surgery for sleep apnea in early April and recuperate outside the friary. Will be ordained upon his return. His next assignment is still pending.
      5. Fr. Alejandro Lopez arrives after 5/7, with a formal installation a month or two after.
   2. As part of the Renew My Church "Building the New Reality" Phase, the Disciplemaker's Index survey will be sent to members of the PPC, Finance Council and leaders of parish ministries.
   3. Several PPC member terms up as of January 1, 2023: Kerry Reed, Lucy Cordon, Remedios Ryan, Lionel Osaghae, Maggie Flynn, and Michael Magada. Fr. Bob will talk to individuals about staying on for a term to end with the academic year.
   4. Parish Staffing
      Music at SGG Kevin Allen as artist-in-residence oversees the choir and music for 9:30am on Sunday. Choir is growing and actively recruiting. Next steps would be to hire an organist. Cheri Dahlen was involved with starting a contemporary choir at SGG, and is still in talks with the parish about it.
   5. Physical Plant SI bells now fixed. Winter has been mild, snow removal costs are low. Boiler problems at all 3 sites.
   6. Miscellaneous Evangelization will be a part of St. Gregory’s Hall. Fr. Bob Sprott, OFM, scholar-in-residence at St. Gregory’s Hall will help with Masses and parish work, in addition to teaching for SGH.
      
      
2. Outreach
   1. During the pandemic, the Greater Chicago Food Depository loosened its regulations to allow people to get food regardless of where they lived. It is returning to rules that allow people to get food only in the area where they live. Food Pantry numbers are lower as a result.
   2. Jim Eder, Temporary Director for the Soup Kitchen on a volunteer basis for decades, passed away. He was part of the Catholic Worker movement when it first began and used to live in the STC rectory. He lived in Edgewater, and during that time, he attended all 3 of our churches. His Funeral Mass was 2/11. There will be a Memorial Mass for him on 3/10 at STC after the SK. Sarah Crow, artist in residence at SGG, will make a portrait of him for the SK.
   3. Ministers of Care are installed. Deacon Paul Spalla will assign EMCs to visit people. 

 

1. School Report
   1. 8th grade class results: 23 - full scholarships to Loyola Academy, 4 - full scholarships to St. Ignatius, and 4 - Daniel Murphy Scholars.
   2. All students who applied got a full Tax Credit Scholarship through Empower Illinois. Funds raised in cooperation with Ss. Francis Xavier and Joseph; program will continue for 2023/2024. Over a quarter of a million dollars has already been raised.
   3. Full enrollment expected next year.
   4. This year, the school hosted Loyola University School of Education students (graduate and undergraduate).
   5. The school applied for a state grant to replace the 1910 furnace, waiting to hear back. Big capital projects: window replacements and a security system. 

 

1. Liturgy and Worship
   1. Ash Wednesday schedule:
      1. SI 8am, 12pm, 5:30pm and 7:30pm (Spanish).
      2. STC 8:30am
      3. SGG 8:30am, 12pm (Communion Service) and 7:00pm (English with the choir).
   2. Days of Recollection:
      1. 3/25 in English at SGG hosted by SGH
      2. 3/19 in Spanish with Fr. Tito at SI.
   3. Canterbury House hosting Sung Compline at STC the Sundays of Lent, followed by fellowship.
   4. March 1-29: Fr. Bob Sprott will host T.S. Eliot’s Four Quartets Lent Reading Group.
   5. March 20: Parish Penance Service at Saint Ita.
   6. March 27-29: Triduum of Holy Hours hosted by SGH at SGG with Bishop Bartosic. For the healing of sexual abuse victims.
   7. Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter is still in progress.  

 

1. Religious Education and Sacraments
   1. Religious Education has about 20 students preparing for First Communion and 2 from CGS. Confirmation has 38 students: 24 RE students, and 14 students from STC school. The RE First Communion students are preparing for Reconciliation.
   2. RCIA has grown to two groups. One meets every other Sunday; the other, every other Monday. RICA has 3 candidates preparing for Confirmation. The Rite of Election will occur February 26 at Holy Name Cathedral with 12 candidates, 9 from RCIA and 3 from RICA.
   3. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - Religious Education for children 3 - 12 using Montessori-inspired methods. Meets Tuesday mornings and Thursday evenings. 34 families participate, with a total of 70 children.
2. St. Gregory’s Hall
   1. Adult Faith Formation Program January-March weekly course on Augustine’s Confessions led by Fr. Bob Sprott, OFM. March weekly reading group on T.S. Eliot’s “Four Quartets” led by Fr. Bob Sprott, OFM.
   2. Sacred Art Program 3rd Saturdays: Monthly life drawing sessions, 2 hours with a live model. 12/9 - 12/11 Advent art workshop - copies of a Baroque Nativity oil painting led by artist-in-residence Sarah Crow. 12/27 open studio and blessing with artist-in-residence Sarah Crow. 1/13 tour of three Parish churches led by Mark Franzen and Maggie Flynn.
   3. Sacred Music Program 12/11 Convivium Marianum Marian lessons and carols with Bishop Bartosic, composer-in-residence Kevin Allen with professional choir. 2/2 Mass for Candlemas with candle blessing and procession, composer-in-residence Kevin Allen with professional choir.
   4. Upcoming events in April, with author Michael Heinlein, biography on Cardinal George. Scott Moringiello will return for Spring courses. Modern Catholic Literary course still TBD.
   5. Sycamore: RMC calls for creating soft entry points at parishes to give an experience of Christ. Hard entry point: Invite people to Mass. Soft entry point: Create small faith-sharing groups through programs. Ours is Sycamore. SGH and CH will work together on this.
   6. SGH internally provides faith formation to kids through CGS, adult formation through Scott Moringiello and Fr. Bob Sprott (RCIA/RICA programs are not part of SGH but fall under adult formation), beauty through literature and music with Kevin Allen, and art with Sarah Crow. Youth catechesis occurs with the Religious Education program. CH Coordinator James Murphy has Roundtable Discussions about current events in the community.
   7. We are now working with the St. Francis Catholic Worker house, which has younger people with the Catholic Worker Catholicism mentality; Mass is held there once a month. A memorandum was signed under the Food Coop for a grant to allow membership for people who cannot afford it. This will help in networking and building community. Urban Farming in development in the North Courtyard and side property of STC. Rudy Rieza uses the STC parking lot to grow things for the SK. Lawrence House also has interest in helping with the planting. SGG plots behind the rectory will continue to be used.
      
      
3. Parish Life Thanksgiving with the Franciscans. Las Posadas. Marianum Convivium. Our Lady of Guadalupe. Simbang Gabi x3. Colombian Novenas. Parish Christmas Concert. Señor de Esquipulas. Lunar New Year. La Virgen de Suyapa. Candlemas. Spaghetti Supper.
4. Upcoming
   1. Ash Wednesday.
   2. In Lent: Stations of the Cross, Confessions at SGG, Compline at CH, Four Quartets, Parish Penance Service and Evenings of Recollection. Triduum of Holy Hours for Healing - Bishop Bartosic (3/27-29). Life in the Spirit Seminar (4/1).
   3.  SGH Divine Mercy Mass (4/16). Fr. Robert Farewell Reception (4/16). Author Michael Heinlein Talk (4/18). Pedro Calungsod Mass (4/21). Lao NY (4/23). Confirmation (4/25). First Communions (5/13). May Crowning 5/14 (Mother’s Day).

 
New Business Pat Kenny proposes motion as a council to thank the committee who coordinated the Spaghetti Dinner. Motion seconded by Mark Franzen and passed unanimously.
 
Next Meeting Monday, April 17, 2023 at 7pm
 
Closing Prayer Deacon Bede Thigpen, meeting adjourned at 8:42pm