Immaculate Conception, Glenville

July 22, 2010

From the Pastor:

     This Sunday’s readings teach us about various aspects of prayer.  Abraham’s conversation with God reveals that prayer is quite often marked by persistence.  In the Gospel, the Lord Jesus gives us the great gift of the Lord’s Prayer.  After offering this prayer, Jesus then outlines the kind of lives those who utter this prayer are called to live.  So let us pray often and with persistence, the Lord’s Prayer.

     After serving as Trustee of our parish with Fr. Starks,

Fr. Connery and with me for over three years, Bill Larkin has decided to retire from his Trustee position.  Not willing to lose him and the vast amount of knowledge dedication and insight Bill brings to this position, I have accepted his resignation with the understanding that he continues to be part of any discussion that requires the input of the Parish Trustees.  Bill now holds the title of Trustee Emeritus.  Over the years Bill has been a gentle mentor, advisor and friend.  He was wise with his advice about the investing and spending of parish finances and he was kind and honest when consulted about matters pertaining to the life of our parish. Bill has always been a source of constant support and encouragement to me and I’m sure I speak for Fr. Starks and Fr. Connery.  On behalf of our entire parish, I thank you Bill for your years of service to our Parish Family.  You are indeed a pillar of the Church of the Immaculate Conception!

           I am open to your suggestions for a second Trustee to work along with our current Trustee, Dan Sliva.  I would like to suggest that we consider a woman as our second Trustee.  Corporate law requires each parish to have two lay trustees.  Along with the Bishop (President), the Vicar General (Vice President), the Pastor (Secretary, Treasurer), the two lay trustees form the officers of the parish corporation.
          The trustees should function in the same manner as would any trustee of a not-for-profit charitable or educational organization.  They should be knowledgeable of the Parish Mission and constitutions and familiar with major parish programs.  Since their major responsibility is a fiduciary one, they need to be a part of major decisions, review and sign financial reports which are sent to the Chancery.  It is not mandated but strongly encouraged that trustees serve as ex officio members of the Parish Council.

           There is great leeway in how they may be selected.  However it is done, the Pastor must approve and propose the name of the selected Trustee to the Bishop who then appoints them for terms described in the guidelines.  Persons considered for the position of Parish Trustee should be respected by parishioners, prudent, able to function on a confidential basis when needed and be able to interact with the Pastor, Parish Council and any other significant persons or group in the parish.

           The appointment of a parish trustee is made in writing by the Bishop upon the written recommendation of the Pastor (or Administrator).  It is strongly recommended that the Pastor consult with the Parish Council and perhaps the parish community as a whole in the selection of candidates for this office.

           Please submit your suggestions for parish Trustee by Tuesday, August 10 and please be sure to sign your name legibly with your suggestion.  Suggestions may be mailed, place in the collection basket or placed in the parish mailbox and directed to my attention.

Till next week, be well, do good deeds and say your prayers…especially the Lord’s Prayer!

                                                                Fr. Jerry