September 2023 Council Report

The Parish Council met on September 21, 2023, to kick off its 2024 meeting schedule. Elected to the positions of chairman, vice chairman and secretary were Bryan Healy, Lee Kinnally and Sheri Marchi, respectively. The parish council welcomed two new members, Terry Spadaccini and Patricia Speranza, and bid farewell to two members, Joseph Muldoon and Alexandria Stroud. The parish council also mourned the loss of longtime member Joseph DiSalvo, who passed away in July. Finance Council chairman Tom Milton provided an update on the parish's financial situation; collections have continued to improve since 2020, but are still not covering the cost of operations for the parish. The increased giving campaign that is currently ongoing in the parish was discussed, as well as the soon-to-be completed Renew and Rebuild campaign. Fr. Crawford provided an update to the council on many projects taking place, including plans to replace the roof at OLPH School, replacement of the flagstone at OLPH School and upgrades to the physical plant at St. Matthew Church. 289 children have enrolled in religious education thus far for the year, which is very close to last year's enrollment. The stocking stuffer raffle has begun and tickets have already started to be returned. Finally, a discussion on the formation of an Altar Society for the parish was begun; further information on this important apostolate will be forthcoming. The next parish council meeting is scheduled for October 19th. Parishioners are welcome to contact Fr. Crawford or Bryan Healy with any questions or concerns to address.