St. Bernadette Parish Council
Highlights from March 7, 2013 Meeting

• There has been a lot of CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS in past month.  The floor is currently being completed.  The Dedication Mass is scheduled for April 21, 2013.
  
  
• PARKING BEHIND SAINT MARY ACADEMY has become an issue before and after Masses.  Parishioners are to be reminded in the bulletin and through pulpit announcements that the area is a FIRE LANE and is for dropping off and picking up only.
  
  
• THE FALLS OF GOSHEN is still being rented.  A meeting with CBRE Louisville will be scheduled to discuss the selling price.
  
  
• The DEDICATION COMMITTEE is working diligently to prepare for the dedication Mass and reception.  Many parishioners are being engaged in all aspects of the process.
  
  
• Parish Council continues to evaluate the SOLICITATION POLICY for Funds and Non-Cash items.  They will work with Carolyn Hoskins to finalize this policy.
  
  
• Overall, Saint Bernadette’s CHARITABLE OUTREACH giving fiscal year to date is 95% local; 2% national; and 3% global.  
  
  
• The Parish Council STRATEGIC PLAN subcommittee will meet on April 25 to select a format.
  
  
• Names were submitted for a STORAGE POLICY Subcommittee to develop a plan for storage issues in new church.
  
  
• Next Parish Council Meeting will be April 10, 2013.
  
  

St. Bernadette Parish Council
Highlights from January 3, 2013 Meeting

• There has been a lot of CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS in past month.  The completion date is still expected to be March 2013.    The Dedication Mass is scheduled for April 21, 2013.
  
  
• There are three events scheduled at THE FALLS OF GOSHEN (two parish events and the Prospect Rotary Club).  CBRE Louisville is the new realtor for the property.
  
  
• The DEDICATION COMMITTEE will be meeting with the next few weeks to select the liturgical ministers.  Preliminary budgets are being formed and will be presented to Finance Council and Parish Council for an amendment to the budget.
  
  
• We received 425 surveys about coming to the Dedication Mass. Total possible attending Mass 985 and total attending reception 763.
  
  
• Saint Bernadette Parish launched a FACEBOOK page before Christmas.  Also, we converted the youth group page to an official group page.  These will serve as excellent tools to inform community about parish events.
  
  
• Saint Bernadette reviewed the CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REPORT and completed a parish response to the report as requested by the Diocese.
  
  
• The Parish Council STRATEGIC PLAN subcommittee meetings will begin in April.
  
  
• Next Parish Council Meeting will be February 7, 2013.

St. Bernadette Parish Council

Highlights from November 7, 2012 Meeting

• There has been a lot of CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS in past month.  The completion date is still expected to be March 2013.   
  
  
• There is growing interest in renting THE FALLS OF GOSHEN.  Supper Club is looking to host parish wide supper at Goshen in January.  Ed Hovan is working on a trifold brochure and business card. 
  
  
• The AUDIT REPORT is in and will be reviewed by Finance Council.  The report did not have any significant concerns, but it did have helpful recommendations.
  
  
• The opening of the new church will coincide nicely with the Archdiocesan promotion of the NEW EVANGILIZATION.  Several open houses will be offered in addition to the dedication Mass.  Parishioners will be encouraged to invite friends and neighbors.
  
  
• All parishes in the diocese are being asked to review the CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REPORT and to complete a parish response to the report.  Saint Bernadette will complete their response at the January Parish Council Meeting. 
  
  
• ST. MARY ACADEMY has a 5 year strategic plan and will have an advocate for St. Mary on the St. Bernadette Parish Council.
  
  
• Parish Council will begin working on a STRATEGIC PLAN for the parish in April.
  
  
• Next Parish Council Meeting will be December 6, 2012 at Falls of Goshen, Prospect Chamber of Commerce Christmas Party.

St. Bernadette Parish Council
Highlights from October 4, 2012 Meeting

• Parish Council approved a rental agreement for THE GOSHEN PROPERTY as well as the proposed name, Falls of Goshen.
  
  
• PARISH MINISTRY SURVEY results were reviewed.  Results will be used in future planning.
  
  
• Father Terry is planning a meeting for the leaders of all parish ministries to give them an opportunity to meet one another and learn about the other ministries.
  
  
• STEWARDSHIP committee is working on best practices for the new church and will be meeting with Fellowship and Welcoming Committees soon.
  
  
• Parish Council reviewed sample STRATEGIC PLANS.  Issue to continue to be discussed at next meeting.
  
  
• At the November meeting each member of Parish Council will be photographed.  These pictures will be placed in a frame in the lobby so that parishioners will know who is on Parish Council. 
  
  
• The DEDICATION COMMITTEE is looking at music, training, needs, etc. for the Dedication Mass.
  
  
• Parish Council reviewed proposal for scheduling solicitations after Mass (financial and time/talent) as part of our CHARITABLE OUTREACH.  Council will review another draft of proposal at next meeting.
  
  
• Next Parish Council Meeting is Wednesday, November 7 at 6:30pm.

St. Bernadette Parish Council
Highlights from September 6, 2012 Meeting

• Nancy Falls has volunteered to be Parish Council Secretary.
  
  
• DEDICATION OF NEW CHURCH will most likely occur in March.  Father Terry will continue to update construction progress monthly.
  
  
• Training is underway for FRONT DESK RECEPTIONISTS.  22 parishioners attended the first information meeting.
  
  
• Parish Council continues to work on assessing the parish’s total CHARITABLE OUTREACH and developing policy and procedures for new requests as well as ongoing needs.
  
  
• Parish Council members were asked to complete a SURVEY related to all ministries offered in the parish.  Council members were asked to rate each ministry as approaching a standard of excellence, meeting an acceptable standard, not yet meeting an acceptable standard, or not enough information or experience to comment.  Survey results will be tallied for next meeting.
  
  
• Parish Council discussed need for a STRATEGIC PLAN.  Parish Council to look at sample models prior to next meeting.
  
  
• GOSHEN PROPERTY to remain for sale.  The property will be available to rent, which will assist with upkeep and community exposure.
  
  
• PLANNED GIVING TEAM TRAINING is being offered by Archdiocese of Louisville .  This fall there are 7 parishes piloting the program.  Saint Bernadette will request this training from the Diocese after summer 2013.
  
  
• David Such reported that the Flaget Chapter of the KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS has flourished since moving to St. Bernadette.  The Knights will be having a membership Blitz on the last Sunday in September at St. Bernadette.   Parish Council approved their request to support the Tootsie Roll Sale in October that benefits the mentally challenged and the Christmas Card sale in November that supports Seminarians and the Priest Appreciation Dinner.
• Father Terry mentioned a new proposal submitted regarding beginning a COLLEGE STUDENT MINISTRY – sending notes and treats to college students.  More information will be coming about this new ministry.
  
  
• Next Meeting will be on Thursday, October 4 at 6:30pm.
  
  

Saint Bernadette Parish Council
June 2012

• Construction is progressing although due to rain it is somewhat behind the time line hoped for at this time.  Phase “7” should be completed by next week.  A more accurate time line will be known by the end of July.
  
  
• Basement Storage:  The basement storage area in the new building has been expanded from original plan.  Father Terry would like to begin planning now on how that storage space will be used in the future.
  
  
• Property Update:  Nothing new on Oldham property at this time.  David Such suggested we move on the building as rental property.  Several activities are scheduled for July, Aug and Sept.  Aug. 18, 2012 a yard sale is scheduled at the property.  July Supper Club will be held in the building.  The Talent Showcase will be held there in September
  
  
• Champion’s Plan: A discussion was continued about the suggested plan.  No decision was made at this meeting.  Discussion will continue in July.  Father brought up the possibility of having committee heads come in and explain what their committee does.  The Parish Council could then ask what they could do to assist that committee.  Chris brought up that meeting with committee chairs would be an opportunity to express appreciation.
  
  
• Pictorial Directory: Mary Jo reported that Directories are complete and people are picking them up.  Updates will be made on line in the future.

Saint Bernadette Parish Council
February 2012

• Parish Council attended the Saint Mary Academy Showcase to see what a wonderful school our parish supports.
  
  
• Bruce Davis is working on a 1/8" scale model of the new church to show the construction progress.  Take a look in the school lobby after mass to see how close we are getting.
  
  
• We are putting together charitable outreach "Guidelines for Giving" to ensure we are giving back God's gifts in the most effective and charitable way.
  
  
• St. Bernadette supports the St. Vincent de Paul Society in a fairly substantial way.  Representatives visited with Parish Council to talk about the good works they have been doing.

Saint Bernadette Parish Council
January 2012

• Construction on our new church building is a little behind schedule due to rain, but it is exciting to see the structure forming in front of our eyes!
  
  
• We are looking to see if we can offer the Goshen property for event rental.  Keep your eyes open for some opportunities in that regard.
  
  
• We have developed a committee to look at our parish outreach.  We want to get a good understanding of the organizations we are helping and the good works that we are doing as a parish.
  
  
• Brainstorming is happening for the countdown to our church dedication.  There will likely be lots of volunteer opportunities around this.  More to come!
  
  
• Saint Bernadette Parish is going to be joining Immaculate Conception Parish and Saint Mary Academy to work on the Saint Mary long range plan.  Teamwork in action!
  
  
• We are developing the parish's goals for 2012.
  
  
• The Holy Family breakfast was a big success with lots of people working together to serve breakfast to celebrate the Holy Family.
  
  
• The parish directory will be ready for distribution in April.  Thanks to all those who worked on this committee and those who had their pictures taken.

Saint Bernadette Parish Council
November 2011

• Construction is progressing and we can see the walls coming up from the ground!
  
  
• We are looking for opportunities to keep the Goshen property occupied, and maybe make a little money for maintenance and upkeep.  Keep your eyes open opportunities to rent the property for Christmas parties or other events.
  
  
• We are looking at the parish mission to see how we are moving toward our mission.  It's important that we all understand our mission and look for ways to live it.
  
  
• As we approach the cold and flu season, we will be instilling hand sanitizer at Mass for our presider and our Eucharistic Ministers.
  
  
• Father Terry knows what he wants for Christmas!  He'd like to have a family picture of all of our parish families.  If you are having your picture taken for the parish directory, you don't need to do anything; he will have your picture.  If not, please send Father Terry a family picture.  Help us make our pastor's Christmas wish come true!
  
  
• Talking about the pictorial directory, remember, everyone that has their picture taken will receive a free 8 x 10 as well as a free parish directory.  Don't miss out!  Schedule your appointment today!
  
  

Saint Bernadette Parish Council
October 2011

• Julie Tobbe, the principal of Saint Mary Academy, visited parish council and explained that the school is doing great.
  
  
  • There are 558 students and the school has had Terra Nova test scores that qualified for Blue Ribbon status over the last two years.  A school must be in existence for five years to qualify to apply for this designation, and the school will reach that milestone this year.
    
    
  • The school wants to work with the parish to better engage the parishioners in the ministry that they support.
    
    
• Construction of our church is a bit delayed, but concrete has been poured.  You can see our church rising from the ground!
  
  
• The parish council wants to hear from you.  If you have thoughts or ideas to share, please reach out to any of the council members.
  
  
• Picture taking is under way for our pictorial directory.  It will be great to have a directory of our parish family.