Parish Council

Mr. Richard Cutting - Chairperson
Mrs. Toni Cowsette - Secretary
Mrs. Mary Butler
Mrs. Barbara Brodhurst-Davis
Mr. Sam Cooper
Mr. Art Cotton - Vice Chair
Ms. Clair Harvey
Mr. Harry Scott
Mr. James Worth
Ms. Iris Cumberbatch
Mr. Kaffi Nah
Mr. Charles Kee
Mr. Michael Lawson

The purpose of the Parish Pastoral Council is to provide the following:
1. To serce as a consultative body to the pastor, in sharing responsibility for all policy decisions which effect the common good of the total parish
2.  To be informed about and concerned for the temporal and spiritual well-being of the total parish
3.  To listen to the concerns of parishioners and respond to those concerns through prayerful and reflective discernment
4.  To encourage and foster the development of lay ministry within the parish
5.  To coordinate and evaluate all parish efforts for planning and development
6.  To remain open in mind and heart to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and keep the focus of the parish Jesus-centered in all matters.

 

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     PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES
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             JUNE 7, 2010
Father Martin opened and closed the June 7, 2010 Parish Council meeting with prayer.
I.        The newly elected Parish Council members: Iris Cumberbatch, Charles Kee, Michael Lawson and Kaffi Nah were introduced and welcomed. They bring an abundance of faith, knowledge and individual gifts to share with Our Lady of Consolation Parish, as did the former members whom we wholeheartedly thank for their service on the Council, namely: David Ball, Andrea Howze and Joshua Felious.   The alternates are Lynette Carson, Bonita Graham and Hyginus Okechukwu.
II.      Blaise Aziague and Lynette Carson updated the Parish Council on the progress of the Stewardship Committee. The committee is planning some awesome events to enliven Stewardship in its most spiritual form for our Parish Family
III.    Iris Cumberbatch volunteered to investigate the ParishLifeCenter rental policy and compare ours with other churches in an effort to increase its marketability and return on investment.
IV.    Deborah Bond is the Chairperson of a Grant Writing Committee for OLC. There are currently 5 members who all have grant-writing ability and Harry Scott will be the Parish Council liaison. Processes and procedures are being developed to fully utilize this resource.
V.      The Church has experienced significant problems with the sound system; correcting this is a dire need. A committee has been working on estimates to resolve and improve this issue. The best estimate is $15,000 and has been approved by Father Martin, the Parish and Finance Councils. We are appealing to Our Lady of Consolation’s Church Family to donate in a separate offering during the June 19/20 Masses.
VI.    The Art Auction Fundraiser presented by parishioner Josie Adams was approved. Art Cotton, Clair Harvey and Kaffi Nah will be meeting with Josie to work out details to maximize this opportunity.
VII. Art Cotton will join the Parish Council Executive Committee as Vice-Chairperson.
VIII.            New business:
   - new maintenance man hired – Joseph Maguire
   - Welcoming committee has been formed
   - Parish Picnic is June 27th
   - We need to look into a new pictorial directory (need volunteers)
   - DSA is up to 237 families participating,
   - Report on successful golf tournament
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Abbreviated Minutes April 5, 2010
-  Father Martin opened and closed the meeting with prayer.

-  A bulletin announcement beginning April 11, 2010 will invite parishioners to submit their names through May 16 to become Parish Council members. New members will be elected Pentecost Sunday, May 23, 2010.

-  The need for a Welcoming Committee was discussed and plans are underway to establish this committee to welcome new parishioners to Our Lady of Consolation. If interested in working on this committee please see bulletin for details.

- We are close to the $2500 initial gift for the Edwina Lewis Endowment Fund. More information will be forthcoming as soon as the initial gift is secured.

-The Men’s Shelter will be open year round. Currently, the Men’s Group provides meals one week per month for 6 months. This presents an opportunity for other Parish organizations to possibly take on 1 meal per month.

- OLC’s Parish picnic is June 27, 2010 and a fun fund-raising opportunity will be available as a “Lotto Tree”. Parishioners of legal age can donate a lottery scratch-off ticket or 2, all of which will go on the lottery tree and chances will be sold for $2 each or 3 for $5 and the winner takes all. Also, the various groups/organizations can prepare baskets to be raffled off.

-  A new Parish Directory will be discussed at the May 3, 2010 Parish Council meeting.

- The next Parish Council meeting May 3, 2010 at 7:00pm is a joint meeting with the Finance Council and Commission Chairpersons. Commission Chairpersons will present their current and future plans/projects as well as any budget requests for the coming fiscal year July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011.
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February 22, 2010 
 Joint Parish Council - Finance Council Meeting
 
-Father Martin opened and closed the meeting with prayer.
-Iris Cumberbatch presented the Parish Financial Report for the first half of the current fiscal year (July 1, 2010-December 31, 2010).
-A committee is currently working on possibly reducing Our Lady of Consolation’s MACS (Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools) assessment. This should be decided before the May, 2010 diocese-wide assessments are made.
-The Finance Council has 3 new members. They are Rochelle Lewis, Frank Lide and Dagny McDonald.
-The Holy Spirit will elect 3/4 new Parish Council members on Pentecost Sunday, May 23, 2010. Details will be available in the Church Bulletin beginning April 11, 2010.
-The Parish Council calendar for 2010 will be posted on the OLC website. Generally meetings will be held the first Monday of each month at 7:00pm in the Resource Center except for holydays and holidays.
-Road construction will begin soon for a main entrance thoroughfare into the Housing Partnership subdivision adjacent to the Parish Life Center. Parish property will not be affected except it will be slightly improved with the addition of two small lots adjacent to and assimilating into our existing parking lot. Construction traffic into and out of the cul-de-sac will have to be considered especially on week days.
-There is a new Prayer Shawl Ministry that meets every Tuesday morning at 10:00am in the Parish Office. This outreach ministry’s provides fellowship, prayer and crocheting prayer shawls. Any and everyone interested are invited to join.
-The $2100 grant for the Men’s Group Emergency Winter Shelter Outreach Program which has helped to feed 250-300 persons per month is almost exhausted. Please be generous when donations are requested to keep the program active for March and April.
-OLC is looking into hiring a part-time non-benefit Maintenance Person. Please call Father Martin if interested for details.

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JANUARY 4, 2010
Father Martin opened and closed the January 4, 2010 Parish Council joint Commission Chairpersons meeting with prayer.
I.        NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT
It is estimated that the 1st phase of the Neighborhood Development Program will be completed by July 31, 2010. Phase 1 work from Oaklawn to LaSalle along Statesville Avenue includes stores, banks and condos. Ideally, there could be up to 100 new families joining OLC as a result of this revitalization process. OLC’s Mission Statement (in weekly bulletin) and Vision: “In Jesus Christ, united in faith, love and service” will remain the same. Parishioners will be advised as soon as information is available.
II.      PARISH COUNCIL LIASONS
To provide support, monthly updates to the Parish Council, and facilitate communications, members of the Parish Council will be liaisons with the various commissions and programs as follows:
COMMISSION                      CHAIRPERSON                         PC LIASON
Buildings & Facilities          Willis Joseph                           Joshua Felious
Ecumenism                          Henry Wallace                         Sam Cooper
Education & Formation       Sam Cooper                             Sam Cooper
Evangelization / Communication    Paul Fettig  
                                            Valerie Udeh                           Clair Harvey
Family Life                            Wendy Cutting                 Mrs. Brodhurst-Davis
Finance Council                   Iris Cumberbatch                     Richard Cutting
Liturgical                                Vacant                                     Toni Cowsette
Neighborhood Development         City/County Officials              Art Cotton
Stewardship/Grants              Blaise Aziague                             Harry Scott
Parish Data System              Father Martin                          Richard Cutting
III.    PARISH DATA SYSTEM (PDS)
Data gathering is in process for the Parish Data System. Bartina Edwards, Blaise Aziague along with other parishioners are currently working diligently to format and gather data for the financial, pastoral and all pertinent data requirements to document Parish activities. This system will provide greater accuracy, checks and balances, more detailed records and accountability. Registration forms will be passed out at the Masses, January 9-10 and January 16-17 to be completed and returned by the January 20, 2010 deadline. All parishioners are encouraged to complete and return the registration forms before the January 20, 2010 deadline.
IV.    COMMISSION REPORTS
A.      Building & Facilities, Willis Joseph, Chairperson
The heating and air conditioning systems for the school and church required some repairs due to some defective components. A blower and heating coil had to be replaced. The next step for these buildings as well as the ParishLifeCenter will focus on routine and preventative maintenance. The Charlotte Diocese will conduct an Energy Audit Program seminar at Our Lady of Consolation. This seminar will include information on going green, and an actual audit. Mr. Joseph is gathering monthly cost data for operating the various facilities. For security as well as liability purposes, a protocol will be established for accessing the ParishLifeCenter.
B.      Family Life, Wendy Cutting Chairperson
Several activities are currently scheduled. The Red Heart Ball is February 6, 2010 from 8:00 pm till midnight in the ParishLifeCenter. The proceeds from ticket sales will go to the American Heart Association and Our Lady of Consolation’s Endowment Fund. International Day will be held Pentecost Sunday, May 23, 2010 after the 11:00 Mass and will include food and fellowship from a global perspective. Other upcoming events include our Parish picnic, tentatively scheduled for June 27, 2010. Other events being planned include a Mother/Daughter tea, Father/Daughter date night, Senior luncheon, Breast Cancer awareness luncheon in October, a Veteran’s luncheon in November, a children’s gift buying day in December and a movie night for adults.
C.      Education and Formation, Sam Cooper Chairperson
All ministries are very active and busy. The Young Adult Ministry kicked off in November 2009 and had a gathering in December. Their next event will be Thrusday January 28 at 6:30 in the Resource Room. This ministry is focused on developing faith, fellowship and community service and all young adult of the Parish are encouraged to attend. The Youth in Action had a Christmas party December 19, 2009 in the ParishLifeCenter for residents of the Battered Women’s Shelter. Santa was there with Bobcat tickets for the residents. The Fill My Cup ministry will not join OLC. There is another organization interested in providing vocational training in the trades. Negotiations are currently in progress. Marketing for the Bridge the Gap summer camp will begin soon since that program will be available this summer at OLC.
D.     Evangelization & Communication
Valerie Udeh is OLC’s new Communication Chairperson. She is very well qualified for this endeavor and is looking forward enthusiastically to utilizing her degree in Journalism to advertise Church events and implement lots of ideas.
The deadline for the Logo Contest has been extended to January 17. Parishioners will judge the entries after weekend Masses January 23-24. The winner will be announced January 31, It is not too late to submit your winning entry.
There is a meeting January 12, 2010 at 7:00pm in the Resource Center for the Car Raffle Committee. 
The next Parish Council meeting is February 22, 2010 at 7:00 pm in the ResourceCenter. It is a joint meeting with the Finance Council.

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 PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

DECEMBER 1, 2009 
  • Father Martin opened and closed the December 1, 2009 Parish Council meeting with prayer.
  • All items on the agenda were discussed beginning with the Endowment Fund. The Parish Council has made its initial contributions, and requests will be made for the various ministries and Church groups for donations. As previously announced, more information will be forthcoming as soon as the total  $2500.00 initial gift is secured.
  • Our Lady of Consolation will participate with St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Landover Hills, Maryland. St. Mary’s has five new cars that will be given to the holders of the winning raffle tickets on May 15, 2010. The drawings will be held at Noon, 1, 2, 3 and 4 P.M. Our Lady of Consolation will participate in this as a fund raising event. Ticket sales will be spilt 50% to OLC and 50% to St. Mary’s Church. Tickets are $5.00 each. The Parish Council is working to establish a committee to handle distribution and tracking for this event. If you are interested in joining this committee, please let Father Martin or any Parish Council member know since a meeting will be held this month to begin the planning process. Tickets will be available on or after February 13, 2010 and the more tickets we sell, the more money we earn to help our Church and 5 winners will receive brand new cars. It could very well be one or more of our parishioners. More details January, 2010.
  • Finance Chairperson, Iris Cumberbatch updated the Parish Council on OLC’s financial status through October, 2009. The offertory and debt reduction are below budget. This deficit has been reduced by a small percentage due to contributions from benefactors outside of the Parish. Total income is 17% below budget. General Parish expenses, Faith Formation expenses and Rectory expenses are also below budget and for the short term are offsetting the deficit in offertories. Current year assessments still owed to the Diocese include $22,355.50 due January 10, 2010 for the Jan 2009-Jan 2010 Diocesan Support Appeal and $32,813.41 MACS (Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools) assessment due May 2010. Several plans are underway to improve our financial status. These include a PDS (Parish Data System) which is a very new, improved, automated data system which has specific applications for finances, faith formation, various clerical activities and more; MACS Assessment Committee whose goal is to achieve greater equity in the MACS assessment; benefactors; mid- year semi-annual financial report to Parish at the end of February 2010; Stewardship Committee and the generosity of OLC’s greatest gift, our parishioners.
  • A Logo Contest will be announced at the Masses December 5-6, 2010. As noted in the October 6 Parish Council minutes, Mr. Jose Olguin, parishioner and owner of the Fast Paint Company, generously offered to supply 50 t-shirts. This offer brought to light that OLC has no logo. In addition to t-shirts, the logo would also be used for our website, business cards, stationary, posters, etc. The contest runs between now and January 3, 2010. The winner will receive a $50.00 gift card. Parishioners will be invited to vote on the entries submitted January 9-10 and January 16-17, 2010. The winner will be announced no later than January 31, 2010. Please see Father Martin to enter and/or obtain details.
  • Barbara Gaddy, Assistant Director of the Office of Development for the Charlotte Diocese, presented a stewardship workshop on November 10, 2009. There were 25 participants and a Stewardship Committee is being formed. The first meeting will be held December 14, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at church. Barbara Gaddy provided a passionate, informative, resourceful and detailed vision of stewardship including its history, definition, characteristics, benefits and responsibilities. As well, she gave practical information on how to establish and sustain stewardship as a way of life for OLC. Stewardship is a very special way of life, a way of thanking God for all His blessings to us by returning a portion of the time, talent and treasure He gives to each of us. A Catholic steward is one who receives God’s gifts gratefully, cherishes them in a responsible and accountable manner, shares the gifts in justice and love with others and returns the gifts with increase to the Lord. Stewardship is this and so much more which will be shared with you on an ongoing basis. The Stewardship Committee’s 1st project will be to sponsor an Hospitality Sunday wherein all groups and ministries will set up table and provide their mission statements and information to invite interested parishioners to join.
  • It has been 3 years since our last pictorial Church Directory. Plans are underway to create a new directory in 2010.
  • The Parish Council will meet the 1st Monday of each month at 700 P.M. in the Cultural Center. The 1st meeting for the 2010 is scheduled for January 4.

 

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PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES
October 6, 2009

  • Father Martin opened and closed the October 6, 2009 Parish Council meeting with prayer.
  • Jose Olguin a parishioner and owner of the Fast Paint Company (advertised weekly in the bulletin) attended this meeting and along with about 100 other parishioners, he attended the 5th Eucharistic Congress held September 25-26 at the Charlotte Convention Center.  He was inspired by OLC’s turnout and has generously offered to supply 50 t-shirts (free of charge) for next year’s Eucharistic Congress so that all participants can represent Our Lady of Consolation in a uniform showing.
  • Mr Olguin’s generous offer brought to light that OLC has no logo.  Father Martin and the Parish Council thought this a good incentive and opportunity to involve all parishioners in a logo contest for the creation of a logo to represent OLC.  Details of this contest will be forthcoming in December.
  • This meeting was also the designated date to initiate contributions by the Parish ouncil for OLC’s Endowment Fund.  Donations were made and more information will be available as soon as the initial $2500.00 gift is collected.
  • Brisbane Academy is negotiating to rent the Parish Life Center for basketball activities.  Besides bringing in additional funds to help meet the financial needs of the Church, there is discussion of their funding for a new multi-purpose floor that would accommodate basketball as well as church events and social activities.
  • Father Martin and Al Bond attended a ground breaking ceremony/formal luncheon with the Charlotte Partnership along with senators, city council members, prior mayors of Charlotte, community and church leaders and the press.  Phase I work from  Oaklawn to LaSalle along Statesville Avenue has begun.  Alex House and McNeil House are already under construction; stores, banks and condos are planned for completion by July 31, 2010.  Phase II is a ten year plan scheduled to be completed in 2019.  This plan includes the construction of 950 homes at a rate of building 100 per year and a hotel.  All the previous residents of the revitalization area were assisted in relocating and will have priority for the new homes.
  • OLC has is seeking legal advise to clear up the billing issue with the city for a 0.00 water bill (normally under $100 month) for the old Parish Life Center due to the breaking of a water pipe while fiber optic lines were being placed.
  • Preliminary site analysis has determined that it would be better to tear down the convent building rather than try to renovate it due to costs and condition.  The old Parish Life Center does appear to be amenable to renovation.  There is a team working on this and giving the overall project time and consideration since it is a major project and would eventually result in the only Adult Day Care Center in the Charlotte Diocese.  This is very important since there is a widespread need for elder day care rather than full time care and a Catholic Christian experience would be very desirable.  The team is also seeking full time on grants.
  • Saturday, October 24, 2009 11:00am to 7:30pm Men’s Group Bar-B-Que.
  • Art Cotton and Sam Cooper attended a community awareness meeting in September.  The purpose of the meeting was to solicit support and raise awareness for community activities for the homeless through the various churches in the community.  Plans are being developed by this group to build 85 apartments and another 500 units to provide permanent shelter for the homeless.
  • The Young Adult Ministry begins this month.
  • The Parish Council is looking into a 2010 car raffle as a fundraiser
  • Next Parish Council meeting will be a Stewardship Workshop on November 10, 2009 in the new Parish Life Center for all interested parishioners, commission chairpersons, members and group leaders

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PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES
                                                                SEPTEMBER 1, 2009
 The September 1, 2009 Parish Council meeting was opened and closed with prayer.
…Judy Smith, Director of Planned Giving for the Charlotte Diocesan Office of Development, gave a presentation on establishing new endowments which require an initial gift of $2500 or more for a parish or $25,000 or more for an individual. An endowment is a way to ensure that the long term needs of a parish will be met. It is a “permanent fund, the principle of which is never touched but the income from it can be used in accordance with the wishes of the parish”. Endowments exist in perpetuity and are overseen within the parish by an Endowment Fund Committee which includes the Pastor, Finance and Parish Council Chairpersons. The endowment is managed on the diocesan level by the Foundation’s Board of Directors which is composed of clergy and lay people who hire and hold accountable professional investment counsel.
…Chanel Jackson, representing the Finance Council, reiterated our need as a Parish to reduce our debt and meet our budget as detailed in the Annual Financial Report posted in the bulletin and discussed by Finance Council Chairperson, Iris Cumberbatch, at Masses August 22-23, 2009. To assist Our Lady of Consolation in meeting and exceeding our financial goals, Mrs. Barbara Gaddy from the Charlotte Diocese Office of Development, will be available Tuesday, November 3, 2009 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm in the Parish Life Center to present a Stewardship Workshop for all Commission Chairpersons, the Finance and Parish Council members, all Group Leaders and interested parishioners. The ultimate goal of this workshop is to provide information and support for OLC to develop, implement and sustain a Stewardship Program as a way of life.
Buildings & Facilities – Mr. Willis Joseph, Chairperson
To maintain facilities for use, several issues were addressed:
(1)   Church/school building leaking problems estimated $40,000-$70,000 to fix completely or $7,000-8,000 for minor repairs
(2)   There is an erosion problem going down the steps to the old Parish Life Center it’s estimated at $11,000 to repair or an alternate fix would be to get a truckload of dirt for a retention barrier to try to stop the erosion
(3)   Need anyone with bobcat or bulldozer equipment and or skills to contact Mr. Joseph for a half day of pro bono work
(4)   Special thanks to Mr. Fitzmore Duncan and Mr. Cornell Jackson on classroom preparation for Faith Formation
(5)   Currently monitoring utilities to minimize expenses and identify utility cost by building
(6)   In order to justify reduced rates and extended hours for the rental of the Parish Life Center, renters need to be very conscientious and pro-active reference clean up
Ecumenism-Mr. Henry Wallace, Chairperson
There is a Gospel Choir concert in Manassas, VA in October. Atty. Lucky Osho and Mr. Henry Wallace helped build a home in Grier Town for Habitat for Humanity and the Men’s Group donated $1000 making Our Lady of Consolation a sponsoring parish and extending ecumenism to the larger Charlotte community.
Evangelization-Mr. Paul Fettig
This commission is preparing for the Catechetical Program for Adults on Sunday and Adult Bible Study on Wednesday evenings.
Education & Formation-Mr. Sam Cooper
Faith Formation has registered 45 students and there are 10-15 more students interested in this year’s program of “Faith & Life”. There will be a kick-off for the Young Adult Ministry in early October. Possible activities for this new ministry include college tours spring 2010 to Catholic universities, Toastmasters, college/career planning workshops, resume and interviewing skills seminars. Deadline for S.A.T. Preparation course has been extended…course is September 19-20. A book fair is being planned.
Family Life-Mrs. Wendy Cutting
Family Life is considering several fund raisers: African-American Art Sale before holidays…each ministry would take orders and a portion of sales would go to each ministry; Black Innovators Poster Sale; major fund raiser Fall, 2010, with children’s activities, family festival, BBQ. Other activities being considered are Parish picnic the last Sunday of June 2010, International Day on Pentecost Sunday 05-23-2010, Mother-Daughter Tea, Father-Son Burger/fries night, Adult Date Night (movies, popcorn, snacks). Need different groups to sponsor hospitality/coffee hour events; also need Repast Committee to minister to bereaved parishioners and families after funerals.
All members of Parish Council were present.
Pat McDonald also attended.

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Parish Council Minutes - August 4, 2009

To keep parishioners informed about Parish Council activities, a monthly bulletin update will be provided. The following are activities discussed at the August 4, 2009 Parish Council meeting.  Meeting opened and closed with prayer.
---  A Young Adult Ministry is being developed to enhance spiritual, mentoring, fellowship and service opportunities for young adults ages 18-37 within Our Lady of Consolation. Sam Cooper is spearheading this ministry.
---  An exploratory committee is checking the feasibility of renovating the old convent and school pro bono, for future use for community outreach programs which could include an Adult Literacy & G.E.D. Preparation Program and an Adult Day Care Program.
---  The Parish Council has approved extended hours and reduced rates for rental of the Parish Life Center for wedding receptions and other events outside of normal parish functions.
---  A cleaning project is underway to prepare the classrooms in the school building for Faith Formation classes. We need your help during the week of August 24-29, 2009. Please contact any of the Parish commission or group leaders who will work with Joshua Felious in scheduling.
---  The next Parish Council meeting is scheduled for September 1, 2009 at 7:00pm in the Resource Center. Commission Chairpersons will meet with the Parish and Finance Councils to discuss budgets, plans and goals for the remainder of 2009 and into 2010.
--- Interested in joining the Parish Council? Every Pentecost Sunday beginning in 2010, three new members will be selected and three existing members will rotate off. More information to follow March 2010

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