Report on Town Hall Meeting November 19.2007

The meeting itself was poorly attended but, some of the concerns that parishioners had were as follows:

            1.         Book Club - Q. Besides RCIA what Catholic education about the faith is available in this parish for adults? Why not consider a Catholic Book Club with a recommended reading list and monthly discussion group?

            A.        A request will be in the bulletin to see if there is an interest. (See Bulletin)

            2.         Handicap Parking - Q. What can be done with the Handicap Parking? We should instruct people to leave the lined sections empty. They block the doors of their cars.

            A.        The handicap parking area is being repainted in the Spring.

            3.       Senior Citizens - Q. Why do you have an ad in the bulletin every week for the Seniors meeting when you can't go or participate unless you presently are a member? You can only join once a year. Why can't we join at the meetings?

            A.        Mary Pulice, President of the Senior Club, was invited to the Pastoral Council meeting for her views. Due to the capacity of the auditorium there has to be a cut off. It was decided that the announcement of open enrollment will be published in the beginning of December to give the snow birds time to join and end March 31.

            4.         Receiving the Eucharist. Q. Why not rotate and have priests distribute Communion from the sides as well instead of just the middle.

            A.        It is not feasible. If someone wishes to receive from a priest they should sit in the center of the church. We are forgetting it is not who gives us Communion but that we receive the Body of Christ.

            5.       Volunteering - Q. Is it possible to list in the bulletin opportunities for volunteering?

            A. Each week we try to highlight a Ministry in the Bulletin. A list of all Ministries is in the Bulletin with phone numbers to call. We also have a Ministry Fair once a year that everyone may attend and perhaps choose a Ministry that they would like to join. There is always a place at Ss. Cyril and Methodius for everyone.

            6.         Music at Mass - The volume of music at the 5:00 p.m. Saturday and 7:00 p.m. Sunday is too loud.

            A.        It is suggested that the parishioner change his or her seat away from the amplifiers. It will be taken into consideration.

            7.         Bulletin - Two parishioners were upset with an article that appeared in the bulletin written about the ending of World War II.

            A.        Fr. Frank has put a disclaimer in the Bulletin that the material is not the opinion of the church. He also stated that it is good to put in a few opinions and have the parishioners question things stated.

            8.         The atmosphere of the Church - In recent years it seems to be getting very noisy in the Breezeway. We are being led to shake hands which is an intrusion on everyone's privacy. Is it necessary to applaud after the homily?

            A.        There is time during the collection and after Communion for quiet time. We are told to come together with our sisters and brothers to celebrate. It is wonderful to wish those in our area peace as we are joined in our faith. As far as the Breezeway, we don't know what all the organizations would do if they didn't have the opportunity to do fund raising. In coming together for Mass it is an exuberant thing. We want all the children and parishioners to feel welcome.

            9.         Soup Kitchen - A parishioner would like to see a Soup Kitchen.

            A.        We would love to have a soup kitchen but, we do not have the capabilities to do so. There is the Shepherd's Table on Monday evenings at the Community Presbyterian Church on Lake Avenue which is mostly staffed by Ss. Cyril and Methodius parishioners. There is also the Mercy Soup Kitchen in Wyandanch that is open every day.

            10.       Choir Area Lighting - What can be done about the lighting by the Choir area at the 7:00pm Mass.

            A.        This is under consideration.

We would like to thank all who participated in this meeting. The Council has decided that once a month a notice would be in the Bulletin stating if any parishioner has any concerns they should address them to the Pastoral Council. There is a mail box in the Parish Center.