Committee Objectives

The Communications Committee has held one meeting since our last report to the Pastoral Council. Our meeting was held on February 28, 2006 at 12:00 noon in the dining room. Original members present included Bill Beene, Bobbie Sue Shelton and Ruth Pledger. David Barlow was not able to attend. Ruth Pledger facilitated the meeting in his absence. (Thanks Ruth). New members present included John Mark Wilcox, David Carder and Robert Breedlove. Peggy Gillen, a member of the Parish As A Diocese Committee, was also present representing her committee and its goals regarding communications.

Implementation of committee goals was discussed. The process of having organizations report to the Pastoral Council their activities and having representatives of the Pastoral Council responsible for keeping the council apprised of these activities is underway. The Finance Council is still considering its approach to this request of the communications committee. We need to consider other methods of reaching other parish organizations to inform them that they need to send the Pastoral Council reports on a periodic basis to keep the council informed of their activities and needs.

It was decided that the start-up cost for broadcasting mass by television is prohibitive and should not be pursued any further by the committee without additional encouragement from parish leadership. In contrast, podcasting mass or providing mass for shut-ins through the internet is neither technically difficult nor expensive, according to Robert Breedlove. The committee's emphasis should be put toward this since it is feasible. Robert advised that Clary Nash has already done this at his parish. The Greco Institute is also doing it for certain classes. Robert estimated the costs would be approximately $1500.

An announcement board has been constructed and placed in the foyer of the church. This should facilitate communications with parishioners attending mass or other events at the Cathedral.

This Committee has met twice:
the following represents revisions made to the first draft

To promote communication and interaction among our various organizations, councils, committees, boards, ministries, etc., as well as public relations within and outside of The Cathedral Parish.

1. Promote Communication Between Parish Organizations: The parish leaders must first communicate well between each other before embarking on broader communications goals.

a. Representatives of the Parish Pastoral Council should attend meetings of the various organizations, councils, committees, boards and ministries and brief the PPC about their activities on a regular basis.

b. Either in addition to the above, or as an alternative, the various organizations, councils, committees, boards and ministries should generate reports or minutes of meetings and activities and distribute copies of the same, preferably by email, to the PPC on a regular basis.

c. Utilize technology, particularly the Parish web site and email, to the greatest extent possible to distribute information to Parish leaders. Establish photo galleries and blogs on website. Identify experts, such as Ginger Broussard and David Carder (others identified by Time And Talent Committee?), who can assist with technical issues.

d. Promote communication with the staff about such matters as the office calendar.(NB. Fr. Peter working on parish policy on same).

e. Recruit volunteers to ensure that the Communications Committee has the resources to meet its goals.

a. Census: We must conduct a census of the parishioners to get vital information about them, including by what means they prefer to communicate.

b. Older Population: We must communicate with older parishioners, both those who can still attend Mass and those in nursing homes and shut-ins. Taping homilies, RCIA classes and GRECO classes may be a means of reaching out to them. Primary communication with older population will be announcements in church and in bulletin, telephone calls, mail and in-person visits. Should we mail bulletins to older parishioners who cannot attend Mass? Fr. Peter is already putting in place AM radio frequency for hearing impaired parishioners who want to listen to the Mass with benefit of earphones at a high volume.

(i) Technology: Record homilies or perhaps entire Mass. Tape record. Digitize. Burn discs. Streaming video. Televise Mass. Pod-Mass. Whatever the media, mass market the content. Bishop Friend has challenged local Catholics to televise Mass and broadcast it on Television as many local protestant churches do every Sunday. Does streaming video and other technology allow this to be done at a lower cost than previously? Partner with Greco Institute?

(iv) Announcements: Make announcements before Mass concerning such things as Nursery care being available and cell phones needing to be silenced. Continue using after Mass as a time for other announcements.

a. Provide Other Catholic Churches information about what is happening at St. Johns.

b. Work with Parish/Diocese Committee to promote better communication between the parish and diocese.

c. Work with St. Johns/St. Catherine’s Committee to promote better communication between the parish and quasi or mission parish.

d. Work with Parish/School Committee to promote better communication between the parish and school.

f. Provide non-Catholic churches information about events at St. Johns such as diversity Sunday.

	Goal I Paula Merrill Tookie Barr Meagan Willis Mary Koch Graham Walker Vince Santone	Liturgy and Worship Committee 3/26/06 Goal I Liturgy and Worship To enhance our liturgies and liturgical spaces, increase active participation at Mass and other liturgical events, and foster Catholic devotions. Enhance the celebration of the Mass, which is the center of our parish life. All liturgy ministries must be well-prepared. 1) Communication between groups is essential in the planning stage. 2) Encourage participation in all ministries, especially the youth. Encourage a reverent atmosphere in church. Restore the universal postures of the Mass and, as the Cathedral Parish, be an example to the whole diocese. Educate parish about liturgy through instructional homilies. Promote congregational participation in music. 1) Support the various choirs. 2) Improve the sound system. Offer the Children's Liturgy. Resolve the organ project. Keep Intercessory Prayer Petitions timely and include the Pope's Intentions of the Month. 2. Promote diverse expressions of our Catholic faith. Promote Eucharistic Adoration and offer further education about it. Promote Marian devotions, especially the Rosary, which will also encourage family prayer. Promote the Chaplet of Mercy, and celebrate the Novena beginning on Good Friday. Offer Penance Services which coincide with the Liturgical Seasons. Offer a yearly Mission, perhaps during Lent. Continue the celebration of an annual Diversity Sunday. Restore the practice of praying parish-wide Novenas in preparation for special feast days. To enhance our liturgies and liturgical spaces, increase active participation at Mass and other liturgical events, and foster Catholic devotions. Keeping in mind from The Catechism that "The whole liturgical life of the Church revolves around the Eucharistic sacrifice and the sacraments," the Liturgy and Worship Committee has identified two dimensions of attention for the Cathedral Parish: I. The Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist in the Mass draw the Catholic faithful to the presence of Christ. Our preparation for and participation in the Mass should reflect both our reverence and thankfulness for God's gift of His Son. Generations of Catholics have focused their lives and activities on the Real Presence, and Christ's Real Presence joins us to the entire communion of Saints. In this sense, the Mass transcends time and place. It places the Catholic in the universal truth of Christ. In service to Christ we offer our participation at Mass. Our liturgy should be properly prepared; each ministry should have an appropriate number of members who are well-trained and coordinated prior to each Mass. The liturgical music should be well-presented and appropriate to the solemnity of the Mass. We have many recommendations for improving the liturgical music, including updating the sound system and encouraging all to sing. The faithful should both understand the universal nature of the Mass and should understand why certain postures are used during the Mass. We recommend restoring the universal postures of the Latin Rite to the Cathedral's Masses. Furthermore, to encourage understanding of the universality of Christ's presence and the diversity of our parishioners, we recommend that different rites of the Mass be encouraged. II. Our recognition of Christ's truth and presence inspires various communal traditions, rituals, and customs among Catholics. Sustained by the Church's sacraments, we recommend a more fervent fostering of Catholic devotions within the Cathedral Parish of St. John Berchmans. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament can be extended, perhaps with a 24 hour adoration period for special feast days. Marian devotions can be enhanced with devotions such as the May Crowning, recitation of the Rosary before Mass and during October, and information related to the many Marian miracles. The Mass reflects our strong Catholic identity at the Cathedral Parish of St. John Berchmans. By enhancing our efforts for the Mass, we can open the parishioners to Christ's Presence, deepen the prayer life of all, and be a model of worship in the diocese. Our main objective is to ensure that the liturgy at the Cathedral is properly prepared and celebrated. Liturgy includes: Mass, Sacraments, sacramentals, devotions, etc. Ministries include: A. Ministers of Holy Communion B. Lectors C. Greeters D. Ushers (i) A suggestion was made about calling the Mass Intention family in advance to be the gift-bearers. E. Altar Servers F. Altar Society G. Sacristan H. Wedding Coordinator The spiritual life of the parish will be enhanced by following the Liturgical Seasons and Feast days of the Church. For example, during Advent and Lent, offering Penance Services, Days of Recollection, Retreats, Missions, etc. Fostering Marian devotions...especially May Crowning, Rosary in October 3. Liturgy Education is essential. A. Instructional homilies (i) Restoring the correct “postures” to be used uniformly throughout the mass. (ii) Encouraging deacons to give homilies. B. Classes to teach the basics of the mass and the sacraments C. Children’s liturgy 4. Encourage participation in the Music Ministries. A. Cherub Choir B. Berchmans Choir C. Youth Choir D. Adult Choir (i) One idea is to invite the Youth Group, the Hispanic community, and other groups to join the regular masses from time to time. This will make them feel more welcome and enhance our celebrations. (ii) The choir members could occasionally sit among the congregation to encourage singing. 5. Educate and promote Eucharistic Adoration in the parish. 6. Enhance the liturgical space. A. Improve the sound system B. Appropriate decorations and flowers year round C. Resolve the organ project
	Goal II Bill Marak Katrina Ogburn Twyla Satterthwaite Barbara Whitehead Jean McConnell Jeff Rivers Jimmy Brown	Minutes of PPC Retreat/Conference Meeting #1 I. Education: (a) Foster a desire to continue education in adults. (b) Encourage Hispanic community to participate in Greco courses and parish related events. (c) Encourage parents to be more involved in having a faith oriented family, focusing on importance of baptism. (d) mentioned beginning with Pre Cana on teaching importance of sacraments. (e) Provide literature. II. Evangelization: (a) expansion of sacramental teaching. (b) expanding on evangelization in diversity, the deaf are a community/ministry in itself. (c) celebrating diversity in unity more often than once a year. (d) greater vision in participation and activities for Diversity Sunday. (e) Brought up the fact that there are people in the community who have conversion experiences, but do not know what to do once they have them. No one to share the experience with. (f) recommended support groups (ministry, or literature that harmonizes with a persons gifts. (g) Ways to make everyone feel welcome at Mass. To feel they a part of a family. III. Vocations: (a) Foster desire for vocations at an early age. (have someone speak to the kids, beginning with the 5th grade. (b) Retreats for discernment. (c) We as a parish to sponsor the young adults who has interest. (d) Sponsor/adopt a seminarian. I know that some of this shows we already have ideas on how to get started on these needs. It was with great restraint that I did not tell everything here. Wanted to save some of the details to work out for our next meeting.
	Goal III Jose Garcia Msgr. LaCaze Theresa McCary Claire Walker Antoinette Gardner Sarah Barlow	GOAL III FELLOWSHIP : To determine ways to bring the parishioners of the Cathedral Parish together with an emphasis on increasing participation and diversity of events. “There is a certain resemblance between the unity of the divine persons and the fraternity that men are to establish among themselves in truth and love…Through the exchange with others, mutual service and dialogue with his brethren, man develops his potential; he thus responds to his vocation.” --The Catechism, ch.2, The Human Community. As a Cathedral Parish, we find ourselves a diverse gathering of cultures and traditions. It is our purpose to strengthen the human community in our core Parish so that we may communicate Catholic practices in our lives beyond our Cathedral home, and Catholic as a way of life. We recommend creative plans for fellowship here at the Cathedral, in our neighborhoods, and at other cultural events. It is our intention that through these gatherings we will become more active in the services and outreach of the Cathedral, and will be brave in our individual response to vocation. A. Fellowship at the Cathedral 1. Fellowship after mass - at this time only after the 8:30 AM mass every Sunday, and after the 1:00 PM Sunday once a month also. Goal - To have it at least once a month after each one of the Saturday and Sunday mass. Timetable - To follow the example of the 8:30 AM mass in which different families host the event. Ask for volunteers and the Cathedral or the volunteers can provide the refreshments. 2. Celebration of the Feast of St. John Berchman - Not an annual event every year, last year a Mass was celebrated in his honor as the Patron of the altar servers. Goal - To make it an annual Parish celebration with fellowship or a picnic. Or make it a combined celebration around the 26th of November and the beginning of Advent. Timetable - Let the Parish council lead the planning just like the Parish picnics with the help of the Knights and other church groups, organizations and the school. 3. Picnics - The picnics are planned by the Parish Council with the help of the Knights. Goal - To make it twice a year, one on a Saturday after the 5:30 Mass and another one on a Sunday after the 11:00AM Mass. Timetable - To try to set it at a definite date every year so that they can get good promotion throughout the parish. 4. Receptions after Sacraments - Twyla and the Parents Group from the school coordinate the activity after Communion and Confirmation. Goal - To make sure that there's a reception after Sacraments ceremonies or Masses. Timetable - Liturgy coordinators and parents will coordinate and host the events. B. Fellowship in the Community 1. Neighborhood Groups and Small Faith Communities (A.G.) Study and prepare for upcoming Sunday’s readings in small groups. 2. “Breaking Bread” Dinner Groups - Gather for meals in individual’s homes or at the restaurants of our sponsors. Eating a meal is something we already do, why not invite a few to join in? Gather for general and open dialogue, and getting to know someone new. Initially promote through Sunday announcements, and ask resulting gatherings after one month to send in a brief note. 3. Social Events – Plan group outings to concerts, seasonal plays, and other churches’ musical events. Promote in regular announcements. C. Promotion of all Events 1. Promote all Parish social occasions through various media and communications. -Use the announcements after each mass to invite congregation to events and groups. -Use the Sunday bulletin to invite parish to social events and groups. -Post event information of the SJBC website. -Post event information of the bulletin board in the foyer of church. -Use mail outs for invitations for special events.
	Goal IV Casey Simpson Carol Gates Trudy Morlock Pete Terracina Marie Maranto	Goal IV – Stewardship of Time & Talent Considerations when Looking for Volunteers ² Methods of identifying persons / time ² Methods of identifying their talents (hobbies, occupation) o Parish directory o Parish Rosters / List of Organizations’ members o Personal contact o Membership drives at Church functions o Students at the school (St. John’s, Loyola, Parish School of Religion) ² Ways to invite them o Email contact o Word of mouth o Bulletin invitations o Notes to parents of students Methods to Identifying the Needs of the Parish ² Communicate with the Clergy and Staff (to find out needs of others, and office needs) ² Bulletin articles and various methods mentioned above Notes regarding Needs ² the needs can be ongoing, occasional, sudden or unexpected Suggestion: Keep a NEEDS Bank, listing those who need and those with time and talent. Goal: Satisfying NEEDS! Match person(s) with need(s)!
	Goal V Kathy Smith Claire Henry David Carder Father LaCaze Jo Harrell Tony Tuminello	Stewardship of Treasure (1 19 06) Goal: Increase Sunday/Weekly Collection 1. Every month publish some of the expenses of the church in the weekly Bulletin. 2. Study the possibility of a home for the priest. (Priest housing) 3. Have a welcome letter/invitation to join the church in the pews. 4. Thank those for all their assistance, (money, time and talent.) 5. Long Term Development. Wills, Trust Funds, Insurance Proceeds (How to make the church Beneficiary?) 6. Good communication concerning the Total Parish. 7. Perhaps – part of the Sunday/Weekend Collections to go to the Building Fund. 8. Pay back our Savings. (Secure a nest-egg) 9. Have available list of Individual Parishioner’s Talents. 10. Building Renovations named after Donors/Make available memorials for Major Projects (organ, school, grounds) second meeting Stewardship of Treasure Goal: Increase Weekly Collection and Charitable Giving 1. Every month publish some of the expenses of the church in the weekly Bulletin. 2. Have a welcome letter/invitation to join the church in the pews. 3. Thank those for all their assistance, (money, time and talent.) 4. Long Term Development. Wills, Trust Funds, Insurance Proceeds. (How to make the church Beneficiary?) 5. Good communication concerning the Total Parish. 6. Plan capital campaigns to include: weekly stewardship, building fund, school improvement fund, secure nest-egg. 7. Have available list of Individual Parishioner’s Talents. ACTION 1. Feature some of the expenses of the church in the Bulletin, insurance premium, electricity statement, water bill. 2. Have printed material in the pews for those interested in joining the church. 3. Be generous in sending thank you notes to all for their money, time and talent. 4. Have a yearly seminar and/or have a Financial Planner available (a Parishioner) available to handle request to set up Wills, Trust Funds, Insurance Policies as to make the church or projects Beneficiary. 5. Utilize the Bulletin completely as to committee happenings, committee meetings, etc. 6. Continue with the Total Stewardship program. 7. When parishioners update their information with the office or on the web site have a place where they can list their personal talents.
	Goal VI Mary Preziosi Fr. Ampatt John Bradford Mary Leone Jeff Morlock Leonard A. Kacenjar	*Goal VI* Outreach (3-20-06) By striving to lead our lives in an awareness of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and the fear of God which are gifts given to us by the Holy Spirit, we will enjoy His fruits: love (charity), joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, modesty, and chastity. In the daily practice of these fruits and gifts and a life of prayer, then we will be empowered to do as Jesus asked: feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick, visit those in prison, bury the dead, give drink to the thirsty, and to give shelter to those who are without a home. This is accomplished through our own education and practice of the Principles of Catholic Social Thought: Human Dignity, Respect for Human Life, Association, Participation, Preferential Protection for the Poor and Vulnerable, Solidarity, Stewardship, Subsidiarity, Human Equality and the Common Good. The Social Teachings of the Catholic Church, “once internalized, should lead to something” and that “internalized Catholic social principles will surface in policy debates where informed Catholics participate . . . neither principles nor values lead anywhere if they remain abstract, embalmed in print or are not internalized by human persons and carried in human hearts . . . the bedrock principle of Catholic social teaching is human dignity . . . many Catholics do not adequately understand that the social teachings of the church is an essential part of Catholic faith.” *Father William Byron, SJ* *Goals* Make the needs of the marginalized known to each family in the faith community through education and expressed concrete ways in which they can participate so that the goals of this committee can bear fruit: Ø Awareness Sunday of the Outreach Committee in connection with the feast of St Vincent de Paul (Sept 24 or Oct 1). Ø Goals of the Outreach Committee communicated through bulletin inserts and homilies. Ø Use Cathedral website for informational postings. Ø Use visual communications via bulletin board in the foyer of the Cathedral. Ø Increase the visibility of the St Vincent de Paul Society in the parish community. Ø Recognize the gifts and talents of others and invite them into service. Ø Work in collaboration with the other pastoral committees so that we can be best equipped to serve the needs of the whole parish community. This would include the continuation of collaboration with other parishes so that the maximum results can be achieved in all that is undertaken. Ø Establish and maintain contact with the Cathedral Grade School children so they too can be educated with regards to the needs of the marginalized in connection with the works of the St Vincent de Paul Society. Ø Establish programs in which all of the children of the parish can actively participate in the faith community outreach. *Organize food drives for the St Vincent DePaul Society* *Make gift baskets for the needy* *Make goodie bags for residents of nursing homes and homebound* *Performance of children’s choirs at the nursing homes* *Fund raising for special projects: Bereavement Group, concerts in nursing homes, etc.* *Homebound and Nursing Homes* Ø Maintain current listing of homebound and nursing home residents. Ø Mail church bulletin each week where it is applicable. Ø Ensure that the homebound and nursing home residents receive Holy Communion on a regular basis. Ø Consult with a priest if the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Anointing of the Sick are needed. Ø Distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday, palm branches on Passion Sunday, the blessing of the throats on the Feast of St Blaise, and any other sacramentals are to be made available to the homebound and residents of nursing homes. Ø Establish a rotation so that a Mass can be said on a periodic basis at all of the nursing homes within the geographic boundaries of the Cathedral parish. Ø Maintain record of birthdays so that they can be remembered with a card. Ø Where it is applicable, support the St Vincent de Paul Society in Bingo and birthday parties events in our nursing homes. . Ø Assist the homebound and nursing home residents with letter writing, etc as needed. *Hospital Ministry* Ø Respond to the needs of the patients, their family members, and the staff at the hospital that is assigned to the Cathedral parish. This response is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week from the priests, the deacon, and ecclesial minister. Ø Holy Communion within the context of visitation is provided five days a week. Ø Distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday, palm branches on Passion Sunday, the blessing of the throats on the Feast of St Blaise, and any other sacramentals are to be made available to those who are hospitalized. Ø An Ash Wednesday Service is provided for the staff at Willis Knighton Medical Center during the hours of their normal lunch period. *Support our Bereavement Committee* Ø Make a visitation to the home of the deceased and take a bag of items for the use of the family as they receive guests (coffee, sugar, creamer, Kleenex, napkins, trash bags, paper towel, and toilet tissue). Ø Be present on behalf of the Cathedral Staff, the Parish Community, and the Bereavement Committee, at the Vigil Service. Ø Be present and assist the members of the St Raphael’s Guild at the Mass of Christian Burial. This may include the preparation for Mass, greeting at the doors, and being available to assist the family and guests as they arrive. Ø Conduct annual Grief Support Sessions. Ø Have a service during the month of November to honor the deceased members of the Parish Community. *Music Ministry* Ø Ensure that all of the nursing homes in our Cathedral Parish have the opportunity to have musical concerts at their facility at least once a year outside of the normal holiday seasons. *Prison Ministry* Ø Participate in prison ministry to the Caddo Correctional Center by providing bibles and devotional materials and assisting in any other way when requested. Ø Make an educational program available at the two half way houses in Shreveport. Ø Participate in the Kairos Prison Ministry twice a year and this would involve the youth of the parish in the preparation of cookies for the residents of the Wade Correctional Facility. Hospice Ø Provide at least one hour a week of respite to care givers of terminally ill patients in the Parish Community. *Care of walk-ins* Ø Provide written materials to those who present themselves at the door so that they can be properly directed to places where they can receive immediate assistance with regards to food, shelter, etc. which would be outside the normal functions of the St Vincent de Paul Society. Ø Maintain a supply of rosaries, holy cards and other items that can be given to anyone who might be in need of them. *Transportation* Ø Transportation, because of insurance and liability, is entrusted to the care and kindness of relatives and friends. The sacraments are provided through home visitation by priests and lay ministers. *Witnessing to our faith* Ø Continuing education on an individual basis in order to be more effective witnesses of our faith is made available through Greco classes, presentations provided by the Pastor on timely topics, the Cathedral website, and bulletin inserts. Ø Make available to the RCIA Neophytes the opportunity to go on St Vincent De Paul home visits, visitation to the nursing homes, attendance at a Spanish Mass, Whole Community Catechesis sessions, choir practice, etc thus providing first hand experience in the many ways in which they could serve. Ø Provide days of recollection as a path to spiritual renewal. Ø Support Parish and Diocesan events: *Rosary Rally* *Concerts and St Cecilia Choir* *Parish Picnic* *Diversity Sunday* *Awareness of Social Justice issues.* *Social Concerns Committee* A joint Social Concerns Committee has been established with representatives of the Cathedral of St John Berchmans, St Joseph’s Catholic Church, and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s Catholic Church with collective goals that will more effectively address social concerns on local, national, and international levels. Some of the social concerns addressed are: awareness of the particular needs of disaster victims; Habitat for Humanity; work with Volunteers of America; Providence House; hosting occasional speakers; Operation Rice Bowl; liaison for the Hispanic ministry and the Vietnamese community; ecumenical Seder meal; Holocaust Commemoration; Pro-Life issues that would be highlighted with special regard for the Respect for Life Sunday; the death penalty; and continued prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father. Out of a love of God and neighbor, this committee that will diligently work to address social concerns as they arise. *“Anyone who needs me, and whom I can help, is my neighbour.”* *Pope Benedict XVI’s Deus Caritas Est*
	Goal VII David Barlow Ruth Pledger Bobbie Sue Shelton Bill Beene	COMMUNICATION The Communications Committee has held one meeting since our last report to the Pastoral Council. Our meeting was held on February 28, 2006 at 12:00 noon in the dining room. Original members present included Bill Beene, Bobbie Sue Shelton and Ruth Pledger. David Barlow was not able to attend. Ruth Pledger facilitated the meeting in his absence. (Thanks Ruth). New members present included John Mark Wilcox, David Carder and Robert Breedlove. Peggy Gillen, a member of the Parish As A Diocese Committee, was also present representing her committee and its goals regarding communications. Implementation of committee goals was discussed. The process of having organizations report to the Pastoral Council their activities and having representatives of the Pastoral Council responsible for keeping the council apprised of these activities is underway. The Finance Council is still considering its approach to this request of the communications committee. We need to consider other methods of reaching other parish organizations to inform them that they need to send the Pastoral Council reports on a periodic basis to keep the council informed of their activities and needs. It was decided that the start-up cost for broadcasting mass by television is prohibitive and should not be pursued any further by the committee without additional encouragement from parish leadership. In contrast, podcasting mass or providing mass for shut-ins through the internet is neither technically difficult nor expensive, according to Robert Breedlove. The committee's emphasis should be put toward this since it is feasible. Robert advised that Clary Nash has already done this at his parish. The Greco Institute is also doing it for certain classes. Robert estimated the costs would be approximately $1500. An announcement board has been constructed and placed in the foyer of the church. This should facilitate communications with parishioners attending mass or other events at the Cathedral. This Committee has met twice: the following represents revisions made to the first draft To promote communication and interaction among our various organizations, councils, committees, boards, ministries, etc., as well as public relations within and outside of The Cathedral Parish. ACTION 1. Promote Communication Between Parish Organizations: The parish leaders must first communicate well between each other before embarking on broader communications goals. a. Representatives of the Parish Pastoral Council should attend meetings of the various organizations, councils, committees, boards and ministries and brief the PPC about their activities on a regular basis. b. Either in addition to the above, or as an alternative, the various organizations, councils, committees, boards and ministries should generate reports or minutes of meetings and activities and distribute copies of the same, preferably by email, to the PPC on a regular basis. c. Utilize technology, particularly the Parish web site and email, to the greatest extent possible to distribute information to Parish leaders. Establish photo galleries and blogs on website. Identify experts, such as Ginger Broussard and David Carder (others identified by Time And Talent Committee?), who can assist with technical issues. d. Promote communication with the staff about such matters as the office calendar.(NB. Fr. Peter working on parish policy on same). e. Recruit volunteers to ensure that the Communications Committee has the resources to meet its goals. 2. Promote Communication With Parishioners a. Census: We must conduct a census of the parishioners to get vital information about them, including by what means they prefer to communicate. b. Older Population: We must communicate with older parishioners, both those who can still attend Mass and those in nursing homes and shut-ins. Taping homilies, RCIA classes and GRECO classes may be a means of reaching out to them. Primary communication with older population will be announcements in church and in bulletin, telephone calls, mail and in-person visits. Should we mail bulletins to older parishioners who cannot attend Mass? Fr. Peter is already putting in place AM radio frequency for hearing impaired parishioners who want to listen to the Mass with benefit of earphones at a high volume. c. Others (i) Technology: Record homilies or perhaps entire Mass. Tape record. Digitize. Burn discs. Streaming video. Televise Mass. Pod-Mass. Whatever the media, mass market the content. Bishop Friend has challenged local Catholics to televise Mass and broadcast it on Television as many local protestant churches do every Sunday. Does streaming video and other technology allow this to be done at a lower cost than previously? Partner with Greco Institute? (ii) Gift Shop (iii) Youth Mass: Could we better communicate to our Youth in a Youth Mass? (iv) Announcements: Make announcements before Mass concerning such things as Nursery care being available and cell phones needing to be silenced. Continue using after Mass as a time for other announcements. 3. Promote Communication Outside The Parish a. Provide Other Catholic Churches information about what is happening at St. Johns. b. Work with Parish/Diocese Committee to promote better communication between the parish and diocese. c. Work with St. Johns/St. Catherine’s Committee to promote better communication between the parish and quasi or mission parish. d. Work with Parish/School Committee to promote better communication between the parish and school. e. Use Weddings at the Cathedral as a means to market events at the Cathedral. f. Provide non-Catholic churches information about events at St. Johns such as diversity Sunday. g. Advertise by means of street signs, billboards and mailouts. 4. Promote Communication With The Local Media a. Meet with Diane Haag b. Bobbie Sue to continue to notify local media about Parish events.
	Goal VIII Harold Procell Lawson Schuford Danny Berg Frank Prest Steve Cude Pat Walton Norma Waters	Buildings and Grounds Notes from initial meeting held on January 14, 2006 Renovate School Bathrooms, plumbing, lighting, a/c, flooring, etc. Multi Room &nb

Methods to Identifying the Needs of the Parish

Notes regarding Needs