The following are the PASTOR'S NOTES from Sunday, May 11, 2008
     (Solemnity of Pentecost; Mother's Day)

     On April 21, the Parish Council met for the sixth time this year. Present at the meeting were Deacon Ken Hill, Fr. Manning, Pat Adkins representing the Evangelization Committee, Bob Zalewski representing the Sports Club, George Koerner of the Holy Name Society and the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, Mrs. Carol Eucker and Mrs. Joyce York representing the Altar and Rosary Society, and Mrs. Klara Eucker representing the PTU.

     The meeting began with prayer and then each group gave a short report on the activity in their organization. Deacon Ken Hill reported that the Art and Environment Group wished to thank everyone for their help in setting up for Easter. The Easter decorations will remain up until the Ascension. There will be special decorations for Pentecost and then the Church will be decorated for Ordinary Time.

     Bob Zaleswski reported that the Baseball Season is at hand and that there is a Girls Softball Team representing St. Vincent de Paul in the CYO League. There will be fall sports signups soon. Bob also mentioned that the “Nite at the Races” was very successful.

     Pat Adkins reported that the Evangelization Group has been meeting. The past few months, they have been trying to meet the new parishioners and also to visit those parishioners who are in nursing homes.

     George Koerner reported that the Holy Name Society had a very successful Easter Egg Hunt and a Casino Night. Because of the bad weather for the Casino night, there was considerable food left over. George suggested that the food might be used for a summer cook out for the staff and the volunteers of the parish.

     The Altar and Rosary Society reported that they had to cancel the April Meeting but that the May Meeting will be held. The society is still collecting Afghans and yarn for their work with the Veterans Hospitals.

     The PTU mentioned that they sponsored two socials for the students during March. In May, the PTU will be sponsoring a Skating Party and they will be having their last meeting of the year.

     Sister Caroline could not be at the meeting but sent a report. In late April, the 8th grade will be having their Spirit Day and that the last fund raiser of the year will be concluded on April 29th. During May, the school will have many events. May 2nd will be Jesus Day for the Second Graders who will make their First Communion the next day. On May 12th, the Fifth Graders will be going to an environmental camp. On May 14th there will be the Annual May Crowning and on May 30th, Fun Day will be held.

     Fr. Manning reported on the Vibrant Parish Initiative and considerable time was spent discussing the report of our cluster and especially of the cluster to the south of us. Fr. Manning also mentioned about the repair schedule for the summer and that our last meeting of the year will be in May

Father John Manning