St. Gerard's Church Council > 2007 Plans 

Plans Resulting from the January 21, 2007, Meeting

The Church Council of St. Gerard's Catholic Church, Bowen Island, B.C., met after Mass, with Judith McBride, Eileen Richter, Angela Powell, Michel Paré, and Hugh Stark present. They arrived at the following plans:

1.   Church roof: Since the church roof is leaking, Hugh Stark will obtain Bowen Island roofers’ quotes for repairing the present roof and reroofing the church in metal, and Father Jim Comey will obtain similar quotes.

2.   Possible spring concert: Hugh Stark will ask a well-known organist to perform at a spring concert. All going well, other performers will be invited to participate. The event will be open to the public, with proceeds going toward new windows.

3.   Windows: Michel Paré has completed the technical drawings for new windows above the crucifix. With $7,650 raised so far, we are more than halfway to the goals of $15,000 and installation at the end of June.

4.   First Communion: Ellie MacKay has begun instructing the First Communion class. In consultation with Ellie and Fr. Comey, Eileen Richter will set a date when parents of First Communion candidates will meet about parental responsibilities.

5.   A Gift of Music: Thanks to the combined efforts of three Bowen Island Christian churches, the evening of Advent music on December 1 was deemed a success. St. Gerard's will organize a second annual "Gift of Music" for the same occasion in 2007, again inviting the other churches.

6.   Christmas 2007: Planning ahead, Kirstie MacLise has volunteered to organize events related to next Christmas.

7.   Church music: For Sundays when there is no organist available, other forms of music will be explored, including recorded vocal and piano music.

8.   Grounds maintenance: At the suggestion of Fr. Comey and Fr. Tom Smith, the church lawn mowing and hedge trimming will be left to volunteers, each taking responsibility for a set period. Michel Paré will communicate this decision to garden care companies that had expressed interest.

9.   Altar servers: Eileen Richter will arrange an evening of instruction with Fr. Smith for all children who wish to be altar servers. Rules and a schedule will be provided. If your children wish to be servers, please ensure that they attend.

10. Youth group: Michel Paré, 604-947-2101, has volunteered to transport any youth wishing to participate in the Holy Trinity Junior Youth Group in North Vancouver.

11. Church Council: The 2007 elections for the St. Gerard's Church Council will take place on Sunday, Feb. 25. Anyone wishing to be involved, please sign the sheet at the back of the church. You are needed!