Category Archives: Pastoral Council

  • 07
    Sep 18
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Pastoral Council Minutes June 13, 2018

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 Pastoral Council  Minutes June 13, 2018

Pastoral Council Members:  Bernadette Drabik (Chairperson), Zoriana Mangione (Trustee), Irene Skalij, Diane Filak, Patricia Dudley.  Representatives:  Jo Ann Dunne (OMPHS), Fr. Mikhail Myshchuk, Fr.  Deacon Thomas Gutch

In Attendance: Fr. Mikhail Myshchuk, Bernadette Drabik, Diane Filak, Irene Skalij, Jo Ann Dunne

The meeting was opened by Fr. Mikhail with the prayer “Hail Mary”.

Our Mother of Perpetual Help Society: Jo Ann Dunne reported that Society members have completed our Easter visits, visiting those who had been unable to receive visits previously. Our Mother of Perpetual Help Society is organizing a day trip to the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, MA on Thursday, June 21. Members and nonmembers are invited to attend. We will be carpooling.

Religious Education:  The school year ended May 18th.

Suggestions: There were no suggestions.

Easter Dinner: Was on Sunday, April 15th. The event was good, and we made a profit. In the future we should buy less kobasi and have more beets and more sauerkraut.

Movie Night: The last movie shown was about the life of St. Augustine. On Friday, June 15 we will be showing a movie about Padre Pio. Snacks will be available.

Acts pf Charity: We have placed an announcement in the Sunday bulletin asking for donations of things needed by the residents of Joseph’s House during the summer. So far there are fewer donations than last year. Father will mention the need from the pulpit, hoping that more people will donate.

 “On Earth as it is in Heaven” – Is an Eparchial Conference on Liturgy and Prayer was held on Saturday, May 19th, 2018 in Stamford, led by Bishop Paul (Eparchy of Stamford) and Bishop Benedict (Eparchy of Chicago).  The Bishop of Chicago stressed the need for more prayer in church and together with fellow parishioners, rather than just solitary prayers at home. It was really good.

Stockbridge Pilgrimage: Our Mother of Perpetual Help Society is suggesting a one day pilgrimage to Stockbridge, MA in June or July. It will be bring your own lunch, and we will probably carpool.

Dormition Pilgrimage in Sloatsburg, August 11 and 12: Our Patriarch, Sviatoslaw will be there on August 12 for the pilgrimage.  We have reserved a bus, provided that we have sufficient people from Amsterdam, Cohoes and Troy along with our parishioners, who sign up for the trip. There will be a tent in case it rains. They have revised the traffic pattern to make traffic flow more efficient, since they expect a larger crowd than previous years.

Bible Study: Will resume in the fall.

Great Escape: There is discussion about scheduling a trip to the Great Escape for altar boys and Communion Napkin Holders, possibly later.

Ukrainian Picnic: Will be August 25th in Cohoes. There will be a cultural program, band, zabava, Ukrainian food and games.

Parish Picnic: Fr. Mikhail asked us to think about our parish having an informal picnic. Bring your own food. This is still in the planning stage and we need to decide the location and the date.

May and June Luncheons were very good. The cost of the luncheons often exceeds the amount of money collected. We are thinking of raising the prices to $7.00 for adults and $4.00 for children. If the food served costs more, then we will charge more; if it costs less we will adjust the price downward. We need to think about other menu options.

There will be no July and August Luncheons.

September Luncheon: We are thinking about potluck, but would we have enough people donating food?

October Luncheon: Will be spaghetti and meatballs put on by OMPHS to honor parishioners over 90 years of age.

November Luncheon: Will be sponsored by Olya Myshchuk.

Father closed the meeting with a prayer.

Next Meeting: September 5, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,   Jo Ann Dunne

  • 07
    Sep 18
  • 0

Pastoral Council Minutes May 2, 2018

Pastoral Council/Vibrant Parish Minutes May 2, 2018

Pastoral Council Members:  Bernadette Drabik (Chairperson), Zoriana Mangione (Trustee), Irene Skalij, Diane Filak, Patricia Dudley.  Representatives:  Jo Ann Dunne (OMPHS), Fr. Mikhail Myshchuk, Fr.  Deacon Thomas Gutch

In Attendance: Fr. Mikhail Myshchuk, Bernadette Drabik, Patricia Dudley, Zoriana Mangione, Diane Filak, Jo Ann Dunne

The meeting was opened by Fr. Mikhail with “Christ is Risen” in English and Ukrainian.

Our Mother of Perpetual Help Society: Jo Ann Dunne reported that Society members continue to visit and call our sick and homebound parishioners, send cards and make calls.  We have completed all but two of our Easter visits, giving gifts of a Jerusalem olivewood crucifix and singing “Christ is Risen” in English and Ukrainian. Remaining visits should be completed soon.

Religious Education:  First solemn Holy Communion will be on Sunday, May 6th with Maksym Fil and Maksym Bonchyk receiving. Bernadette Drabik reported that graduation and end of the school year will be May 18th.

Suggestions: There were no suggestions.

Easter Dinner: Was on Sunday, April 15th. The event was good, and we made a profit. In the future we should buy less kobasi and have more beets and more sauerkraut.

Movie Night: Is scheduled to begin on Friday, May 11th. Fr. Deacon Tom is willing to organize it.

Pastoral Council Mission is evangelization, enhancement of Divine Worship, works of charity and social activities. Bernadette Drabik read excerpts from a beautiful letter of thanks sent by Fr. Dr. Bohdan Tymchyshyn sent after our parish mission. The entire letter is posted in the church hall for all to read. Bernadette has updated the pamphlets available to parishioners and visitors to our church. They are located in the back of the church. We will publish a reminder in the church bulletin.

Acts pf Charity: Bernie received a letter from Joseph’s House sent to them by a mother who was homeless. She had been feeling that she had failed as a mother.  She told how much the help that she received helped her to regain her self-respect.  Bernie left a message at Joseph’s House asking how we can help.

 “On Earth as it is in Heaven” – Is an Eparchial Conference on Liturgy and Prayer which will be held on Saturday, May 19th, 2018 in Stamford, led by Bishop Paul (Eparchy of Stamford) and Bishop Benedict (Eparchy of Chicago).  Fr. Mikhail suggested having a session on this subject in our church to make it possible for those who are interested but cannot attend the conference in Stamford.

Stockbridge Pilgrimage: Our Mother of Perpetual Help Society is suggesting a one day pilgrimage to Stockbridge, MA in June or July. It will be bring your own lunch, and we will probably carpool.

Dormition Pilgrimage in Sloatsburg, August 11 and 12: Our Patriarch, Sviatoslaw will be there on August 12 for the pilgrimage.  We will try to have a bus.

May Luncheon will be May 6th, same as First Solemn Holy Communion. Chris Levy will be making broccoli quiche with ham and Swiss cheese. We will also have fruit salad readymade, no cutting necessary. The price will be $5.00, and we estimate that about sixty people will attend. Preparation and set-up will be Saturday.

June Luncheon: There was a suggestion to have a burrito casserole, made like lasagna. It will have hamburg, black beans and cheese, and would be prepared by Chris Levy. Zoriana suggested having macaroni salad, bought in bulk.

New Business:

Bible Study: We will possibly be having bible study again. If we do, the subject would be Revelation. There are twelve CDs for the series.

Seminarian: We will have a visiting seminarian at the parish from May 10th thru June 15th.  Parishioners should do whatever they can to make him feel at home while he is visiting.

Great Escape: There is discussion about scheduling a trip to the Great Escape for altar boys and Communion Napkin Holders, probably sometime in June or July.

Ukrainian Picnic: Will be August 25th.

Parish Picnic: Fr. Mikhail asked us to think about our parish having an informal picnic. Bring your own food, maybe in July about 1:00 pm. The location is an issue that needs to be addressed.

Father closed the meeting with a prayer.

Next Meeting: June 13, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Jo Ann Dunne

  • 07
    Sep 18
  • 0

Pastoral Council Minutes April 11, 2018

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Pastoral Council/Vibrant Parish
Minutes April 11, 2018

Pastoral Council Members: Bernadette Drabik (Chairperson), Zoriana Mangione (Trustee), Irene Skalij, Diane Filak, Patricia Dudley. Representatives: Jo Ann Dunne (OMPHS), Fr. Mikhail Myshchuk, Fr. Deacon Thomas Gutch
In Attendance: Fr. Mikhail Myshchuk, Fr. Deacon Thomas Gutch, Bernadette Drabik, Patricia Dudley, Zoriana Mangione, Irene Skalij, Diane Filak, Jo Ann Dunne
The meeting was opened by Fr. Mikhail with “Christ is Risen” in English and Ukrainian.
Our Mother of Perpetual Help Society: Jo Ann Dunne reported that Society members continue to visit and call our sick and homebound parishioners, send cards and make calls. We have completed about half of our Easter visits, giving gifts of a Jerusalem olivewood crucifix and singing “Christ is Risen” in English and Ukrainian. Everyone who received a crucifix liked it very much. Visits to at least one facility have been delayed due to quarantine. We will complete our visits as soon as we can.
Religious Education: First solemn Holy Communion will be on Sunday, May 6th. Bernadette Drabik reported that the children sent 18 Easter cards to the sick and homebound.
Suggestions: There were no suggestions.
Easter Dinner: Will be on April 15th. There will be Paska bread from Schuyler Bakery, kobasa, kapusta, potatoes, ham, beets, cottage cheese and eggs on the menu, plus dessert. We will need to set up twelve tables. The cost will be $12.00 for adults and $5.00 for children, handled like we do for first Sunday dinners. Records show that we charged $12.00 two years ago. Irene Skalij will try to buy twelve tulips for centerpieces at $2.99 apiece and give them away after the dinner. Cooking ham and eggs will be done on Thursday. Slicing ham will be on Friday. Whoever can help is asked to come in on Saturday to help with whatever still needs to be done. We also need servers, since it will be buffet style.
May Luncheon will be May 6th, same as First Solemn Holy Communion. We will ask Chris Levy whether she can do it.
Pyrohy Sale and Pre-Easter Bazaar: The gross amount was $12,500.00 an approximate profit of $11,100.00. This is not a final report. A reporter from The Troy Record came in during pyrohy preparation, took pictures and interviewed some people, which increased attendance.
Dormition at Sloatsburg, August 12th: Our Patriarch, Sviatoslaw will be there on August 12 for the pilgrimage. Further discussion will follow.
Movie Night: If someone organizes it, Father is OK with having movie night. Fr. Deacon Tom is willing to organize it. It should resume tentatively on May 11th.
Christian Family Meeting: Will be discussed further at the May meeting.
New Business:
Irene Skalij suggested that women participate in the processions, holding icons, for example.
Low voltage lighting on the side of the church and in the alley was suggested to make the processions safer in the dark, since the candles usually blow out in the wind and the alley is rough walking.
Father closed the meeting with a prayer.
Next Meeting: May 2, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Jo Ann Dunne

  • 04
    Nov 17
  • 0

Pastoral Council Minutes October 10, 2017

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 Pastoral Council  Minutes October 10, 2017

Pastoral Council Members:  Bernadette Drabik (Chairperson), Zoriana Mangione (Trustee), Irene Skalij, Diane Filak, Patricia Dudley.  Representatives:  Jo Ann Dunne (OMPHS), Fr. Mikhail Myshchuk, Fr.  Deacon Thomas Gutch

In Attendance: Fr. Mikhail Myshchuk, Bernadette Drabik, Patricia Dudley, Zoriana Mangione.

The meeting was opened by Fr. Mikhail with a prayer.

Our Mother of Perpetual Help Society: Bernadette Drabik reported that Society members continue to visit and call to our sick and homebound parishioners.  A November luncheon is planned for 3 parishioners who have reached the age of 95 or older.  Three will be honored:  Marion Locke, Alexander Pidwerbetsky, and Nadia Sembrat, but not all will be able to attend.

Religious Education:  Bernadette Drabik noted that enrollment is down substantially this year.  Numerous students who are eligible, are  not enrolled this year; and a lack of commitment to promptness and attendance are evident.  Fr. Mikhail stated that a parent meeting may be necessary to reinforce the value and benefit of religious education for our youth, as well as to remind parents of their responsibilities to promote successful and conscientious students.

Suggestions: There were two suggestions: one suggestion was to have a first aid kit available upstairs in the back of the church or in the vestibule.  Fr. Mikhail agreed that it was a good idea, and Zoriana offered to purchase and mount a first aid kit.  The other suggestion asked that either the opening or closing song sung during combined liturgies be in English.  It seems that both songs have been sung in Ukrainian lately, making it difficult for non-Ukrainian speakers to participate. As a possible solution, it was suggested that if the opening song is sung in English, the closing song should be sung in Ukrainian, or vice versa.

First Sunday luncheons:  October’s luncheon came together at the last minute, involving foods donated by several parishioners, as well as some leftovers from the pyrohy sale the day before.  The event was well-attended, and people were pleased with the food selections available.  November’s luncheon will be sponsored by the OMPHS society, recognizing our remarkable parishioners in their mid- to upper 90s.  December’s luncheon will celebrate St. Nicholas’ feast day.  Neither Joe Proctor, nor another caterer who volunteered to help make pyrohy are available.  Pat Dudley will contact Deacon Blues for their catering menu, and Zoriana will contact McGrievey’s.  According to the caterers, it is becoming impossible to provide a hot meal for $10 per plate. We will need to consider raising the ticket prices so that we can continue to offer a hot meal.

Sight and Sound Theatre:  Fr. Mikhail called for information for the upcoming Christmas show, which promises to be a very worthwhile experience.  Due to the long bus trip, an overnight stay, plus meals and show tickets would be needed, making this trip costly.  Several concerns were raised, including potentially bad weather for travel, family finances, and being an additional expense at Christmas.  We wish to offer this trip as an option, but will continue to develop the idea in time for the Easter show in March.

Movie night:  On October 13, the movie will commemorate the Miracle at Fatima.  A possible selection for November’s movie night will be “Bitter Harvest”, which tells the story of the Holodomor, or famine in Ukraine.  This movie must be previewed for suitability.

Lenten Mission:  We will start planning our annual mission now, to allow ample time to reserve a speaker.  Fr. Roman from Ukraine was brought up as a potential speaker, because he was so well received in the past.

Neighborhood Outreach:  It has come to Fr. Mikhail’s attention that several of the church’s neighbors have experienced illnesses and deaths recently, which went unrecognized by our parish.  Wanting to be considered good neighbors and using these events as a way to reach out to our local community, we discussed several options that would allow us to better connect with our neighbors.  We will develop ideas that will thank our neighbors for sharing their parking spaces and driveways with us on Sundays and event days, will offer a day dedicated to our neighbors by giving them a chance to list family members and friends whom they wish to have remembered in a prayer service, which they will hopefully attend, and offer a small reception with coffee and sweets afterwards.  We will target a date near Thanksgiving to promote this theme of Thankfulness.

For Christmas, we will try to coordinate with and complement existing Christmas gift-giving programs to needy local families.  Bernadette Drabik will contact the Immaculate Heart of Mary parish for ideas on how our parish can help.

Clergy Days: Fr. Mikhail summarized the theme of his recent clergy days, which stressed the importance of supporting families and Christian family values, encouraging shared experiences through church sponsored camping trips or other outings, and offering ways of making divorced or separated members partake more fully in the liturgy.  We will continue to develop and implement these ideas.

Father closed the meeting with a prayer.

Next Meeting: November 1, 2017 at 6:00 p.m

Respectfully submitted,

Zoriana Mangione

  • 04
    Nov 17
  • 0

Pastoral Council Minutes for September 13, 2017

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 Pastoral Council   Minutes September 13, 2017

Pastoral Council Members:  Bernadette Drabik (Chairperson), Zoriana Mangione (Trustee), Irene Skalij, Diane Filak, Patricia Dudley.  Representatives:  Jo Ann Dunne (OMPHS), Fr. Mikhail Myshchuk, Fr.  Deacon Thomas Gutch

In Attendance: Fr. Mikhail Myshchuk, Bernadette Drabik, Diane Filak, Patricia Dudley, Zoriana Mangione, Irene Skalij, Jo Ann Dunne.

The meeting was opened by Fr. Mikhail with a prayer, the Our Father.

Our Mother of Perpetual Help Society: Jo Ann Dunne reported that Society members continue to visit and call to our sick and homebound parishioners. Our Society will be honoring all parishioners who are or will be 95 years of age or older in 2017 with a Divine Liturgy on Sunday, November 5, 2017. We will be preparing a luncheon of ziti with homemade sauce and homemade meatballs, tossed salad and bread. There will be a cake.

Religious Education: There will be a sign-up on September 16, 2017.

Ukrainian Festival of Independence: The festival in Cohoes was very nice and the weather was beautiful. It was reported that they had difficulty in finding sufficient people to take responsibility for key positions. Our people ended up doing most of the work. Possibly in the future our church could spearhead the celebration. The food was well organized. The Ukrainian Congress Committee was the sponsor. This is something we should think about. If we decide to have a parish picnic next year Nick suggested potluck.  

Suggestions: There were no suggestions.

Joseph’s House—had requested donations for the warm weather. We collected two and a half boxes of summer things that we donated in July.

Sight and Sound Theatre—We will not be planning a trip there at this time.

First Sunday – October 1, if there is a Sunday service, we will do it ourselves. Hot dogs, sauerkraut, subs and salad should be simple. If the service is on Saturday evening, we will not have a Sunday luncheon.

November 5, Our Mother of Perpetual Help Society will be hosting. Zoriana suggested that maybe our church organizations could take turns hosting. But Our Mother of Perpetual Help Society is the only one organization.

December- Maybe McGreivey’s can do a drop off for the St. Nicholas celebration, or we could do potluck.

Eparchial Family Day Retreat“ – “The Christian Family in Today’s World”  – October 1, 2017 in Sloatsburg, NY. There will be Divine Liturgy at 10:00am. Some of the workshops will be on raising children and divorced families. There will be separate programs for children. If anyone is interested in attending they should contact the church office. Father will check to see whether he is expected to attend. If so, the Sunday service will be on Saturday evening and there will be no first Sunday luncheon.

Pyrohy Preparation and Sale – September 30th, peeling potatoes and onions on September 29th. We plan to make 10,000.

Next Meeting: Oct. 11, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jo Ann Dunne

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