PARISH SOCIAL MINISTRY

November 10, 2009

St. Gabriel Church Hall

MINIUTES

7:15 PM Welcome... Sue Lyngaas, new member,

John Adams and Edwin from Primerica Financial Services, Orange, CT

Prayer Reflection:

NEW BUSINESS
1) John Adams and Edwin Gomez, Representatives of Primerica Financial Services spoke for about 25 minutes about the debt reduction services that are offered by Primerica. They spoke personally about how their own families have been served by the professional financial services offered.

The services are free to families and individuals. A question arose about how they were paid, they stated that once a client takes on a different company to serve their particular needs, then that company pays Primerica a stipend.

The process they use is to make a presentation, then follow with individual families in their homes to review their particular situation to see if their insurance company for example, is offering them the best possible price. The client then decides and perhaps chooses a different company that can save them money for the same service. After more information John and Edwin answered questions.

Br. Larry csc mentioned how this would be a valuable service to our parishioners. He stated that he has calendared a presentation for parishioners after the Masses on January 16-17 a ½ hour presentation by Primerica in the church hall for those who wish to attend.

Br. Larry also suggested that Primerica use a Webinar for Debt Elimination Seminar for the initial presentation since people are embarrassed by the prospect of discussing that they are in debt.

2. Members were encouraged to visit our parish Web sites: www.stgabrielministries.org

www.stgabchurch.4lpi.com for information about the parish and its organizations.

3. It was decided as part of the follow to Chuck Collins presentation on Oct29^th, that a committee be formed to develop a kind of assessment on family finances that could be used to get the attention of parishioners as a way to encourage them to attend the Primerica presentation on Jan 16 or 17 and as a possible entry point in forming a Common Security Club. (Check the website: www.commonsecurityclub.org/com

4. Br. Larry received and will submit a request for a grant for HOMEFRONT May 1, 2010. Paperwork will be completed and submitted on November 13^th.

This would be through the Campaign for Human Development.

5. Task Force Completed for HomeFront, Saturday, May 1, 2010

House Captain: John Marmolejo

Ass't House Captain: Bill Mancini

Volunteer Coordinator: Jonlyn Vancho

Hospitality on site Helen Della Rocco

Hospitality Volunteer Dinner Rose Marie Marmolejo

6. PSM Fund Raising:

“NO BAKE BAKE SALE” envelopes will be placed on the rear table next weekend. Annual Pork Roast Dinner is scheduled Sun, Mar 07, 2010

Rose Marie Marmolejo will chair the event.

7. COMMUNITY CARE MINISTRIES Reports

Environmental Justice - Br. Larry CSC - is on hold for the moment.

CPAC Report - by Sue LYngaas

Sue Lyngaas, new Board Member of Beth El and new member of PSM, spoke about the upcoming Christmas Concert to benefit Beth El, Dec 5^th.

She also mentioned the businesses that will be offering fee items that day if someone is a ticket holder.

Cost is $25 per person.

St Gabriel offered a monetary gift for a Gift Basket raffle.

Castle Care offered to do a basket for that raffle.

It was decided to place the flyer in the bulletin on November 22

A Donation gift list to Beth El by St. Gabriel since 2004 showed donations amounting to $18,000

Pro-Life Report by Pat Pritchard

Pat mentioned the 40 Days of Life Prayer program that this Fall did not get anyone from the parish. Most stated they never got any information on it. It was not strongly publicized this Fall.

Pat also gave a breakdown of politicians and their pro-choice votes. Without their votes the House Health Care Bill made it through without abortion attached to it.

Parish Nurses: Rosaleen Vacarro absent

Bl Pressure Screening will take place 9:15-11:00 a.m. Church Hall. Nov 15-16

SERVE New England - Joe, Barbara Johnson

Lists for Thanksgiving Basket and Christmas Baskets, Christmas Gifts will be given to Br. Larry so letters can be sent out to the recipients.

Food Pantry - Joe, Barbara Johnson

Some 2,000 meals have been distributed to needy people in October.

The Annual Parish Social Ministry Dinner will be held January 21, Thursday, 2010 at the Blue Goose Restaurant, Stratford.

Joan Urban will be the chair the event and be the contact person.

NEXT MEETING Jan 12, 2010 Tuesday, 7:15 Hall or SKYPE