St. Thomas Aquinas Human Concerns Committee Meeting Minutes, March 16, 2010

Attendance: Paul Chestnut, Walt Lundin, Laura Chiu, George Chippendale, Patricia Markee

1. Faith-Sharing/Question of the Week
George read a prayer about joy with a reflection question: "Do you think a person can call herself/himself a Christian while being unhappy?"

2. Approval of February minutes
The minutes were approved by acclamation.

OLD BUSINESS

3. Postcard Immigration Reform results
More than 370 of our parishioners sent postcards to each of three representatives in Washington. Paul will send a message to the Bulletin.

4. The Green Committee
The Green Committee is conducting a carbon footprint analysis for the parish. They are planning a "bike to church" Sunday in April as part of Earth Day activities.

NEW BUSINESS

5. Oscar Romero memorial event
George passed out copies of a prayer service for the memorial event at SAG on March 21. It consisted of a set of quotations from Archbishop Romero, interspersed with readings about social justice, and prayers recited by the congregation. George was looking for suggestions for improving the readings. We suggested that the readings aimed at social justice issue were not relevant, and he would do better by inserting readings about the events that surrounded Archbishop Romero's life and death.

7. Undie Sunday
The name "Undie Sunday" was discussed. Several people have objected to the name, saying that it trivializes our Sunday, that the event should be replaced by an expanded clothing drive, that we should maintain and respect standards in our church-related activities, that we must be aware that the sanctuary is a sacred place and the church should be a special place, setting good examples and high standards. While these concepts are undeniable, some disagreed with these objections and said that we should be undeterred in maintaining the name of the event. Others were more conciliatory, saying that although the name is useful for publicity purposes, we should be sensitive to others who object, especially if they are long-time contributors to the parish. One suggested that we rename the event "Clothe The Naked Sunday." Ultimately we were undecided, but we agreed to reconsider the name when the event is conducted next year.

8. Fair Trade Sale
Laura conducted a Fair Trade sale March 7 at SAG and March 14 at OLR. She collected over $500 at the 5 pm Mass at SAG. The 9 am Mass was not nearly as good. She will conduct a sale at St. Thomas on March 21. She needs helpers at the 8:45 and 10:30 Masses. Patricia believed that she could find people to help at those Masses. Paul will help at 7:30.

9. What's On Your Mind?

Laura showed us the recycle bin that she bought for the OLR Hall. The objective is to get people participating at events in the hall to deposit recyclables in his bin and later to transfer them to the large bins outside.

Our activities report for the parish Annual Report is due July 31.

10. Volunteer for Faith-sharing/Question of the Week

Next meeting - April 20, 2010