PAC meeting minutes

Saint Patrick’s Church

Pastoral Advisory Council Meeting

Wednesday, May 13th, 2026

5:00 PM to 6:00 PM

 Minutes

Members: 

Fr. Beto, Fr. Abraham, Marites “Tes” Diong, Jim Souza, Joan McKenna, Jim De John, Cynthia Owen, Rich Benson, David Ruiz

Present: Joan McKenna, Cynthia Owen, Jim De John, Rich Benson, Marites “Tes” Diong, Fr. Abraham, Fr. Beto, David Ruiz, Clarence Cabreros. 

Ex Officio Members: John Conti, Clarence Cabreros 

1. Opening Prayer

   1. Fr. Beto 6pm

2. Approval of April Minutes

   1. Approved 

3. Finance Council Report and SP School Updates - Clarence C

   1. All is good on the Finance Council. School is filling enrollment for next year; many classes are full and the wait list is being used. School’s fundraising golf tournament 5/19. Revamp of School Gym starting. Second graders had their first communion. 8th graders graduate Friday 5/29.

4. Discussion of questions submitted:

   1. Youth was a big topic in the questions submitted. Communication was another frequently mentioned topic. Future facilities concerns, needs, etc. 

   2. Ministries, we have identified over 40 active ministries in the parish. Ask for a ranking of the top ministries as far as visibility.

   3. Religious Education through the Mass and the Preaching: are the sermons reaching you? 

   4. Expectations of the parishioners in attending this Town Hall? What would they like to know? 

5. Chairman Updates

   1. 
      

6. Additional items brought up

   1. We need to up our social media presence or our parish communication (like email newsletter). “Flock Notes” came back up as a topic. But we want to be aware of how to use this tool and not fall into overcommunication. 

7. Date of Next Meeting -  Wednesday 5pm June 10th, 2026 

8. Closing Prayer

   1. 6:07 Fr. Abraham

Saint Patrick’s Church

Pastoral Advisory Council Meeting

Wednesday, April 15th, 2026

4:30 PM to 6:00 PM

 Minutes

Members: 

Fr. Beto, Fr. Abraham, Marites “Tes” Diong, Jim Souza, Joan McKenna, Jim De John, Cynthia Owen, Rich Benson

Present: Jim Souza, Joan McKenna, Cynthia Owen, Jon Conti, Rich Benson, Marites “Tes” Diong, Joan McKenna, Fr. Abraham, Janet Levine. 

Ex Officio Members: John Conti, Clarence Cabreros 

1. Opening Prayer

   1. 4:36 Dr. Beto

2. Approval of March Minutes

   1. Approved 

3. Finance Council Report and SP School Updates - Clarence C

   1. Grade School /finance council, both had positive reports.

4. Work Session -Zoom with Janet

   1. Jim introduced Janet and summarized the comments of the council regarding focus groups vs town hall. 

   2. Council wants to start with a town hall, which could reach a larger portion of the parish, and then start to narrow things down to a more focused group of people. 

   3. Janet shared the doc Tools for Listening that we can use for both THs and FGs

5. Chairman Updates

   1. As a result of the discussion, it was decided that each Council member would prepare three questions that would potentially be proposed at a Town Hall attendees that we would like answered. The council stated that it would be important for Fr. Beto, Fr. Abraham, and John Conti to prepare questions as well so we have an understanding of their thoughts on future planning. The questions would be reviewed at the May PAC meeting.

   2. We need to decide when the first Town Hall will be held, logistics, etc. Priests can make announcements in church prior to the Town Hall encouraging parishioners to participate. 

   3. Idea of how we will lead the TH: start with introductions. Give people an outline to use during the meeting. These will be collected by the PAC for future use and direction. They can also help us create focus groups.

   4. We would use similar questions in the survey and focus group, with more in the survey. Thinking about demographics as well. How long have you been a parishioner? What is their age group? What Mass time do they generally attend? Etc. 

6. Date of Next Meeting -  Wednesday 5pm May 13th, 2026 

7. Closing Prayer

   1. 6:10 Fr. Abraham

Saint Patrick’s Church

Pastoral Advisory Council Meeting

Wednesday, March 25th, 2026

5:00 PM to 6:00 PM

 Minutes

Members: 

Fr. Beto, Fr. Abraham, Marites “Tes” Diong, Jim Souza, Joan McKenna, Jim De John, Cynthia Owen, Rich Benson

Present: Fr. Abraham, Fr. Beto,  Jim Souza, Joan McKenna, Cynthia Owen, Jon Conti, Clarence Cabreros

Ex Officio Members: John Conti, Clarence Cabreros 

1. Opening Prayer

   1. 5:09 pm

2. Approval of January/February Minutes

   1. Approved 

3. Finance Council Report and SP School Updates - Clarence C

   1. The school is 60 years old, so occasionally there are infrastructure issues, water main break. Under control now. They are working with a consultant. Will hire a new teacher for 6th grade. The Bishop visited school for Saint Patrick’s Day Mass. Nothing new on the Finance Council. School is doing well. 

4. Discussion Regarding Development of Focus Groups and Process to Move Forward.

   1. Jim D presented a proposed listing of ministries at St. Pats and one way of classifying them by functional areas. The discussion about the list evolved into

      1. A critical analysis of the value of Focus Groups vs. Town Hall Meetings as a means to obtain input from the parishioners. The group generally acknowledged the value of both approaches but felt that at this time Focus Groups might have too limited an audience and that we needed a broader sample. 

      2. There were pros and cons for both approaches but the group asked Janet to be present at the next meeting to discuss the Focus Groups vs Town Hall and discuss some options. 

   2. Work Session – Developing Focus Groups and Key Questions

      1. PAC is an advocate for the people of the parish, so we have a goal to create dialogue through these focus groups. 

      2. What focus groups should we form? This will be a work in progress.

5. Chairman Updates

   1. February 12th was a Zoom meeting with Janet Levine  reviewing her proposal and answering questions. 

6. Date of Next Meeting -  Wednesday 5pm April 15th, 2026 

7. Closing Prayer

   1. 6:10 led by Fr. Abraham

Saint Patrick’s Church

Pastoral Advisory Council Meeting

Review of Monday, January 12th, 2026

Thursday, February 12th, 2026

4:30 to 6:00 PM

 Minutes

Members: 

Fr. Beto, Fr. Abraham, Chuck Trudeau, Marites “Tes” Diong, Jim Souza, Maurine Minnis, Joan McKenna, Jim De John, Cynthia Owen, Rich Benson

Present: Fr. Abraham, Fr. Beto, Chuck Trudeau, Marites “Tes” Diong, Jim Souza, Joan McKenna, Cynthia Owen, Jon Conti, Maria Ramirez Farley, Maurine Minnis, Clarence Cabreros, Rich Benson, Janet Levine

Ex Officio Members: John Conti, Clarence Cabreros 

1. Opening Prayer

   1. 4:36 pm Fr. Beto

2. Approval of January Minutes

   1. Approved 4:37

3. Finance Council Report and SP School Updates - Clarence C

   1. No December meeting for school/ finance council, so no updates. 

4. Presentation and Discussion Led by Janet Levine

   1. Introduction of Janet Levine: consultant to help the Council identify ways to move forward. Non profit consultant for 18+ years. 

   2. 4:45-6:07 Janet asked questions of the council and listened to discussions. She will put together a report based on what she saw and heard today.

5. Chairman Updates 

   1. Feb. 12th was a Zoom meeting with Janet Levine reviewing her proposal and answering questions 

6. Date of Next Meeting -  Wednesday 5pm March 25th, 2026 

7. Closing Prayer

   1. 6:10 led by Fr. Beto

Saint Patrick’s Church

Pastoral Advisory Council Meeting

Monday, January 12th, 2026

4:30 to 6:00 PM

 Minutes

Members: 

Fr. Beto, Fr. Abraham, Chuck Trudeau, Marites “Tes” Diong, Jim Souza, Maurine Minnis, Joan McKenna, Jim De John, Cynthia Owen, Rich Benson

Present: Fr. Abraham, Fr. Beto, Chuck Trudeau, Marites “Tes” Diong, Jim Souza, Joan McKenna, Cynthia Owen, Jon Conti, Maria Ramirez Farley, Maurine Minnis, Clarence Cabreros, Rich Benson, Janet Levine

Ex Officio Members: John Conti, Clarence Cabreros 

1. Opening Prayer

   1. 4:36 pm Fr. Beto

2. Approval of November Minutes

   1. Approved 4:37

3. Finance Council Report and SP School Updates - Clarence C

   1. No December meeting for school/ finance council, so no updates. 

4. Chairman Updates 

   1. Introduction of Janet Levine: consultant to help the Council identify ways to move forward. Non profit consultant for 18+ years. 

5. Presentation and Discussion Led by Janet Levine

   1. 4:45-6:07 Janet asked questions of the council and listened to discussions. She will put together a report based on what she saw and heard today.

6. Date of Next Meeting -  Thursday February 12th, 2026 

7. Closing Prayer

   1. 6:10 led by Fr. Beto

Saint Patrick’s Church

Pastoral Advisory Council Meeting

Wednesday November 12th, 2025

5:00 to 6:00 PM

 Minutes

Members: 

Fr. Beto, Chuck Trudeau, Marites “Tes” Diong, Jim Souza, Maurine Minnis, Joan McKenna, Jim De John, Cynthia Owen, Rich Benson

Present: Fr. Abraham, Fr. Beto, Chuck Trudeau, Marites “Tes” Diong, Jim Souza, Cynthia Owen, Jon Conti, Maria Ramirez Farley, Maurine Minnis, Clarence Cabreros, Rich Benson

Ex Officio Members: Fr. Abraham,  John Conti, Clarence Cabreros 

1. Opening Prayer

   1. 5pm Fr. Beto

2. Approval of October Minutes

   1. Approved (corrected the time)

3. Finance Council Report and SP School Updates - Clarence C

   1.  10/25 approximately $200,000 raised at School Auction and dinner (record funds raised).

   2. Beto Chavez was added to the finance council. 

   3. Finances are stable for the parish. Improvements for safety were discussed at the finance council meeting. HVAC system improvements discussed. Assessments will be made to get an idea of the costs. 

4. Chairman Updates 

   1. Follow-up with Ministry Leaders after the fair: positive feedback from attendees and the ministries. Ministries got new members and sign ups. People liked the organization and set up. People liked the food in the back. Reminder to Ministries to call your volunteers. 

   2. Discussion of Future Town Hall Meetings: Town Hall meetings will help expand the Parish Vision to our parishioners. 

5. Continuing Discussion of Proposed Parish Projects

   1. Discussion of PAC Website Status- Updated Pictures needed for the website; work in progress. 

6. New Business / Other Business

   1. Possible Grant from Dept of Ag and Dept of homelessness to expand our Outreach Pantry to meet the increasing needs in our area. 

   2. The HVAC project for the Church is an on-going operational task worked on by John Conti and Rich Benson.  PAC’s involvement is not required.  The task will include the initiation of a procedure for securing all outside doors prior to each mass/service as a safety precaution.

   3. Town Hall Meetings: 

      1. We want to have a series of meetings, not too far apart. Hoping to start these in 2026.

      2. Programs will be made to keep discussions on topic with time at end for open discussion.

      3. Surveys (fact finding) could be sent out prior to TH meetings and then data and feedback can be reviewed at the meeting. 

      4. There are a lot of things that go on at the Parish of which most of us are unaware.

7. Date of Next Meeting -  Monday January 12th, 2026  at 4:30pm

8. Closing Prayer

   1. 5:55pm Fr. Abraham

Saint Patrick’s Church

Pastoral Advisory Council Meeting

Wednesday, October 10th, 2025

5:00 to 6:00 PM

 Minutes

Members: 

Fr. Beto, Chuck Trudeau, Marites “Tes” Diong, Jim Souza, Maurine Minnis, Joan McKenna, Jim De John, Cynthia Owen, Rich Benson

Present: Fr. Abraham, Fr. Beto, Chuck Trudeau, Marites “Tes” Diong, Jim Souza, Joan McKenna, Cynthia Owen, Jon Conti, Maria Ramirez Farley, Maurine Minnis, Clarence Cabreros, 

Ex Officio Members: Fr. Abraham,  John Conti, Clarence Cabreros 

1. Opening Prayer

   1. 5pm Fr. Abraham

2. Approval of September Minutes

   1. Approved

3. Finance Council Report and SP School Updates - Clarence C

   1.  Kids from St. Patrick School were selling raffle tickets after mass last weekend. The school is having its largest fundraiser of the year on the 25th. 

   2. The school will be having its annual Halloween parade on Halloween where the kids march around the school line. Parents and grandparents come watch. Another fun tradition is all the teachers dress in a themed costume

   3. The kids brought pets to school for blessing of the animals in honor of St Francis of Assisi. Sister Margaret blessed all the pets that were brought, which includes more than just cats and dogs. This is a really fun tradition that the kids look forward to at the school.

• Parish wrapped up its fiscal year on 8/31/2025. The parish did very well and had higher revenues, especially in relation to the Pew project which we originally forecasted to pay for from savings.

• There is a new member on the finance council and his name is Beto Chavez. He is a long-term parishioner and is a national sales manager for Tonago Inc. He will attend the meetings starting in November

4. Chairman Updates 

   1. Ministry Faire: Sunday October 12th. 8am-2pm

   2. Status of Ministry Leader Responses

   3. Ministry Fair = Setup and Clean-Up

      1. Set up starting at 7am 

   4. PAC Members covering each Mass

   5. Staffing Refreshment Table

   6. Follow-up with Ministry Leaders after the fair. 

      1. PAC members will check-in with ministries who attended the fair and ask for feedback. 

5. Continuing Discussion of Proposed Parish Projects

   1. Proposed Town Hall meetings to begin early 2026. More discussion in the November meeting. 

6. New Business / Other Business

   1. Question regarding leaving the roadside doors open vs. closed during Mass. 

7. Date of Next Meeting - November 12th, 2025 5pm

8. Closing Prayer

   1. 5:55pm Fr. Beto

Saint Patrick’s Church

Pastoral Advisory Council Meeting

Wednesday, September 10th, 2025

5:00 to 6:00 PM

 Minutes

Members: Fr. Beto, Chuck Trudeau, Marites “Tes” Diong, Jim Souza, Maurine Minnis, Joan McKenna, Jim De John, Cynthia Owen, Rich Benson

Present: Fr. Beto, Chuck Trudeau, Marites “Tes” Diong, Jim Souza, Joan McKenna, Cynthia Owen, Jon Conti, Maria Ramirez Farley, Rich Benson

Ex Officio Members: Fr. Abraham,  John Conti, Clarence Cabreros 

1. Opening Prayer

   1. 5:00 pm By Fr. Beto

2. Approval of August Minutes

   1. approved

3. Finance Council Report and SP School Updates by Clarence C

   1. Nothing to report today as CC was unable to attend. 

4. Chairman Updates 

   1. Ministry Faire: Sunday October 12th. 

   2. List of Ministry Leaders and Contact Info: Ministry groups assigned to PAC members to contact. Sample script passed out. Members will make contact asap and no later than 9/17/25.

5. Continuing Discussion of Proposed Parish Projects

   1. Report on International Fiesta - Marie F

   2. MF said it went really well. Nice attendance and food. 

   3. Discussion of PAC Website - Updates - Cynthia O: No updates. The website will be ready by the Ministry Faire. 

   4. Future Work Groups - Rich Benson  Next work group days are: 9/18-9/20

6. Pew Update

   1. Pew and Related Repairs - all kneelers and attachments are in. Torn pew is in progress. Scratches have been repeated, the part of the grain that was coming off was repaired. Choir seating /Chairs for priests on the altar: waiting on a bid from the same company. JC will look into another company as well. 

   2. We were given a $3000 credit due to issues.

   3. We can’t withhold payment because the Diocese approved the contract. A suggestion that we request complimentary altar chairs given the amount of delays and repairs needed. 

7. New Business / Other Business

   1. Rectory repairs update: they are continuing as time and people allow. Trees being trimmed, dead plants being removed, etc. 

   2. Parishioners have requested the return of hymnals to the church and the sign of the order and song #. One consideration is that money doesn’t need to be spent given we have the projector. 

   3. Discussion on allowing parishioner input on selection of songs. Cathy gets a book with the song selection. 

   4. Sr. Gene is planning on a jubilee celebration, do we have information on this: She is staying with Rich. The Knights and Martha’s Ministry will help with food. A point person is needed. 

   5. 11am Mass San Lorenzo Ruiz (First Filipino Saint) Saturday 9/27 Potluck Reception to follow, so bring something to share!

   6. Cynthia would like to hold Saint Patrick’s School and Church Trunk or Treat at the church for 2026. 

8. Date of Next Meeting - October 8th, 2025 5pm

9. Closing Prayer

   1. 5:47pm by Fr. Beto

Saint Patrick’s Church

Pastoral Advisory Council Meeting

Wednesday, August 13th, 2025

5:00 to 6:00 PM  

 Minutes

Members: 

Fr. Beto, Chuck Trudeau, Marites “Tes” Diong, Jim Souza, Maurine Minnis, Joan McKenna, Jim De John, Cynthia Owen, Rich Benson

Present: Fr. Beto, Chuck Trudeau, Marites “Tes” Diong, Jim Souza, Joan McKenna, Jim De John, Cynthia Owen, Clarence Cabreros, Jon Conti, Fr. Abraham, Maria Ramirez Farley

Ex Officio Members: Fr. Abraham,  John Conti, Clarence Cabreros 

1. Opening Prayer

   1. By Fr. Beto @5pm

2. Approval of July Minutes

   1. Passed unanimously. 

3. Finance Council Report and SP School Updates by Clarence C

   1. John presented us with a $1.5 million preliminary budget that he submitted to the diocese.

   2. It includes $120,000 for major building/capital donations to cover things such as parking lot servicing, tower roof, and rectory flooring.

   3. I wanted to make sure we had funds in the budget to implement the flock notes. John assures me it’s in there with his salary and minor computer expenses.

   4. The school board has not met since May. Teachers have been on campus since Monday. School will start tomorrow and I think enrollment is slightly up compared to last year.

4. Chairman Updates 

   1. Status of Ministry Faire Scheduling: We agreed on a date Sunday October 12th. We need a current and correct list of all the Church ministries and their contact information. The purpose of the faire is to introduce the ministries to our parishioners, and to add active members to each ministry. 

5. Continuing Discussion of Proposed Parish Projects

   1. Work Group - Very successful work day. 

   2. Discussion of PAC Website - Cynthia Owen

      1. Discussed ways to improve it and add pages as well as non-editable links to Google Docs. 

   3. Volunteer Support for International Fiesta August 17th, 2025

      1. We signed up for manning a PAC table at the Fiesta. 

6. New Business / Other Business

   1. Question about how we recruit Altar Servers. 

   2. Worked on creating an improved statement regarding the PAC, the purpose and function of the PAC. We looked at a proposed draft by Jim. 

   3. Joan McKenna mentioned Mary Knoll ministry and is asking us to consider social justice under the Catholic view. (Like recycling, are we living the mission to take care of the Earth the way the Catholic Church would like us?) How can we integrate this into the PAC and as a parish? Maybe start a ministry, living life right under Catholic teaching. 

   4. Question about whether this would fall under the scope of the council.

7. Date of Next Meeting - September 10th, 2025 5pm

8. Closing Prayer

   1. Led by Fr. Abraham

Saint Patrick’s Church

Pastoral Advisory Council Meeting

Wednesday, July 9th, 2025

5:00 to 6:00 PM

 Minutes

Members: 

Chuck Trudeau, Marites “Tes” Diong, Jim Souza, Maurine Minnis, Joan McKenna, Jim De John, Cynthia Owen, Rich Benson

Present: Chuck Trudeau, Marites “Tes” Diong,  Jim De John,  Joan McKenna, Rich Benson, Fr. Beto, Clarence Cabreros, John Conti

Ex Officio Members: Fr. Beto, Fr. Abraham,  John Conti, Clarence Cabreros 

1. Opening Prayer

   1. By Fr. Beto at 5:pm

2. Approval of June Minutes

   1. Passed by Jim DJ at 5:04 pm

3. Finance Council Report by Clarence C

   1.  The Church's finances are in fine shape and we are on good financial footing.  Numbers were very positive.

   2. Meeting 7/11 to discuss space for Religious Education on Saint Patrick’s Campus. 

4. Chairman Updates 

   1. PAC Social Gathering was a success and Jim extended many thanks to John and Martha Conti for hosting. 

5. Columbarium Update

   1. Father had not received a response from the Bishop yet, so  Jim called Bernice for a status update. She responded that she still needs approval to meet with us even though it is for information purposes at this time.  Berenice needs to get approval from the CFO to meet with us.

   2. After some discussion, Fr. Beto decided that we should not pursue this further until a new Bishop is assigned.  Berenice has not been very helpful to us and without Bishop approval, nothing will happen.

   3. Some questions that came up at the meeting: Can we have more than one Columbarium location on our parish site? How do they estimate the cost of a space? Who would be the point of contact once it’s built? (As far as buying a space and maintenance). 

   4. We can use the procedures that are in place at the SLO cemetery for guidelines. 

   5. Once we have answers from the Diocese, we will present the Columbarium plan to the parishioners to see if we have support.

6. Review of PAC Charter and Role of Council Board Members

   1. Guidelines on what topics the PAC undertakes vs what goes to Business Manager. PAC wants to take a look at the ministries. PAC wants to take a broader look at what goes on at Parish. Jim will think on how to phrase this. Operations go to the parish office, not PAC. 

   2. Discussion: Can we put out a monthly report about what PAC has accomplished? We can publish our minutes on the website. Have a page for PAC on the website. We should have a PAC email for parishioner questions and comments. John C suggested a question/comments section on the website rather than email.  Questions/Comments received will be discussed at PAC and responses posted on a FAQ section of the PAC page. Following some discussion, Cynthia O. volunteered to design a draft of  a webpage insert for the PAC that would be tied to the main parish website. This will facilitate communications between the PAC and parishioners, provide updates and Council activities and a means for parishioners to contact us directly with their ideas, etc.  John displayed a draft of the website for the PAC.  A link will be provided to the PAC for review at the next meeting with Cynthia.

7. New Business / Other Business

   1. Discussion about a ‘work day’ as there is a list of projects that need to be done maintenance wise. Discussed putting sign up sheets out at each Mass (and also an e-sign up) to see who can work where (fence repair, painting, certifications to operate certain types of machines). Knights could BBQ. Note on liability insurance for volunteers needs to be checked out. Rich has organized the signups and work groups are scheduled to start work later in July. 

   2. The PAC decided that our next project would be to organize a Parish Ministry Faire for some time in late August.  Jim and Joan M will work with Marie to put this on the parish calendar and begin advertising.

8. Date of Next Meeting - August 13th, 2025

9. Closing Prayer

   1. Led by Fr. Beto 6:09 pm