Minutes of 22 February 2010

Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration (PEA)

First meeting of the Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Planning Committee was held in the hospitality room at the Shrine of St. Therese on Tuesday, February 22, 2010. The meeting began at 7:00 PM. Bishop Isern led the prayer.

Those in attendance:

Bishop Fernando Isern

Fr. Liam Courtney, Pastor of the Shrine

Dcn. Buddy Rodriguez

Dcn. Jake Shafer

Art Padilla

Bob Flores

Jim Pagano

Joe Chrisman

John Saenz

Josie Marrufo

Sophie Ruskin

Tim Collette

Fr. Liam suggested that the planning committee put together a committee to run Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration (PEA) consisting of a Head Coordinator to oversee the entire operation under the Bishop and Pastor, Division Leaders to oversee certain time blocks, and others. Fr. Liam calculated that we would need 672 hours covered in a four-week period. He estimated that there are more than enough members of the Knights of Columbus, Legion of Mary, Council of Catholic Women, and other organizations in the City to cover the hours. Jim Pagano and Josie Marrufo suggested many other groups that would be interested in PEA. Fr. Liam, along with the Bishop, encouraged those present to contact their organizations and solicit adorers. Ideally, Fr. Liam and Bishop Isern would like to have 2 adorers at every hour especially in the midnight hours. It was suggested that the men take the evening and early morning hours and the ladies take the morning and afternoon hours.

Bishop Isern gave testimony to the success of PEA at his parish in Florida (2002-present). In the seven years that he oversaw PEA, the parish grew, ministries and vocations grew, and the vibrancy of the parish increased dramatically. The Bishop sees PEA in the Diocese of Pueblo as something essential and something that God has called us to do. PEA makes the graces of God available in a special way 24/7 not only to the Shrine of St. Therese but also to the city and to the diocese. Bishop Isern has entrusted this project to the prayers of St. Therese.

The Bishop chose the Shrine of St. Therese as the venue for PEA because she is the patroness of the diocese and because this church is a shrine, that is, it is a special place for prayer and pilgrimage.

Sophie Ruskin and Art Padilla expressed a concern that PEA needs to be clearly articulated as a diocesan function at the Shrine of St. Therese and not the Shrine of St. Therese’s function. Sophie went on to say that this must be disseminated to the individual groups by their contacts. Bishop Isern said that he would write a letter to all the parishes in the diocese communicating the beginning of PEA at the Shrine to explain the project and solicit their help and support.

Jim Pagano raised the issue of security during the night. Bishop Isern suggested the installation of keyless entry by code. He wants the code to be published in parish bulletins so that everyone in the city and surrounding area has access to the chapel. Keyless entry by code rather than by key fob (suggested by Joe Chrisman) makes PEA accessible to everyone rather than those who have the key fob.

Tim Collette brought up the availability of funds from the state chapter of the Knights of Columbus. He suggested that the parish come up with a figure of funds needed for security, etc. to be presented to the state chapter. He stated that the Knights of Columbus would be willing to help defray the cost. Bishop Isern also stated that the diocese would be willing to help defray the cost of renovation, etc.

The Solemnity of Corpus Christi, June 6, 2010 is the proposed start date for PEA. Procession details will follow.

Deacon Jake Shafer suggested that as the renovation reaches completion, the chapel be photographed and a spread be published in the Pueblo Chieftain. John Saenz and Jim Pagano also suggested a write-up in the Chronicle of Catholic Life.

Joe Chrisman presented a document from the Real Presence Association that details all the necessary information to begin and sustain PEA. The document can be found at http://www.therealpresence.org/eucharst/manual/pea_manf.pdf. This information will be made available on the Shrine’s website: http://www.puebloshrine.org .

Deacon Buddy Rodriguez volunteered to be the Head Coordinator of PEA. Joe Chrisman gave him the document. Deacon Buddy set the next meeting of the PEA Planning Committee on Monday, March 8, 2010 at 6:00 PM at which time the group will continue to discuss details, progress, and other issues.

Josie Marrufo concluded the meeting with prayer.

Prepared by Joe Chrisman, February 23, 2010, 10:20 AM