CURSILLO BOARD
MINUTES - Archive
MINUTES - Archive
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Fort Hood/Heart of Texas Cursillo
Board of Directors’ Meeting
February 21, 2009
The meeting was called to order at 10:20 a.m. by President Bob Pfeffenberger.
Directors Present: Deacon Fred Jones, Bob Pfeffenberger, Shirley Nagle, Pat Anderson, Cindy Novak, Liz
Hayden, John Frost, and Sharon Ganslen
Directors Absent: Phyllis Gogue and Jim Disimoni
Invitees: Coordinators of the Spring Weekends Robin Spencer and Pat Anderson
Deacon Fred Jones offered an opening prayer.
Shirley Nagle thanked the members of the board for changing the meeting date to accommodate her, so
she could spend time with visiting family next weekend.
The minutes of the last board meeting were approved. Thank you to Orie for a wonderful job!
Old Business:
Good News Retreat Center, Elk:
Liz Pechacek wasn’t paid for the Fall weekends. The Board had expected Fort Hood to send her a check
in payment for the use of the Retreat Center. When that check had not arrived, the Board voted to send
her the payment from our Cursillo accounts. She received that check. Soon after, she finally did receive
another check from the Fort Hood Chaplains’ Fund. She called Shirley and offered to send one of the
checks back. After consultation with the Board, Shirley advised her to keep both checks, one in
anticipation of payment for the Spring Weekends already scheduled.
Shift in Financial Support Structure
Following the confusion about the Fall weekends, Deacon Jones arranged for Angie Ingrim to take the
funding for food from the Fort Hood Chaplains’ Fund instead of the payment to Liz. This will require the
Kitchen Team Leader for each weekend to prearrange a time and place for a single shopping run with
Angie or her representative. This puts more pressure on the kitchen teams to have a complete list of
needed food items before the shopping trip. Shirley said that Arlene Vitucci, kitchen team leader for the
women’s spring weekend, was already preparing to ask for community donations of specific food items to
be semi-prepared before the weekend. Regardless, the Fort Hood funding for food would be immediate,
– Angie or her representative would bring a credit card along on the shopping trip -- and the
reimbursement for the use of the Retreat Center would come from our funds and is assured of reaching
Liz Pechacek in a timely manner. There will need to be two requests for funding for food: one for each
team from the two kitchen team leaders through Deacon Jones. Both team coordinators were urged to
have lists for donations available at the next Ultreya and for the community action/phone contacts as
soon as possible.
New Business
Designated Offering
Shirley suggested that, as a movement, we should be soliciting financial support from the many parishes
we serve. Her first suggestion would be to ask the pastor to include a special collection specifically for
Cursillo. Some members present explained that those special collections are scheduled during annual
budget meetings and therefore can not be inserted unexpectedly. Deacon suggested that asking the
pastor for a donation might be simpler. Several members present supported the idea of a special
collection not only for its cash potential, but also as a parish-wide reminder of the role of this movement
within the community. Having each pastor write a check would not create the desired publicity for
Cursillo. After considerable discussion, several options were highlighted:
1. The parish representative for Cursillo can approach the pastor with a plea for help, and let him
decide how to handle it.
2. Consideration of ways to make contributions to Ft Hood / H.O.T. Cursillo distributed over several
payments instead of expecting a large lump sum at the end of the weekend.
3. Adaptation of the MOP talk to offer some suggestions about payment over time.
4. Review any contributions sent to the Financial Secretary through the link on the web site.
Banking Facility
There is some concern about the necessary shift from Cynthia Neve to Cindy Novak as the Financial
Secretary of record on accounts at Texas Partners FCU.
Several members are still looking into alternative banking facilities. Phyllis Gogue was not present to
give a report, so this agenda item was tabled.
Parish Representatives
Earlier discussion about requests for additional funding from the individual parishes highlighted the
important role of the parish representative. He or she must be more than a point of contact for
parishioners, he or she must be the liaison between the Cursillo movement in Central Texas and the
pastors of the churches we serve. The board moved to identify the parish representatives and clarify
their job descriptions. They will also be encouraged to attend board meetings.
Agape Script
An alternate script for the agape meal has been discovered. It seems to have some distinct differences
from the script we are now using. John Frost agreed to compare the two documents and prepare a
report.
Non-agenda New Business
Presentation Aids
Robin Spencer asked the board to move to strike the phrase “no electronics for the talks” from the
Guidelines for Team Coordinators, Item 12. Discussion revealed that the Men’s Teams have been using
Power Point for a while, and that some “modernization” of presentation techniques is probably expected
by most of the candidates. John Frost observed that the visual presentation level of all the talks should
be consistent and simple. Members wanted to stress that the rest of the prohibition against watches and
cell phones and anything else that might provide a time check (including bringing up PP slides) should
remain in effect.
Materials Workshop
The focus on the Team Coordinators’ Guidelines elicited a call for a scheduled workshop to review all of
the weekend materials. A motion to call such a meeting early this summer was seconded and approved.
Board Member Reports
Lay Director: Shirley Nagel presented a letter from the Military Ordinariate addressed to Deacon Jones
and dated November 4, 2004 stating that they could not pay dues to National for the Ft. Hood/HOT
Cursillo. She and Cynthia had unearthed this document in preparation for the meeting with
representatives from National and the Austin Diocese scheduled for March 14, 2009. (See prior minutes.)
Some time was spent describing the issues of conflict with Austin and National which have existed for
several years. The newly elected Board Members needed to be informed. Several members urged those
attending the upcoming meeting to be resolved in their stand to maintain some separation from the
Austin Diocese and its strict guidelines for team members and required numbers for team and
candidates. The issue of availability of materials (Pilgrim’s Guides, etc.) is of most immediate concern.
Robin reminded the board that photocopies of the materials are illegal.
Assistant Lay Director: Pat Anderson spoke as both Assistant Lay Director and Coordinator of the Men’s
Weekend. He was asking for a “digital” inventory of supplies at Elk. John Frost said that one does exist;
he will forward it to Pat.
Financial Secretary: Cindy Novak gave the financial report which was approved.
Secretary: Sharon Ganslen reviewed the minutes of the last board meeting that had already been
approved. She passed around a contact roster for the BOD and asked for any corrections or additions.
That new roster will be available at the next meeting.
Post Cursillo Coordinator John Frost and Bob Pfeffenberger described a possible alternate retreat
center in case Liz closes the Good News Retreat Center in Elk. They had participated or heard about a
retreat lead by Fr. Chuck at this center in Blanco and just wanted the board to know that it does exist if
later actions require a move. John also asked for funds to build a more stable step and ramp from the
rollo room to the back porch at the retreat center. Pat Anderson offered his and the Squires’ assistance
for a general clean up and facilities check before the weekends. John said he could probably do the
work for under $200.
The board approved the expenditure of $200 for a step and ramp project subject to getting approval from
Liz Pechachek. He also reminded us of the Ultreya and that Bettina Blackburn would be the presenter on
Sunday, March 1, 2009. He needs people to sign up for the Ultreyas after May. The Men’s Closura will
serve as the May Ultreya.
Spiritual Director: Deacon Fred repeated his concerns about the shortage of Military Chaplain Priests on
Fort Hood. By October, Father Lee may be the only one left.
Next Board Meeting is scheduled for April 4, 2009 following the women’s team meeting at 58th Street
Chapel.
Respectfully submitted:
Sharon M. Ganslen
Board of Directors’ Meeting
February 21, 2009
The meeting was called to order at 10:20 a.m. by President Bob Pfeffenberger.
Directors Present: Deacon Fred Jones, Bob Pfeffenberger, Shirley Nagle, Pat Anderson, Cindy Novak, Liz
Hayden, John Frost, and Sharon Ganslen
Directors Absent: Phyllis Gogue and Jim Disimoni
Invitees: Coordinators of the Spring Weekends Robin Spencer and Pat Anderson
Deacon Fred Jones offered an opening prayer.
Shirley Nagle thanked the members of the board for changing the meeting date to accommodate her, so
she could spend time with visiting family next weekend.
The minutes of the last board meeting were approved. Thank you to Orie for a wonderful job!
Old Business:
Good News Retreat Center, Elk:
Liz Pechacek wasn’t paid for the Fall weekends. The Board had expected Fort Hood to send her a check
in payment for the use of the Retreat Center. When that check had not arrived, the Board voted to send
her the payment from our Cursillo accounts. She received that check. Soon after, she finally did receive
another check from the Fort Hood Chaplains’ Fund. She called Shirley and offered to send one of the
checks back. After consultation with the Board, Shirley advised her to keep both checks, one in
anticipation of payment for the Spring Weekends already scheduled.
Shift in Financial Support Structure
Following the confusion about the Fall weekends, Deacon Jones arranged for Angie Ingrim to take the
funding for food from the Fort Hood Chaplains’ Fund instead of the payment to Liz. This will require the
Kitchen Team Leader for each weekend to prearrange a time and place for a single shopping run with
Angie or her representative. This puts more pressure on the kitchen teams to have a complete list of
needed food items before the shopping trip. Shirley said that Arlene Vitucci, kitchen team leader for the
women’s spring weekend, was already preparing to ask for community donations of specific food items to
be semi-prepared before the weekend. Regardless, the Fort Hood funding for food would be immediate,
– Angie or her representative would bring a credit card along on the shopping trip -- and the
reimbursement for the use of the Retreat Center would come from our funds and is assured of reaching
Liz Pechacek in a timely manner. There will need to be two requests for funding for food: one for each
team from the two kitchen team leaders through Deacon Jones. Both team coordinators were urged to
have lists for donations available at the next Ultreya and for the community action/phone contacts as
soon as possible.
New Business
Designated Offering
Shirley suggested that, as a movement, we should be soliciting financial support from the many parishes
we serve. Her first suggestion would be to ask the pastor to include a special collection specifically for
Cursillo. Some members present explained that those special collections are scheduled during annual
budget meetings and therefore can not be inserted unexpectedly. Deacon suggested that asking the
pastor for a donation might be simpler. Several members present supported the idea of a special
collection not only for its cash potential, but also as a parish-wide reminder of the role of this movement
within the community. Having each pastor write a check would not create the desired publicity for
Cursillo. After considerable discussion, several options were highlighted:
1. The parish representative for Cursillo can approach the pastor with a plea for help, and let him
decide how to handle it.
2. Consideration of ways to make contributions to Ft Hood / H.O.T. Cursillo distributed over several
payments instead of expecting a large lump sum at the end of the weekend.
3. Adaptation of the MOP talk to offer some suggestions about payment over time.
4. Review any contributions sent to the Financial Secretary through the link on the web site.
Banking Facility
There is some concern about the necessary shift from Cynthia Neve to Cindy Novak as the Financial
Secretary of record on accounts at Texas Partners FCU.
Several members are still looking into alternative banking facilities. Phyllis Gogue was not present to
give a report, so this agenda item was tabled.
Parish Representatives
Earlier discussion about requests for additional funding from the individual parishes highlighted the
important role of the parish representative. He or she must be more than a point of contact for
parishioners, he or she must be the liaison between the Cursillo movement in Central Texas and the
pastors of the churches we serve. The board moved to identify the parish representatives and clarify
their job descriptions. They will also be encouraged to attend board meetings.
Agape Script
An alternate script for the agape meal has been discovered. It seems to have some distinct differences
from the script we are now using. John Frost agreed to compare the two documents and prepare a
report.
Non-agenda New Business
Presentation Aids
Robin Spencer asked the board to move to strike the phrase “no electronics for the talks” from the
Guidelines for Team Coordinators, Item 12. Discussion revealed that the Men’s Teams have been using
Power Point for a while, and that some “modernization” of presentation techniques is probably expected
by most of the candidates. John Frost observed that the visual presentation level of all the talks should
be consistent and simple. Members wanted to stress that the rest of the prohibition against watches and
cell phones and anything else that might provide a time check (including bringing up PP slides) should
remain in effect.
Materials Workshop
The focus on the Team Coordinators’ Guidelines elicited a call for a scheduled workshop to review all of
the weekend materials. A motion to call such a meeting early this summer was seconded and approved.
Board Member Reports
Lay Director: Shirley Nagel presented a letter from the Military Ordinariate addressed to Deacon Jones
and dated November 4, 2004 stating that they could not pay dues to National for the Ft. Hood/HOT
Cursillo. She and Cynthia had unearthed this document in preparation for the meeting with
representatives from National and the Austin Diocese scheduled for March 14, 2009. (See prior minutes.)
Some time was spent describing the issues of conflict with Austin and National which have existed for
several years. The newly elected Board Members needed to be informed. Several members urged those
attending the upcoming meeting to be resolved in their stand to maintain some separation from the
Austin Diocese and its strict guidelines for team members and required numbers for team and
candidates. The issue of availability of materials (Pilgrim’s Guides, etc.) is of most immediate concern.
Robin reminded the board that photocopies of the materials are illegal.
Assistant Lay Director: Pat Anderson spoke as both Assistant Lay Director and Coordinator of the Men’s
Weekend. He was asking for a “digital” inventory of supplies at Elk. John Frost said that one does exist;
he will forward it to Pat.
Financial Secretary: Cindy Novak gave the financial report which was approved.
Secretary: Sharon Ganslen reviewed the minutes of the last board meeting that had already been
approved. She passed around a contact roster for the BOD and asked for any corrections or additions.
That new roster will be available at the next meeting.
Post Cursillo Coordinator John Frost and Bob Pfeffenberger described a possible alternate retreat
center in case Liz closes the Good News Retreat Center in Elk. They had participated or heard about a
retreat lead by Fr. Chuck at this center in Blanco and just wanted the board to know that it does exist if
later actions require a move. John also asked for funds to build a more stable step and ramp from the
rollo room to the back porch at the retreat center. Pat Anderson offered his and the Squires’ assistance
for a general clean up and facilities check before the weekends. John said he could probably do the
work for under $200.
The board approved the expenditure of $200 for a step and ramp project subject to getting approval from
Liz Pechachek. He also reminded us of the Ultreya and that Bettina Blackburn would be the presenter on
Sunday, March 1, 2009. He needs people to sign up for the Ultreyas after May. The Men’s Closura will
serve as the May Ultreya.
Spiritual Director: Deacon Fred repeated his concerns about the shortage of Military Chaplain Priests on
Fort Hood. By October, Father Lee may be the only one left.
Next Board Meeting is scheduled for April 4, 2009 following the women’s team meeting at 58th Street
Chapel.
Respectfully submitted:
Sharon M. Ganslen
