St. James Parish Council Minutes
January 14, 2002

 

OPENING PRAYER:  Doris Cadd

 

PRESENT: Ed Barlett, Doris Cadd, Steve Gregoire, Anita Holt, Roger Holyfield, Mike Klamm, Jerome Schieder, Annette Talbot, Chris Venditti, Father Ron,

 

ABSENT:   Lou Carey and Father Dien

 

The meeting was opened by Chairperson Steve Gregoire.  There were two corrections to the December minutes .  Steve Gregoire was also present at the December meeting, and Anita Holt noted a correction in the School Ministry report whereby Mark Hidy leased a bus that can be used by the school or other ministries to transport people around.  It was reported the bus was purchased rather than leased.

 

PROGRAM:  John Scheer, Chairman of  Administration and Finance updated the council on the function of their committee.  They oversee the facility, prepare the budget and track it on a monthly basis. He said there are a lot of little things that need to be done to the facilities, but their major concern is the parking lot.  He said it has had a lot of bandaids to repair potholes, but resurfacing the entire lot needs to be addressed before long, as well as putting in curbs needed to meet city code.  John also said they are presently taking applications for a business manager position. They feel the need for one since the facilities are growing, and the projected budget this year is $1.7 million. He also stated the parish roughly needs about $34,000 per week to meet expenses.  They are encouraged because they have been able to make the debt payments this year.

 

AGENDA:

1)      Final plans for the Mardi Gras Appreciation Party for ministry heads were discussed.  It will be held Tuesday, February 12th at 7 p.m. in the social hall.  Council members are to be there at 5:30 to decorate.

 

2)      The Fundraiser Committee to serve January to June will be Ed Barlett, Mike Klamm, and Chris Venditti.

 

3)      Election of three new council members will be held in May.  Steve Gregoire and Anita Holt’s terms expire, and there is one vacancy to fill.  Council members are to bring names of potential candidates to the meeting February 11.  Jerome suggested inviting candidates to our March meeting.

 

4)      Jerome Schieder gave a report on Strategy 1 of the 2010 Project.  He said they have a few things to work on, and have extended a couple of timelines, but many actions are complete.

      Strategy 1. 

Goal A.

Action #1.  Nola Culver is the new point of contact for welcoming every new parish family with a meal delivered to their home.

Action #2.  Jerome spoke with Jean Byrne who is very active in rejuvenating the neighborhood communities.

Action #3.  Father Ron is conducting new family orientation the first Sunday of each month.  Jerome  encouraged council members to attend the orientations.

Action #4.  Brad and Mary Thomas are coordinating the greeter ministry. They have greeters assigned through June 30.

 

Goal B.

Actions #1 through #7 are complete. 

 

Action #8.  This action has been extended to July, 2002.  Jim Gillet is getting a letter together to send to the parishioners we identify as “inactive” with survey questions so we can learn more about our parishioners who may benefit from evangelization.

 

Goal C.

Action #1.  Jim and Joanna Mooney are the new volunteer coordinators.

Action #2.  Jerome said he is hopeful we can establish a “St. James Access number” 24 hours a day.  He will check out some options that are available.

Action #3.  There are 6 post-confirmation juniors and seniors signed up to mentor the youth group.

Action #4.  Tyler is working on an all-parish Mass in the near future.  Doris said the cost was not feasible to have it at the Maybee Center, and that it was not available on Pentecost. 

Action #5.  The “State of the Parish” address has been completed by Father Ron.

 

 

Ministry Reports:

Youth – Jerome Schieder

Retreat for confirmation will be February 16th at 2 p.m. at St. Francis Center, Independence.  The youth lock-in will be March 1st and 2nd at William Jewell.  There will be a workshop February 20th from 5-9 p.m.

 

Liturgy – Ed Barlett

Ed expressed his appreciation for everyone who assisted with decorating the church for the holiday season, and how much he enjoyed being a part of it.

 

Communication – Doris Cadd – No report

 

Christian Formation – Chris Venditti

The First Reconciliation and First Eucharist meetings are underway.  First Eucharist will be held the second and third weekends in May.  They are making plans and looking at information for Vacation Bible School.

 

Catholic Organizations – Roger Holyfield

Roger has compiled a list of “Things To Do” for a parish workday.  He said he will contact several to help, and felt they could accomplish a lot in one Saturday.  It was decided to have the workday March 23rd starting at 9 a.m.  Jerome and Steve volunteered to cook lunch for the workers.

 

 

School – Anita Holt

Catholic Schools week starts January 28th.  The middle school will have an open house which has tentatively been set for February 21st.  The PTO voted to increase their contribution from the auction proceeds by 5% giving back to the church.  The school budget includes a line item to cover a Spanish teacher and to increase technology this year.

 

Human Concerns and Outreach – Annette Talbot – No report

 

Religious Education – Steve Gregoire – No report

 

Parish and Family Life – Mike Klamm

 

Pastor’s Remarks:

1.      Father Ron was pleased with the good discussion at the vocation dinner.  There were eight who  attended.

 

 The meeting ended with a prayer by Father Ron.  The next council meeting will be Monday, February 11th at 7:00 p.m. with opening prayer by Roger Holyfield.  Steve reminded everyone to bring names of prospective candidates for the council elections to the February meeting.  Roger will invite some volunteers to the February 11th meeting to coordinate plans for the parish workday.  On the agenda for the next meeting will be updating the Project 2010 boards.

 

 

 

Meeting notes courtesy of Dorothy Haynes