St. James Pastoral Council Minutes
January 06, 2005

 

 

OPENING PRAYER: Mary George

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: John Alvey, Mary George, Mike Jones, Chuck Koesterer, Dave McDonald, Len Platt, Joe Ross, Larry Stanley, John Talbot, and Father Joe

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Joshua Barlett, Kimberly Lay, and Bobbi Roman,

 

The meeting was conducted by President of the Board, Chuck Koesterer.  The December minutes were approved as written, and there were no additions to the January agenda.

 

Old Business:

1.      Discernment Committee Update

After discussion on how intense and time consuming the discernment process is all council members were in favor of no discernment this year.  Length of terms, percentage of turnover, and decreasing the number of members to between 8 and 10 was also discussed.  A proposal was made to amend the by-laws to do the discernment process every two years allowing the three members that were to go off this year to stay on one more year at their discretion, and to have 10 council members.  The amendment will be voted on at the February meeting.      

 

2.      Fundraising Committee Review

No report.

 

3.      Mission Statement

The mission statement was published in the bulletin this week.  All members were in agreement no changes are necessary. 

 

4.      Strategic Planning Visioning Meetings

Father Joe said there have been bulletin inserts the past three weeks, and he and Sharon are working with Jim Newell for ideas.

 

5.      Consolidation of Ministries

Len Platt reminded council members to let him know via email the status of your ministries as soon as possible, and he hoped to have a ministry consolidation report by the next meeting.

 

New Business:

1.   Business Manager Position

Father Joe said they have 10 applicants for the position now, and he hopes to have the position filled by February.

 

2.      Date of Next Meeting 2/14/2005

All members said they would be able to attend the next scheduled meeting on February 14th.

 

Ministry Reports:

Liturgy: Mike Jones – There was a great turnout for decorating the church for the Christmas liturgies with many positive comments.  There were around 1200 at the 4 p.m. Masses Christmas Eve.

 

Christian Formation and Religious Ed: Update on the Generations of Faith for Lent – Father Joe said the Lenten gatherings will be held February 16th and 20th and will include a meal, presenters, and prayer time.

 

Catholic Organizations: John Alvey – The Knights had their black-eyed pea dinner New Year’s Day, will be doing Roses for Life this month, and the fish fries will be coming soon.

 

School: Chuck Koesterer – We have five Korean students attending the 6th and 7th grades.  The teachers and students are excited to have them.  School enrollment is at 305.

 

Internal Human Concerns: Mary George reported on the Drivers to Transport the Homebound.  They are transporting seven who need rides.  Mary said the Stephen Ministers may take a Donut Sunday.

 

External Human Concern: Larry Stanley reminded everyone there is a Blood Drive the end of this month at St. James.

 

Parish and Family Life: Joe Ross and Father Joe think we will have a group to cover Donut Sunday every week.  The 1st Sunday is hosted by the Knights.  There is interest by the School, Altar Society, Marriage Encounter, and Scouts to host the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sundays.  The 5th Sunday is the Knight’s Breakfast.

 

Administration and Stewardship: Chuck Koesterer and Dave McDonald reported there hasn’t been anything positive regarding utilization of the Land on King’s Highway which would be expensive to develop.

 

Pastor’s Comments: Fr. Joe asked members to pray hard that we minister as a parish and meet the needs of parishioners.

 

Agenda Items for next meeting:

1.      Ministry Consolidation

2.      Amending By-laws

3.      Coffee & Donuts

4.      Strategic Plan Update

5.      Communion Flow

6.      Hymnals

 

The meeting was adjourned with a closing prayer by Chuck Koesterer.  The next business meeting will be Monday, February 14th at 7:00 p.m.  Opening and closing prayer will be by Mike Jones.   

 

 

Meeting notes courtesy of Dorothy Haynes - Recording Secretary