St. James Pastoral Council Minutes
February 14, 2005

 

 

OPENING & CLOSING PRAYER: Mike Jones

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: John Alvey, Joshua Barlett, Mary George, Mike Jones, Chuck Koesterer, Kimberly Lay, Dave McDonald, Len Platt, Bobbi Roman, Joe Ross, Larry Stanley, and Father Joe

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  John Talbot

 

The meeting was conducted by President of the Board, Chuck Koesterer.  There were three corrections to the January minutes by Father Joe.  (1) Under Old Business, #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.  (2) Ministry Reports: Liturgy changes Mass to Masses.  (3) Opening and closing prayer will be by Mike Jones.  There was one addition to the February agenda: Discussion on content of minutes.

 

Old Business:

1.      Content of Minutes

Due to a complaint by a parishioner it was decided by the council to not include parishioner’s names in reporting of council minutes.  Only council member or staff names will be included. 

 

2.      Discernment Committee Update – Amendment of the By-laws

The second reading of the Amendment of the By-laws was read by John Alvey 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 passed unanimously after a motion by Joe Ross, seconded by Mike Jones. 

 

3.      Fundraising Committee Review

No report.

 

4.      Discerning God’s call for our Parish

John Alvey reported response for Discerning God’s call for our Parish had been good with over 100 cards with ideas returned.  The meeting will be Tuesday, February 22nd.

 

5.      Consolidation of Ministries

Len Platt presented a handout of current ministries including contacts names.  After a short discussion on condensing the ministries by separating activities from ministries it was suggested that they be divided into four groups: Activities, Groups, Liturgy, and Education.  Inactive ministries will be removed.  Len will consolidate the list and present it at the next meeting.

 

New Business:

1.   Business Manager Introduction

Len Platt was introduced as the new Business Manager, and his letter of resignation from the council was submitted.

 

2.      Benefit Fundraiser

Father Joe said he had received a request to hold a benefit for a family who has large medical bills.  He said they are to submit a letter of what they have in mind.  Council member’s opinions were that benefits held in the past were good community builders in addition to the monetary and moral support for the family in need.

 

 

 

 

3.      Open position on the Council

Len Platt’s resignation will still leave 10 council members which will be the required number according to the Amendment to the By-laws.  Larry Stanley volunteered to assume Len’s Communication ministry.

 

Ministry Reports:

Liturgy: Mike Jones – Discussion on the best way to accommodate Holy Communion distribution didn’t warrant a change.  He said about four different configurations have been tried over the years, and it is felt flow can be improved by the Eucharistic ministers that are through need to help the side that isn’t through.  Easter 9:30 a.m. Mass will also be held in the gym to accommodate overflow.

 

Youth: Bobbi Roman said they are hearing from the parents asking for a Youth Mass.  Some of the concerns are training of lectors, musicians, etc. 

 

Christian Formation and Religious Ed: Update on the Generations of Faith for Lent – Father Joe said the Generations of Faith will be held this Wednesday, and it is a great opportunity for Lent.  The Wednesday evening Religious Ed class has good attendance with around 60 attending. 

 

Catholic Organizations: John Alvey – The Knights Fish Fry’s will be held March 4th and March 18th.  Altar Society bingos are a success and well attended. 

 

School: Chuck Koesterer – School enrollment is 305.  The five Korean students are doing very well. 

 

Internal Human Concerns: Mary George reported the Funeral Dinner ministry is well organized and has many on the list willing to help.

 

External Human Concern: Larry Stanley said Love, Inc. is looking for property.  The St. James Community Food Kitchen continues to serve the needy.

 

Parish and Family Life: Joe Ross reported Donut Sunday will be served by the Knights the first Sunday, School the second Sunday,  rotating ministries the third Sunday, and Boy Scouts will serve the 4th Sunday.  

 

Pastor’s Comments:

1.      Father Joe suggested a change in the Social Hall setup by leaving up 14 tables, and a draft be displayed of how it should be set up.

2.      Friends of Clay County flyer will be a bulletin insert to raise funds for children placed in homes.

3.      Encouraged council to attend the Strategic Planning meeting.

4.      Asked council to encourage people to come to the Liberty Symphony to be held at St. James the first Saturday in March.  The parish will benefit in proceeds over and above the $700 cost.

 

Agenda Items for next meeting:

1.      Update on Strategic Planning

2.      Consolidation of Ministries

3.      Pictorial Directory

 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m. The next business meeting will be Monday, March 14th at 7:00 p.m.  Opening and closing prayer will be by Chuck Koesterer.   

Meeting notes courtesy of Dorothy Haynes - Recording Secretary