St. James Pastoral Council Minutes
March 12, 2007

 

 

OPENING AND CLOSING PRAYER: Julia Alsobrook

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: Julia Alsobrook, John Alvey, Mary George, Dave McDonald, Joe Ross, Larry Stanley, Cathy Teague, Ann Tucker, Father Joe and Father Matt

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Diane Dolak

 

The meeting was conducted by President of the board, John Alvey.  There was one correction to the February minutes.  Cathy Teague noted the Liturgy Report should have read “They finally have enough volunteers to take Holy Communion to shut-ins” instead of stating they could use more volunteers.  There was one addition to the agenda. Added to New Business was Letter from Liberty Academy.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

1.      Discerning God’s Call for the Parish Goal #5 (Parish improvement project)

Dave McDonald gave an update on the parish improvement project. They do not have the final plans from the architect.  The diocese will allow us to get bids, however, will not let us proceed with project unless we have our $600,000 commitment raised.  It has to run concurrently with the fundraising.  Their goal is to have it finalized this month.  They will go over the plans with the architect again when 75% complete to make necessary adjustments before it is finalized.  Also tied in with this, but they decided to pull it out of the project, will be the addition of 71 parking spaces in the areas north of the baseball field out to the frontage road.  Their goal is to have it completed by Easter weather permitting.  They are looking at proper drainage for the area.  

 

2.  Northland Planning

Father Joe reported the last Northland Planning meeting was attended by the Bishop.  Father Joe is on the steering committee to put the plan together to present to the Bishop.  They are looking at growth in the area by 2020 with hopes of having a new church in the Northland in the next six to seven years.  Several churches are enlarging their worship space or have plans to build a new church.  St. James will need two classrooms K-8 to accommodate growth.  New churches would also have an effect on other schools in the area.  All predictions for the growth in the northland up to now have been true. 

                                                                

NEW BUSINESS:

1.  School Security

      The Administration and Finance Committee has approved a security system for the school.  It would require a keypad code to enter the front doors during school hours 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.  They have taken several bids and are looking at one that can be expanded for future growth of the school.  If there is no objection by the council, Father Joe said they will proceed with the security system.

     

2.      School Board (discernment?election?appointment?)

Father Joe asked the council for their ideas on the School Board election process. He wonders if a discerning process similar to electing council members might be better.  Presently several names are submitted with four to six members selected to run.  They are then voted on during the weekend Masses.  The board is concerned that many parishioners do not know the candidates, therefore do not vote.   Several members voiced their concerns on appointments not getting the diversion of members needed, and it also puts the priests in an awkward position to appoint members.   The council thought discernment might work as well for the School Board.

 

3.  Fundraising Committee

John Alvey said the Fundraising Committee met prior to the council meeting tonight.  They feel the need for revision of the fundraiser form to add an approval procedure.  They are concerned some aren’t getting the policy or understand they are to only have one fundraiser per year and also that they are to give a portion of the proceeds back to the church.  Their intent is to have approval before they can schedule the event. 

 

4.  Letter from Liberty Academy      

      St. James has been asked by Sandra Bray, Guidance Counselor, for Liberty Academy if they could run information and needs in the bulletin.  Liberty Academy is an alternative school for the Liberty Public School District.  Father asked if anyone objected to putting an insert in the bulletin asking for help or needs for their school.  The council agreed this would be a good as far as outreach for the parish.

 

MINISTRY REPORTS;

Activities: Mary George

Mary talked to Mary Ellen Hughes about the Girl Scouts.  They celebrated Girl Scouts 95th Birthday at the 6 p.m. Mass last night.  She was also happy that St. James was going to be awarded a Gold Award of Distinction in April for their support of the Girl Scouts.  The next Blood Drive at St. James will be Tuesday, March 27th.

 

Groups: Ann Tucker

Bingo proceeds were $1,200 profit with $1,000 donated to the building fund.  Precious Blood Companions met yesterday with between 40 and 50 attending.  Respect Life Ministry had a good turn out for their speaker.  The Rosary Group has been meeting in the Mallen Room. 

 

Liturgy:  Joe Ross and Cathy Teague

Cathy said the Hospitality Group feels they have better success when they have a worship aid handout and asked if they would be having handouts.  Father Joe responded that the only handouts would be for the Youth Masses or when there are instructions or new music such as during Lent, etc.

 

Joe said volunteers are needed for Gift Bearers.  Palm Sunday will be the regular Mass schedule.  Holy Week schedule is: 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday.  Easter vigil is at 8 p.m.  Easter Sunday Masses are: 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. (1 Mass in church and 1 in gym), 11:30 a.m.  No 6 p.m. Mass on Easter.  There are 22 new RCIA members coming in to the church at Easter vigil.   Adoration will be Holy Thursday night. 

 

Education:  Julia Alsobrook

Soup suppers are going great.  Father Tim has been talking about Beatitudes with extra school classes coming.  Contributions from the suppers going for Love, Inc. and Heifer International have been good.  First Communion preparation is having their final meeting with parents on the 19th and a bread baking retreat with the kids on the 24th.  Vacation Bible School is July 16-20 with theme “Sun Force on a Mission for God.”  It is going to be Spy Kids with outer space stuff.  The Talent Show at school was last Friday.  School Board elections are coming up.  They are doing their Harvester’s Food Drive.  School conferences will be on Wednesday, March 14th.      

 

Pastor’s Comments:

The Peru trip was a great experience and was really glad he went.  It was good to see another culture and how families take care of one another.  Father had Mass at two churches while there.  El Pinar has a roof on now.  The wall that was started two years ago is now finished.  The priest at El Pinar now will be going to a much poorer parish up in the mountains.  Another Precious Blood priest from Bolivia will be coming to help a Precious Blood deacon who is going to be ordained soon to take care of El Pinar.  They will have two priests as it is growing so. They hope to build a bigger church as they continue to grow.   It was quite an experience seeing the poverty in the area.  Everything went well and it was a good trip.

 

March Agenda:

1)      Discerning God’s call for the Parish

2)      Northland Planning

 

The next business meeting will be Monday, April 9th at 7:00 p.m.  Opening and closing prayer will be by John Alvey.

 

Meeting notes courtesy of Dorothy Haynes - Recording Secretary