St. James Parish Council Minutes
April 9, 2001

 

OPENING PRAYER:  Jerome Schieder

 

PRESENT:  Ralph Agee, William Bednar, Steve Gregoire, Anita Holt, Tim Laird, Jerome Schieder, Annette Talbot, and Father Ron

 

ABSENT:  Roger Holyfield, David Porter, Brett Scott, and Parker Stanley

 

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Tim Laird.  The February minutes were approved after Jerome made a motion seconded by Anita to accept the minutes as written.  The April agenda was approved.

 

AGENDA:

1)      Presentation:  Willy Fontanez, Youth Director, was present to update the council on activities of the Youth Ministry such as the recent lockout held and a youth prayer group he has started.  They are also busy preparing for Confirmation in May, and have a summer mission trip planned for June to Tennessee.  He plans to develop a sports program for the youth with a possibility of baseball games to be scheduled with other parishes in the area.  Willy said he has really enjoyed working with the youth, and is very excited about the 2010 project.

 

2)      2010 Project Reports:  Tim asked council members to come to meetings with reports on their strategies, and suggested having the ministry reports in the order of the 2010 strategies as follows:

 

                  Strategy #1: Strengthen the Parish Community                       

                                                                          Prayer                                                                                                           David Porter

                                                                          Youth                                                                                                                   Jerome Schieder

 

                  Strategy #2: Offer Diverse Spiritual Experiences                     

                                                                         Liturgy                                                                                                               Brett Scott

                                                               Communication                                                                    William Bednar

 

                  Strategy #3: Create the Optimal Spiritual Atmosphere                       

                                                 Christian Formation                                                   Ralph Agee

                                                  Catholic Organizations                                                                          Roger Holyfield

 

                  Strategy #4: Achieve Excellence in all Educational Efforts          

                                                     School                                                                                                              Anita Holt

                                                    Human Concerns and Outreach                                     Annette Talbot

 

                  Strategy #5: Reach Out to our Community by Thinking

                                                          Globally and Acting Locally                                                

                                                 Religious Education                                                                 Steve Gregoire

                                          Parish & Family Life                                                   Tim Laird

 

3)      Report on tour of Immacolata Manor:  Father Ron reported that the Administration Committee toured Immacolata Manor for possibilities if it were donated to St. James by the Diocese.  The Committee didn’t think it would be feasible for a day care center since it was a 3-story structure, and would need a lot of updating to meet codes.  He asked the council if they had any other ideas for use.  After discussion, it was the consensus of members that it would not be beneficial to St. James for any other ministry.

 

4)      Report by Nomination Committee:  Tim and Ralph reported on contacts they made for candidates to fill their vacancies.  Elections will be the first weekend in May, and a biography and picture will need to be submitted to the parish office by April 16th.  Father Ron informed the council that council member Kim Parente has resigned her position as she has moved out of the parish.

  

PROJECT 2010/MINISTRY REPORTS:

Jerome Schieder – Plans to meet with points of contact for his strategies quarterly.  Commended Nancy Goeckel on her fine presentation during Masses recently on welcoming back inactive parishioners.  Also, commented Darlene Filla, Tim and Angie Parnacott have been putting a lot of time in on the time and talent surveys that will be mailed to all parishioners soon.

 

William Bednar – Reported the website is a very good source of communication for the parish.  He also encouraged organizations to keep their information updated.

 

Ralph Agee – No report.

 

Annette Talbot – Reported the recent blood drive was a huge success. 

 

Anita Holt – Reported there are nine openings for next year’s Kindergarten class.  The middle school committee continues to study the necessity of an additional class.  A 4th grade teacher is not returning next year as she is moving from the area. Dedication of a St. Jude statue in front of the school in memory of Helen Roach was held on March 18th.  Mr. Fierst is looking at a program for the school on social justice and a service project.

 

Steve Gregoire – Reported there are three weeks of Religious Education remaining after Easter.  Their final week will include a closing Mass.

 

Tim Laird – Reported a letter has gone out to the Bishop concerning lecture on the state of the global church. 2010 contacts Tom and Vicki Vinton are looking into ideas on a sister parish in the Third World.  Also reported Melinda Mehaffy informed him the next Liberty’s Leadership Course meeting won’t be until next winter.

 

PASTOR’S REMARKS:

1)      Received a plaque at recent Girl Scout banquet for Award of Distinction from Girl Scouts in recognition for St. James’ support.

2)      Will be out of town on the regularly scheduled Pastoral Council Meetings in June, July, and August.  After discussing alternate dates, the June meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 6th, and the August meeting will be moved to Wednesday, August 15th.  It was decided not to hold a regular council meeting in July.

 

The next regular council meeting will be May 14th at 7:00 p.m. with opening prayer by Steve Gregoire.  Items on the agenda will be to welcome new council members and assign strategies and ministries to them.  Ideas for the program were to have a report on the Prayer Garden, Boy Scouts, or Girl Scouts.

 

Father Ron closed the meeting with a prayer.

 

 

 

Meeting notes courtesy of Dorothy Haynes