St. James Pastoral Council Minutes
April 11, 2005

 

 

OPENING & CLOSING PRAYER: Chuck Koesterer

 

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

 

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

 

The meeting was conducted by President of the Board, Chuck Koesterer.  There was one correction to the March minutes.  The approved minutes should have read, “The February minutes were approved” instead of the March minutes.  There were three additions to the agenda:

New Business:

(1) Father Joe - Year of the Holy Eucharist

(2) Chuck Koesterer – Relay for Life

 

Old Business:

(3) Parish Cleanup Day

 

Old Business:

1.      Parish Cleanup Day

The cleanup day received many good comments with compliments to John Talbot for excellent organization of the outside projects.  A lot was accomplished, and plans are to have an annual spring and fall cleanup day.

 

2.  Relay for Life

Chuck said the Knights had indicated they thought the parish should have one large group participating in Relay for Life rather than several small groups.  It is difficult for small groups with not many participants to finish. 

 

2.      Discerning God’s Call for the Parish Meetings – follow-up

There were 28 in attendance at the last parish meeting and a vision statement was drafted.  Goals and objectives will be addressed at the next meeting. 

 

3.      Pictorial Directory

Len Platt presented quotes from Olan Mills and Lifetouch Publishing for a new Parish Pictorial Directory.  The council feels the need for a new directory due to the many new families who have joined the parish.  It was the consensus of the council to use Lifetouch Publishing for the next directory. Len will search for someone to organize it.

 

New Business:

1.   Year of the Holy Eucharist

Father Joe asked members to be thinking of ideas how we could fulfill the Holy Father’s desire to have this be the Year of the Holy Eucharist.  Joe Ross stated his desire to market that Eucharist in some way to the community such as a reflection or a retreat.

 

2.  Art and Music Fair

Goeff Hagins and Steve Carroll presented to the council their ideas on the Second Annual Art and Music Fair to be held in conjunction with the Parish Feast Day in July.  Changes and additions to the fair were discussed.  They will continue to seek talent and booth vendors, and report progress at the next council meeting. 

 

 

 

Ministry Reports:

Liturgy: Discussion on Easter week services was held.  There were some comments regarding no Good Friday evening service, and difficulty for those that work to attend.  It was also felt there is a need for two 11:30 a.m. Masses as well as two 9:30 Masses on Easter if enough musicians and liturgists can be obtained.

 

Youth: No report

 

Christian Formation and Religious Ed: No report 

 

Catholic Organizations: No report

 

School: Chuck Koesterer – School enrollment is 308.  A Vice-Principal from St. Ann’s in Independence has been offered a contract at St. James for next year.

 

Internal Human Concerns: Mary George reported the recent Blood Drive went well even though they were under quota.

 

External Human Concern: Carol Bloomer and Pam DeMasi from the Peace & Justice Ministry presented information from a workshop they recently attended.  The “Just Faith Program” is a 30 week program for adults to delve deeper into the gospel.  It develops a spiritual journey by having compassion and concern for those less fortunate and to become advocates for social justice.  They asked the council to consider having the parish cover the $250 annual fee for materials, and have individuals attending pay for books at a cost of around $130.  A representative from the diocese will be at their next meeting April 26th to answer questions about the program. 

 

Parish and Family Life: No report 

 

Administration and Stewardship: Dave McDonald reported an engineer looked at the repairs needed for our parking lot, and he thought the cracks could be repaired at a much more reasonable cost than previously bid.

 

Pastor’s Comments:

1.      Annette D’Angelo, Parish Finance Manager, is retiring.

2.      Encouraged council to attend the next parish discernment meeting.

3.      Eucharistic ideas are good.

4.      Just Faith Program is a good program, but thinks the $130 per person for books might be a little expensive for the parish to pay for all participants.

5.      Stewardship Sunday will be the last Sunday in April.

 

Agenda items for next meeting:

1.      Year of the Holy Eucharist

2.      Just Faith Program

3.      Art & Music Fair

4.      Pictorial Directory

5.      Farewells

 

The next business meeting will be Monday, May 9th at 7:00 p.m.  Opening and closing prayer will be by Dave McDonald.  

Meeting notes courtesy of Dorothy Haynes - Recording Secretary