St. James Parish Council Minutes
May 14, 2001

 

OPENING PRAYER:  Steve Gregoire

 

PRESENT:  Ralph Agee, William Bednar, Steve Gregoire, Anita Holt, Roger Holyfield, Tim Laird, David Porter, Jerome Schieder, Father Ron, and Father Dien.

 

ABSENT:  Brett Scott, Parker Stanley, and Annette Talbot,

 

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Tim Laird. Tim welcomed the new council members: Ed Barlett, Doris Cadd, Mike Klamm, and Chris Venditti. The April minutes were approved as well as the May agenda.

 

AGENDA:

1)      Presentation:  Denise Zakerski presented a program on Renew 2000 which she explained is a call from the Pope to develop small Christian communities.  She and several other parishioners attended a meeting at the Church of the Annunciation in Kearney recently on this program as a unique means of evangelization and spiritual renewal for parishes in the 21st century. She also told of spiritual experiences she and her husband gained from being facilitators for a group in their former parish.  She said this program would have a core committee of eight, and facilitators for each small faith-sharing group. The groups meet for 6 weekly meetings twice yearly for a period of three years.  A service team from New Jersey would provide training for the Core Committee.  She feels this program would enhance our present faith-sharing groups.  She wanted to know if the council would support such a program.  After discussion, the council and Father Ron expressed their interest in supporting the program.

 

2)      20th Anniversary of  present church building:  Father Ron asked for ideas for our 20th anniversary.   Council members suggested several ideas for celebrating with a special Mass and picnic around St. James’ feast day in July.

 

3)      2010 Project and Ministry Reports: 

1)      Strengthen the Parish Community – David Porter & Jerome Schieder    

Jerome Schieder reported he sent letters to all volunteers for Strategy #1, but thus far had no responses.  He plans to have a meeting with the points of contact before the August meeting.  He also reported that Confirmation will be Monday, May 21st.

 

2)      Offer Diverse Spiritual Experiences – Brett Scott & William Bednar

      No Report       

                 

3)      Create the Optimal Spiritual Atmosphere – Ralph Agee & Roger Holyfield

      No Report

 

4)      Achieve Excellence in all Educational Efforts – Anita Holt & Annette Talbot

Anita Holt reported no big changes in registration for the coming school year. There is a little drop in the 8th grade class.  There are 19 graduating, and she was happy to report all are going to attend Catholic high schools next year.  All but three teachers attended convention on Easter break.  The school held a retreat last Monday, “A Day in the Life of Christ”, which included activities during Christ’s days.  A Spanish committee has been established, and they are looking into funding to bring this curriculum to the school hopefully by fall of this year.  The technology committee’s goal is to increase computers.  There is now a TV in every room for announcements, videos, and educational presentations.  A handout on recent Stephen Ministry activities was submitted by Lynn Galetti.  They hosted a Stephen Leaders Area Wide meeting May 3rd with 17 leaders from other churches in the area exchanging ideas and concerns. They will begin recruiting for a new training class to start in September.

 

5)      Reach Out to our Community – Steve Gregoire & Tim Laird

    Steve Gregoire reported there are 96 children in the Religious Ed program.  They have had a number receiving First Communion recently.  May 6th is the last day of Religious Ed.  The 6th graders were given a gift of a Bible.  He also reported there were 140 signed up for Vacation Bible School which is lower than previous years probably due to the Liberty summer school being held at the same time.

Tim Laird reported the Bishop won’t be giving the lecture in December on the state of the global church.

 

PASTOR’S REMARKS:

1)      About 424 financial intention forms and 161 volunteer forms have been returned.

2)      Briefly reviewed by-laws of council for new members.

3)      Remarked what a wonderful experience the “Tales of Wonder” performance was.  He thought the message was very powerful, and he read a testimonial letter by a participant in the play on their spiritual experience.

 

The next regular council meeting will be June 6th at 7:00 p.m. in the Mallen Room with opening prayer by Anita Holt.  Items on the agenda in June will be to elect new officers, and assignment of strategies to new members. The program is to have an update on the Prayer Garden.

 

Father Ron closed the meeting with a prayer.

 

 

 

Meeting notes courtesy of Dorothy Haynes