St. James Pastoral Council Minutes
May 10, 2004

 

OPENING PRAYER: Kimberly Lay

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: Jan Agee, John Alvey, Ed Barlett, Doris Cadd, Chuck Koesterer, Kim Lay, Larry Stanley, John Talbot, Chris Venditti, Father Ron, and Ken Oyen

 

ABSENT: Mike Klamm, Len Platt, and Youth Representatives Dianna Keck and Chris Oldenberg

 

The meeting was conducted by Vice Chairperson Chris Venditti.  The April minutes were approved as written. The May agenda was approved.

 

AGENDA:

1.     July 25 Art & Music Fair Update  (Goeff Hagins)

Goeff was present to report progress on the Art & Music Fair.  Several music groups and artists have expressed interest.  Booth rental will be $40.00 for anyone having items to sell.  There will be no admission fee to the fair since it will be held in conjunction with our Parish Feast Day celebration.  The event will end at 5 p.m.  Goeff intends to distribute flyers around town, and thinks this will generate more interest as time gets closer.  He feels if it is held as an annual event it will grow each year.

 

2.     Discuss and Approve 2004-2005 Budget  (Ken Oyen)

The proposed budget for 2004-2005 was handed out to council members for review and questions were answered by Ken.  He pointed out that we are $75,000 short on revenue for the fiscal year ending June 30th.  Since salaries comprise about 70% of the budget, and those are set by the diocese, there is not a lot that can be cut other than maintenance.  He said we need a 5% increase in revenue to meet budget.  There will be some school staff changes as one teacher is leaving.  Two administrative staff members have asked to cut their hours.  Doris made a motion to accept the budget with Jan seconding the motion, and all approved.

 

3.     Discernment Process Update and retreat date in June for Council

Doris reported the discernment process finished two weeks ago with five discerned.  Since there are five very good candidates and only four positions on the council to fill, Jan Agee said she would step down to make a position available for all five.  All members were in agreement to let Jan leave before her term expired, and accept all candidates for positions.   There will be an announcement in the bulletin of the members that have completed the discernment process, and the date they will be commissioned at Mass in June.

 

Father Ron said Sandy Landuyt will be conducting the retreat for new members again this year, and he will confirm a date in June with her and notify council members by e-mail.  It will be either Saturday, June 5 or June 12.

 

4.     School Board election process

The School Board election will be at Masses on May 23 and 23.  Chuck said they are hoping to get volunteers to run at the learning festival to be held tomorrow night.  

 

5.     Strategic Planning Process  (Mike Klamm)

No report available since Mike was absent, however, Father Ron said Mike will continue to be a part of the strategic planning process even though his council term is ending.  He wants a core group, and Larry Stanley volunteered to be a part of the core group. 

 

6.     Transition in pastors and timetable

Father Ron said he will be leaving August 1st, and our new pastor, Father Joe Miller will be arriving August 12th.  He is coming from the Centerville, Iowa, parish.  Father Ron will be gone two weeks in July for retreat and vacation.  Father Keith will be gone from June 20 to August 18 to teach the music program he does each summer.  There will be a farewell reception for Father Ron after 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday

 

7.     Ministry Reports:

Prayer – John Talbot reported it was brought to his attention that a few members of one of the Renew groups were offended recently after some inappropriate comments were made relating to Jews.  He thought possibly it was kicked off by the movie “The Passion of Christ.”  He said he will follow up with the head of this ministry about this concern.

 

Liturgy – Chris Venditti reported there have been 150 to 175 Time and Talent forms returned by now.   A report from Sister Mary Jo on liturgy/music was given.  The Triduum was successful with most liturgies full.  There were many involved as ministers and assembly.  Easter Sunday the two Masses at 9:30 were more than full, and perhaps should look at doing two at 11:30 next year.  Sister has met with every ministry group she heads: Eucharistic ministers, lectors, ushers, musicians.  Will put in place guidelines for each group next year and continue formation.  She is meeting with Susan Olson to begin developing a parent/adult team to facilitate server training and scheduling.  The adult choir continues building.  She wants to begin looking at the Middle School/Junior High group as another choir, and will access leadership/membership in the Handbells who have not met or played since Christmas.  The Children’s Choir has had a good year, but need to work at commitment to rehearsal and singing at Mass.  The 6 p.m. Mass Music Group has been a big success, and good way to bring more folks into the ministry of music.  There is a Liturgy Core Team that oversees all seasonal planning/environment.  The Liturgy Planning Group (Sunday to Sunday preparation) continues to meet and has changed a bit in weekly focus.

 

Christian Formation/Religious Education – Kim Lay reported the last registration for Vacation Bible School will be May 22 and 23. 

 

Pastor’s Remarks:

Father Ron thanked the outgoing council members and presented Chris, Doris, Ed, and Jan with appreciation certificates for their service.

 

The next regular council meeting will be Monday, July 12 at 7:00 p.m.  Chuck will give the opening prayer.  Father Ron will notify everyone of the date in June for the retreat.  There will be no regular meeting in August to allow Father Joe time to get settled after arriving August 12.

 

July Agenda:

1)     Strategic Planning Update

2)     Arts & Music Fair

3)     Father Ron’s farewell reception

Meeting notes courtesy of Dorothy Haynes - Recording Secretary