St. James Pastoral Council Minutes
May 09, 2005

 

 

OPENING & CLOSING PRAYER: Dave McDonald

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: John Alvey, Joshua Barlett, Mary George, Chuck Koesterer, Mike Jones, Kimberly Lay, Bobbi Roman, Dave McDonald, Joe Ross, Larry Stanley, and Father Joe

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  John Talbot

 

The meeting was conducted by President of the board, Chuck Koesterer.  There was one correction to the April minutes.  Larry Stanley was not present at the March meeting as reported.   The May agenda was approved.

 

Old Business:

1.      Discerning God’s call for the Parish Meetings – follow-up

The next discernment meeting will be this Thursday at 7 p.m. Father Joe reported the vision statement is done, and goals will be discussed this week.  There are subgroups that meet between the Thursday meetings working on the objectives.  They hope to have this project completed by the end of June.  

 

2.  Pictorial Directory

Father Joe said Len Platt has told him he has another meeting with the publisher in June, and pictures will start in September.

 

New Business:

1.   Ministry Report change based on new directory

Ministry reports will follow the time and talent groups: Education, Liturgy, Ministries & Groups, and Activities.  Will discuss further at the June meeting.

 

2.  Retirement Gathering

Lou Carey is organizing the retirement and farewell gathering to be held on May 21st after 5 p.m. Mass.  The gathering will honor Father Keith, Sister Mary Jo, Ed Fierst, and Annette D’Angelo.

 

3.   Meeting over the summer

      The council decided to meet in June and August.  No regular meeting will be held in July.

 

4.   Update on Bookkeeper and Director of Liturgical Music search

Father Joe said they are looking for a bookkeeper.  Ads have been placed in a number of publications for a Director of Liturgical Music.  They have several applications, and are interviewing.  He hopes to have a director by July 1st.

 

Ministry Reports:

Youth: Bobbi Roman

Confirmation was held two weeks ago.  They are also looking forward to the upcoming Parish Retreat to Middle Earth with Father Keith.

 

Communication: Larry Stanley

Larry expressed concern over many empty ad spaces in the bulletin since going to the extended bulletin with two pages of ads.  If anyone has any suggestions on filling up the empty spaces with other items, let him know.

 

Christian Formation and Religious Ed: Kimberly Lay

RCIA group just finished.  Their last formal group will be a dinner.   

 

Catholic Organizations: John Alvey

Biaggo Mazza from the Chancery office will give a presentation at the Altar Society meeting June 8th at 7 p.m. on “The Four Last Things: Heaven, Hell, Purgatory, and Judgement.” All are welcome to attend.

 

School: Chuck Koesterer

School enrollment is 308 with three weeks of school left.  There are openings in every class.  The school is working on a marketing plan through the diocese with more communication coming out.

 

Internal Human Concerns: Mary George

A fundraiser for the Dodge family for their medical bills will be May 22nd  after Masses, and everyone is encouraged to come support this need.

 

External Human Concern: Mary George

After further discussion on the Just Faith Program it was decided to allow the $250 annual fee.  The council hopes this will continue Peace and Justice involvement in the parish, and any materials provided could be worthwhile for use in other ministries.

 

Parish and Family Life: Joe Ross

Goeff Hagins presented another draft of the flyer for the 2nd Annual St. James Art and Music Fair to be held Sunday, July 24th, in conjunction with the Parish Feast Day. The times were adjusted to start at 10:15 a.m. and end at 6:00 p.m. He said they are working on someone to do the food, and more activities for the children.  Joe’s suggestions for Year of the Eucharist are: (1) Having a speaker at Masses on the weekends, and (2) Having a mission for an evening or two.  Father Joe will check on getting a speaker.

 

Administration and Stewardship: Dave McDonald

The parking lot repairs are complete.  Our Lady of Mercy has just completed a $7 million addition, and is looking for a task group.

 

Pastor’s Comments:

1.      The Boy Scouts have asked Father if the parish could use a 12’x14’ storage shed, and would give it to us.  It was the consensus of the council that we not take it.

2.      “How do we work together as a parish?”  Wants school and parish working together, not divided.  The school is a ministry.  We have a good school and religious education program.

 

Agenda items for next meeting:

1.      Welcoming Father Matt

2.      Goeff Hagins – Parish Feast Day

3.      Year of the Eucharist

4.      Discerning God’s call follow-up

5.      Pictorial Directory

6.      Update of Director of Liturgical Music

7.      Ministry regrouping

 

The next business meeting will be Monday, June 13th at 7:00 p.m.  Chuck asked members to bring a snack for the next meeting.  Opening and closing prayer will be by Father Joe.

Meeting notes courtesy of Dorothy Haynes - Recording Secretary