St. James Pastoral Council Minutes
May 8, 2006

 

OPENING AND CLOSING PRAYER: Chuck Koesterer

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: John Alvey, Mary George, Mike Jones, Chuck Koesterer, Joe Ross, Sarah Rusch, John Talbot, Father Joe and Father Matt

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Dave McDonald and Larry Stanley

 

GUESTS PRESENT: Molly Doherty and Steve Smith

 

The meeting was conducted by President of the board, Chuck Koesterer.  There was one correction to the May minutes.  The dates for First Communion on weekends of May 14 and May 21 were corrected by Father Joe.  There was one addition to the Agenda.  Mary George added Bathroom Signs to New Business.  

 

OLD BUSINESS:

1.      Discerning God’s call for the Parish

Father Joe reported they are trying to get progress reports from the different groups to report in the bulletin.

                                                                

2.  Discernment for the Next Pastoral Council

      John Alvey reported they had met twice.  They have 7 to 10 possible candidates to fill four spots.  They hope to have the discernment process completed in the next couple of weeks so new members could come to the June council meeting.

 

3.  Parish Feast Day 7/25/2006

      Father Joe asked for volunteers to serve on the committee to help organize the celebration.  Joe Ross and Mary George volunteered to assist.  Father suggested asking groups to have a booth at the celebration. 

 

NEW BUSINESS:

1.  School Board building expansion proposals

      Molly Doherty, Principal, and Steve Smith, School Board President, were present seeking advice and input on a desperate need for additional space for the school.  Numbers have increased necessitating two sixth grades next year.  They are presently looking at the lower grades to try to forecast future growth. The additional space is needed by the beginning of this next school year which is August 16th. Proposals presented were: (1) Modular units purchase vs. lease, (2) Add classrooms in the Parish Center, and (3) Build a 50’ x 100’ metal building.  The modular units are expensive and are only a temporary solution.  Two options for classrooms in the social hall were presented which would be the quickest and most economical alternative for additional classroom space.  Many other possibilities were discussed, however, due to a time crunch and extensive costs of options one and three it was the council’s suggestion that option two was the best.  Molly again stressed the urgent need for space by the beginning of school.  She said they are meeting with the Administration Committee Thursday night.

 

2.  Schedule of meetings for the summer  

      The June meeting will be Sunday, June 11th after 6 p.m. Mass or around 7:15 p.m.  There will not be a July meeting.

 

3.  Bathroom signs

      Mary said that many people ask her in the narthex during Mass where the bathrooms are.  She asked if there should be some signs made.  Father Joe said he would check on the signs which are already in progress.   

 

 

MINISTRY REPORTS:

 

Education: Chuck Koesterer – Chastity speaker for the fall.

Joe reported they have a sponsor for the speaker which will cost $1,000.  The date and place are to be determined. 

 

Activities: Larry Stanley and Mary George

Mary said the next blood drive will be here on  May 23rd. 

 

Liturgy: Mike Jones and Joe Ross – Easter Liturgies

The Easter liturgies went really well.  Father Joe received many compliments and felt Holy Thursday was really a good celebration.  The stations were well attended.  The Saturday night service lasted 3 ½ hours due to the tornado warning during the service.  The 7:30 a.m. Mass was very full with overflow into the narthex.  The 9:30 a.m. Masses in the church and gym were full.  There were also some in the narthex for the 11:30 a.m. Mass.

 

Groups:John Alvey and David McDonald

Father Joe said he received good comments on the Estate Planning meeting. 

 

Administration and Stewardship: Chuck Koesterer and John Talbot

No additional report.

 

PASTOR’S COMMENTS:  

The Stewardship Committee is starting up again.   They are really trying to follow-up on new parishioners by taking packets to their homes if they don’t come to the welcome.

 

June Agenda:

1.      Discerning God’s Call for the Parish – Mike Klamm

2.      Parish Feast Day 7/25/2006

3.      School Board building expansion proposals

 

The next business meeting will be Sunday, June 11th at 7:15 p.m.  Opening and closing prayer will be by Father Matt.

 

 

 

 

Meeting notes courtesy of Dorothy Haynes - Recording Secretary