St. James Pastoral Council Minutes
May 14, 2007

 

 

OPENING AND CLOSING PRAYER: Diane Dolak

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: Julia Alsobrook, John Alvey, Diane Dolak, Mary George, Joe Ross, Sarah Rusch, Cathy Teague, Ann Tucker, and Father Joe

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Dave McDonald and Father Matt

 

The meeting was conducted by President of the board, John Alvey.  There were three corrections to the April minutes.  A correction on spelling of Bishop Boland’s name in the Youth Report, Sarah Rusch was omitted from members present at the April meeting, and the date of the next meeting should have read May 14th instead of June 11th.  There was one addition to the agenda new business.  Father Joe asked the school auction committee to come and present their plans for the 2007 School Auction.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

1.      Discerning God’s Call for the Parish Goal #5 (Parish improvement project)

Father Joe reported the diocese has approved finances to move ahead with what we’ve got even though we are $50,000 short of goal.  The diocese won’t let us borrow more than $1M.  He said we may have to cut a few things such as doing our own painting or cutting shelving.  We have the city’s approval to build.  The builders have to be approved by the diocese, and bids will go out the end of May or first of June and have to be back in three to four weeks.  Plans are to start the project in July.  Father said he hopes to have most of the details finalized before he leaves, and Goal 5 will continue to carry through with the project.  The parking lot addition has been put on hold now since we need fill dirt which we will have extra dirt from the new addition.  We will probably not have a baseball diamond after the parking lot project is started.  

 

2.  Northland Planning

Father Joe distributed the Northland Planning report which summarizes a comprehensive 20-year plan for future needs of parishes in the Northland.  A letter from the Bishop and Highlights of the Pastoral Plan for parishes and schools in the Northland will be inserted in the bulletin. 

 

3.  Parish Feast Day  

Mary said the committee for the Parish Feast Day met last week to discuss how to get people involved in this event.  They will put a notice in the bulletin this week, and try to get all ministries to participate in activities.  The event is planned for Wednesday, July 25th, 6 to 8 p.m.

 

4.  School Board

Father Joe said several names were submitted, and the board will prioritize their needs and select two.  Next year the board will set a procedure for elections.         

 

                                                                

NEW BUSINESS:

 

1.  2007 School Auction

Molly Doherty, Principal, introduced the 2007 School Auction Group tri-chairpersons: Shellie Kemna, Janet Knapp, Rozanne Witherow, and several other committee members.  In their presentation they said 2007 marks the 18th year for the St. James auction which is the major fundraiser for the school supplementing the PTO budget.  10% of the money raised is tithed to the church.  The 2006 auction contributed almost $75K to the PTO. The auction chairs have researched other Kansas City Metro Catholic events to uncover best practices for providing unique entertainment and purchasing opportunities to raise money.  Their goal for 2007 is to raise $107K, and they hope to do this by maximizing money raised by minimizing expenses. Among their strategies and tactics are to increase awareness of the auction inside and outside St. James school and church families, by offering a social event that is appealing both inside and outside St. James. Following the presentation they asked for the council approval of the 2007 auction plans and also an on-site 40’ trailer donated by Walton Construction for storage.  The council approved their event concept and storage trailer.  

     

MINISTRY REPORTS;

 

Youth: Sarah Rusch

Ninety-five were confirmed on April 23rd which went real well.  

 

Activities: Mary George

The next Blood Drive at St. James will be May 22nd, 12:30 to 7:00 p.m.  Mary, Julia, Diane, and Ann volunteered to be on the planning committee for Father Joe’s 30th anniversary celebration and farewell.

 

Liturgy: Joe Ross

Tom Willbanks is looking at other opportunities, and is not interested in continuing as liturgist at St. James.  We are looking for a new liturgist and have had several responses.

 

Education: Julia Alsobrook

Julia reported there are 106 First Communicants receiving last week and next week.  Religious Ed is over, and registration for the upcoming year will be in August.  Adult help is needed for Vacation Bible School.  The school play “Tom Sawyer” was a hit.  Eighth grade graduation is this week.  Kathy Barron, teacher, was recognized by the Northland Chamber last week. 

 

Pastor’s Comments:

1)      Father Joe expressed his appreciation to Joe for his comment during the presentation by the 2007 Auction Group to work on improving relations between the church and school with better communications to keep building as one community by working together to promote Religious Ed and School.  Father also expressed his gratitude for all council member’s support though the year.  

2)      Father asked the council to pray for the upcoming transition in pastors and for guidance in his new position.

 

June Agenda:

1)      Discerning God’s Call for the Parish

2)      Northland Planning

3)      Parish Feast Day

4)      Parish Budget

 

The next business meeting will be Monday, June 11th beginning at 6:30 p.m. with a pot luck dinner for Father Joe.  Opening and closing prayer will be by Mary George.  There will be a break from council meetings in July.

 

Meeting notes courtesy of Dorothy Haynes - Recording Secretary