St. James Parish Council Minutes
May 10, 1999

MEMBERS PRESENT: Sharon Benson, Richard Brown, Jill Hamerle, Jo Krones, Tim Laird, Sandy Turner, Greg Werner, Dick Wilding ,Steve Wolcott, and Father Ron Will.

ABSENT: Ralph Agee

The meeting was conducted by Vice-Chairperson Sandy Turner. Opening prayer was given by Sandy Turner. The April minutes were approved as well as the May agenda.

Jo Krones on behalf of Nancy Hummel, Chairperson for the Parish Feast Day Party reported Nancy wants to leave the picnic plans the same as last year except maybe expand the children's games. She also said the Knights of Columbus will be providing the lunch. Sandy Turner volunteered to ask Tyler Henderson for some suggestions for music for the party.

OLD BUSINESS:

1. The vote on the by-law changes to add a Religious Education position to the council passed after the motion was made by Jill Hamerle and seconded by Sharon Benson to make the following changes:

   ARTICLE III. MEMBERSHIP

   Sec. 1 Size and composition:

   • a) The parish council shall consist of:
     • i. the pastor
     • ii. eleven members representing the ministries of the parish
     • iii. two participating, but non-voting, youth representatives appointed by the Youth Coordinator for one year terms

   ARTICLE VI. MINISTRIES

   Sec. 2 These ministries shall include, but not necessarily be limited to:

   • a) Christian Formation
   • b) Human Concern and Outreach
   • c) Parish Organizations
   • d) Stewardship and Administration
   • e) Liturgy
   • f) Religious Education
   • g) Youth
   • h) Prayer
   • i) Communication
   • j) Parish and Family Life
   • k) School
   
   

2. The monthly Coffees with the Pastor have not been well attended, so Father Ron doesn't see any reason to continue them.

3. The monthly Coffee & Donuts the first Sunday of the month for new parishioners have gone over well. Father Ron reported Ed Weir representing the Parish Neighborhood Committee, and Mary Parrish, Volunteer Coordinator, also attend these. There was some discussion as to whether members felt it necessary to have a Parish Council member attend, but it was decided not to attend at this time.

4. Dick Wilding reported the Administration Committee had agreed that if fundraisers are for a charitable cause, and the group is not profiting from the event, they do not have to give 5% back to the parish.

5. Father Ron reported the parishioners that haven't returned their Financial Intention Forms by Sunday, May 16 would be called. He noted that only about 350 out of 1,133 sent out were returned.

6. The Parish Council Retreat will be Saturday, June 26, 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Precious Blood Center. Father Ron and Sandy Landuyt will conduct the retreat.

NEW BUSINESS:None

MINISTRY REPORTS:

Christian Formation- Ralph Agee was not present.

Human Concerns and Outreach - Sandy Turner presented a handout on activities of Respect Life Ministry, Peace and Justice (Target), Habitat for Humanity.

Catholic Organizations - Jo Krones - No report

Stewardship and Administration - Dick Wilding reported they are working hard on the budget. He also said they are reviewing the policy on rental of the gym. He said there would be no charge if used by a parish ministry, but there will be a rental fee for teams with a coach.

Liturgy - Steve Wolcott - No report

Education - Jill Hamerle invited all members to graduation on May 24 at 7:00 p.m. and the spring play is this Thursday. She reported there are 328 students enrolled this year. The H.O.P.E. ministry has paid the $10,000 they owed back to the church. The testing by Children's Mercy Health Committee in the school is complete, and the radon levels are okay, however, all rooms in the basement have high CO2 levels. She said the spore count with molds are high and the carbon monoxide level needs addressed. She indicated the diocese is looking into having the EPA come in to do air tests.

Youth - Sharon Benson said they are continuing to take reservations for the youth conferences this summer. They have eight signed up for the Heartline Youth Conference. She also said 54 youth will be confirmed May 20. Chris Venditti is interviewing several of the youth for representation on the Parish Council.

Prayer - Greg Werner reported the sign-up sheet for the Rosary leaders before Mass is in the Narthex.

Communication - Richard Brown reported on the St. James web site including Fr. Dien's reflections, and his desires are to continue the parish council minutes and possibly the agenda on the web site. He also informed the council of a report he had given Toni McLain for the Parish Newsletter regarding the council.

Parish & Family Life - Tim Laird - No report

Pastor's Remarks - Father Ron Will
Father Ron presented a letter from Annette Talbot on the Prayer Garden status.

Father Ron asked the council their opinions on changing the Mass times. Tyler said there isn't enough time between the 7:45 and 9:15 Masses. He suggested 7:30, 9:30 and 11:00. No decision was made at this time to change the schedule.

The meeting adjourned with closing prayer by Father Ron.

The next meeting will be Tuesday, June 15 at 7:00 p.m to go over the budget. Opening prayer will be by Steve Wolcott.

Meeting notes courtesy of Dorothy Haynes
5/23/99