St. James Pastoral Council Minutes
June 11, 2006

 

OPENING AND CLOSING PRAYER: Father Matt

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: John Alvey, Julia Alsobrook, Diane Dolak, Mary George, Chuck Koesterer, Dave McDonald, Joe Ross, Larry Stanley, Sarah Rusch, John Talbot, Cathy Teague, Ann Tucker, Father Joe and Father Matt

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Mike Jones

 

The meeting was conducted by President of the board, Chuck Koesterer.  The May minutes were approved as written.  The June agenda was approved.   

 

OLD BUSINESS:

1.      Discerning God’s call for the Parish

Mike Klamm was present to give an update.  He said the groups are slowing down as many objectives have been met or are ongoing.  They plan to have another meeting of the groups soon to wrap up what they have done, and determine objectives that need to be passed on to other areas or committees.  They are looking for additional help or leadership to spark enthusiasm and keep pushing forward.  Group 5 has such an important task that they will continue to work on our facilities expansion.  

                                                                

2.  Parish Feast Day 7/25/2006

      The celebration will begin with a prayer service at 6 p.m. Food and games will be assigned to groups.  Father Joe and Mary have gotten a good response from various groups to handle food, bingo, cake walk, fish pond, face painting, etc.  It was decided at last month’s meeting not to include the art and music festival at the same time as the feast day, but hope to have it at a later date.    

 

3.  School Building Expansion Proposals

      Father Joe said the parish has received the okay from the bishop to start the process for school expansion.  Dave and Larry reported that plans are to expand the existing school to the east adding six to eight classrooms and possibly some additional storage.  The new facilities will not only be used for the school, but also to be utilized for church meetings, Youth and Religious Ed activities.  The new structure is to be completed by September 2007.  They are going to look at architectural firms for probable cost.  Chuck said they are going to be reshuffling available space for the 2006 immediate need. The school has decided to use the current art room for a second 6th grade this year, the current music room would become the art room, the current teacher’s lounge will become the music room.   Father Joe said the diocese will not be providing a loan for this expansion, and that we will be looking at fundraising options within the parish.  A letter will go out this summer informing the parish of the need for expansion.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

1.  Welcome New Members to the Council

      New members Julia Alsobrook, Diane Dolak, Cathy Teague, and Ann Tucker were welcomed by Chuck and each introduced themselves.  John Alvey and Larry Stanley terms are up, however have volunteered to serve another year.  Chuck Koesterer and John Talbot’s terms are up so tonight will be their last meeting. 

 

2.  Diocese’s Northland Project  

      Father Joe reported the diocese is looking at the feasibility of parishes north of the river.  They hired a firm to study growth in the area and to plan for the future.  Each parish is to have two representatives to attend meetings once a month.  Father Joe and Father Matt attended the first meeting.  This project will be helpful in planning for our expansion.  

 

 

MINISTRY REPORTS:

 

Education: Chuck Koesterer – Eighth Grade Class Volleyball Tournament Fall 2006

Chuck asked if the approval for the tournament should be by the Fundraising Committee or the Parish Council?  Father Joe thought it should be approved by Administration & Finance since it is for use of the gym.  The Youth Group mission trip to midtown went really well.  They stayed at Gasper House down in KC going out to different places during the day, and finishing with a retreat that night.  It was enjoyed by those attending.  The school has five teachers who left this past year.  Some of the current teachers are moving to other teaching position and new teachers will fill their vacancies.   

 

Activities: Larry Stanley and Mary George

Larry reported Freedom House is still several thousand dollars away from starting on their new building.  They are working on trying to get some donations and funds for their new location located off Church Road north of Geiger Ready Mix. 

Mary reported the Prayer Garden was on the garden tour.  She said it isn’t used much by parishioners and suggested that a sign be placed pointing to the prayer garden or provide brochures or booklets to encourage use.  The next Blood Drive will be August 1st.  

 

Liturgy: Mike Jones and Joe Ross

Joe reported everything with liturgy seemed to be going well through Pentecost.  This committee won’t meet again until August.   

 

Groups:John Alvey and David McDonald

No report

 

Administration and Stewardship: Chuck Koesterer and John Talbot

Group 5 is working with Administration on the expansion project and has been well received.

 

Election of officers for next council term:  John Alvey, President; Mary George, Vice-President; and Cathy Teague, Secretary.

 

PASTOR’S COMMENTS:  

1.      Father Joe wanted to make the council aware of a group wanting to put an advertisement board in the gym.  Basically it would be a fundraiser for Religious Ed and athletics, etc.  They would sell ads for certain periods of time to advertise on this rotating board.  He stated this would have to be approved by the fundraising committee, but wanted to know if the council had any problem with the advertisement board.         

2.      Father extended thanks to the outgoing members for giving their time and dedication serving on the council.  

 

The next business meeting will be Monday, August 14th at 7:00 p.m.  Opening and closing prayer will be by Dave McDonald.

 

 

 

 

Meeting notes courtesy of Dorothy Haynes - Recording Secretary