St. James Parish Council Minutes
June 15, 1999
MEMBERS PRESENT: Ralph Agee, Jo Krones, Tim Laird, Sandy Turner, Dick Wilding, Steve Wolcott, and Father Ron Will.
ABSENT: Sharon Benson, Richard Brown, Jill Hamerle, Greg Werner.
Opening prayer was by Steve Wolcott before members gathered in front of the Blessed Sacrament prior to the meeting. The meeting held in the Gasper Room was conducted by Chairperson Steve Wolcott. The May minutes and June agenda were approved. Newly elected parish council members present were introduced. They are: Steve Gregoire, Religious Education; Anita Holt, School Board; Kim Parente, Administration; and Cindy Rogers, Prayer.
OLD BUSINESS:
Further discussion was held on Tyler's suggestions, and the parish staff's wishes to change the early Mass to 7:30 a.m. in order to allow time for choir preparation before the 9:15 Mass, and more space between the first two Masses. It had been previously discussed at the May meeting, but no decision was made at that time. The council agreed moving the first Mass on Sunday 15 minutes earlier shouldn't make a lot of difference in the attendance at the later Masses. The motion was made by Tim Laird with second by Sandy Turner. The motion passed and the change will take effect Labor Day weekend.
NEW BUSINESS:
The 1999-2000 Parish Budget was distributed to members for review. Pat Townsend was present to explain the school budget. She said they had to tighten all programs with a 13% cut in the school budget, but felt they could live within the budget without difficulty. Dick Wilding answered many questions about the budget, cash flow and income projection reports. He said the administration committee had done a lot of research this year on past year's cash flow, and he felt this was the most realistic budget in years since he has been involved with the Administration Committee. Tim Laird made a motion to accept the new budget, and Sandy Turner seconded with all council members approving.
A thank you letter was read by Father Ron from Kim Bezdek for sponsoring her medical mission trip to Jaurez, Mexico. She was so grateful she had the opportunity to go.
Jo Krones reported she had been in contact with Nancy Hummel about the progress of the Parish Feast Day July 25. She said they are still trying to find some type of musical entertainment, but plans are about complete.
Steve Gregoire distributed a report from Fran Riley regarding Vacation Bible School June 14-18.
Pastor's Remarks - Father Ron Will
Welcome to new parish council members.
Announced two new youth representatives for council are Adam Benson and Erin Parrish who are invited to the retreat June 26.
Encouraged council members to read an article he distributed by Kenneth Untener, "Is the church in decline?" as well as other good subscriptions to religious newspapers available.
Report on Stephen Ministry by Sharon Stauffacher was distributed.
Thank you and acknowledgment to Dick Wilding for his years of service to the Parish Council and Stewardship and Administration Committee.
The meeting adjourned with closing prayer by Father Ron.
The next meeting will be Monday, July 12 at 7:00 p.m in the Gasper Room. Opening prayer will be by Cindy Rogers.
Meeting notes courtesy of Dorothy Haynes
6/26/99