St. James Parish Council Minutes
July 10, 2000

 

 

OPENING PRAYER:  Father Ron Will

 

PRESENT:  Ralph Agee, William Bednar, Steve Gregoire, Anita Holt, Tim Laird, Jerome Schieder, Parker Stanley, Annette Talbot, and Father Ron Will

 

ABSENT:  Adam Benson, Roger Holyfield, Kim Parente, David Porter, Brett Scott

 

Father Ron introduced the new Youth Representative, Parker Stanley, and guest Matthew Blackwood who was fulfilling a Communications requirement for Boy Scouts.  After introduction of council members, Father Ron briefly reviewed the Parish Council Constitution and By-laws for the benefit of new  members.  He reminded new as well as old members the purpose of a good parish council member, and stressed the importance of attending meetings.  He asked that members let either he or the chairperson know if you will be unable to attend.  He reminded members that, according to the by-laws, after three unexcused absences in a calendar year a council member is automatically terminated. 

 

The meeting was called to order by Father Ron acting as Chairperson prior to elections to be held at this meeting.  The May  minutes were approved as written,  and the July agenda were approved.  There was no business meeting held in June due to the Parish Council Retreat scheduled for June 24th which was rescheduled for October hoping for better attendance.

 

Elections of officers was held by secret ballot with Tim Laird chosen as Chairperson; Steve Gregoire, Vice-chairperson; and Anita Holt, Secretary.  New Chairperson Tim Laird conducted the remainder of the business meeting.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

1.      An update on Project 2010 committee work was given by Tim Laird.  He said the CORE group is meeting the fourth Sunday of each month, however, they feel they are gong to have to meet more than once a month to meet the October deadline they have set.  They have tried condensing common themes of ideas.  After this is done, they will split up and attend the different ministry groups of the parish to get give everyone a voice in the parish future.  They will then prepare a blueprint for where the parish is going. 

 

NEW BUSINESS:

1.   The fundraising review committee guidelines were reviewed by Father Ron for  new members.  The committee of three parish council members serves for six month periods, and they handle fundraiser requests.  The three committee members volunteering for the first six month period are Anita Holt, Steve Gregoire, and Jerome Schieder.   They new committee will get in contact with Steve Corsale and Lou DeMarco regarding their request for a St. Joseph Table here next March.

 

2.      A report on attendance so far at Sunday 6:00 p.m. Mass was given.  The first Sunday there were approximately 80 present, and 127 on the second Sunday.  Everyone was pleased with the attendance, and felt it would continue growing.  Several members commented on positive feedback they have heard with adding the Sunday evening Mass.

 

3.      Father Ron asked council members to reschedule the Parish Council Retreat in the fall.  Several members were unable to attend the June retreat, so it was cancelled. He asked if everyone would mark their calendars for October 14th 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to attend ‘A Day for Parish Councils’ to be sponsored by the diocese.  He said it will probably be held here at St. James. 

 

 

 

 

MINISTRY REPORTS:

Christian Formation: Ralph Agee – No Report

 

Human Concerns and Outreach: Annette Talbot – Handout submitted covering the Stephen Ministry Annual Report with a summary of what a Stephen Minister is, and the care they have given in the past year and since their beginning in 1995.  Annette also told members she was going to post in the Narthex a flyer for a Christian vocal ensemble to be held July 31st at 7:30 p.m. at the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church which would benefit Habitat for Humanity.

 

Catholic Organizations: Roger Holyfield – Absent

 

Stewardship and Administration: Kim Parente – Absent

 

Liturgy: Brett Scott – Absent

 

Education: Steve Gregoire – Reported the religious education group concluded another successful summer program.  There were 225 involved in vacation bible school with 60 youth helpers. They were impressed with all of the volunteer help and enthusiasm during vacation bible school.

 

School: Anita Holt – Reported August 23rd is the first day of school with 293 enrolled.  The 6th grade is the only class that is full.  They still need to fill openings for 6th and 7th grade teachers, and are looking for a music teacher.  The classrooms and desks are scheduled for cleaning on July 31st.  Anita also reported $10,000 profit from the HOPE program for the year, and $2,300 from the DREAM program. They are going to ask teachers for student participation in Thursday adoration for 5 to 10 minutes.

   

Youth: Jerome Schieder – Reported the new youth minister will be here July 17th.

 

Prayer: David Porter – Absent

 

Communication: William Bednar – No report.

 

Parish & Family Life: Tim Laird – No report

 

Pastor’s Remarks:

1.      Father Ron reported on his health status.  He said his energy level is about 80%, and that he is in cardiac rehabilitation at Liberty Hospital. 

 

2.      Reminded council members of the parish feast day celebration Sunday, July 23rd, with Joe and Marilyn McKenzie coordinating the event. 

 

3.      Reported he and Father Dien moved into the house in Canterbury the end of May, and were real happy with the area, and stated it was nice to have a ‘home’. 

 

The council voted to furnish memberships to the Liberty Community Center for Father Ron and Father Dien, if they would use the facilities, so Father Ron can continue his exercise program after his cardiac rehabilitation program is completed at Liberty Hospital.

 

The next regular meeting will be the third Monday, August 21st since Father Ron will be out of town the second Monday. Opening prayer will be by David Porter.  Diane Schuetz will be contacted for the August program.  Closing prayer was given by William Bednar.

 

 

Meeting notes courtesy of Dorothy Haynes