St. James Parish Council Minutes
August 21, 2000

 

 

OPENING PRAYER:  David Porter

 

PRESENT:  Ralph Agee, Steve Gregoire, Roger Holyfield, Kim Parente, David Porter, Jerome Schieder,  Brett Scott, Annette Talbot, and Father Ron Will

 

ABSENT:  William Bednar, Anita Holt, Tim Laird, Parker Stanley

 

The meeting was called to order by Steve Gregoire, Vice Chairman, in the absence of Chairman Tim Laird.  A motion was made by David Porter, seconded by Ralph Agee to approve the July minutes. The August agenda was approved.

 

PROGRAM:  Diane Scheutz was asked to present a “Get Acquainted” program for new council members.  After reflecting on next Sunday’s gospel reading, John 6:60-69, she then asked council members to participate in faith sharing by expressing their views of the words or phrases that caught their attention.  Diane concluded her program by having members recite a prayer for the servants of God.

 

Willy Fontanez, new youth coordinator, was introduced by Steve.  Willy gave his vision of ways to get the youth involved in activities at St. James such as a youth Mass, etc.  Some new activities or ministries for the youth are a 12th grade ministry to assist students about real life issues they will face after graduation, a youth prayer group on Thursdays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., and CYO on Sunday. His wife is forming a teen girl ministry for high school girls.   He hopes to generate enthusiasm for participation in various activities by having the youth earn beads signifying the different activities they have been involved in to wear on a lanyard (a necklace formed with the beads and a cross).  Willy and his wife are very excited about being at St. James to assist with the youth program.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Kim Parente gave a report on Project 2010’s strategic plan development.  She outlined the steps the committee has developed with a timeline for future meetings with the parish staff and council before presentation to the parish by December.  She said they are going to have to meet more than once a month to complete the project by December.  She said they have a very good group working on the project, but they could use more help, and would welcome anyone who wants to attend the meetings.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Father Ron said he has invited Fr. Jim Urbanic to come the December parish council meeting to share his ideas on how we can increase our evangelization efforts at St. James.

 

MINISTRY REPORTS:

Christian Formation: Ralph Agee – Reported there are 5 adults, and 5 children in RCIA now.  He said they have trouble getting people committed during the summer, but have several new ones interested for the fall session.

 

Human Concerns and Outreach: Annette Talbot – Reported she needs a volunteer to take donated items to St. James-KC when we have enough collected.  Brett Scott volunteered to take items when needed.  She also presented a handout from Sharon Stauffacher regarding a new Stephen Ministry training class September 7.  They have accepted 10 new candidates for the new class.

 

Catholic Organizations: Roger Holyfield – No report

 

Stewardship and Administration: Kim Parente – Reported good response to the 6 p.m. Mass, and how it has considerably helped the overcrowding at the 9:15 and 11:00 a.m. Masses. She said at this time the administration committee has dismissed the idea to have an architect develop an expansion plan for the church since the 6 p.m. Mass has solved the overcrowding.   Father Ron said we need volunteers to assist with the 6 p.m. Mass for it to continue.  He said the additional Mass is on a trial basis, and in order for it to continue, we will need volunteers to assist with the liturgy.

 

Liturgy: Brett Scott – No report

 

Education: Steve Gregoire – Reported that Fran Riley has finalized the vacation bible school report,  and is recruiting for help in the Religious Education program.  The first class will be October 1st.  He said there is a resource library available in the narthex for those interested. 

 

School: Anita Holt – Absent

   

Youth: Jerome Schieder – Presented a handout outlining upcoming youth activities: 1) Classes for grades 6-9 start September 20th, then will meet the first and third Wednesday of every month.  (2) Confirmation classes start Sunday, September 9 in the social hall.  (3) Youth group garage sale is Saturday, Sept. 9, in the social hall. (4) Youth group leader training is scheduled for September 16th.  (5) Youth group and confirmation leaders meet on the first Thursday of every month at 6:30.

 

Prayer: David Porter – No report

 

Communication: William Bednar – Absent

 

Parish & Family Life: Tim Laird – Absent

 

Pastor’s Remarks:

1.      Reminded parish council members to mark their calendars of the retreat “A Day for Parish Councils” Saturday, October 14th here at St. James 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

 

2.      Update on several new school staff members:   Receptionist:  Jean Fahlstrom;  Teachers: 6th Grade-Cindy Garthoff and 7th Grade-Rene Daniels; and Music Teacher:  Charles Bachman.

 

3.      Love, Inc., parish representative Sue Duncan, said the RLDS and RLS have asked to be included in Love, Inc., and the policy of Love, Inc. states you have to profess a creed believing Jesus Christ is God. She asked if they should be allowed involvement since their beliefs doesn’t conform to policy.  Council members agreed with Father’s response to her that we allow them to be involved since they are also wanting to serve the poor even though they don’t believe in our same creed.

 

Father Ron closed the meeting with a prayer.  The next meeting will be September 11th at 7:00 p.m., with Jerome Schieder giving the opening prayer.  If anyone has any ideas for a program for the next meeting, contact Tim or Steve.

 

 

Meeting notes courtesy of Dorothy Haynes