St. James Pastoral
Council Minutes
August 14, 2006
OPENING AND CLOSING PRAYER:
Dave
McDonald
MEMBERS PRESENT: John Alvey, Julia
Alsobrook, Diane Dolak, Mary George, Mike Jones, Dave McDonald, Joe Ross, Larry
Stanley, Cathy Teague, Father Joe and Father Matt
MEMBERS ABSENT: Ann Tucker
The
meeting was conducted by President of the board, John Alvey. There was one correction to the June
minutes. Mary George said the Education
Ministry Report spelling of Gasper should be Gaspar. There were two additions to the August
agenda. Joe Ross added “Plans for
upcoming vote on stem cell.” Father Joe
added “Shelter Request.”
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Discerning God’s call for the Parish
Dave and Larry gave an update on Goal #5. Dave distributed a drawing of the proposed additional
worship space utilizing the Mallen Room.
Plans are to start on the project next week by taking out the windows
and door. This should add approximately
40 additional chairs to help with overcrowded Masses. They plan to change the lighting from the
present fluorescent to a softer type lighting. They said the space could still be used for a
meeting room by installing a roller type curtain.
2. Parish Feast Day
Mary reported she has received many good comments from
parishioners liking the way the Parish Feast Day celebration was handled this
year. Everyone was pleased with the different
ministry groups’ participation this year making it a success.
3.
Dave
reported they have formed a committee to select an architectural firm
interested in bidding on the project to add classrooms to the school.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Approval of Budget
John distributed the
proposed budget for the new year commencing July 1st. Council members approved the budget. Tuition and tithing for school families were
briefly discussed.
2. Pastor’s Letter
Father
Joe reported he has had good response and comments from his letter that was
mailed to all parishioners recently asking for support for the school expansion
project.
3. Ministry
Responsibility Assignments
Liturgy: Joe Ross, Cathy
Teague, and Ann Tucker
Activities: Mary George
and Larry Stanley
Education: Diane Dolak
and Julia Alsobrook
Groups: Dave McDonald
and Mike Jones
4. Fundraising
Discussion
Father Joe asked council members for their input on where to
draw the line on fundraisers. He said it
is difficult when their intent is for a good cause, but does not want
parishioners hit with fundraisers after Mass every weekend. Several members commented on continued
support for fundraisers such as Love, Inc.
5. Mail Slot in Narthex
John told council members he is going to add a mail slot in the
Narthex for the Pastoral Council.
6. Plans for upcoming
vote on stem cell
Joe stated how important he thinks it is to educate the parish
on church teaching on stem cell research before the November election, and
asked the best way to do this. He said
it is a moral issue, and feels it is our duty to see that parishioners fully
understand the issues. He said the church
has no problem with adult stem cell for cures, but is against embryonic stem
cell use. Father Joe said he and Father
Matt will be attending a meeting on this next week at St. Therese. The council decided to table the matter until
after this meeting, and see if Father Joe and Father Matt could present it to
the parish.
7. Shelter Request
Father Joe said Bill Goeckel asked if he could erect a carport
type shed to cover his lawnmower he uses for grounds maintenance. It would be placed next to the dumpster at
the west end of the rectory. The
council approved the request.
PASTOR’S COMMENTS:
Father
Joe said school enrollment K-8 is at 332.
There are 50 in pre-school. A
second 6th Grade has been added this year. There are presently 10 or 11 Korean students.
September Agenda:
1) Discerning God’s call for the Parish
The
next business meeting will be Monday, September 11th at 7:00
p.m. Opening and closing prayer will be
by Joe Ross.
Meeting
notes courtesy of Dorothy Haynes - Recording Secretary