St. James Parish Council Minutes
September 11, 2000

 

OPENING PRAYER:  Jerome Schieder

 

PRESENT:  Ralph Agee, William Bednar, Steve Gregoire, Anita Holt, Roger Holyfield, Tim Laird, David Porter, Jerome Schieder, Father Ron, and Father Dien

 

ABSENT:  Kim Parente, Brett Scott, Parker Stanley, Annette Talbot

 

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Tim Laird.  The August minutes and September agenda were approved.

 

Tim updated the council on Project 2010, the parish’s strategic plan. The committee is now meeting twice a month on Wednesday in order to meet their timeline for presentation of the plan to the Parish Council in November, and to the parish by December. Details are being sorted by the committee, and they are trying to set measurable goals that will be monitored over time.  They are also working on ways to get additional feedback from the parishioners possibly with another open meeting in October or November.  Anita suggested commissioning the Project 2010 committee at the Masses.

 

Father Ron asked the council to suggest names of parishioners who have been active in service to the parish or to a ministry in the Diocese.  Several names were submitted, which will be narrowed to two who will be honored by Bishop Boland on October 23rd.

 

A video was viewed on “Faithful Citizenship: Civic Responsibility for a New Millennium.”  Council members commented on their views of our responsibility as Catholics to be informed on political issues, and vote according to the moral teachings of the church keeping in mind our care and concern for the poor, the young and the elderly.

 

The next order of business was to complete a Pastoral Council Survey for the diocese.  Council members input was recorded concerning our parish council’s involvement with other ministries, and how we handle different issues facing parish councils.

 

Discussion and ideas to make a better parish council were given by members on an article from the September issue of ‘Today’s Parish’, “If I were starting a Pastoral Council.”  Some of the issues discussed were changing the terms of council members to run for three year periods starting with a complete new council every three years, and ways of seeking candidates for election to the council.  Pros and cons were given by members on transition periods working with all new members every three years, and the election process.

 

MINISTRY REPORTS:

Christian Formation: Ralph Agee – No report

 

Human Concerns and Outreach: Annette Talbot – Written report submitted covering her ministries.  The blood donor ministry is inactive, and in need of a new head of this ministry.  Homebound drivers are currently servicing three people, and could probably service more if needed.  Brett Scott has agreed to become the head of the St. James-KCMO ministry.  The Advent Giving Tree ministry has received more names from the talent surveys interested in participating, so if anyone has any suggestions for more agencies to help contact Susie Olson. An update on Habitat for Humanity activities was included as well as very favorable comments received from parishioners regarding the 6 p.m. Mass on Sunday hoping it will continue after the six month trial period.

 

Catholic Organizations: Roger Holyfield – No report

 

Stewardship and Administration: Kim Parente – Absent

 

Liturgy: Brett Scott – Absent

 

Education: Steve Gregoire – Registration is in progress after Masses in the narthex for Religious Education classes to start October 1st. 

 

School: Anita Holt – School is back in session with 301 students enrolled which is an increase from last year.  They are pleased there has been steady growth in the middle school.  The Athletic Committee regular meeting is on the fourth Monday each month at 7:30 p.m.  The PTO Auction fundraiser is November 4th.

  

Youth: Jerome Schieder –The youth garage sale was a big success netting over $1,000.00

 

Prayer: David Porter – Cindy Rogers is heading a women’s bible study on Thursday mornings with approximately 35 participating.

 

Communication: William Bednar – Christina Porter and Elizabeth Schneider will be attending a diocesan event.  Toni McLain reported the newsletter is going very well with the fall issue just completed.

 

Parish & Family Life: Tim Laird – No report

 

PASTOR’S REMARKS:

1.       Father Ron is continuing his exercise program/therapy with a membership at Liberty Community Center.

 

2.       Informed council of different forms of prayer scheduled in the parish on October 2nd and 9th (Mondays); Church Basics to be led by Anne Tucker is scheduled for October 30th, November 6th, 13th, and 20th (Mondays); and Sister Lillian will lead another spiritual opportunity November 28th and 29th (Tues. & Wed.).

 

3.       Passed out a schedule for the upcoming retreat,  “A Day for Parish Councils”, Saturday, October 14th here at St. James 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Council members are to register by letting Father know by October 5th if they will be able to attend.

 

The next meeting will be October 9th at 7:00 p.m. with Anita Holt giving the opening prayer.  If anyone has a suggestion for a program in October please contact Tim or Steve.  The November program will be the Project 2010 presentation.  Father Ron closed the meeting with a prayer. 

 

 

Meeting notes courtesy of Dorothy Haynes