St. James Pastoral Council Minutes
September 13, 2004

 

OPENING PRAYER/COMMISSIONING OF NEW MEMBERS: John Alvey/Father Joe

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: John Alvey, Joshua Barlett, Mary George, Mike Jones, Chuck Koesterer, Kimberly Lay, Dave McDonald, Len Platt, Bobbi Roman, Joe Ross, Larry Stanley, John Talbot, Father Joe, and Ken Oyen

 

The meeting was conducted by Chairperson Chuck Koesterer.  The June minutes were approved and the September agenda was approved.

 

AGENDA:

1.     Discipline without Damage – William Bednar

William Bednar asked for the council’s support on the parenting course that is being offered at St. James.  It will be a 5-part seminar on Tuesday evenings September 28 through October 26 presented by Calvin and Carolyn Richert from Overland Park.  He said it is intended for pre-school year’s 4 to 5 age group.  One of the goals is to decrease stress in families, and learn techniques and Christian ways to deal with parenting situations.  The cost is $175 per household or $100 for educators, and once you’ve paid you can attend future courses at no additional cost.  The program is no cost to St. James if 17 couples sign up.  Childcare will be available to St. James members participating.  He asked the council’s help by encouraging parents to take advantage of the program. 

 

2.     Strategic Planning Committee Report – Mike Klamm

Mike Klamm, Chairperson for this committee was present to give an update.   His committee is in the process of refocusing on the 2010 plan.  He said our community is growing by leaps and bounds, and while we have complete or have in place a large portion of the goals and actions of the current plan, on the other hand we are not paying our debt as fast as we should.  His committee feels strongly we need the services of a third party to review the 2010 plan, and that a strategic plan needs revisiting in depth every five years.  Mike asked the council’s approval to employ Larry Kramer to run the focus groups, and assist in reviewing our mission statement and strategic purpose.  This would be a six month project starting in October.  The fee for his services are $5,000.  The council voiced concerns for availability of funds for this project.  Ken Oyen said it is not in the budget so would have to be taken from maintenance allowances.   After some discussion between members and Father Joe, all were in agreement that it is important to have a plan for future growth with the hope of getting more parish involvement and all going in the same direction.  Father Joe remarked this is a much larger parish than his previous assignment, and he is not sure of our parish direction. He asked the council to pray for guidance.  The approval to employ Larry Kramer was unanimous after motions by Len Platt and John Alvey. 

 

3.     Report on the Feast Day Celebration

Ken Oyen reported income from the Feast Day Celebration Art and Music Fair was $1,091.35.  It was felt there was good response for the first Art and Music Fair.  Some suggestions for improvement for the next fair would be to include more activities for children, and perhaps keep the St. James Feast Day as a celebration, and hold the Art and Music Fair at another time that wouldn’t conflict with other annual events.   

 

4.     Elimination of announcements at the end of Mass

Father Joe told council he has refused several requests for announcements at the end of Mass and speakers pushing a cause.  He said he hoped he had not offended anyone, but he doesn’t like a number of announcements added at the end of Mass.  He said the bulletin or tables in the Narthex are ways of communicating ministry events, etc.  His hopes to limit the announcements during Mass.

 

5.     Discussion of Day of Councils

Chuck said he had not been notified of a date for this yet.  He said it is usually held in October, and he would notify council members by email when he is notified. 

 

 

 

6.     Ministry Reports

Youth: Bobbi Roman talked to Cynthia Eslick, Youth Director.  There are 204 youth signed up with 45 in the second year Confirmation class, and 50 in the first year.  She said they are short on volunteers for Confirmation and Youth Groups.  Starting next year Confirmation will be a one year commitment.  Cynthia asked the council’s opinion on eliminating the $40 cost for youth 6th to 9th graders faith sharing groups.  Members thought the cost should remain for materials purchased for the groups. 

 

Liturgy: Mike Jones stated he had comments that many like going back to the round hosts for communion. 

 

Communications:  Len Platt reported the price of the parish newsletter is increasing considerably.  He said Western Blue could not continue to print it far below their cost.  Len will have more information on this at the next council meeting.

 

Catholic Organizations:  John Alvey reported the Knights of Columbus have 6 to 8 new members taking their first degree.  He said there was a district prayer service two weeks ago.

 

Internal Human Concerns and Outreach:  Mary George received a request from Joyce Oyen of the council’s position on serving funeral dinners.  She prefers to only serve dinner if held in the Parish Center due to liability reasons.  She doesn’t feel we should have to go to the home and serve.  The council said they would leave the serving decisions to her discretion.  Mary spoke with Lynn Galetti who said they were not having a training class this year for Stephen Ministry as they only had four that could make this commitment.  They have sufficient ministers for their needs at the present time.  Mary also received a request from Joe Barry that the parish council minutes be current on the parish website.

 

Parish and Family Life:  Joe Ross said a number of the ministry heads listed in the parish directory are not accurate.  He found that a number of his contacts were inaccurate.  The Natural Family Planning ministry wants engaged couples to participate according to Susan Stolwyk.

 

School: Chuck Koesterer reported the school enrollment is at 300.  In January they will be looking at Brain-based Education with eight different ways to learn.  The school auction will be November 6th.   

 

Pastor’s Remarks:

 

The next business meeting will be Monday, October 11 at 7:00 p.m.  Larry Stanley will give the opening prayer. 

 

October Agenda:

1)     Newsletter cost

2)     Parish pictorial directory

3)     Announcements

Meeting notes courtesy of Dorothy Haynes - Recording Secretary