St. James Pastoral Council Minutes
September 12, 2005

OPENING & CLOSING PRAYER: Joe Ross

MEMBERS PRESENT: John Alvey, Mary George, Chuck Koesterer, Mike Jones, Bobbi Roman, Joe Ross, Sara Rusch, and Father Joe

MEMBERS ABSENT: Dave McDonald, Larry Stanley, and John Talbot

GUESTS PRESENT: Cynthia Eslick and Mike Klamm

The meeting was conducted by President of the board, Chuck Koesterer. There was one correction to the August minutes. The Education ministry report should have read, “Bobbi said catechists are needed for faith sharing on Wednesdays 6:30 to 8 p.m. Additions to the Agenda were: Introduction of new council Youth representative, Sara Rusch; Parish Retreat; and Liberty Symphony.

Old Business:

1. Discerning God’s call for the Parish meetings – follow-up

Mike Klamm presented to the council a document of goals and strategies outlined by the Discerning God’s Call For Our Parish meetings. He asked the council’s approval to publish it for distribution to parishioners. He said they plan to bind the document before distribution. He also said they need help communicating or marketing the plan and asked if anyone knew of someone to assist with this. Mike will report progress back to the council monthly for a while.

2. Pictorial Directory

More dates have been added in October to accommodate additional photos for the directory. It was reported about 1/3 of the parish has been photographed for the directory. There is still time to get your photo scheduled.

New Business:

1. Parish Retreat

Father Joe said the Parish Retreat “Day of Reflection” by Fr. Joseph Nassal will be Saturday, October 1^st. Hours will probably be 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It was decided to have pre-registration so we will have an idea how many to plan for. Options for lunch were also discussed with possibly providing a box lunch for $5.00 if attendees registered for lunch. A free-will offering will be asked to defray costs. Father Joe asked for volunteers to help with pre-registration, etc. Mary George and Mike Jones volunteered to assist.

2. Liberty Symphony

Father Joe said the Liberty Symphony asked to come back to St. James again this year. We’ve held it the last two years, and even though we usually only break even on the event, Father Joe feels it is good publicity for St. James. It will probably be held in March.

Ministry Reports:

Activities: Larry Stanley and Mary George

The next blood drive will be September 27^th at St. James. It will be the Battle for Blood drive contest between the firemen and policemen. A Benediction Rally will be held here on October 7^th at 6:30 p.m.

Respect for Life will have a rose by the ambo again this year. There will be a table in the narthex with free literature on Respect for Life.

Education: Bobbi Roman and Chuck Koesterer

Cynthia Eslick reported there were 160 youth here from four parishes for the Confirmation rally. It was a good kickoff on their journey. Confirmation is October 13^th. There will be a junior high barn dance at Weston October 14^th with other Northland parishes joining for fellowship. The Boy Scouts are going to sell popcorn at their October coffee and donuts. The Little Saints Playgroup has moved to Monday. Enrollment for pre-school is at 52 making a total of 357 enrolled in the school. The Knights pie auction and spaghetti supper will be October 1^st. The School Auction is coming up the first Saturday in November.

Liturgy: Mike Jones and Joe Ross

Starting the first weekend in October changes in communion set by the diocese will take place. Precious metal will be used for serving the bread and wine. Mike gave ideas on a number of speakers and costs for a seminar or presentation for adults on parenting. Mike will select a committee to decide on a speaker or series of speakers and present it at the next meeting.

Groups: John Alvey and Dave McDonald

No Report

Pastor’s Comments – Father Joe

• Is proud that four from our parish are working on the Freedom House project. The first fundraiser was here in our church, and the next will be October 6^th at B&B Theater. He said this is a great blessing to our community, and a good thing to support.
• Appreciates efforts of different groups working together. Thinks we have made some progress the past year.
• Generations of Faith is coming up the second weekend in November. If any council members can help coordinate, let Father know.
• Expressed appreciation for the work Cynthia Eslick has done as Youth Director. She is resigning October 14^th.
• Joshua Barlett won’t be able to continue as Council Youth Representative since he has taken a job. Welcome to Sara Rusch as Youth Representative.

The next business meeting will be Monday, October 10th at 7:00 p.m. Opening and closing prayer will be by Larry Stanley.

October agenda item:

• Update on Discerning God’s Call For Our Parish—Mike Klamm

Meeting notes courtesy of Dorothy Haynes - Recording Secretary