St. James Pastoral Council Minutes
September 11, 2006

 

OPENING AND CLOSING PRAYER: Joe Ross

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: John Alvey, Julia Alsobrook, Mary George, Mike Jones, Joe Ross, Larry Stanley, Ann Tucker, Sarah Rusch, Father Joe and Father Matt

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Diane Dolak, Dave McDonald, and Cathy Teague

 

The meeting was conducted by President of the board, John Alvey.  There was one addition to the August minutes.  Sarah Rusch was to be added to Education ministry.  Fundraising Committee was added to the Agenda. 

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

1.      Discerning God’s call for the Parish (Parish improvement project)

Larry reported two architects are interviewing this week for the parish improvement project.  He said there is going to be an accordion door installed where the Mallen room window was removed.  Father said it would mostly be used as a bride’s room for weddings.  Larry said the approximate cost is under $5,000 to convert the Mallen room to worship space thanks to lots of donated services.  They are going to replace concrete at the entry way to the church with planters to be done by a Scout project.  

                                                                

2.  Missouri stem cell ballot initiative – Fr. Joe

      Father Joe and Father Matt attended a day long workshop on stem cell research recently.  Father Joe said John Morris was a very good speaker at the workshop.  He will be here to speak at St. James on Sunday, October 22nd at 1:30 p.m.  Father invited all of the ministerial alliance and will put an announcement in the bulletin.  Father Joe said they are doing petitions and are asking for daily rosary commitments to pray that that embryonic stem cell research not be allowed.

 

3.  Tractor shelter

      Father Joe said the carport type cover has been okayed for a shelter for the tractor used for parish grounds maintenance.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

1.  Fundraising Committee

      John asked for a new Fundraising Committee as the present members, Mike, Larry and John, have served a long time.  Mike Jones volunteered to remain on the committee with Julia and Cathy being appointed to serve.

 

MINISTRY REPORTS;

 

Activities:  Larry Stanley/Mary George

Larry said the support for the Macy’s cards for the benefit of Freedom House has been slow.  They are having a big fundraiser in October at Crossley Ford.  They need around $400,000 to $500,000 before they can break ground for their new building so they are looking at getting grants.  In As Much ministry won’t have a place after the end of the year.  Mary said the next Blood Drive is Tuesday, September 26th.  The Prayer Garden is checking into a sign to raise awareness to encourage use. 

 

Liturgy:  Joe Ross

The Rosary Rally will be Friday, October 6th.  The Rosary Group is praying now until election for the stem cell initiative.

 

 

Education: Julia Alsobrook

There are 385 enrolled in the school.  Molly Doherty says how desperately the school needs additional space.  Today was grandparent’s day with around 500 in the social hall.  Cecelia Richardson needs two more teachers for Religious Education.  Sue Harrison asked if we could put a reminder in the bulletin that the Sunday Nursery is for children five and under.  She also asked if possibly someone could donate another diaper table or changing mat for the Sunday Nursery Service.  Julia will write up a request for the bulletin.

 

PASTOR’S COMMENTS:  

1)  The feasibility study going on in the Northland will be meeting this month to plan for future growth and the need for an additional church or schools.    

 

2)  There has not been a good response to the parish improvement project.  Since income hasn’t been too great, improvements might be limited.

 

OCTOBER AGENDA:

1)      Discerning God’s call for the Parish

 

2)      Missouri stem cell ballot initiative

 

The next business meeting will be Monday, October 9th at 7:00 p.m.  Opening and closing prayer will be by Sarah Rusch.

 

 

 

 

Meeting notes courtesy of Dorothy Haynes - Recording Secretary