St. James Pastoral Council Minutes
October 10, 2005

OPENING & CLOSING PRAYER: Larry Stanley

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: John Alvey, Mary George, Chuck Koesterer, Bobbi Roman, Joe Ross, Larry Stanley, Sara Rusch, and John Talbot

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Father Joe, Mike Jones, and Dave McDonald

 

GUESTS PRESENT:  Mike Klamm

 

The meeting was conducted by President of the board, Chuck Koesterer.  The September minutes were approved as written.  The October Agenda was approved with no additions.

 

Old Business:

1.      Discerning God’s call for the Parish

Mike Klamm was present to give a report on progress of meetings for Discerning God’s Call for the Parish.  The goal group heads met last Wednesday working on timing of strategies.  They will have it on the website soon, and are working with people to bind the document.  They plan to have the books distributed to all parishioners soon. 

                 

2.  Eucharist Retreat

It was reported by Joe Ross and Mary George that the retreat by Father Joe Nassal last Saturday was good, however, there was a light turnout.   Council members thought perhaps attendance might have been better if held during the week in the evening, as working families might feel they cannot attend an all day retreat on Saturday.   Possibly a different format should be considered for the next retreat.

 

New Business:

1.   Resignation of Bobbi Roman from the Council

Bobbi submitted a letter of resignation to the Council since she has accepted the position of Youth Director at St. James.   The council accepted her resignation, and wished her well in her new endeavor. 

 

2.   Fall cleaning day

John Talbot volunteered to head up the fall cleaning workday.  November 12th was the date set for the project to spruce up the inside and outside of the church.  Volunteers to help with this project are welcome. 

 

3.      Discernment for the next Pastoral Council

After discussion on whether to fill the two vacancies on the council it was felt that we should wait until the next discernment.  The by-laws state there shall be ten pastoral council members.  It was suggested to start the discernment in January since it is a lengthy process.  

 

Ministry Reports:

Activities: Larry Stanley and Mary George

Larry reported the Freedom House fundraiser held last week at  B&B Theatre was a huge success with over 500 tickets sold.  Property on Church Road has been donated by a developer for the building site.  Freedom House will provide location for Hillcrest Ministries, Love Inc., In As Much, and possibly other organizations.   Mary received a report from Pam DeMasi that the ministry Just Faith recently had a retreat at the Precious Blood Center.  They meet on Wednesdays.  They are getting involved with Catholic Worker House and St. James downtown.  

 

 

 

Education: Bobbi Roman and Chuck Koesterer

Chuck said the school year started smoothly, and pre-school is going well.  The School Auction is November 5th.  Bobbi reported that Confirmation is this Thursday with 50 to be confirmed.  The Youth Group Junior High Barn Dance in Weston is this weekend.  The Youth Lockout is November 19th. 

 

Liturgy: Mike Jones and Joe Ross

Joe reported the recent Rosary rally was well attended.  He also said the changes in the communion process are going well. 

 

Groups: John Alvey and Dave McDonald

John reported the Knight’s tootsie roll fundraiser was held this past weekend.  They will have a membership drive after Masses next weekend.

 

The council discussed putting a notice in the bulletin for fundraiser groups to contact the parish office for questions on fundraising guidelines for tithing.

 

The next business meeting will be Monday, November14 at 7:00 p.m.  Opening and closing prayer will be by John Talbot.

 

November agenda items:

 

 

Meeting notes courtesy of Dorothy Haynes - Recording Secretary