St. James Pastoral Council Minutes
October 09, 2006

 

OPENING AND CLOSING PRAYER: Sarah Rusch

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: John Alvey, Julia Alsobrook, Diane Dolak, Mary George, Mike Jones, Dave McDonald, Joe Ross, Larry Stanley, Cathy Teague, Ann Tucker, and Sarah Rusch

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Father Joe

 

The meeting was conducted by President of the board, John Alvey.  There was one correction to the September minutes.  Father Joe wanted clarification of the school enrollment.  It should read: 331 in school grades (K – 8), and 54 in pre-school (2, 3, or 5 days) for a total of 385. 

 

Additions to the Agenda are Parish Cleanup Day and Host Stem Cell Presentation.

 

John relayed a message from Father Joe that he would like for John to stay on the Fundraising Committee another year.  The Fundraising Committee consists of Mike Jones, John Alvey, and Julia Alsobrook.

 

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

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

Larry Stanley reported an architect has been chosen from four applicants. ATA was chosen and has started the process of drawing up plans for additions to the school.  The diocese wants us to come up with a 70% pledge.  The ultimate goal is to add 6 classrooms on the upper level and six on the lower level, and to obtain two rooms for each grade by September, 2007.  Group 5 is to meet in about two weeks, and should have a good idea of the total cost of the project.  

                                                                

2.  Missouri stem cell ballot initiative (praying the rosary/outside speaker)

      Dr. John Morris from Rockhurst will be here Sunday, October 22nd at 1:30 p.m. for a presentation on stem cell research.  Father Joe asked if the Parish Council would host and greet people as they come in.  A few council members wondered why St. James didn’t have signs out opposing the amendment and expressed concern on getting parishioners educated on this issue.  It was the consensus of the council to promote the speaker on October 22nd by signs and encouraging parishioners to attend.  

 

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

1.  Fundraising Requests

      The Girl Scouts requested use of our facilities to have a junior prom.  Discussion of the matter resulted in the council not being in favor of this event.

 

2.  Parish Cleanup Day

Parish Cleanup Day will be Saturday, November 11th, 9 to 11 a.m.  Mary George will organize the inside projects, and Joe Ross the outside projects.

 

 

MINISTRY REPORTS;

 

Activities:  Larry Stanley/Mary George

Larry said the Freedom House Auction at Crossley Ford is coming up.  Tickets are $25 each, and will be a nice event.  They did get the grant so should be starting to build soon. 

 

 

 

Liturgy:  Joe Ross

The rosary rally last Friday was attended by approximately 60.  There was a good turnout last month for the first communicant’s reconciliation.

 

Education: Julia Alsobrook and Diane Dolak

Julia reported there are 66 enrolled in Confirmation.  Twenty youth attended the Youth Retreat.  She spoke with Molly who said during a professional development day recently they spent lots of time evaluating special needs, testing, etc.  The school auction will be November 4th and each class has a project.  The middle school is doing a carnival this year.  Religious Education, led by 14 adults, has 137 students in Sunday classes, and 97 on Wednesday evening.

 

Diane reported there are 20 RCIA candidates, 13 not baptized.  Stephen Ministers are basically inactive at the present time because the priests are doing an excellent job counseling ones in need. 

 

Youth:  Sarah Rusch

The first few weeks of youth group have gone well.  The Confirmation groups are working hard.  KCYC is coming up in November.

 

 

NOVEMBER AGENDA:

1)      Discerning God’s call for the Parish

 

2)      Missouri stem cell speaker report

 

3)      Adult formation

 

The next business meeting will be Monday, November 13th at 7:00 p.m.  Opening and closing prayer will be by Larry Stanley.

 

 

 

 

Meeting notes courtesy of Dorothy Haynes - Recording Secretary