St. James Pastoral Council Minutes
November 13, 2006

 

OPENING AND CLOSING PRAYER: Larry Stanley

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: John Alvey, Julia Alsobrook, Diane Dolak, Mary George, Joe Ross, Sarah Rusch, Larry Stanley, Cathy Teague, Ann Tucker, Father Joe and Father Matt

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Dave McDonald

 

The meeting was conducted by President of the board, John Alvey.  The October minutes were approved as written.  The November agenda was approved.

 

John Alvey announced the resignation of Mike Jones from the Pastoral Council. 

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

1.      Discerning God’s Call for the Parish Goal #5 (Parish improvement project)

Larry Stanley distributed drawings from the architect for the school expansion project showing new construction of rooms for pre-school, kindergarten, youth room, library/computers room, and cafeteria expansion.  They hope to have the final cost by December 1st after making some changes in the initial proposal.  Alex with ATA is working with Len Platt, Dave McDonald, and Father Joe on details and changes.

                                                                

NEW BUSINESS:

 

1.  Report by the El Pinar Parish Mission Committee

      John and Susan Stolwyk were present to update the council on El Pinar.  They showed pictures of El Pinar, and projects they worked on while there on mission trips.  They have assisted with putting a concrete roof on the church, and digging a trench around the property to establish their property line.  They need additional work on the church and help building a wall around the property.  El Pinar is served by Precious Blood priests that serve 12 parishes in the area.  Susan thanked the parish for their great support in this project which was a goal in the parish 2010 project to establish a relationship with a third world church.  The committee hasn’t had to rely on parish funds for donations.  About $3,900 has been contributed to El Pinar through donations, coffee and Peruvian souvenir sales.  The next mission trip will be February 15 through 20th if anyone is interested in going. 

 

2.  Discerning God’s Call for the Parish – Adult Formation position – Fr. Tim

Father Joe reported Father Tim Guthridge will be assisting part-time in adult faith formation.  He will be giving some presentations during Advent.  He will be working with the Religious Education board to determine some areas we need to improve on. 

 

3.  Auction Report (Education committee members)

It was reported approximately $91,000 was made on the school auction held November 4th which was thought to be down about $10,000 from last year.

 

 

MINISTRY REPORTS;

 

Youth:  Sarah Rusch

December 3rd is movie day for the Confirmation groups at Liberty Theatre, and is to be on the birth of Jesus.   This Wednesday Jason Everett will be here to speak on chastity for the 6th to 8th grades. 

 

 

 

Activities:  Larry Stanley/Mary George

Larry said the Freedom House Auction raised $35,000 at their auction.  He said they will probably start building soon.  Hillcrest Ministries made $65,000 at their auction.  

 

Mary said the last Blood Drive for this year will be November 28th.  A lot was accomplished at the Parish Cleanup Day.  Several inside and outside projects were completed considering there was a small group volunteering.   There will be a Memorial Service this Saturday at 11 a.m. with a light lunch served by the Compassionate Caregivers.  It is for anyone to attend whether they have lost a loved one in the last year or not.  

 

Liturgy:  Joe Ross/Cathy Teague/Ann Tucker

Joe said the Mass schedules for Christmas and New Year’s are the same as last year.  Father Joe said they will be dropping the Sunday Mass at 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

 

Cathy said more volunteers are needed for visiting the sick and shut-ins during the day.

 

Ann said the Hospitality Committee needs more people for greeters. The Prison Ministry could also use more volunteers to pray and have scripture with inmates once or twice a month.  The Art & Environment committee said we’ll have the same things we’ve had before and that banners are done.  Youth Band is going to start playing twice a month on the second and fourth Sundays.  They are going to work in some more traditional music.  There are about 10 youth involved.  More are welcome, and practice is at 4:15 p.m. before 6:00 p.m. Mass.  

 

Education: Julia Alsobrook and Diane Dolak

Julia reported things are going well in Religious Education.  Julia commented on the impressive service held on All Saint’s Day at 6 p.m.

 

Diane said the Rite of Acceptance for catechumens will be this coming weekend.  The Fall Gathering was attendance was down from last year’s Advent Gathering.  It was estimated around 100 attended this year.

 

Reassignment of Ministry Reports: Ann Tucker will cover Groups with Dave McDonald.  Joe Ross and Cathy Teague will continue to cover Liturgy.

 

 

Pastor’s Comments:

1.      Father Joe expressed his appreciation for all that the council does.

 

2.      Father Joe sadly accepted the resignation of Mike Jones from the council.

 

(Father Joe asked me to add to the minutes the following since he forgot to share it at the meeting.)

3.      Father Joe said he was asked by the Bishop to be on a Steering Committee for the Northland Planning Process.  It is to look at the two deaneries North of the river, and look to the future about parishes and schools.  If anyone has any concerns or ideas, please let him know by December 1st.  Father Joe has a meeting on December 6th down at the chancery.

 

 

DECEMBER AGENDA:

1)      Discerning God’s call for the Parish

 

 

The next business meeting will be Monday, December 11th at 7:00 p.m.  Members may bring Christmas treats as customary for our December meeting.  Opening and closing prayer will be by Cathy Teague.

 

 

Meeting notes courtesy of Dorothy Haynes - Recording Secretary