St. James Pastoral Council Minutes
Nov 12, 2007

 

 

 

Opening and Closing Prayer: Joe Ross

 

Members Present:  Julia Alsobrook, John Alvey, Mary George, Lisa Richardson, Joe Ross, Cathy Teague, Jim Thornton, Ann Tucker, and Father Matt

 

Members Absent: Diane Dolak, Dave McDonald, and Father Tom

 

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

 

Old Business:

1.      Discerning God’s Call for the Parish Goal #5 (Parish Improvement Project) 

Father Matt reported on the parish improvement project.  He said that the 5th grade classroom would be taken away for 6 weeks and that 3 or 4 classrooms would possible temporarily relocate to the social hall. Father Matt said that Daryl would be the representative to report and answer questions on the project in Dave’s absence.  The status of the project will be reported in the bulletin.

 

2.      Council Positions Vacancies

Jim Thornton agreed to join the council from the last discernment process.  Lisa Richardson joined as the new youth member.  The council term expires in June for Joe, Mary, Dave, and possibly, John, who were asked to help recruit new members for the spring discernment.  They were asked to pray and consider whether they wished to continue to serve on the council.  The discussion will be brought up again in January.

 

3.      Recording Secretary

John checked with Pam DeMasi about the opening for a recording secretary and she had no suggestions for him.  Cathy volunteered to contact Pam again for a possible list of names of those who may have had an interest in helping out in the parish office.

 

4.      Diocese Family Rosary Initiative

Joe reported that Father Tom will make announcements about the rosary rally integrated into the Sunday sermons starting the week after Thanksgiving.  Led by Joe, there will be a call for about 100 volunteers to visit households in the parish to promote praying the rosary, and also to determine if those households are still members of the parish.  Each family will be given a packet including a miraculous medal, Eucharistic Family Rosary Crusade pamphlet, and a Knights of Columbus instruction sheet on how to pray the rosary.  The goal is to have 50,000 people attend the Rosary Rally on May 8th.  Ann offered to donate 30 rosaries she has from being RCIA Director to the project.

 

 

 

 

 

New Business

1.      Stewardship Committee Report

John and Mary attended the Stewardship Committee meeting.  The Committee would like to          prepare a power point presentation about the opportunities available in stewardship and getting more people involved in parish life to present to the Pastoral Council.  They then would like to go to small groups within the parish with their presentation.

 

2.      Parish Clean-up Day

 Mary tentatively proposed Dec. 1 as clean-up day.  Mary volunteered to be in charge of the inside, and Cathy offered to help organize the effort if needed.  John suggested putting a notice in the bulletin for anyone to come forward with things that they see that need to be fixed or cleaned.

 

3.      School Auction

Molly reported that the auction brought in over $100,000, not counting expenses.

 

Ministry Reports

 

Youth: Lisa Richardson

Lisa reported that the lock-out was this weekend.  They will also be taking food to a local shelter

 

Activities: Mary George

Mary reported that the Fall Gathering was very nice, but it seemed to her that the groups attending were getting smaller.  The kids had a lot of fun, and overall it was a good event.  A Memorial Service will be held on November 17th with a lunch following provided by the Compassionate Caregivers.  A letter of invitation went out to loved ones of families buried from this parish. The next blood drive will be held on November 22nd.

 

Groups: Ann Tucker

Ann reported that the Altar Society’s November speaker was Joyce Fessler who talked about her involvement with In As Much Ministries and empahsized that the many needy families in Clay County needed other protein items besides peanut butter.  No grocery stores are helping and the need is growing.  The Peruvian group is meeting this Tuesday night.  They are looking for parishioners who might be able to go on their next trip in February possibly over President’s Day weekend, so the youth might be able to go, also. Jim and Ann Tucker are considering making the trip.  The Precious Blood Companions held a welcome rite for seven inquirers.  About 40 people attended Father Joe Nassal’s Reconciliation Workshop on November 10th.

 

Liturgy: Joe Ross

Joe reported that there was no Liturgy meeting in October.  They will be working on Christmas liturgies next week.  The kneeling of the servers during the Eucharistic Prayer will soon be implemented.

Education:  Julia Alsobrook

Julia reported that there are 300 enrolled in Sunday religious ed classes and 100 in the Wednesday classes.  These numbers are up from last year.  Parents have expressed some concern about the construction.  There are 102 students preparing for their First Reconciliation on the Monday after Thanksgiving.  A statue of Our Lady of Fatima is traveling throughout the school.

 

October Agenda

1.      Discerning God’s Call for the Parish

 

The next meeting will be Monday, December 10 at 7 pm, with business first followed by a Christmas party.  Opening and closing prayer will be by Cathy Teague

 

Meeting notes courtesy of Cathy Teague - Recording Secretary