St. James Parish Council Minutes
November 8, 1999

 

OPENING PRAYER:  Sandy Turner

 

ABSENT: Adam and Sharon Benson, Dick Brown, Kim Parente, Erin Parrish, and Steve Wolcott

 

The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Sandy Turner.  There was one correction to the October minutes by Cindy Rogers that the rosary is at 2:15 rather than 2:00 p.m. on Thursdays. Ralph made a motion to approve the October minutes, seconded by Anita Holt. The November agenda was approved.

 

PROGRAM: Sandy Landuyt presented an update on RCIA.  She said there had been a change in meeting time from Monday night to Sunday at 9:15 a.m. which lasts about 1 ˝ hours.  There has been good help from the parishioners, but she said they needed sponsors for children, and she asked the council for their help.

 

Father Ron informed the council Dick Brown asked to have the remainder of his term filled out by William Bednar since he had been absent a number of meetings, and expected that to continue. Father said William Bednar was next in votes for the office, and would accept.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

1)      Sandy informed members the meeting with Henry Parente on strategic planning went very well, and Henry said he would be glad to attend the December council meeting to give ideas.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

1)   Fran Riley was present to explain changes in sacrament preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion.  She said parents do not want both sacraments in the same year while in the second grade because of the time involved in preparation and meetings.   She said most second graders do not have a comprehension level of sin, and it is felt judgment should be left up to the parents when the children are ready for the sacraments.  Greg Werner and Kathy Reising representing parents of students involved were present to express their concern about changing the order of the sacraments by having First Communion in the spring while in the second grade, and not having First Reconciliation until the third grade in the Fall.  Greg said his interpretation of Canon Law was to have the sacrament of Reconciliation before First Communion, and didn’t feel the second graders should be held back from receiving both sacraments.  After a lengthy discussion, Sandy Turner and Cindy Rogers said they would stay involved and a further meeting would be held with Fran and Greg concerning the sacrament changes.

 

MINISTRY REPORTS:

Christian Formation: Ralph Agee – No report.

 

Human Concerns and Outreach: Sandy Turner– St. James-KC will have their barbeque this weekend.

 

Catholic Organizations: Jo Krones – No report.

 

Stewardship and Administration: Kim Parente – Absent

 

Liturgy: Steve Wolcott – Handout concerning a critical need for part-time office help to assist Tyler with paperwork.

 

Education: Steve Gregoire – Reported activities of Religious Education including Christmas play “Stable of Bethlehem” to be held December 12.

 

School: Anita Holt – Reported  the school received accreditation with a high report.  She also reported the School Auction was extremely successful netting $76,000. She said the eighth graders are required to perform 10 hours of service for the parish for graduation.  The School Board discussed a memorial to Helen Roach.  She also said there will be a recycle container for paper.

 

Youth: Sharon Benson – Absent.

 

Prayer: Cindy Rogers – Handout covering activities of Bible Study, Prayer Garden, and Eucharistic Adoration.  Also noted in handout is National Night of Prayer for Life---1999 to be held Wednesday, December 8, 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM Dec. 9 at our parish.  The purpose of this is for the sins against the lives of our innocent pre-born and helpless ones.

 

Communication: Dick Brown – Absent.

 

Parish & Family Life: Tim Laird – The parish nursery at 9:15 and 11 AM Masses is going well.  A Nature Trail is in progress.  The Family Life Ministry built bookcases for the Family Life Library in the Mallen Room.  Tim said Candy Clark of the Babysitting Co-op is the only one doing fundraising.  There are 12 couples using the co-op, but she is not getting help from the others with the religious article sales.

 

PASTOR’S REMARKS:

 

1)      Father said a proposal was written up by Tom Eatman, consultant on our worship space, but the administration committee advised not hiring him as the parish is not financially ready to proceed.

 

The next meeting will be Monday December 13^th, with opening prayer by Jo Krones. Henry Parente is scheduled for the program.

 

Father Ron closed the meeting with a prayer.

 

 

 

 

Meeting notes courtesy of Dorothy Haynes

11/8/1999