St. James Pastoral Council Minutes
December 12, 2005

 

OPENING & CLOSING PRAYER: John Alvey

 

MEMBERS PRESENT: John Alvey, Mary George, Mike Jones, Chuck Koesterer, Dave McDonald, Joe Ross, Larry Stanley, Sara Rusch, Father Joe and Father Matt

 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  John Talbot

 

The meeting was conducted by President of the board, Chuck Koesterer.  The November minutes were approved as written.  The December agenda was approved.

 

Old Business:

1.      Discerning God’s call for the Parish

Mike Klamm reported he is very pleased with the progress of Discerning God’s call for the Parish.  Groups are meeting on a monthly basis.  A survey questionnaire to the parish will be finalized in January.  He said they are still looking for a communications or marketing person to assist them. 

                                                                

2.  Fall Cleaning Day

The fall cleaning day was a success and a lot was accomplished due to the number of volunteers to organize and assist with the projects.

 

 3.  Discernment for the Next Pastoral Council

      Chuck said he will check with the diocese and St. Charles Parish for materials or assistance with the upcoming discernment for the next pastoral council.

 

New Business:

1.   Fund-raising letter

      The fund-raising committee handed out a form letter they drafted outlining St. James fund-raising guidelines for activities held in the parish.  Each organization/group is requested to have only one fund-raiser per year, and tithe at least 10% of the gross income to the parish.  The council approved the letter.

 

Ministry Reports:

Activities: Larry Stanley and Mary George

Mary reported Glory Be Tea was a wonderful event and was well attended.  The Advent Giving Tree received a good response with all but 7 tags being returned with gifts. 

Larry reported that In As Much ministry was low on food.  The Liberty mayor’s Christmas tree donated extra food.  Love, Inc. adopted 15 families assisting people with heating bills. 

 

Education: Mike Jones

The Youth Group lockout was attended by 80 students and was a very good event.  They toured the City Union Mission family facility.  They also attended an excellent movie “The Chronicles of Narnia.”

 

Liturgy: Mike Jones and Joe Ross

Joe reported the new communion lines are going well.  The Spanish Mass at 6 p.m. yesterday and the reception afterwards were well-attended.   There were 122 in the First Reconciliation program. 

Mike showed the council the new olive wood processional cross is almost completed, and hoped to have it done by Christmas. 

Father Matt reported the 8 p.m. Sunday Mass at William Jewell number attending is increasing.  He said they had a good reception after Mass last night with about 22 attending. 

 

 

 

Groups: John Alvey and Dave McDonald

Chuck said the Knights of Columbus will hold their Black-eyed Pea Dinner on New Year’s Day after 11 a.m. Mass.

Father Joe has received requests from groups and individuals wanting to attend the March for Pro-Life in Washington in January.  If anyone has any frequent flyer miles to help pay for a trip to Washington they would appreciate any donations.   

 

Administration and Stewardship:  Chuck Koesterer and John Talbot

Chuck said the priests will be moving to their new house soon.  They are in the process of selecting a realtor for the sale of their present house.

 

The next business meeting will be Monday, January 9th at 7:00 p.m.  Opening and closing prayer will be by Mary George.   

 

January agenda items:

  • Discerning God’s Call For Our Parish-Mike Klamm
  • Pictorial Directory Update
  • Discernment Process for next Council

 

Following adjournment of the business meeting everyone enjoyed fellowship and Christmas snacks brought by the members.

 

 

Meeting notes courtesy of Dorothy Haynes - Recording Secretary