St. James Parish Council Minutes
December 13, 1999

 

OPENING PRAYER:  Jo Krones

 

ABSENT: Steve Gregoire, and Erin Parrish

 

The meeting called to order by Chairperson Sandy Turner.  There was one correction to the November minutes by Sandy Turner.  She said Ralph Agee and Tim Laird would continue to stay involved in further meetings on changing the First Reconciliation and First Communion sacraments rather than Sandy.  Jo Krones then made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Sharon Benson. The December agenda was approved.

 

PROGRAM:  Lori Agee, Adam Benson, Kelly Dolphin were present to tell council members about the experiences they had at the National Catholic Youth Conference held at the St. Louis TWA dome in November.  There were 14 youth and 4 adults attending from St. James.  They thought it was fun and a neat experience to see so many youth of different faiths coming together to worship. 

 

OLD BUSINESS:

1)      Henry Parente was present to share some ideas for strategic planning.  He suggested a team of possibly nine representing different groups from the church to solicit input from the parish, and create a vision statement, determine core values, and develop goals for the church. The Planning Group would report back to the Parish Council.  Sandy asked council members to bring their ideas to the next meeting as to which direction they want to go.

 

MINISTRY REPORTS:

Christian Formation: Ralph Agee – No report.

 

Human Concerns and Outreach: Sandy Turner– Handout reporting on activities of Meals on Wheels, Take Another Look, St. Mary’s Food Kitchen, and Peace and Justice.  A report on Stephen Ministry activities by Sharon Stauffacher was distributed.

 

Catholic Organizations: Jo Krones – Reported Dee Ward was pleased with the grocery collection for Thanksgiving.  There were 130 bags of groceries. The Knights of Columbus will host a black-eyed pea dinner from 10-5 on New Years Day.  It will be free of charge, with donations accepted.

 

Stewardship and Administration: Kim Parente – No report.

 

Liturgy: Steve Wolcott – Asked Tyler to include set-up and teardown schedule for Christmas in bulletin.

 

Education: Steve Gregoire – Handout submitted by Fran Riley covering activities of Religious Education.  There are 254 children PK through Grade 5 attending classes weekly with 166 families represented.

 

School: Anita Holt

 

Youth: Sharon Benson – No report.

 

Prayer: Cindy Rogers – Handout covering activities of Spirit of the Living God Prayer Group and Exposition.  She reported adoration is significantly increasing, and Exposition the First Thursday doubled after Judy Deggendorf and Susan Stolwyk spoke at all the Masses.

 

Communication: William Bednar – Had been in contact with Toni McLain regarding the newsletter which is going very well other than reporters being late getting their articles.  Had also been in contact with the Web Master, Howard Henry.

 

Parish & Family Life: Tim Laird – No report.

 

PASTOR’S REMARKS:

1)      Father Ron felt First Reconciliation held on November 29^th for third grade students was positive with good participation by the parents.  He also stated some parishioners called the Bishop regarding changing the order of First Penance and First Communion, and the Bishop feels everyone should follow the letter of the law in Canon Law with First Penance prior to First Communion.  Therefore, next year second graders will prepare for Penance in the Fall and First Communion in the Spring.  Father suggested the possibility of preparing the children in the Fall with Reconciliation in January, and First Communion in May.

 

2)      There have been some complaints on the Eucharistic Bread, that parishioners questioned the content, and Father said this recipe is approved by Rome.  Some council members expressed their concern on the bread being so crumbly, and dropping on the floor.  After discussion, it was decided to continue the same recipe unless further complaints continue.

 

3)      January annual week of prayer with Ecumenical Prayer at the Christian Church will be January 23^rd at 6:00 p.m.

 

Sandy officially welcomed William Bednar to the council who is filling the remaining term for Dick Brown.

 

The next meeting will be Monday, January 10^th, with opening prayer by Anita Holt. The Boy Scouts will be contacted for the program.

 

Father Ron closed the meeting with a prayer.

 

 

 

 

Meeting notes courtesy of Dorothy Haynes