ST. MICHAEL PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
April 28, 2009
Present: Father Jim King, Chair Sharon Bernard, Len Grantner, Mary Jager, Mary Manchester, John Metz, Deacon Merle Runck, and Evelyn Andrews.
Absent: Mike Gunkel, Richard Marks and Al Petersen
The meeting opened at 6:10 p.m. with a prayer.
St. Michael Pre-School – Christine Racine and Kathy Slattery were present to talk to the Council regarding keeping the pre-school open. Letters and petitions were presented. Father Jim assured the women that we would like to keep the pre-school open, but insurance coverage is not available since there are so few children attending whose parents are a part of St. Michael Church. It is with regret that the pre-school will not re-open in the fall.
There was clarification of the March Council minutes. Minutes were approved as written.
OLD BUSINESS:
John Metz, a new council member, was introduced and welcomed.
There was a list of 36 nominees for Council. Each Council member will call 6 persons to see if they would be interested in serving on Council. There was discussion regarding procedure to follow and how to answer questions. If more than 3 persons are willing to serve on Council for 3 years, there will be a “drawing of names” after the 10 a.m. Mass on May 17th.
“Called to Serve” – A sub-committee will be formed to formulate the responses from the different committees/ministries. This needs to be completed and turned in to the Diocese by May 15th.
2009-2010 Budget – There was discussion and approval by the Council of next year’s budget.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Parish Life – Committee was busy during Holy Week with preparations for Easter.
Evangelization – Disciples in Mission had very positive comments from those who participated. Committee was pleased with the Soup Supper they prepared. Divine Mercy Sunday was well attended at the 5:30 p.m. and 10 a.m. Masses due to Confirmation and First Communion. St. Michael Church will coordinate with Don Farr (Loaves & Fishes) to be sure we have a free booth at “Fiddlers on the Arkansas”.
Christian Formation – Elementary Religious Education plans for the fall program will be presented to Father Jim by May 15th. Five scholarships will be awarded to St. Michael graduating seniors. RCIA program for the current year is completed. One person was baptized and three candidates made their profession of faith. The congregation congratulated these persons after Mass in the gathering space (instead of the usual reception in the gym). Three children are to be baptized. Two adults are scheduled to be confirmed on Pentecost. Four couples are participating in Marriage Prep classes.
Youth – 6 children received their First Communion on March 15th. April was the last month for religious ed. Second year retreat for Confirmation candidates and their sponsors was held on April 5th. Confirmation was April 18th at the 5:30 Mass. The Confirmation class assisted Knights of Columbus April breakfast. The Knights donated the proceeds from the breakfast to the Youth mission trip.
Administration – A total of 946 parishioners were solicited fro DMF pledges, and 294 persons responded (only 31% participation). There is a need for some type of stewardship program within the parish. If expenses continue to increase, the current rate of income wouldn’t be enough. The Resurrection figure should be installed in the Prayer Garden within the next few weeks.
Maintenance – The new concrete on the north side of the chapel and in the Prayer Garden is flaking. A cement contractor will be contacted to see what can be done to prevent it. Stainless steel lettering “St. Michael Catholic Church” was installed near the south entrance to the church. Upper windows on the north side of the gym will be replaced. Screen-type light blocking shades have been ordered for Room 107. It will be determined how they are liked.
Worship – Training for new Eucharistic Ministers will be in early June. All choir members participated in one or more services during Holy Week and at Confirmation and First Communion. Father would like all Religious Ed teachers and parents to meet before May 15th to plan for next year’s classes. Pool Party will be scheduled for either July 19th or 26th. There was a large crowd for the Penance Service. Seder Meal went well. Service on Holy Thursday was well done. Father Jim is open to another format for Stations of the Cross.
Knights of Columbus – Knights of Columbus will lead the rosary during May. Backup persons are also scheduled.
NEW BUSINESS:
Parish Council will coordinate a “head count” at all weekend Masses during May. The ushers will do the actual counting after communion, and will also count those who leave early: Mary Jager will talk to the ushers at the 5:0 p.m. Mass, Len Grantner will take care of the 7:20 a.m. Mass, and Mary Manchester will talk to the ushers at the first 3 weekends, and John Metz will take over the last 2 weekends for the 10 a.m. Mass.
Parish Picnic – will be September 13th or September 20th at Rudd Park. Mary Manchester volunteered to reserve the park fro 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on one of those Sundays, depending on availability and the Broncos schedule.
No Open Forum and No Pastor’s Report
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. with a prayer. Thanks to Sharon for refreshments and prayers. Next regular meeting will be Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at 6:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Evelyn Andrews, Recording Secretary
