ST. MICHAEL PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
February 24, 2009
Present: Father Jim King, Chair-Sharon Bernard, Len Grantner, Mike Gunkel, Gary Gunther, Mary Jager, Mary Manchester and Evelyn Andrews
Absent: Deacon Merle Runck and Richard Marks
The meeting opened at 6 p.m. with a prayer.
There were no additions or corrections to the January meeting minutes.
OLD BUSINESS:
After discussion, a committee of Sharon Bernard, Mary Manchester, Gary Gunther, Len Grantner and Mike Gunkel volunteered to work on formulating a new Parish and PPC Mission Statement to bring to the March Council meeting.
PPC Lenten Soup Supper – Friday, February 27th. A Hearty Cream of Potato soup and bread for 150 persons will be purchased from the Canon City Middle School cooks. Only decaf coffee and water will be served for drinks. Anyone who is available to help set-up would be appreciated at 4 p.m. Also help is needed for clean up afterwards.
PPC is operating with only 8 members, and the by-laws state that we should have at least 9 members and no more than 12. Council should vote someone on before the elections to fill the vacancy created by Ralph Herrman for the remainder of his term (2 years). Please bring a Parish Directory to the March meeting.
No one at the February K of C meeting volunteered to be the liaison to Council, but Fr. Jim is sure someone will surface.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Parish Life – the groups willing to cook have filled all of the soup suppers. Helpers for the March 4th Potluck for the St. John Men’s Choir should be at the gym at 3 p.m. Dinner is at 5 p.m. with singing performance at 7:30 p.m.
Evangelization – Disciples in Mission Lenten program has 64 participants divided into 8 groups. This committee will prepare a meatless soup on Friday, March 27th. Discussion regarding budget, San Luis bus trip, Divine Mercy Sunday and Seder Meal took place.
Christian Formation – There are 3 families with 3 babies preparing for Baptism. There should be 3 couples for the ext marriage class. Budget request forms have been given to all committees to be returned in March for the coming year. 22 St. Michael youth attended the Youth Festival in Pueblo on January 25th. It was a fun experience for all who attended. The Youth Spaghetti Dinner raised approximately $850 on February 1st. Another $800 is still needed for the Mission trip. A youth ski trip is planned for February 28th.
Administration – Klein Construction is still working on the punch list for the new church. The construction loan is paid down to $408,496 at 4% interest. It was suggested that a mini-pledge drive be postponed until we see if use of the building fund envelops increases since Fr. Jim’s request in the bulletin for more donations in this area. Preschool continues to be a concern. Presently there are only 4 parish families who participate. Fr. Jim plans to close the preschool in the fall.
Worship – The following dates for religious education were noted:
March 7th – Retreat in PuebloMarch 15th – First Communion for Youth – 6 total to receiveApril 18th – 5:30 Mass on Saturday will have Confirmation. 6 from St. Michael and 4 from St. Benedict will be confirmedApril 19th – 10 a.m. Mass will have First Communion and the Youth choir will sing.Fr. Jim requested that all committees and ministries be aware of electrical usage. The previous utility bill is the highest it has ever been. Also, please keep track of attendance, success of function and evaluation of events for next year’s Lenten planning. We do not have a record of last year’s activities.
There are 10 new servers. Lenten activities were listed (see previous bulletin). Chrism Mass at the Cathedral in Pueblo is on March 31st. Roger and Sharon Bernard will receive the oils for St. Michael Church.
Knights of Columbus – 2 new members were initiated at the February meeting. Soup supper will be March 20th. Breakfasts have been successful the past few times. There was discussion regarding the Founders Day Dinner and the Knights convention.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Bishop has asked each parish to help develop a new Pastoral Plan for the Diocese. A Plan of Action for Parish Planning with the 5 themes of Parish Life need to be evaluated: Evangelization, Peace & Justice, Worship & Spirituality, Stewardship and Lifelong Catechesis. He sent forms to be filled out and there was discussion about the best way to proceed. Each committee will be asked to pass out the Plan of Action sheets to each member at their March meetings. Then at their April meetings they will combine their completed forms into one form for their committee and return that to the PPC for their April meeting. They will be reviewed and then turned in to the Diocese before May 15th.
There were no comments for Open Forum.
PASTOR’S REPORT: Fr. Jim discussed creating a future development plan for the Chapel renovation (1st priority), rectory, school building and land acquisition. A good planning committee is needed for this.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, March 24th, at 6 p.m. Len Grantner will provide prayers and refreshments.
Respectfully submitted,
Evelyn Andrews, Recording Secretary
