ST. MICHAEL PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

Minutes of the Regular Meeting

February 23, 2010

PRESENT:  Father Jim King, Deacon Merle Runck, Chair Mary Manchester, Richard Marks, John Metz, Sandi Miller, Al Petersen, Marilyn Scherer, and Evelyn Andrews.  Len Grantner and Mike Gunkel were absent.

The meeting opened at 6 p.m. with a prayer.

There were no additions or corrections to the January meeting minutes.

OLD BUSINESS:

The Lenten Soup Supper sponsored by Parish Council went very well.  Mary thanked the incredible help received from council members.  Inclement weather could be the reason only 66 persons attended…usually the first soup supper has the best attendance.  Need to think about a change in menu for next Lent…perhaps a fish fry.

Vacant Parish Council Seat – Since there are only 2 more meetings of the current council, we will not attempt to fill the vacant seat at this time.  There will be an election of 3 persons in May, and that should round out the Council.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Parish Life – All Friday soup suppers have been filled by various ministries.  Parish Life committee will prepare the soup for the 3/19 supper as none of the youth parents have stepped forward to do this.  Also, this committee will help with preparation of the Seder Meal on 3/31.  All of this committee’s information for the new ministry brochure will stay the same as was submitted last year to the Bishop’s request to detail their activities.

Evangelization – Disciples in Mission program is set with 7 groups for the Lenten small-group program.  Planning for soup supper will be Tuesday, May 9th.

Christian Formation – 1) Pre-school through 3rd grade attendance is doing well, but 4th, 5th and 8th grades show poor attendance; 2) Plans are in the works for a Vacation Bible School this summer; 3) no update on Youth mission trip.

Communications:  John reported he has received a few response forms with ministry information for the updated ministry brochure.   He has been in contact with Liturgical Publications regarding format and cost estimate: 600 copies, 5 ½ by 8 ½, approximately $270 plus shipping.

Administration – 1) St. Anthony Church in Brookside contract price has been lowered to $60,000; 2) received $7800 back from DMF overage collected from parishioners; 3) defective church lighting should be resolved soon; 4) parish is switching from Qwest to Bresnan for phone and internet service; 5) sand is being used on sidewalks instead of snowmelt to keep the concrete from crumbling; 6) work will begin soon to replace plumbing flush valves and faucets in the school restrooms.

Worship – 1) Father noted an Usher coordinator is needed, otherwise, the usher ministry is working fairly well; 2) Thursday Lenten Mass will be at 8:00 a.m. instead of 6:45 a.m.; 3) Lenten Penance Service is tentatively scheduled for Monday of Holy Week; 4) Good Friday will offer Stations at 12:10 p.m. and Veneration of the Cross at 2:00 p.m.; 5) Easter Vigil will probably start at 7:30 p.m. and Easter Sunday Masses at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.

Knights of Columbus -  It was suggested that Len Grantner could be the liaison for this group as he is present at all the meetings.

NEW BUSINESS:

The Seder Meal will be on March 31st.  All council members should plan to attend this function, and following the Seder Meal will be a potluck dinner, then council will practice for Holy Thursday foot washing immediately following the dinner.

The Chrism Mass will be on Tuesday, March 23rd at 5:00 p.m.  It was suggested that a Parish member be asked to receive the Oils, instead of a council member.  Also John and Mary Metz would be happy to attend this special Mass.

It was noted that many parish members are seriously ill, and they need our prayers.

DMF pledges are running approximately the same as last year…225 pledges to date.  The office will mail a letter from Father Jim this week encouraging participation in this fund.  Last year we had 314 pledges, and the overage amount of  $7800 was returned to St. Michael Church.

Tentative date for the next council meeting is Tuesday, March 30th.  Marilyn Scherer will provide prayers and refreshments.

The meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m. with a prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Evelyn Andrews, Recording Secretary

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