ST. MICHAEL PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
January 27, 2009
PRESENT: Father Jim King, Len Grantner, Mike Gunkel, Gary Gunther, Mary Manchester, Richard Marks, Deacon Merle Runck, and Evelyn Andrews. Sharon Bernard, Ralph Herrman and Mary Jager were absent.
In the absence of Sharon Bernard due to a family emergency, acting chair Mike Gunkel opened the meeting at 6 p.m. with the Prayer of St. Francis.
A big thank-you goes to Gary and Judy Gunther for the wonderful job of hosting the Christmas potluck at their lovely home.
There were no additions or corrections to the November 2008 meeting minutes.
OLD BUSINESS:
The committee to formulate a new Mission Statement for the ad parish and council is tabled until the February meeting.
Since there was no Knights of Columbus meeting in January, Father Jim did not appoint a new liaison to council (to fill the vacancy when Len Grantner agreed to become a council member at the November meeting).
Council member names and phone numbers have been in the bulletin a few times. There haven’t been any contacts made except for listening so some comments.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Parish Life – Thanks to all who helped with Christmas decorating and un-decorating in the church and chapel. Friday soup suppers will begin on February 27th, with Parish Pastoral Council preparing the first one. Wednesday, March 4th, the St. John’s Men’s Choir will sing at St. Michael Church. This committee has been asked to help set up and clean up for a potluck on that evening.
Evangelization – Approximately 60 parish members will participate in Disciples in Mission. Group Leaders have been picked, and groups will be assigned according to convenient days to meet. This committee will prepare a meatless soup for supper on March 13th. - Changing the day of the Lenten Soup Suppers to Wednesday to promote better participation was discussed. The idea would not work, as Fridays during Lent are traditional Stations of the Cross…also the meatless meals are only on Friday’s during Lent.
Christian Formation – There were no minutes available, but Religious Education classes were the main topic of discussion.
Knights of Columbus – No January meeting.
Youth – Richard reported the Youth Festival was well attended and the speaker was great.
Administration – 6-month statement of Financial Position for December 2008, was discussed and questions from council members were answered. Father Jim reported finances are in good shape. Klein Construction will submit a final statement in a few weeks. New windows and a new sound system have been installed in the gym. Mortgage on the new church has been paid down nearly $111,000 to date. 2008 DMF Campaign pledges are short by $4200. 2009 DMF assessment is $73,911. Budget Request Forms will be distributed to all ministries in February for the coming fiscal year. Final budget will be presented to the Diocese in June 2009. It must be a balanced budget.
Maintenance – Repairs on the ceiling tiles in the chapel have been completed. Heaters have been installed in three rooms in the school building and seem to be working well. The bronze statue for the prayer garden is the process. Father Jim would like to install new windows for the meeting room and install new doors on the east end of the school. Maintenance committee approved this expenditure.
Worship – St. John Men’s Choir will perform at St. Michael Church on March 4th. Music ministry will coordinate. Ushers will meet to discuss safety/security measures with Jeff Worley and Harvey Church.
Father Jim reported:
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He will be visiting the 5th grade class to encourage them to become Altar Servers.
He will be visiting the 5th grade class to encourage them to become Altar Servers.-60-70 people attended the La Posada on 12/21
60-70 people attended the La Posada on 12/21-5 priests were sufficient to handle confessions at Christmas Penance service
5 priests were sufficient to handle confessions at Christmas Penance service-Timing for Christmas Masses went well at 5:30 p.m. and 9 a.m.
Timing for Christmas Masses went well at 5:30 p.m. and 9 a.m.-The new Nativity Set has been much admired.
The new Nativity Set has been much admired.NEW BUSINESS:
Ralph Herrman has resigned from the Parish Pastoral Council. There was a discussion regarding replacement of a council member who cannot finish their 3-year term on council. Evelyn will make a list of council members and their remaining time on council.
PASTOR’S REPORT:
Father Jim would like to gather a committee to plan for the renovation of the Chapel (first priority), but also a master plan for the rectory and the school building.
The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. with a prayer. Next regular meeting will be Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 6 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Evelyn Andrews, Recording Secretary
