ST. MICHAEL PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
Minutes of the Regular Meeting
March 24, 2009
Present: Father Jim King, Chair Sharon Bernard, Len Grantner, Mike Gunkel, Gary Gunther, Mary Jager, Richard Marks, Deacon Merle Runck, and Evelyn Andrews.
Absent: Mary Manchester
The meeting opened at 6:03 p.m. with a prayer.
February meeting minutes – Under New Business, first paragraph, line 5 should read: Each committee member will be asked to fill out a “Plan of Action” at their March meeting. The February minutes were approved as corrected with the addition.
OLD BUSINESS:
Mission Statement – There was discussion regarding the committee’s report on the new Mission Statement, and there was consensus to adopt the new Mission Statement as presented: “We, the parish family of St. Michael Catholic Church, following in the footsteps of the Lord, are a Eucharistic community of faith. Nourished by the Sacraments and the Word, we strive to reflect Christ’s light to the world through worship, education and service.” It was decided to publish the Mission Statement in the body of the bulletin for one Sunday, and thereafter it will be incorporated on the front cover of the bulletin. Sharon will briefly explain why a new Mission Statement was needed in the first insertion.
Soup Supper – Sharon thanked all who worked to prepare and clean up for the soup supper. A hearty cream of potato soup (with extra potatoes, carrots and celery) was ordered from the junior high for 150 persons. This included 2 sliced of white/wheat bread for each serving. Approximately 85 person were served, and the leftover soup and bread were taken to Loaves & Fishes the following morning.
Five names surfaced for PPC nominees to replace Ralph Herrman (2years) and Gary Gunther (1 year). They will be called to see if any would be willing to fill out these terms. Father Jim is still hoping a Knight will volunteer to be liaison to council.
“Called to Serve” was discussed. Each committee member will fill out the “Plan of Action”, then each committee will assemble these forms at their April meetings and turn one form for each committee in to PPC for the April 28th meeting, when we will correlate the results.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Parish Life – Three soup suppers have had an attendance around 70-85; April 4th changing missals for Holy Week; Seder Meal is Wednesday, April 8th, the your have asked this committee to prepare the charoset (apple spread) which will be done before the regular April meeting; April 11th at 8 a.m. decorating the church. Father Jim noted there will probably not be a reception for the RCIA candidates since none have family in town.
Evangelization – Tortilla soup will be prepared for the 3/27 soup supper for this committee; positive feedback is being received from Disciples in Mission groups; Divine Mercy Sunday weekend of 4/18-4/19, discussion regarding ways to improve attendance; booth at Fiddlers on the Arkansas was approved; Father Jim said he would look at new Stations of the Cross booklets if this committee finds some as good as the ones we currently use. Large print is not an option at this time.
Christian Formation – 24 children will make their 1st Communion on April 19th; Youth will assist the Knights of Columbus breakfast on May 17th; ROCK program will not be in the budget for next year; one baptism is scheduled and 4 couples are going through marriage preparation; Communal Penance Service will be Tuesday, April 7th; Roger and Sharon Bernard will receive the holy oils at the Chrism Mass; the RCIA program is entering its final phase. Youth – 11th grade Confirmation class one-day retreat is coming up; 20 youth spent the day skiing at Monarch; on April 25th there will be an evaluation of all youth leaders with brainstorming to see how improvements can be made.
Administration – Copies of the 6-month budget report (7/2008 to 12/2008) and proposed budget for 2009-2010 were passed out, council members should review before the April meeting and approve the budget at that time; Parish deficit is increasing every year as expenses are exceeding income. Approximately 9% of DMF pledges for 2008 were not paid ($2700). The parish had to pay that amount. St. Michael Church pre-school will not operate after this year.
Maintenance – We are close to final settlement with Kline Construction; Father Jim is still working with Black Hills Energy regarding the electrical demand rates for the new church; another set of door has been replaced on the school building, along with energy efficient windows on the meeting room; antiquated bathroom fixtures in the school need to be replaced when possible.
Worship – Committee has not met yet for March. It was noted that council members will practice for washing of the feet after the Seder Meal.
Knights of Columbus – Still waiting for a Knight to surface as liaison to council. Father Jim reported the soup supper prepared by the Knights went well; Founders Day Dinner is March 28th; a committee has been formed to decide scholarships that will be awarded to high school seniors.
NEW BUSINESS:
Council Elections: 5 new members are needed for PPC. Nominations will be taken at the Masses on the weekend of April 25-26. Names will be distributed to council members at the April 28th meeting to call nominees to see if they would be willing to serve. There was consensus to not have an election more that 5 persons surface. Their names would be put in a hat (basket) and drawn by random process.
Pagosa Springs has a new church. Mary Jager will send a “congratulations” card to them from St. Michael Parish Pastoral Council.
No Pastor’s Report
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m. Next regular meeting will be Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. Sharon Bernard will provide prayers and refreshments.
Respectfully submitted,
Evelyn Andrews, Recording Secretary
