St. Joseph Parish Council Meeting

Sunday, August 8, 2004

Attending: Fr. David McGuinness, Jim Altmiller, June Compton, Dana Moody, Chet Malanoski, Carolyn McFall, Pete Konenkamp, Rosemary Risse, and Todd Story. Not present: Louise Benjamin, Susan Gearhart, Marty Ledenham, and Margarita Tejeda

Fr. McGuinness opened the meeting with a prayer. Minutes of the July 25, 2004, Parish Council meeting were approved.

June Compton asked for Committee Reports:

  1. Planning: No report.
  2. Finance: Jim Altmiller reported the 2004-2005 budget had been sent to the archdiocesan office. It was suggested that Tom Rocks be invited to the next meeting to explain it.
  3. Maintenance: Todd Story reported that the damaged railings would be repaired this week as the insurance payment has been received. There was discussion about the repair of the wall and stairs to the rear of the church. Todd will investigate the most reasonable avenue of repairs.
  4. Stewardship: About 300 letters have been sent to families who are on our parish records who are not verifiably present.
  5. Communication: Pete Konenkamp reported that the scheduling of weekend Masses was to be assessed after the first few weeks of RE instruction. It was decided we would have coffees after all Masses on September 11 & 12, 2004. Dana Moody will organize this as a Parish Council sponsored activity. Other organizations in the parish may wish to sponsor similar coffees in the following months as there is a genuine need for opportunities for social interaction. Pete reported that a survey to assess parish needs will be presented to the parish on the weekends of September 11/12 & 18/19. It will be brief. Members of the communications committee will tally the results.
  6. Liturgy Committee: No report.

Old Business:

  1. Nursery Update: Todd and Jim will find a place to store a phone for Dottie to use while children are in her care. Todd will implement instructions to inform parents who leave their children in the nursery that they are expected to volunteer periodically.
  2. Safety/Security:
    1. Pete Konenkamp has requested an estimate for monitoring both inside and outside of the church plus parking lot. The system could be transported if need be.
    2. Jim Altmiller reported that the power company has still not replaced defective lights in the parking lot. He will follow up on this.
    3. Marty Ledenham expressed concern for the number of unidentified persons who have church keys. It was suggested that new locks be installed with keys that cannot be duplicated.
    4. It was discussed that a curfew be implemented so that our priests can retire assured the church is secure.
  3. Mass Schedule Proposed Changes: Pete Konenkamp reported that Mass scheduling would remain the same for the time being.
  4. Housing Search: The search will begin for suitable substitute housing for the priests because of the noise and safety problems at the current residence.
  5. Staff Changes: Mary Mellein resigned as the Youth Minister and Sodeya Bernard is now in that position.
  6. Stephen’s Ministry: A decision was tabled until we can get a report on the results of informational meetings.
  7. Church Family Album: The decision to have another parish wide Church Family Album/Directory was tabled.

New Business:

  1. Rosemary Risse reported that the Athens Life Chain will be held on October 3, 2004, 2:00-3:00pm. The Knights of Columbus and Fr. McGuinness will direct this activity. All parishioners and the Athens community are invited to pray for this hour with us.
  2. A Fall Festival was discussed. June Compton will talk with Sister Mary Glackin about coordinating such an event with the school.
  3. Fr. McGuinness would like to organize Christmas liturgies, Lenten Retreat speaker, etc. as soon as possible.

Adjournment: Fr. McGuinness closed with prayer. The next Parish Council meeting will be on September 12th.

Rosemary Risse