St. Joseph Parish Council Meeting
Sunday, July 11, 2004
Attending: Fr. David McGuinness, Jim Altmiller, June Compton, Susan Gearhart, Marty Ledenham, Chet Malanoski, Carolyn McFall, Pete Konencamp, Rosemary Risse, Todd Story, and Margarita Tejeda. Guest: Barbara Bremus
Fr. McGuinness opened the meeting with a prayer. Minutes of the June 13, 2004, Parish Council meeting were approved.
June Compton introduced Barbara Bremus to share information about Stephen Ministers, Christ caring for his people through people. The Stephen Ministers are the "After People." They are ready to come alongside you-or your friends, neighbors, coworkers, or relatives-and provide comfort and support for as long "after" as they are needed. (divorce, death, child leaving home, job loss, any personal crisis)
Liturgy Committee:
Carolyn McFall reported on their three hour meeting. The Liturgy Committee’s budget was submitted on the July 6th deadline. November is the target date for completed training of new altar servers and new English and Spanish speaking lectors. The Knights of Columbus have been asked to serve at funeral masses to substitute for the students when being away from school classes is not possible.
Sue Gearhart and Todd Story volunteered to assess the needs of the nursery and make recommendations for an organized "parent-assist" program for Dottie and to see if a donation of costs and time can be worked out better.
Finance Committee: Jim Altmiller had nothing to report from the committee.
Communication Committee: Next meeting July 20th.
Stewardship Committee:
Sue Gearhart investigated the Prince Ave. Beautification Committee and learned it is geared toward businesses and that participation requires a financial contribution. At this time it is not a consideration for us to join it.
Father McGuinness pointed out the necessity to have a record of time, talent, and treasure for each parishioner. Phone calls do come in for verification of parish attendance at St. Joseph for God Parenting or Sponsoring purposes.
Weekly contributions of $10,000 per week are coming in and this needs to increase to $13,000.
Marty Ledenham suggested having a financial facilitator come in from the archdiocese one weekend to speak to our parish about tithing.
Maintenance Committee:
Jim Altmiller reported that burned out lights on the church grounds have been replaced and routine grounds maintenance is established. The gutters around the church have been cleaned. New sidewalks railings are due to be seated this week. There are plans to re-paint the parking lot spaces in a more compact configuration.. The Pulaski Street side of the church is to be cleaned up with removal of volunteer growth of bushes and trees.
Planning Committee:
June Compton reported that Armando Tasistro spoke to them about our parish Hispanic outreach on July 7th.
Old Business:
Twenty-nine women met for an overnight "Christ Renews His Parish" retreat on June 24-25. Next opportunity for women’s retreat in about 6 months.
Our parish council list-serve is up and running.
The Preliminary Parish Budget has been submitted to the archdiocese.
Two new first aid kits have been placed in the church office and in the basement restroom.
New Business:
A copy of the R.E. Annual Plan was reviewed. No decisions were made at this time.
Several requests for changes in Mass times were acknowledged.
There was discussion of having another parish wide Church Family Album/Directory compiled but this matter was tabled.
In a closed session the parish council discussed the parish policy of political endorsements.
Announcements:
Carolyn McFall related that the Gift Shop will be open July 24th and 25th
The next Parish Council meeting will be on August 8th.
Adjournment: Fr. McGuinness closed with prayer.