St. Joseph Parish Council Meeting
Sunday, June 13, 2004
Attending: Fr. David McGuinness, Jim Altmiller, Louise Benjamin, June Compton, Susan Gearhart, Pete Konenkamp, Chet Malanoski, Carolyn McFall, Dana Moody, Margarita Tejeda, Rosemary Risse, Todd Story
The meeting began with an opening prayer, and the minutes of the last meeting, Sunday, May 23, 2004, were approved.
The following officers were elected for the 2004-2005 term of the parish council: June Compton, president; Pete Konenkamp, vice president; and Louise Benjamin, secretary.
The following committee reports were presented: Finance, Communications, Stewardship, and Planning.
Jim reported that the Finance Committee will have its budget report to the Archdiocese by the end of June.
Pete reported that the Communications Committee will develop a listserve for the Parish Council to expedite Council activities, such as approving minutes of the meetings sooner. All Parish Council members were given directions for signing up for the Council’s listserve and asked to send email addresses to Don Norris of the Communication Committee, who is putting the listserve together.
To expedite clearance of information for accuracy before posting on the Website, the Communications Committee suggested Father McGuinness and the Council appoint one person to review material to be posted. Discussion ensued about messages going through the church office, and Jim Brawley was recommended. Father will ask Jim to act as "the clearinghouse" for information going onto the Website.
The Communications Committee also recommended posting this fall’s census/registration form, when developed, on the Website for those who wish to use it. The Council endorsed this recommendation. Discussion ensued on the committee’s suggestion of developing a way for parishioners to make contributions to St. Joseph’s through the Website. The Council took no action, because of the need for the Archdiocese’s approval and involvement in creating this method of contribution.
June reported on the Stewardship Committee meeting of Monday, June 7. Tom Rock was elected as the new chairperson of the Stewardship Committee. Stewardship is working on an organizational/communication chart for the parish as no current chart exists. Stewardship and Communications are working to clarify all parish groups’ missions and purposes. Stewardship is also working with the parish office to clarify the parish roster. Phone calls are being made to a select group of registered parishioners to update the roster.
No reports came from the liturgy and maintenance committees.
To maintain interaction between the committees and the Council, Todd volunteered as Council representative on the Maintenance Committee; Susan, for Stewardship; and June, for Planning. Carolyn will continue on the Liturgy Committee; Jim, on Finance; and Pete and Louise, on Communications.
Old Business: Father McGuinness reported on the success of the Christ Renews His Parish (CHRP) retreat for men held in May. CHRP for women will be held at Monsignor Donovan High School in two weeks. Father also reported he is compiling the overall costs and budget for church and school cleaning staff, a rectory housekeeper, and church office manager and staff. He will present the costs and budget to the Council later.
New Business: The Council discussed ways to deal with church security in light of recent damage done to Father McGuinness’ car in the parking lot and the robbery of the Gift Shop last Sunday. Among options discussed were more lights in the parking lot and church phone access on Sundays as the church office is locked during Mass. The Council also discussed access to the First Aid kit, which is in the ushers’ closet, and purchase of a smaller kit for the parish office. Jim will follow-up on the First Aid kits and phone situation.
A new business association for businesses and others located on Prince Avenue is being formed. Susan will find out more on this Prince Avenue Committee.
Parish Council members were encouraged to attend the next Planning Committee meeting on July 7, where needs of the Hispanic community will be discussed.
The Parish Council will continue to meet on Sunday after the 6 p.m. Mass. The next two meetings will be July 11 and August 8. Louise will be out of town, so Rosemary volunteered to act as secretary. The Council adjourned with a closing prayer.