St. Joseph Parish Council Meeting
Attending: Fr. David McGuinness, Jim Altmiller, Louise Benjamin, June Compton, Pete Konenkamp, Marty Ledenham, Dana Moody, Rosemary Risse, Todd Story, Margarita Tejeda, Carolyn McFall joined as the meeting progressed
Not in attendance: Susan Gearhart, Chet Malanoski
Minutes of December 12, 2004, meeting approved.
After the opening prayer, Father told the Council members that the school is trying to get the Dominican Sisters to teach at the school. He has asked Archbishop Gregory to write the official letter inviting the order to come to St. Joseph’s School. He noted that the Mother Superior of the order would be attending Archbishop Gregory’s installation as the new head of the Atlanta archdiocese tomorrow (Monday, January 17). He hoped to speak with her there. Father also stated that five or six applicants have applied for the principal’s position at the school.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
FINANCE: Jim stated that the monthly “green” contribution envelopes were misprinted for February, but added that with the March envelopes parishioners may choose to direct their contribution to either religious education or the building fund. He added that over $10,000 was collected during the second collection for South Asia tsunami relief last Sunday. He said the curtains have been replaced in the rectory and that new kitchen chairs will be purchased soon.
MAINTENCENCE: Todd reported that reconstruction on the wall behind the church is proceeding slowly. Jim stated that he will get an estimate on the removal of the two dead trees on parish property.
STEWARDSHIP: No report
COMMUNICATIONS: Pete noted that first parish newsletter is out, and that Tim Lilly is gathering information for the next. He also said that the communication’s committee had asked parishioners via the newsletter to help name it. The committee is also exploring the possibility of a new parish directory.
LITURGY: No report
SCHOOL SEARCH COMMITTEE: Pete reiterated Father’s announcement that five or six persons have applied through the archdiocese for the principal’s position. He said the committee will meet every two weeks until the decision in made in March and will keep the parish and school parents informed of its progress via letter.
SITE COMMITTEE: June reported that the site committee was meeting on the 20th to look at potential sites for the parish facilities should the parish decide to move from its present location. This tour is being done to gather information needed by the planning committee and others in determining the costs and feasibility of moving or renovating at the present site.
OLD BUSINESS:
NURSERY: Todd reported that a committee headed by Becky Olson is “rejuvenating” the nursery and that they need a copy of the archdiocese’s policies regarding nurseries during Mass and parish activities. The committee’s next meeting is Feb. 15 at 6 p.m.
SAFETY/SECURITY ISSUES: Pete reported that the intercom system has been installed and added the camera by the door will be changed so that it’s at eye level. Another camera will be relocated on the back wall. Georgia Power has taken care of the problems with lighting in the parking lot. CPR training will be scheduled for ushers and others wishing to learn.
HOUSING SEARCH: Nothing new to report. The search continues.
STEPHEN’S MINISTRY: June stated that Barbara Bremus has received preliminary information and that the next step in organization of the ministry is to decide who the Ministry’s leaders will be. Then, three or four persons will attend the training sessions.
SECOND SUNDAY SOCIALS: Dana noted the Knights of Columbus will host the next social the weekend of February 12-13. PTO will host a social the weekend of April 2-3, as no social will be held in March because it is Lent. For May, the social may be moved from Second Sunday as First Communion will be celebrated the first three Sundays in May. RE, Lighthouse, and YAM are possibilities for hosts. Questions arose about where the supplies for the socials could be stored and what to do if the organization itself could not fund the socials. Jim said he would work on the storage question. Dana said she would develop an expense and supply list to aid the parish organizations in setting up the socials. The Council decided that if any parish organization could not fund a social weekend, parish funds up to $400 could be used.
NEW BUSINESS:
FAREWELL FOR SCHOOL’S SISTERS: Dana said an event is being planned for Saturday, May 7.
ALAN AMES NIGHT: June said this event will be held Tuesday, June 7. Mass will precede his talk that ends with a Penance service. The Mass collection pays for his visit.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: RCIA reception will be Holy Thursday, March 24. Computers have been ordered for the office and RE program. Archbishop Wilton Gregory will be installed tomorrow. Carolyn noted 36 women attended CHRP weekend, January 8-9. The Knights of Columbus art auction is the first weekend in March at Monsignor Donovan High School. Sharon Shouse will be honored for her 20 years of service. Friday, January 21 is the Mass for the Unborn with the Memorial Walk for Life following the Mass and a noon “Together for Life” memorial service at the state capitol. The EWTN pilgrimage is February 16-17. Relay for Life is May 13th.
The Council closed the meeting with a prayer.
The next meeting is February 13 at 7:30 p.m.