ST. JOSEPH’S PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
SUNDAY MAY 21, 2006
Attending: Father David McGuiness, Jim Altmiller, Maxine Guerrera, John Timmons, Susan Gearhart, Todd Story, Pete Konenkamp, Rosemary Risse, Marty Ledenham.
Not Present: Dana Moody (excused) , John Benca (excused), Margarita Tejeda, Evelyn Tejada (excused).
New members present (visitor status): Terry Trotochaud, Hank Wright, Monica Kucher Mueller.
Pete opened with a prayer.
Minutes from April were reviewed and approved.
New members were introduced and welcomed. Pete reported that Julia Nasworthy will be replaced by Charles Dolan as one of the four newly elected parish council members due to Julia’s accepting a position as a teacher’s aide at St. Joseph’s school.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Planning/Steering: John Timmons reported that there have been 2-3 meetings with the next meeting planned for tomorrow. The archdiocesan representatives have become more involved with increased focus on determination of final costs and means of payment. The plan is to proceed with the 30 acre plan whether or not the unpurchased 10 and 5 acre parcels are purchased.
Architect: Pete presented a letter of Notification from the Athens Clarke County Planning Department that was sent to all people who have property within 400ft of the proposed site. The letter announced the public meeting to be held on Thursday June 8th at 7:00PM at the office on Daugherty Street.
Capital Campaign: Sue reported that the campaign should begin in the middle of July and that they anticipate a response of $3.5 to 4 million.
Communications: Pete reported that the committee will be writing a special newsletter and updating FAQ’s to the parish to explain the building stages.He said that the archdiocese is compiling a book of 50 year archdiocesan history. We have re-written and updated our portion based on the history provided by Ray Broussard.
Maintenance: Jim reports that the volunteers continue to do a good job with the maintenance needs. Presently they are attending to the problem of broken valves in the boiler room as well as repairing a valve in the furnace. Father David thanked Jim for all his work and dedication and especially applauded his efforts in clearing and beautifying the plot in back of the church.
Finance: Jim reported that we are in the process of hiring a bookkeeper for 25 hours/week. With Jim’s departure from the council he advised that the liason for the Finance Committee have a strong background in accounting.
Liturgy: Rosemary said that the Liturgy meetings will be on the first Sundays of the month. She expressed concern over the lack of commitment made from the volunteers to the various liturgical ministries and asked for suggestions regarding increasing an awareness of personal responsibility especially in getting substitutes for the masses that they are unable to serve. It was suggested that having more volunteers would be helpful. Having additional opportunities to sign up were discussed including the Second Sunday Socials and Stewardship Sunday. Improved instruction and continued acknowledgement of service were also recommended. This will be further addressed at the next Liturgy meeting. The lack of an organized welcoming committee was discussed and Max will follow up with Melanie Stark and Linda Mitchell to review this need. Jim referred to the ‘Who’s Who’ book that is the source for current contacts and that is updated every six months. Copies should be found with each priest, the RE office and the school office.
Latino: There was no report with Evelyn and Marguerita being absent. We are eager to greet our new parochial vicar from Dalton Georgia Father Jose Refugio Onate Melendez. We are especially looking forward to his expertise in organizing lay leadership within the Latino community.
School: Father reported that the Advisory Board for the school will resume meeting in the fall and that a parish council member should have liason status on this Board. Max will continue to act in this capacity.
Pete read the ‘third reading’ of the revisions to the bylaws regarding nominations. Voting followed and there were six in favor of the changes (Jim abstained). Six votes did not meet the quorum and voting will be readdressed at the next meeting.
Pete announced that there will be another Holly Hills neighborhood meeting open to all. This will be on Sunday, June 4th at 2:00 PM at Iris Place on Epps Bridge Parkway. He reminded us of the Athens Clarke County Planning Commission meeting that will discuss approval of our proposed property. This will be on Thursday, June 8th at 7:30PM at their office on Daugherty Street.
Father David told us of the plans to move the RE office to the Conference Room at the Church. This will be the central RE office and allow merging of both manpower and equipment. The school RE office will continue to be used during RE classtime on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. The Gift shop will relocate to the room presently used as the RE office in the church.
Father also informed us that the Stephen Ministry will be operational next month.
Father requested that plans for the fall parish picnic begin. Marty will contact Mary Beth Casso for coordination of plans.
Father announced that there are plans being made for a farewell event or events in honor of Father Dayro on the weekend of June3rd/4th. The details will be arranged by Mary Beth Casso in her role as head of the Social Committee.
Pete said that the next meeting will be on Sunday June 11 at 7:30PM at which time we should elect officers and vote on the bylaws.
Father David closed with a prayer.
Submitted by Marty Ledenham