ST. JOSEPH PARISH COUNCIL MEETING           

                                         OCTOBER 8.2006

 

 

Attending: John Benca,Charles Dolan, Max Guerrera, Pete Konenkamp, Marty Ledenham, Monica Kucher Mueller, Rosemary Risse, Todd Story, Terry Trotochaud, Evelyn Tejada, Hank Wright and Father David McGuiness.

 

Pete opened with a prayer.

 

The September minutes were reviewed and approved.

 

GUEST SPEAKER, TIM JANKE

 

Pete introduced our guest speaker, Tim Janke, Chair of the Finance Committee, to the members of the council. Tim told us that he moved to Athens three years ago and responded to Father’s request for assistance with finances. He has been on the Finance Committee ever since. There are several other members, as well as Father David and Terry Trotochaud  (our parish council liaison) who attend the mostly bimonthly meetings. He said that they have had 12 meetings this year to date and anticipate 3-4 more. In contrast, there were only 4-5 meetings in 2005. Tim is a retired banker.

The Finance Committee has overseen and ensured that all bookkeeping up until Sept 2006 has been current and complete. For the first time since 2004 a financial report was  posted for the parish (9/06) . A condensed version will be posted on a quarterly basis. They have completed the RE education audit and are near completion with the archdiocesan audit (should be complete this fall). There are two representatives from the Finance Committee that attend the Steering Committee meetings.

Current goals for the committee include posting an educational report for the parishioners that informs them of the costs to run our parish and hiring a full–time administrative manager. They have two good prospects at this time and plan another interview tomorrow. They hope to have 4-5 candidates before making a recommendation. The scope of the job is extensive and will include additional responsibilities such as coordination of office volunteer staff, grant writing, completion of the   bi-annual archdiocesan audits, and leadership of the continuation process of the Capital Campaign. (Guidance and Giving will be ‘off campus’ in one month but will continue to be available on a contract basis). Qualifications include having a major in business accounting with 5-10 years experience preferred, willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed and familiarity with the Catholic Church.

The Finance Committee continues to work on the budget as a guide for growth. It will  support the office staff as we convert to the new archdiocesan computer system. It will continue to keep all financial data accurate and current to represent our growing parishioner population for all data base needs. It is getting timely monthly statements reviewed and approved.  Tim assured us that two members of the Finance Committee will direct and support the new office manager (and assistant if needed) during the period of transition and will serve as resource contacts.

 

Terry asked about the price for the children’s envelopes. Tim said that he would get the cost before the next meeting.

Answering concerns about the control that the Office Administrator would have of our parish Tim said that there would be a specific job description and advancement would be dependant on regular evaluations. The position would be under the direct supervision of the pastor. He ensured that the position would be overseen initially and periodically by 2 members of the Finance Committee. He estimated that the salary of the position would be between 40-50K annually and that the diocesan Resource Utilization Department would be available to us for assistance.

Pete addressed the fact that money has been drawn from our account through a Scana Energy check. The police are now investigating and have a picture of the person who cashed the check at the bank.

Tim closed his address and the council thanked him for a most enlightening and informative presentation.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

 

Planning/Steering: John reported that there have been no meetings since the Capital Campaign has taken the forefront.

 

Site/Architect: John Benca reported that the Oconee County Commissioners meeting went well and that the plans for the bridge were approved. They stipulated that the bridge must be for the exclusive use of St. Joseph Church and School. The permit also requires that the school serve only grades up to the 8th grade, and that they would not approve the bridge if the land goes to someone other than St. Joseph’s. He announced that there would be an Archdiocesan all-day presentation dealing with the design and building of churches including liturgical considerations at Our Lady of the Assumption in Atlanta this Friday and that he and Charles Porter would be attending. He encouraged any who could attend to request registration. He said that our land request was submitted to the Athens Clarke County Commissioners on September 28th. We are now in a ‘dormant stage’ and need to proceed with architectural designs. 

 

Capital Campaign: Pete said that we have received 1.2 million dollars in pledges which is 34% of our goal. He said that the receptions were attended by 358 members. At this time, 104 families have pledged. Next week is Commitment Sunday and after that time the volunteers will contact those who have not responded. After the 18th of Oct we should expect 400 family visits within a two-week period. He asked for additional volunteers. The end of the campaign is November 2nd. He said that we are not getting as much from the top tiered givers as anticipated.

 

Welcoming: Max said that the packets are not available for the Capital Campaign target date but could be prepared by January 1st. They will include literature from the school, Church as well as CRHP registration forms, church/school history, a ‘We Believe’ statement, an ongoing capital campaign form and a welcoming letter from Father. Father recommended that we pursue a review of our ten year contract with Diocesan Publications (expires 2009) for assistance with printing. Father and John Timmons will review this. Hank will schedule a meeting with Father for updating ‘Who’s Who’.

 

Latinos: Evelyn said that the Latinos met with Father one and a half weeks ago and that she was disappointed in the meeting. They were to discuss a retreat to be planned for November but past concerns dominated the meeting. It was agreed that meetings would be continued on a regular basis to promote communication and make future plans.

 

Communications: Pete said that they have revised the FAQ’s to be used for the visitation phase of the Capital Campaign based on questions that were asked during the Capital Campaign receptions which Nancy Hobart compiled.

 

Maintenance: Todd said that volunteers continue to fulfill their work assignments regularly but that there is no specific person designated to oversee the organization of maintenance. He will contact Don Ragogna  to ensure that we have a master plan as well as a contact. It was suggested that we consider a professional maintenance service. Father prefers to have Todd contact Don first and report next month.

 

Liturgy: Rosemary said that The Elijah Cup will begin October 29th. There will be bulletin announcements on the 22nd and 29th. The Knights of Columbus will manage the scheduling. New altar linens are ordered and expected soon. Church Christmas decorating is being scheduled. Father said he is considering having an extra mass at Lord and Stephens for the 6pm mass on Christmas to help relieve the church congestion. He wondered if it would be well attended. The council responded that it was a good idea and would set a good precedent for our hoped for masses on the new property once the all- purpose building is completed. Rosemary also reported on the Life Chain that was held last weekend saying that although she sent a press announcement in to the paper there was nothing reported. She noted that there was a large story in the Winder paper about their Life Chain.

 

School: Monica said that she had nothing to report. It was brought to her attention that there were no non-parishioner school families who had pledged to our campaign. She will get a list and make contact with these families.

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

Parish Picnic: Marty said that the picnic plans are coming along well. We have received more that 400 RSVP’s not including tonight’s 6pm mass response. The 11:45 mass will be celebrated with a beautiful liturgy planned by Benedicte Milward with participation from all the ministries of St. Joseph’s. There will be ‘small horses’ for childrens’ rides and a petting zoo thanks to Rosemary Risse.

 

Finance Committee: Father elaborated on the plans for the hiring of an Office Manager. He said that we have two institutions, the church and the school, that need to be integrated for both economic and community considerations He said that for years there has been a duplication of efforts with financial management that has also led to a lack of common identity. The office manager will have duties that include management of both institutions. We will continue our interviewing including extensive background checks. Currently he said that we have hired a part-time college student that will be here for four years and who will begin in the next couple of weeks.

 

Father closed with a prayer with a special intention for Jim Altmiller, a previous parish council member and dear friend of St. Joseph’s  who is near death.

 

Pete announced that next month’s meeting will be November 12th at 7:30.

 

 

Submitted by Marty Ledenham