Parish Council Minutes

Retreat

January 20, 2008

Attendance:  Ed Fechtel, Frank Milward, Maxine Guerrera, Berti Lopez, David Gomez, Hank Wright, John Benca, Father David

Excused: Evelyn Tejadas, John Timmons, Monica Muller, Father Jacques, Terry Trotrauchaud

1. Call to order.

2. Hank Motion to adopt agenda. All in attendance approved.

3. Motion to adopt minutes made by Hank, and approved by all.

4.  All present received a copy of current site proposal.  The Church moved slightly. The Parish center is now detached from church.  The School and multi purpose building have moved somewhat. The existing house remains in its current location.  Hank was concerned about the School and Church buildings being far apart. Father McGuiness indicated the School was placed in the original location, and the Gym was moved since it will be a two level building.    We will resubmit the Site Plan at end of month with actual building with layouts.  Right now the only thing set in stone will be the multi purpose building. 

5. Communications Plan. Pete Konenkamp addressed the Council on a communications

slide show which has been put together about the progress of the Parish. He would like to present it to the Parish at Mass.  The Council feels the need for a timeline with a plan.  The Council is concerned that no strategic plan is in place. Frank wants the new Capital Campaign launched now with a time table; preferably before Easter with a goal of 3.2 million and emphasis on a continuation of the existing campaign. Frank needs an approval of the Campaign Brochure, and he needs comments from the Council about how to sell this campaign.

6.  Modification in parish organization.  The Parish needs to look at the purposes of each ministry. Which ministries should be consolidated with others, added, or dropped. The biggest challenge is finding the people to manage these ministries. An important goal is to publish a Ministry Directory (including Hispanic organizations) by June. Need additional staff and groups of volunteers to have a reference point.

 Each council member encouraged to nominate talented people for Parish Council elections.

7. We need a calendar for parish life, hopefully in time for the new Parish year starting in July.  Hank sees need for a ministry fair.  Possibly organized by the Council in the fall.  Also, we need to have a ministry conference in August or September, and then have them meet quarterly.  Council will again address any revisions to the Ministry organization in February.  Hank will communicate to ministries the need for their calendar items and an update on the ministries description.

John Benca reported that the Master Plan was shelved until new property was purchased.  We are ready to continue forward with the plan.  John has compiled a draft of a new Mission Statement which was presented with the Council. Ed suggested we take time on this and review again in the next meeting.

Hank reported on the Hospitality Committee.   

Parish internal unity discussion on working together with Hispanics, Religious Education, School, and others. Max suggested that leaders within the Hispanic committee work with a group of  Council Members.  Ed wants to meet with  the Knights of Columbus about their Round Table plans.  Charles wants someone to find out what the needs are of the Hispanic community. Berti communicated the need for another Hispanic Mass. David goes to that Mass and is informed about the over crowding..  Father indicated the Parish under staffed to say another Mass, and that we have needs throughout our entire Parish community, not just Hispanics. Father asked for the Hispanic community to do what you can, give what you can. “Culture needs to talk to culture,” he said.

Child care options- Berti will move forward with collections to improve the situation.

8. The Council will review possible bylaw changes.  It would be good to have reports from other ministries and the school.  Currently have 12 members but could have 8-12 members. Should this Council have ex-officio members?  Ed will appoint a committee

to recommend bylaw revisions. 

10. Proposed new logos were presented from the Communicatons Committee. The central question is should we have one logo for both School and Parish, and if so is the Lily retained soley or with graphics combining two logos.  The matter will be returned to the Communications Committee.

Extras:

Father is concerned about parking situation at Church. John Benca will head up an investigation on how to fix parking problem.

5:30 Adjorn with a prayer.