Pastoral Council Minutes
November 27, 2007
7:00 pm
Present: Linda Stroik, Bob Rogers, Lee Falkavage, Penny Wachowiak, Gene LaRose, Dave Fletcher, Gary Tanko, Jeanne Retzke, Nancy Chinn O’Reilly, Mary Ann Powell, Gene Van Ryzin, Lori Stoltz
Absent/Excused: Teri Jenkins
Spiritual Development:
Mary Ann focused on some items for our “Reclaim the Fire” book. Some items brought up for discussion were:
· We further discussed how to be a more welcoming community. Take a moment to thank others who do so much for our parish. Be sensitive and not critical of others.
· Can we utilize the time frame between the two Sunday masses to provide opportunities for parishioners?
· Could each committee plan an event, such as a pancake breakfast?
· Can speakers be invited to make presentations to parishioners? Mary Ann suggested a friend who is Muslim. The Council suggests that these speakers possibly come to a Pastoral Council meeting initially to introduce themselves and give a sample of their presentation for approval. Dave brought up an idea of even paying for guest speakers who would provide a more dynamic presentation.
For our January Meeting:
Bring suggestions of programs, events or speakers that could be planned between the Sunday masses. Possibly do something the same Sunday every month. These events should connect with our evangelization goals, and emphasize a socialization and educational opportunity for parishioners.
Council members are asked to take this to their sub-committees for suggestions. Examples included Holy Name or Rosary Society planning an event, on special date (Packer Sunday/Mother’s Day, etc).
Email Bob your suggestions/ideas before our next meeting.
· Brought up the idea of weekly messages in the bulletin for evangelization. Dave told us about the Bulletin Boards in church. If we have the ability to take pictures of our committees, or parishioners to highlight for their service, we should pass them to Dave.
No Agenda Repair needed.
October Minutes were approved.
Committee Reports:
Catholic Education:
· The group will organize a St. Nick’s Day event, between masses on Sunday.
· Also discussed other ways to utilize that time frame between masses for opportunities for parishioners.
Family Life
· Penny updated us about the nursery. Messages ran in two weeks of the bulletin, there were no responses. Three people expressed an interest at the Ministry Fair. The idea of a nursery will not be pursued at this time since there weren’t sufficient responses.
Justice & Peace
· Committee designated who the food baskets will go to and who will pick up/deliver basket.
· Committee is responsible to serve the meal at the House of Peace on January 24th.
Sacred Worship
· Mary Owens, Barb Reed & Pat Bohanski joined the group.
· Discussed Mass attendence
This was mandated by the diocese for long-range planning.
Bob will assemble a report to compare previous years attendence. Results suggest attendence down a bit from previous years.
|
|
5:15 |
7:30 |
9:00 |
11:00 |
|
2005 |
258 |
236 |
360 |
314 |
|
2006 |
245 |
209 |
334 |
260 |
Bob will calculate 2007 results with the past two years and present it at the January meeting.
· Collection boxes have been recycled to the Art and Environment Committee for plant stands.
· Committee also discussed the Mission provided during Lent.
Art & Environment:
· Suggest lighted wreath above piano for Christmas.
· Discussed flowers-Catholic Education Committee thought an idea of giving money to donate a flower in memory of a loved one would be a nice idea. Each flower would have a marker in it of who it is in memory of. Gary will talk to Rita Brilowski or Barb Rogers.
Finance Council:
· The group discussed their goals:
· Encourage the idea of wills and memorials more. Will do bulletin insert 4 times a year.
· Form Buildings & Ground Committee
· Endowment
· Stewardship Program—the group suggested this be deferred to the Pastoral Council.
· Annual Appeal
· Emergency Funds
· Suggest moving the Pastoral Council Meeting to the second Tuesday of the month. Finance meetings cannot be moved because of the dates that financial statements are available at the end of the month.
· Reviewed compensation for Fr. Dennis
· Discussed letter to “zero givers”. In addition to financial year end statements, letters will be sent to parishioners who did not reply or update their information from the Ministry Fair. Dave proposed a letter that the Finance Council reviewed and gave comments about. Bob, Gene LaRose & Dave will work to revise the letter with suggested ideas/corrections. This should be done in the next two weeks. The Pastoral Council will call a special meeting to approve the letter before Christmas.
· Annual Appeal--$16-17,000 short of our goal. Dave will be announcing at the masses the next few weeks to try to get all pledges/gifts in and wrap up the appeal for this year.
Deanery Report:
· The position Leo Jacoby currently holds will be revised. It will be reduced to about half the expense currently spent. Leo could have the revised position if interested.
· Deanery Library is offering books to interested people.
· Deanery is organizing “Catholic Journey”, with Fr. Marty Pable as guest speaker and Smokey Express providing music. Youth contests will be organized along with other ideas.
Pastor Report:
· Fr. Al is home, but very weak and recovery will be 3-4 months. It is not likely he will return until May.
· Dave is attending a Mission Trip to the West Indies area through Works of Charity. He will be gone from Jan 11-Feb 10. Dave will present the idea in the future of creating a mission group from St. Stan’s that would possibly go annually to help with construction, painting etc. The idea of providing scholarships for those unable to fund the trip will possibly be proposed. Dave will gather further information when he returns.
· Ministry Fair—Received about 75 replies for volunteers in different areas of the parish. Linda is creating a spreadsheet. This will be passed to committees and it is encouraged that they contact these new volunteers as soon as possible.
· UWSP representative’s had a meeting attended by Dave, Fr. Dennis & Bob. They showed their master plan of the University and how it will affect us.
Unfinished Business:
· Interim Bulletin Policy
Parish Secretary receives request, forward to Pastoral Minister, then to Pastor/Adminstrator as needed. This policy can be changed in the future when Fr. Al returns.
Gene LaRose motioned to accept the Interim Bulletin Policy.
Gene VanRyzin seconded.
All agreed.
· Change Pastoral Council Meeting Dates to the Second Tuesday of the month.
Mary Ann motioned to change our meeting dates which will change our bylaws.
Penny seconded.
All agreed.
· The change of meeting date will begin in January. Next meeting would be January 8, 2008
Penny motioned to accept the date.
Lee seconded.
All agreed.
· Parish Nurse Program
· Suggest doing a survey in January, after holidays, to see what interest there is.
· Suggest asking Fr. Dennis for his opinion.
· In 1999, a similar program was arranged, but was not successful.
· Suggest Penny create an insert for bulletin, explain what the role of a parish nurse is, if there are any expenses with it, etc.
· Welcoming Ministry
· Does inservice need to be arranged for Ushers?
· Feel the group will serve in two ways, as Greeters & as Ushers
· Families will be highly encouraged to partipicate to fulfill necessary service hours for faith formation and SPACS students.
Closing Prayer: Lee Falkavage
Next Meeting: January 8, 2007
Prayer Leader: Teri Jenkins
Spiritual Leader: Bob Rogers