ST. MARY’S PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

MEETING MINUTES

January 7, 2008

1. Opening: Chairperson, Dixie Person opened the meeting.  Fr. John Steiner led the prayer centered on the Epiphany and an excerpt from Pope Benedict.   “All this we do for the sake of the Gospel”. 

1. Reports from Pastoral Staff:

School:  Principal, Lauri Nauditt reported that all was fine with the school activities, they were happy to be back in school on Monday after the extended vacation.  Lauri shared that there were two new fourth grade students, and a new child in the three year old programs.  This week the school office also received two calls inquiring about kindergarten in the fall.  Lauri advised that the school Christmas program will be held January 7^th, which was cancelled before Christmas due to the weather.

Both Lauri and Fr. John reported on the status of the school roofs and current snow loads.  The upper pod roof above the eighth grade has been shoveled to remove the snow.  There has been some leaking, but the roof is structurally sound.  Lauri has consulted with Vince Campanela, an engineer with Lidig Construction who suggested digging channels on the lower pod roof for drainage.  All drains on the school roofs are open and draining.  The snow on the gym roof is melting and draining, as is the adult center.  Fr. John and Lauri are optimistic that we will not have any structural issues with parish plant facilities.    

Parish Plant: Sharon Greany reported that both income and expenses for the parish and school ending 2008 are very close to the figures for 2007.  Fr. John added that the attendance and collection at the Christmas masses was good despite the weather.

The expenses associated with snow removal were a significant concern after last winter.  As a result, Sharon obtained several snow removal bids for this year and was able to negotiate a good contract that has proved to be very beneficial financially.  In addition, the parish purchased a new tractor with a snow thrower so that staff has a good tool to deal with the snow.  Frank Owen commended the assistance given by Jim Trotter who helped with snow removal while the Knights of Columbus were selling Christmas trees.

Fr. John shared that Fr. Michael Mead from the Mt. Angel monastery in Portland has been visiting for the past couple of weeks.  Fr. Michael will be staying to help with the pastoral duties until Fr. John returns from his travels on February 5^th.

Work in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel is nearing completion with only a few minor items to do such as hanging the Stations of the Cross.  The icon designated for the chapel arrived just before Christmas and is now installed.  Marie Romaine’s family generously donated a memorial to purchase the icon. 

Fr. John shared with council members that parishioner, Jeff Truthan, has built a low power FM radio station designed to provide assistance for persons who have difficulty hearing the Mass.  Parishioners can now bring their own pocket radio with ear phone buds, and tune in to FM 90.3 to hear the Mass being broadcast.  This is a low power station which can be heard well in the church and parking lot, but not much further.  Fr. John will make this announcement at the Sunday Masses.  Thanks Jeff!

On a final note, Joyce Ohanesian reported that a lawsuit has been filed which names the Interfaith Hospitality network of churches.  The lawsuit filed in Spokane County is based on the allegations that the organization is housing people in places that are not adequately safe with items such as sprinkler systems, smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.  Joyce will continue to provide the council with updates as more information becomes available.

Religious Education:  Sharon Greany reported for Colleen McLean regarding the following activities:

·         Janette is planning a ski day for the youth group on January 19^th.  There are no youth group activities this week due to the weather and the school program.  

·         Adult scripture class will study the Gospel of Mark, beginning January 15^th.  Guest speakers have been invited to enrich the program.

·         Colleen is planning a moving night for adults, and is holding a session on the history of the church.

·         Tri-parish activities scheduled for January will be held in February.        

Parish Pastoral Planning:  Parish council members reviewed and approved the summary draft of the fall 2008 planning strategies for the parish plant, administration and finances.  These strategies include the following:

·         The facilities committee is asked to make a new recommendation on whether to make additional removal of trees in the front parking lot.

·         The council will review a possible capital campaign in the first quarter of 2009.

·         The facilities committee is asked to draft a list of priorities for capital needs in the first quarter of 2009.

·         The church renovation committee will continue to move forward on recommendations for work on the church.  The priorities include the sound system, music ministry storage and scope of the sanctuary renewal.

·         The finance and pastoral councils agree to complete an independent financial review for the fiscal year 2007-2008.  Deacon Mike will be asked to assist in this effort as Diocesan Fiscal Manager.

·         The council reaffirmed the present budget/fiscal procedures, including the unification of parish and school financial management, school and parish budget approval, checks and balances for handling cash accounts for school and parish, and availability of parish and school financial records for parishioner reviews.

·         The council reaffirmed the need for continued transparency with Sunday mass collections, and the new collection handling procedures by St. Vincent de Paul.

·         The council reviewed/approved procedures for handling memorial contributions.

·         The council approved a request that the funds designated for an organ be available to purchase a synthesizer.

The pastoral council also discussed the spring agenda issue of community building and adult formation.  Several groups were identified as good resources for the council to speak with, and they will be invited to join the council at future meetings. 

5.  Other:

• Fr. John will be traveling from January 11^th to February 5^th, safe journey!
• Please keep the Tuesday, February 20, 2009 meeting at 7:00 pm on your calendars.

Thank you.

Jean O’Keeffe