Pastoral Council Minutes – Aug. 21, 2013
Members present: May White, Kay Endsley, Karen Littleford, John Schmitz, Catherine Smith, Michael Smith, Charmaine Owens, Fr. John Titus
Unable to attend: Ralph McCausland, Cay Kolling, Lexe Volk, Allan Horney, Jim Rupp, Eva Higgins
The meeting was called to order at 7:05. Kay Endsley welcomed our new youth members, Catherine & Michael Smith. Fr. John offered the opening prayer.
Minutes from June 5th meeting confirmed.
Old Business
Very smooth transition between Jenny Butler leaving and Reba Kortte beginning
Landscaping and carpet project complete. Positive comments received on both.
Discussion continued on offering cushions for pew comfort. Looking into the possibility of replacing 2 more pews with cushioned chairs. Main point, not so much the seat being cushioned but the back support as well.
Hedwig House is full but lacking a permanent resident. Volunteers needed to do 3 hour shifts. Will make appeal in bulletin and list names of parishioners who work at the house so people can make inquiries.
Coffee and Donuts – Sept. 1st
Plans are underway for an in house “Parish Mission.” Beginning on Dec.7th with the celebration of Confirmation. Sun, Dec. 8 will be evening adoration and perhaps a presentation. Mon., Dec., 9th – all day adoration culminating with Mass. More details to follow.
A parish mission from an outside organization will be booked for Advent 2014
Fr. John’s Report
Discussion was shared on whether or not to supplement our families who choose to send their children to St. Mary’s in Mattoon. After many comments it was suggested that perhaps changes should be made with the tiered tuition at St. Mary’s. Fr. John will discuss this with Fr. Steve, pastor of Immaculate Conception.
Charmaine’s Report
Plans for the start of Religious Education are moving along. Catechists are still needed and some families still need to register.
Ed. Ministry reviewed the week of Totus Tuus and agreed that in our parish the greatest strength was with the Jr & Sr High Students. Enrollment for day program was very low.
The Adult Vacation Bible School received positive reviews and plans are underway to offer this type of experience again.
RCIA will begin as soon as there is a shown interest.
Youth Report
Catherine and Michael attended CLI and came home full of exciting ideas, which include – a once a month Sr. High Mass.
Other
The 5pm Masses on Sept. 28 & Nov. 2 will be held at the Newman Center. These masses surround events planned at Newman which Fr. needs to attend and finding a sub priest is very difficult.
Kay Endsley shared that Tues., Aug. 28th is the feast of St. Monica and the feast day of Sr. Monica Marie Metzger. The parish will provide note cards and announce that people can write a note. We will overnight the notes and some goodies on Mon., Aug. 27th.
The feast of St. Charles is Nov. 4. Discussion will take place at the next meeting about a celebration.
Next meeting Sept. 4th – Lexe Volk will offer the opening prayer reflection.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 pm and the closing prayer was offered by Fr. John.