October 5, 2009 St. Mary Parish Pastoral Council Meeting Minutes
October 5, 2009
Members present: Father Cook, Mike McMahon, Dave Matheys, Pat Biebl, Kendra Arch, Julie Steiner, Marlene Norman, Dennis Olson, Jim Gillen. Absent: Karen Diehl, Dan Kotek. Special Guest: Angie Cina
1) Opening Prayer of St. Francis was led by Father Cook at 5PM
2) Marlene Norman volunteered to record meeting minutes at this time.
3) Minutes from August 11th , 2009 were approved.
4) What are they saying out there? Comments about Marion Hall were discussed in regard to tables, chairs and decor.
5) Reports:
A) Parish Clubs: Angie Cina reported on the recent activities of the Travel Club; Bible Club; Book club and the Zaraphath Club. The Cooking Club is still looking for a new leader.
B) Religious Education Program: Was reported on by Dennis Olson.
C) Parish Nurse Program: Terri Pedace reports that hand sanitizer is being donated to the Parish. A fall gathering of Parish Nurses will be held at Viterbo in Nov.
D) PCCW Report: Pat Biebel reports that preparation is being done for the fall dinner. New shades have been put up in the kitchen by Ted and Libby Harris who donated the time and labor. Next meeting will possibly occur in January.
E) Finance Council: Mike McMahon reports that acoustical tile has been placed in the kitchen along with counter tops; new paint and new window shades. The maple tree to the south of the rectory has been trimmed. New outside doors at lower level off of Marion Hall have been installed. Some sidewalk concrete work still needs to be done. The rectory kitchen is being renovated. The Diocesan Capital campaign has a targeted monetary amount of $246,000.The amount pledged is $394,566. The cash to date is $226,904. The targeted Diocesan Annual Appeal for this year is $35,864. The Parish Endowment Trust Fund's market value ending 8/31/09 is $46,720. Parish savings are $117,672.28; the Capital campaign Fund is 12,817.65; amount in checking account is $11,485.67, with the total being $141,975.60.
F) Social Concern's Committee: Father Cook reports that the Fortney Hotel Ministry is going well. Pax Christi is being led by Barb and Ed Martinez. There are only 3 Pax Christi groups in the Diocese of La Crosse. The Community Garden group met Oct.5th.The chairpersons are Stephanie and George Hopkins. The organic foods that will be grown will be done in raised beds. The "Christmas Giving Tree" that the Social Concerns committee was planning to do is being put on hold.
G ) JOURNEY: This youth group is going to participate in the Hunger Walk and also plans to do Gleaning again at the Krause Farm.
H) PATHWAYS: This youth group will participate in the Hunger Walk.
5) Old business: The Parish Mission statement was discussed; The possibility of bricking the canopy posts was referred to the Finance Council.
6) New Business: St. Mary Parish will be an Affiliate Sponsor of Bethel Home and Services. Responsibilities include ;a)Prayer, b)provide voting members; c) Encourage volunteerism; d) Assist in worship, Bible study and monthly auxiliary functions; e)Provide refreshments at the above mentioned organizations; f) Contribute financially, according to the ability of the congregation and to the needs of Bethel Home. Affiliate sponsors have no "equity interest" in Bethel Home should dissolution occur.
A rural scene painting that is being done by a parishioner will be added to Marion Hall
Many suggestions were presented for giving to families in need.
7) Next meeting will be held Dec. 14 at 5 PM.
Respectively submitted,
Marlene Norman