March 11, 2010 St. Mary Parish Pastoral Council Minutes
March 11, 2010
Meeting was opened with a prayer, led by Father Cook.
1) Roll call: members present----Father Cook, Don Tully, Julie Steiner, Mike McMahon, Dave Matheys, Marlene Norman, Terri Pedace, Kendra Arch, Karen Diehl, Dan Kotek, Jim Gillen and special guest, Angie Cina. Members absent: Pat Biebl, Dennis Olson.
2) Minutes of January 14 meeting were approved. (Year is changed to read 2010 instead of 2009)
3) "What Are People Saying Out There?"--A compliment was given by a non-parishioner as to the Atrium addition; also this person liked Father Cook and his sermons.
-- A homebound parishioner appreciates getting the "Messenger"
-- Interest was expressed to have an insert placed in the Bulletin periodically to announce up- coming, big parish events.
--Sunday Nursery reportedly is being poorly utilized. Father Cook suggests that it be brought up for consideration again in September 2010, to be determined if it is to be offered as a continued service.
4) Reports: Parish Clubs---Angie Cina reported on the following;
--Bible Club: Will meet again in Sept.
--Cooking Club: A volunteer is still being sought to coordinate gatherings.
--Travel Club: is going to the Milwaukee Public Museum on May 1st to attend the exhibit, "The Dead Sea Scrolls and the Bible; Artifacts and Timeless Treasures. Reservations are reportedly due by noon on April 4th,2010.
Religious Education Program: Father Cook reported that Confirmation was held March 7th.In
absence of a Diocesan Bishop, father Cook administered the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Parish Nurse Program: Terri Pedace reports that she continues to see homebound clients
She also visits Clients at various facilities. Terri and Kathy Ekern plan to attend an up- coming conference at the Spirituality center in La Crosse; they are also considering an assessment in the fall by the Parishioner's in regard to the performance of the Parish Nurse Program.
PCCW: In Pat Beibel's absence, Father Cook gave the following PCCW JANUARY meeting
results:
a) Needed: A co-chair for St. Bridget Circle; hospitality people for week-end Masses.
b) Thank You: Toy's for Tot's donations; Mission donations; Circle donations.
c) Up-coming Events: March 3, Ecumenical Lenten Service; March 5, World Day of
Prayer; March 6, Spirituality Day; March 7, Confirmation; March 14, Joseph Club
card party; March 23, PCCW Lenten Service and Fellowship; June 6, Picnic
d) Fund Dispersal: New refrigerator in parish kitchen; 2 Seminarians, Taylor Flock
and Alan Guanella; Project Milk; T.V. Masses; Philippine Mission adult woman aid,
Eulalia Baron; Casa Hogar; Master Redemptoris; Masses at St. Mary's; Front Door
Ministry at St. Mary's; Jail Ministry; Birthright; Bethel Home; NCCW dues and other
charities as needed. Reportedly" over $6000.00 has been given for the above
Services" (Father Cook gave a brief History of the Front Door Ministry report given
by Father Gorman for St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral at the recent Catholic
Charities event.)
Joseph Club: Was started in November 2009, as a Men's Club for St. Mary Parish It will be a club independent of the other clubs in the parish because of its organizational structure. Discussion was held as to its various needs and concerns, etc. They have planned a card party for March 14, 2010.They are planning for a big parish picnic at Eckhart Park sometime during the summer. Report was given by Don Tully.
Finance Council: Mike McMahon reported the following:
--Recent Capital Improvements: pending projects are sidewalk repair pew repair.
kneelers were also discussed at this time as to their instability at their center. Father cook will contact the responsible firm.
--Diocesan Capital Campaign( We Belong to Christ) TARGET is $246,000;
PLEDGED is $385,941; Cash to date is $259,349.
--Diocesan Annual Appeal (DAA); TARGET is $35,864; PLEDGED is
$23,982. Cash to date is $28,472.
-- Parish Endowment Trust Fund: Market value ending 8/31/09 is $49,763.
--Review of Finance: Parish Savings--$152,253; Capital Campaign Fund is $8,937; Checking Account is $9000 with a total being $170,190. (It was suggested that parishioners be reminded of need to get DAA in) (Father Cook mentioned that $1000.00 has been donated to building of a Parish Church in La Santa Cruz, Bolivia. --Also mentioned is the donation of $500.00 towards the pipe organ at St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral.)
Social Concerns Committee:
-- Fortney Hotel Ministry: Reportedly 38 residents out of 40 attend the Sunday meal and express their gratitude.
--Pax Christi: Will be praying a special "Stations of the Cross", dedicated to those suffering for justice and peace, on Wed., March 17, 5:15 PM. Father Cook gave information on up-coming activities.
--Community Garden: Father Cook reports that there is much excitement about the project. It is planned that the produce will be shared with individuals who work in it and various other organiza
Journey: Had a tubing party in January;bowling in February. They will have a "Blessing of
Easter Foods; and are planning an egg hunt the Sun. after Easter.
Pathways: Are planning to have a speaker.
5) Old Business :
-- Parish Directory 2010: Anne Graham has volunteered to chair it in July 2010.
--Council Minutes on Website:
--Hospitality Ministry at Week end Eucharist: Father Cook reports that this will be
discontinued due to lack of interest. It can be tried again in the fall if desired.
--Rural Life day: This is an annual event sponsored by Diocese of La Crosse. St. Mary
Parish was asked to host it for this year. Father Cook did research as to its possibility and determined that St . Mary Parish wouldn't be able to host the event.
6) New Business:
-- New piano and keyboard: have been donated by Jim and Sandy Kuehn in memory of
Sandy's sister.
--Parish Forum? Discussion was held in regard to parish awareness of the various
work/activities that Councils, committees and clubs perform. An activity to identify
this is tentatively planned for after the Masses on week end following Labor Day.
7) Next meeting: Monday, May 10, 2010.
8) meeting adjourned with a prayer.
Respectively Submitted,
Marlene Norman