Church of St. Catherine Parish Pastoral Council

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Meeting Minutes

 

Members present:  Gregg Gropel, Patty Evans, Mike Jarchow, Fr. Tom, Deb Goebel, Pat Saum, John Serie, George Langford

Members excused:  Dan Nath, Mary McLaughlin. Members absent:  Steve Heitkamp

Guests:  Katie Baustian (Faith Formation), and Kyle Schumacher (Boy Scouts)

 

The meeting was called to order by President, George Langford and began with a prayer from Fr. Tom.   The meeting minutes of January 9, 2008, were approved.  A motion was made by Pat to approve the minutes as written, seconded by Mike.  Motion carried.  The agenda was approved.

 

The agenda was approved with a motion from Deb and seconded by Pat.

 

Old Business

A)  Finance Council Positions – John Oksness will fill the position of trustee on the Finance Council to replace Paul Von Holtum who finished his term

B)  Bishop HarringtonÕs Pastoral Letter – George reported on his recent attendance at the Deanery Workshop on ÒProclaim JesusÓ.  The BishopÕs Pastoral Letter concentrates on four initiatives; vocations, youth ministries, Hispanic ministries and stewardship. One initiative will be discussed at each Council Meeting starting with ÒVocationsÓ in May.

C)  Video Camera and TV for Sunday Mass Broadcasts – Pat reported that the expenditure to acquire the equipment would be fairly reasonable.  We would need a camcorder, converter and cable. Pat & Dan will continue to develop this effort.

D)  Direct Deposit – Mary contacted each Luverne Bank, Exchange State, Farmers and Minnwest.  They would all provide this service at no cost.  A survey will be conducted of the parishioners after Easter to determine interest in this opportunity.

 

New Business

A)  Engaged Couples Sponsors – The goal is to have about 8 couples for mentoring.  The engaged couple would take a PMI Profile and the results would be reviewed with the engaged couple.  It could take 2 to 3 meetings to review and discuss the results with the couple.  The sponsor couples would go through about a 3 hour training to take place in April.  The sponsor couples would need to have a healthy (not perfect) marriage and be married at least 5 years.  A motion was made by Mike and seconded by Pat to proceed with obtaining sponsor couples.

B)  Pastoral Council Elections – There are two positions open for Mike Jarchow and Steve Heitkamp, both ending first terms.  Mike has chosen to not seek a second term and to serve on the Finance Council. Nominations Sunday will be April 12-13 and the elections will be May 10-11.  Gregg, John, and Dan will be on the election committee and to process nominations from April 12-13 and to tally ballots from May 10-11.

C)  Proposal for a Cub Scout Pack – Kyle Schumacher from Sioux Falls presented information on what is involved for St. Catherine to sponsor a Cub Scout Pack.  There is a charter fee of $20 and adult and youth fees of $10 annually.  Fr. Tom would be the executive officer.  All candidates for pack leader would have a background check done.  The motion to sponsor a Cub Scout Pack was made by Deb and seconded by Patty.

D)  Faith Formation Presentation by Katie Baustian – Katie reviewed with the council her first year as Faith Formation leader.  She said that she is contemplating changing the elementary structure a little, except for 2nd grade.  Katie has been very impressed with the catechists with most of them returning from last year.  The Vacation Bible School curriculum theme is ÒAll About ServiceÓ.  She also stated that there are 12 youth going to NCYC in Kansas City.

 

Reports

A)   Liturgy (Dan and Fr. Tom) – Cloth behind sanctuary is completed.

B)   Faith Formation (Dan) – No report. (Coordinator reported in New Business)

C)  Knights of Columbus (John) – John reported that the last 2 fish fries have been very well attended with approximately 220 dinners being served.  They are gearing up for the Good Friday fish fry and are expecting 240.  The State Free Throw Contest Final is March 29 and 30.  The Knights are funding all the broadcasts for the PopeÕs visit on April 15-20.  Exemplification in Sioux Falls will include 3 people from Ellsworth; no one from Luverne.

D)  LCCW (Patty) – LCCW will be paying for the washer and dryer for the rectory.  LCCW will tour the ChildrenÕs Home of South Dakota on April 1 with dinner after.  LCCW will make a considerable donation for the Church flooring project.  The Priest Appreciation dinner is April 27 and co-chairs are needed.  The Salad luncheon is June 19 and co-chairs are also needed.

E)   Finance Council (Fr. Tom) – The lights are upgraded.  The carpeting will be about $2,500 for the rectory.

F)   Social Ministry Committee (Fr. Tom) – Meeting of the Social Ministry committee was held prior to the parish council and was very productive.

G)  PastorÕs Report – Ministry of Care will be coordinated by Dick Smook.  He will coordinate the ministry for the shut-ins so they get communion at least once a week.  Easter Vigil will be welcoming 9 RCIA candidates.

H)   Administrator – No report.

 

Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 7:00 pm.  Fr. Tom led us in our closing prayer. 

 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 pm.

 

Respectfully Submitted, Deborah Goebel, Secretary