St. John Pastoral Council Meeting
January 8, 2007

Council members in attendance:  Ralph Arnold, John Bryan, Jeannie Carbo, Denise Diegel,  Dean Ditman, Rosalie Gardner, Terry Jones, Becky Martin, Debbie Middleton, Mary Mussari, Mike Oster,  Bob Repsher, Fran Rock, Paul Rock, Janet Tenney, Frank Tontala, Steve Torbeck , Tom Witmer
Council members absent: Mike Fisher 
Staff in attendance:  Fr. Patrick Carrion, Pat Brink, Marc Lanoue, David Wood

The meeting was opened with a prayer.  The November Minutes approved.  

PARISHIONER CONCERNS:  

1. One parishioner was disappointed that there are no deacons at the 6:00 Mass on Sunday evenings.  
2. Parishioners were impressed with Fr. Patrick’s presentation on giving and stewardship.   Rosalie Gardner felt that what Fr. Patrick did helps build a sense of community. 

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Review the ideas discussed at the Executive Committee Meeting to make the Pastoral Council for more visible to the Parish 
a. It was suggested to add the names of the Pastoral Council members to the Welcoming Packets that are given to new parishioners.  Fran Rock asked Teresa O’Brien to do this. 
b. It was suggested to put digital pictures of the Pastoral Council members with their names, e-mail addresses, and committee assignments in the narthex of the Church.  Bob Repsher took pictures of the Pastoral Council members after the January meeting.  He and Jeanne Carbo will plan the display.
c. It was suggested to have different Pastoral Council members introduce themselves at different Masses.  Fran Rock felt some members may not feel comfortable about this.  Denise Diegel suggested each member sign up to introduce themselves at a Mass or at one of the monthly Welcoming Sessions.  
d. It was suggested that a Pastoral Council member attend each Welcoming Session to introduce themselves.  Fran Rock passed around a sign up sheet for Council members to volunteer to attend a Welcoming Session held from February to July.  
e. Fran Rock spoke with Norma and the Pastoral Council will be added to the next printing of the “Green Book”.  The “Green Book” lists all parish organizations and their activities. 
f. It was suggested that a Communication Coordinator be hired.  This position would be filled by someone who is already on staff. 
g. Frank Tontala has set up a new email address that will be monitored by Jeanne Carbo. 
h. Steve Torbeck volunteered to write a monthly paragraph from the Pastoral Council that will be published in the bulletin. 
i. The summer issue of The Evangelist will be focused on the Pastoral Council.  
j. It was suggested that a Strategic Planning Committee should be formed to formulate a new strategic plan for the Parish.  There was discussion about the length of the plan and the composition of the committee.  Denise requested that someone come to speak to the Hispanic Ministry for input on strategic planning and information on growth.  The following people were suggested to be on the committee: Roy Chiavacci, Debbie Middleton, Becky Martin, Terry Jones, Ralph Arnold, Steve Horn (County Planning), Fran Rock, Paul Rock, Mike Oster, Ken Yuhas, and Tom Witmer.  It was also suggested there be a representative from the school and technology committee. 
k. Fran Rock asked if there were any additional suggestions.  The Council felt this was a good start. 
2. Denise Diegel will work on the next issue of The Evangelist  but asked for someone else to take over.  It was suggested that an announcement be placed in the bulletin.  Frank Tontala will continue to do the layout.
3. It was suggested that the next Pastoral Council meeting in March focus on how to increase and retain volunteers.
4. Terry Jones suggested that the budget be emailed to the council members with the minutes so that members have time to review it before it is discussed. 

	
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Liturgy Committee –
1. The goals of the committee were discussed and each individual ministry was asked to set a goal and report to the Liturgy Committee. 
2. The Liturgical Ministers retreat was shortened to 8:00 am – 12:00 pm. 
St. John School 
1. They are examining the costs of having full day and half day kindergarten.  
2. They are beginning the budgeting process.  The budget will be presented the third week of January.  
Nominating Committee
1. The Nominating Committee is comprised of Jeanne Carbo, John Bryan, and Janet Tenney. 
2. At the March meeting there should be a preliminary list of nominees. 


ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:

Fr. Patrick reported on the following.
1. A member of the Women’s Auxiliary for the Knights of Columbus asked permission to publish a Parish Cookbook as a fundraiser.
2. The Confirmation retreat was held the weekend of January 6-7.  Over 200 students participated including students from two smaller parishes. 
3. The staff is reviewing and updating the brochure for Lent and Easter.
4. The Technology Committee met to review the recommendations from the Archdiocese and view three vendor presentations.
5. He thanked the Development Committee for their help with the stewardship talks and thanked all ministries for their help at the Christmas Masses. 
	.  
MEETING ADJOURNED.  


Respectfully submitted by,
Mary Mussari, Recording Secretary