ST. JOHN PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER 3, 2003

Msgr. Art Valenzano opened the meeting with a prayer.  The September minutes were approved.  
Council Members in Attendance:  Bob Andrews, John Bryan, Tom Greene, Terry Jones, Mike Oster, Peggy Rager, Joe Rankin, Fran Rock, Paul Rock, Mike Rodgers, Pat Scheper, Janet Tenney, Frank Tontala, Dawn Walsh, & Clolita Williams Council members absent: Gail Young  Staff in Attendance:  Msgr. Art Valenzano, Fr. Brian Nolan, Pat Brink, Fr. Leo Patalinghug and Agnes Geraghty Guest:Charlie Swinderman

Congratulations and expressions of appreciation were conveyed to Terry Jones for the beautiful church building and to Fran Rock for the success of the Dedication.  
Parishioner Concerns:  Denise Diegel spoke about the Spanish ministry.  The composition of the group is constantly changing.  She is working on a Spanish Outreach session and Religious Education classes, and a celebration for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.  Denise is in great need of assistance in this ministry.

OLD BUSINESS: 

Master Plan 2003 - Terry Jones mentioned that 8 stained glass windows will be installed in the church.  There are other small adjustments that will continue to be made in the coming weeks.  Many bricks are still available for purchase.  Msgr. Art said that there will be memorial plaques in the narthex. Everyone who pledged to the old and new church will be recognized. The artifacts from both “old” churches have been put in the new church. Dean Camlin, the architect for the Fellowship Hall, has developed the schematic plans.  The archdiocese has been involved in the planning process. 

Outreach & Evangelization - Frank Tontala reported that The Evangelist was sent to parishioners and another one will be sent with an Advent mailing, with an article on the Dedication.  A revised edition of the Ministry directory will be coming out in December, and new hotel cards will be distributed.  The new time for the Welcoming sessions are 8:30 and 10:30 AM.  We will monitor the new mass schedule and determine if any changes will be made.  The nursery will be available at the 9:15 and 11:15 AM masses.  Fr. Brian mentioned that there will be new pamphlet racks available in the narthex, 2 racks on each side.  There will be racks for devotional books as well as information about various ministries.  

Religious Education - Bob Andrews distributed a handout; the committee is taking steps to refocus for the next several years in the areas of sacramental preparation, home study and general class issues. Paul Gallagher will be making a presentation at the January meeting.  

Development - Pat Scheper reported that the committee is still being formed.  We are still following up with the Capital Campaign and the 300 new parishioners.  Agnes reported that some new pledges are coming in and some people are paying the balance of their pledge early.  

Liturgy - Joe Rankin distributed a handout concerning missions, goals, and objectives.  This past month, we worked on logistics for the opening of the new church.  The big push is to get more people involved in this ministry. We have met our goal of increasing mass attendance by 10% over the last 2 years.  

Management & Finance - Paul Rock reported that we have collected 92% of our Capital Campaign goal and have borrowed $500,000.  We still have work to do, but we are on line with the budget for the church.  
Sesquicentennial Committee - Fran Rock said that their committee is wrapping up the year with the final mass on December 27th; Becky Martin is chairing that event.
Special Long Term Award - John Bryan reported that he is putting together a booklet for the award, detailing qualifications and the nomination process.  John will have a timeline by January.

New Business:

Fran Rock reported on the results of the Council Retreat in September.  We had great brainstorming ideas in all areas, especially liturgy.  Some ideas have already been implemented.  Each committee will review these ideas.  A mass of Thanksgiving will be held this weekend to thank the parish for their contributions to the new church. Coffee and donuts will be served and holy cards will be distributed.

Pat Scheper asked the questions, “How are we doing as a business? Is there a handbook?” and others.  Paul Rock responded that we have addressed these issues through the audit, and will continue this process.

Dedication Committee - Fran Rock received 10 rolls of pictures, and Bob Repsher suggested a bulletin board in the back of the church.

School Report - Pat Brink said that they are getting used to the Power School system of reporting to parents.  They are also responding to the requirements for STAND.  Pat will give a full report in January. 

Announcements - Msgr. Art said that feedback from the Archdiocese has been very positive; the event was so well organized.  The press coverage has been incredible.  Bishop Malooly will celebrate the closing mass for the Sesquicentennial year on December 27th.  Meeting adjourned.

						Submitted by Peggy Rager, Recording Secretary