St. John Pastoral Council Meeting
November 6, 2006

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

The meeting was opened with a prayer.  The September minutes were approved.  

PARISHIONER CONCERNS:  Bob Repsher suggested that Religious Education teachers be allowed to take their class to Mass if their class is on a Holy Day of Obligation.  This was given to the Religious Education Committee.   
The Parish Ministries were commended for the outstanding job they did for the Funeral Mass for Charlie Diegal.  There was a free will offering that will be used for the Hispanic Ministry.  

NEW BUSINESS:
1. Ann Nevin resigned as editor of The Evangelist.  Dean Ditman, Denise Diegal, and Bob Repsher volunteered to help with The Evangelist. 

2. Fran Rock reviewed the topics discussed at the Pastoral Council Annual Retreat.  She distributed the focus areas that surfaced during the retreat.  They were (1) build active involvement in Parish life and ministries among parishioners, (2) have life long faith formation, (3) promote social justice, including global needs, (4) coordinate and foster relationships among the different parish ministries, (5) manage growth to foster one faith community, (6) expand the Hispanic Ministry, and  (7) develop lay leadership.   Fran then asked for suggestions to increase the visibility of the Pastoral Council members and to communicate the vision and goals of Pastoral Council to the Parish.  The suggestions are listed below:
a) Sr. Connie (the speaker at the Pastoral Council retreat) suggested a one day annual retreat to plan the vision and goals of the Pastoral Council for that year.  She also suggested an orientation for new members.
b) Mike Oster suggested a day for planning.  He stressed the importance of coordinating the Pastoral Council’s mission statement with the Church’s mission.
c) Denise Diegal suggested that different Pastoral Council members introduce themselves at the different Masses once a month.  Each member could also write a letter about the reasons they are on the Council.
d) Becky Martin suggested putting digital pictures in the narthex of the Church of the Pastoral Council members.  She also suggested emphasizing the website.  
e) Terry Jones suggested that the Pastoral Council members meet with parishioners after they are elected.   This could take place after the installation Mass in June. 
f) Pat Brink suggested that the members of the Pastoral Council could be included in the Welcoming Packet that is given to all new families.  A brochure could be printed and kept in the back of the church introducing the members to the Parish.  The Evangelist could publish the minutes from the Council meetings and the goals of the Council. 
g) Steve Torbeck suggested name tags for Council members and a suggestion box.  
h) Ralph Arnold suggested sending the “Green Booklet” that lists all the ministries to all parishioners.  The booklet would include pictures of all Council members. 
i) Denise Diegal and Mike Fisher suggested having an annual or biannual open meeting in the church that focused on one specific topic.  The meeting could be held on Sunday after Mass or an evening.  Paul Rock suggested that the meeting have a structured agenda and that the Executive Committee could decide the meeting date and the topic. 
j) Steve Torbeck suggested that the committee system be used to brainstorm solutions to problems in the Parish.  The solutions would then be brought to the full Council for discussion.   
k) Paul Rock also proposed the formation of a Communication Committee.  Mike Oster suggested hiring a Communication Coordinator that would provide information about the Parish in all media.  
l) Becky Martin and Jeannie Carbo stressed getting new people involved on the Pastoral Council and on the committees.  The Pastoral Council members should reach out to new people and ask them to join a committee or special ministry.  
It was decided that the Executive Committee would review these suggestions and determine ways to implement them.  

3. The Strategic Plan for the Parish was discussed.  Mike Oster suggested that the plan be reviewed and updated for the next ten years.   

4. Katrina Relief – Fran Rock reported that 10 people would be going to Coventry, LA from November 27 to December 2 to help rebuild homes destroyed by Katrina.  Another trip is planned for January 2007.  If interested, please contact Fran.    

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Finance Committee – Paul Rock thanked all who spoke on Stewardship Sunday.
Liturgy Committee – The Mass schedule for Christmas and New Year’s was discussed. 
There were no other questions on the committee reports. 

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:
Fr. Patrick reported that Becky Maurio from the Hispanic Ministry has declined to be part of the Pastoral Council.  Deacon Michael Galuppi was introduced.  Fr. Patrick thanked all the speakers who spoke on Stewardship Sunday and Dean Ditman for printing the annual report.  Many positive remarks were received about the annual report.  Fr. Art’s blood count is in the low normal range.  A staff retreat day was held at the Grotto with Fr. Patrick Basler as the speaker.  A ramp is being installed in front of the Parish Center to make it more handicap accessible.  Three outside vendors were invited to submit a proposal for computer services. 
	.  
MEETING ADJOURNED.  


Respectfully submitted by,
Mary Mussari, Recording Secretary