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St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church
Parish Council Meeting Minutes
February 25, 2008 7:00 pm
Meeting held in the Parish Center Fireplace Room
Attendees Present
Pastor: Father William Donnelly, Associate Pastor: Father Patrick Murphy
Council Chair: Michele Alberts
At Large Members: Denise Stout, John Richter, Tom Lavins, Claudine Schramko
Commission Members: Janet Waring, Parish Life, Rob Wentland, Administration & Planning, Melanie Sarros, Heidi Dresher, RE –K thru 5, Anna Embree, RE- Jr. High, Sue Lasek, SIJ School, Jim Murray, Parish Staff, Joe Geiger, Worship.
Absent: Rob Wentland, Karen Loffredi, Janet Waring
Opening Prayer / Jim Murray
Jim Murray invited the parish council to the Taise Prayer service in the Parish Center with other parishioners.
This was part of the Lenten Prayers services that were offered during lent.
Approval of January PC Minutes
2. Commission Reports
Christian Service – A written report from Scott Brechtel said that 141 families received gift baskets through the Forgiving Tree. This reflects the generous donations of the parish families. Gifts will be distributed on March 15th. Currently there are 4 families participating in Transitional Housing. More updates on that program are coming at the March PC meeting.
Administration and Planning – Father Bill updated the PC on the progress of the Finance Committee preparing to give Stewardship talks to the parishioners in May. He also said that financial reports on donationsto the parishioners were being sent out.
Parish Life – Updates on Matthew Kelly mission program on March 9.10 and 11th stated that radio announcements were on Relevant Radio 95 am station. About 1000 were expected to attend this mission.
40 Men from the SIJ Men’s Group participated in a lecture given by Father Pflager of St. Sabina’s Church in Chicago. There is also a need for more Spiritual Directors for Christ Renews His Parish in order for this ministry to continue. The Women’s CHRP Retreat is scheduled for May 3 & 4th in the parish. A report on the babysitting program was updated to let us know that many are participating and that the parents are very grateful for this service during the 9 & 10 AM Sunday Masses. Toys are needed for the babysitting room and a notice will be put in the bulletin.
Worship – Commission member, Joe Geiger spoke of the Ministry in Service for all Eucharistic Ministers and Lectures that was held on Saturday February 16th. This was a Day of Reflection with Father Robert Hutmacher of St. Peter’s Church in Chicago. About 75 members of the parish participated. He spoke of the transfiguring moments of our lives as compared to the Gospel of the Transfiguration of Christ. The Stations of the Cross windows are in process and should be coming in May. They will be placed in the Adoration Chapel which to date has 450 adorers participating in Perpetual Adoration.
Religious Education - K – 5 grade Parent Commission member, Melanie Sarros presented information about the new schedule for the RE program for the fall of 2008. She told there will be no Sunday classes. Liturgy of the Word will probably increase during the 9 and 10:30 am Masses with the cessation of Sunday RE classes. Home schooling options for parents will be available. Fees will be subject to increases due to rising costs. Directors, Helen and Janet will require training for all teachers. They will also be scheduling personal meetings with all current teachers. Parents that are trained Catechists will be given a 50% discount on tuition. Changes in the leadership commissions are being considered. There will be 12 members who will serve as an advisory group to the directors. One of those members will be serving on the PC. The RE will also offer a Vacation Bible School this summer in June for all parishioners. It will be available for children ages Kindergarten through 5th grade.
Middle School & High School Commission member, Anna Embree gave an update on the Bible Study currently coordinated with Susie Woerner and Janet Waring for 6, 7 & 8th grade students. Leadership Training for all Catechists will be held on April 14th for 6th 7th and 8th grade programs. Anna reminded the PC that
only RE information will be sent via e-mail to the parents and would not include other parish info. The RE had requested the additional Parish Bulletins could be sent home weekly with the students to allow parents to see what else in going on in the parish.
Parish Staff – Jim Murray gave an update on the Staff Meeting in February. The Sacrament of Confirmation will be received by about 200, 8th graders in the parish on March 8, 2008. Increases in costs and lower donations in the collections have created a challenge for the parish budget.
SIJ School – Guest Commission member, Sue Lasek, reported that enrollment in the SIJ Parish School is currently about 586. Next fall the school will begin the first full day kindergarten in Hinsdale school disctrict.. There will be 2 full day classes and 1 half day program beginning in the Fall 2008 sessions. As of this date there are 62 children registered for the full day program. The 7th & 8th grade students are collecting school supplies for needy schools in Chicago in lieu of the Rice Bowl Project. The February School Auction was held on Feb. 9 and was well attended. About 250 students participated in the school musical “The Wizard of Oz”. On March 15th, the Children’s Choir will perform their Spring Concert with about 350 students participating. The concert will be held at Hinsdale Central High School. A Diocesan School Summit will be held for all Catholic School leaders on Saturday, April 19th.
Pastor Remarks. Father Bill Donnelly told the RE that to order 300 more parish bulletins each week for distribution to the RE students was going to cost $4500.00. He reminded the RE Commission that they can receive one at any of the Masses and would not be purchased. Father Bill requested that one of our current members of the PC consider serving on the Diocesan Pastoral Council in Joliet. There is a Joliet Diocesan
Assembly on March 29th at The St. Charles Borromeo Pastoral Center and all PC members are invited to attend. There will be a Discernment Process on May 19th for new PC members. They will be asked to serve as At-Large members starting in the Fall 2008 session of the Council and recommended that we invite parishioners to consider service to the Council.
Closing Prayer: Claudine Schramko
Thank you to Joe Geiger for refreshments provided!
Next Meeting – Monday, March 31, 2008 at 7:00 pm in the Fireplace Room of the Parish Center
Reflection: Tom Lavins Refreshments: Melanie Sarros
Minutes faithfully submitted March 28, 2008 – Denise Stout, PC Secretary
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