Parish Committees > Parish Council > Minutes
St. Isaac Jogues Pastoral Council
Meeting Minutes
May 18, 2009
Fireplace Room 7:00 - 9:15
Pastoral Staff: Father William Donnelly, Father Pat Murphy
Council Chair: Denise Stout, 3rd year
Vice Chair: John Richter, 2nd year
At Large Members: Tom Lavins, 2nd year
Anna Embree, 1st year
Joan Brennan, 1st year
Steve Turlek, new member
Commission Members: Rob Wentland, Administration and Planning
Larry Fitzgerald, SIJ School
Nancy Laser, Christian Service
Ed Pound, Worship
Guest: Bob Gerth, SIJ School
Gospel Reflection: Anna Embree
Approval of Minutes: Minutes from April 27th meeting were approved
Council Chair Report: Denise Stout
Discernment of New Members:
Steve Turlek has been discerned as an At Large Council Member.
Tim Rivelli, was unable to attend the discernment due to a family issue. The Executive council will meet to resolve this situation...how best to fill the second new At Large position.
New Council Officers:
Tom Lavins will become the new council chairman.
John Richtor will remain the vice chairman.
Council secretary:
Mary Munoz was unable to attend this meeting. There was discussion about the secretary position. The Executive Committee will follow up with Mary to decide how best to fill the position.
Denise thanked the council for helping her to accomplish the goals for her final year on the Council as chair.
Pastor's Report:
It has been confirmed through the Personnel Board of the Diocese that Father Pat has been offered the choice to remain at SIJ for one year if he chooses. Father Pat has announced that he is staying.
Old Business:
Adoration Chapel Restroom: Tom Lavins reported that the gates, that will allow access to a bathroom from the Chapel, will be ready to ship by next week. Regarding concerns about the security of items in the Sacristy, Father Bill confirmed that the valuables in the area are all locked.
Handicapped Access Parking Signs: Ed Pound reported that the signs are designed. Our ushers will place them on the street. Joe Stout, usher chairman, is aware of this new responsibility. We should begin seeing them in June. Handicapped Parking will on the west side of the street in front of the Church. There is no parking allowed on the east side of the street.
Budget: Rob Wentland reviewed some changes in the budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2010.
Sunday collections are budgeted at $38,000, even though Rob thinks this
is a “stretch”.
$20,000 was added to the dinner dance revenue bringing it to $50,000.
The decision has been made to decrease the school transfer by $95,000. Bob Gerth was in attendance to address this issue. He said they need to balance the school budget, but with the news of the larger than expected decrease in school transfer funds, they will need time to work with PSA, the school committee and parents to address the shortfall. Efforts are being made to collect contributions of at least $1,000 from school families who have yet to contribute to the Church.
The council approved the budget as presented by Rob Wentland. Father Bill noted that the budget is revisited in January to determine if adjustments are necessary.
New Business:
Parish Wish List: The idea of a parish wish list that provides a means for the parish to target donations to specific causes or needs, was suggested by Tony Brandolino, (Chief Developement Office for the Joliet Diocese), during the Parish Cluster Meeting in March. Ed Pound volunteered to contact Mr. Brandolino to get a model for the program.
Altar Server Trip: Jim Murray use to organize this thank you to the altar servers. The trip was paid for by someone who is no longer at SIJ. Ed Pound said the worship commission is trying to organize something for them. There are 140 altar servers. Father Pat suggested a special Mass that recognizes the servers, followed by treats in the parish center. It was agreed that this is a good idea. The Worship commission will schedule it in early June.
Parish Benefit Event: Fund raising responsibilities belong to the business manager. Father Bill said that the Parish staff will handle the parish benefit event.
Sunday Evening Mass: Denise Stout suggested the possibility of SIJ adding a 4:30 or 5:30 pm mass on Sundays. It seems to be a revenue enhancer for parishes that offer a late mass. Discussion ensued as to the validity of the revenue. Anna Embree added that plans have been in the works to move the youth Mass from noon to 4:30, possibly for four Sundays of the year.
In her closing comments to the council, Denise Stout proposed an Office of Evangelization. It could encompass Stewardship, Worship, Adult Ed, etc.
Father Bill gave his thanks to Denise for her service as chairman.
Tom Lavins informed Denise that a coffee table will be donated in her honor to the new Womens Choice Service Center on York Road in Hinsdale.
Closing Prayer: Anna Embree
Minutes submitted by Nancy Laser, Christian Service Representative
Next Meeting: September 28, 2009