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St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church
Parish Council Meeting Minutes
October 29th 2007
Meeting held in the Parish Center Fireplace Room
Attendees Present
Pastors: Father Bill Donnelly, Associate Pastor: Father Pat Murphy
Council Chair: Michele Alberts
At Large Members: Denise Stout, John Richter, Tom Lavins
Commission Members: Joe Geiger, Worship, Janet Waring, Parish Life, Rob Wentland, Administration & Planning, Melanie Sarros, RE –K thru 5 , Anna Embree, RE- Jr. High
Jim Murray, Parish Staff, Absent: Karen Loffredi, Claudine Schramko, Rob Wentland, Administration& Planning
- Opening Prayer /Gospel Reflection- Michele Alberts
- Approval of October PC Minutes
- Commission Reports
Administration and Planning - Rob Wentland was not present but sent an update on the volunteer Fair and that the first meeting for A&P was scheduled for November 12. Bob also reported that the Weekly collections are falling behind our $40,000.00 weekly pace. The finance committee will be Meeting shortly to evaluate our plans/ options
Christian Service – no report
Parish Life - Janet Waring gave an update on the Men’s Group growing participation with good Programs and speakers attracting more men from the parish. She also commented on the fantastic response and turn out for the “Nuns in Charge Event.” $1400.00 was collected at this event in free will donations to the Nuns Retirement funds that the program supports. Great feedback from all who participated (about 300) and encouragement for more events like this to foster good opportunities to bring to together parishioners of all ages.
Worship – Joe Geiger reported that John Sebastian has requested to reopen the babysitting service at The 10:30 am Mass on Sundays due to parent requests. Discussion about liability and training for an Adult supervision with teen helpers was commented on by all at the meeting. Suggestion of comparing What other parishes offer was being pursued by Michele Alberts.
Religious Education - K – 5 grade Parent Commission Representative, Melanie Sarros discussed Traffic patterns for pick up and delivery are still an issue for the directors. An Advent Program for the families will be held on December 2 in the Parish Center to begin the Advent Season. The RE directors are currently interviewing for part time support staff to assist in their duties. Confirmation was confirmed for March 8, 2007 with Archbishop Kaffer as presider. Confirmation Retreats are also in the plan stages.
Anna Embry representing the 6- 9th grade Parent Commission Representative, Anna Embry requested Direction for the members of the current Youth Ministry program. Currently there are about 15 teens involved in helping plan the monthly Youth Mass for the parish. Anna was the appointed Youth Minister last year and she has a group of 15 teens that meet in her home monthly. Anna was requesting support for more programs for the Teen members. The possibility of speakers for teens and parents on a quarterly basis was discussed.
Parish Staff – Jim Murray – no report
SIJ School – Jeannie Manning reported on the Kindergarten program getting a front page in the Suburban Life Newspaper as a promotion for the school. Fundraising with the raffle raised $80,000.00 E-Script is also a successful way for the school to ad to revenue. The Endowment Fund is hoping to grow and reevaluate. Website design is in the works for the school. Testing for the school will be the IOWA Basics program this year.
Pastor Remarks. Father Bill Donnelly and Father Pat Murphy attended a Priest’s Convocation from October 1- 4th with all the diocesan priests from the Joliet Diocese at Pheasant Run with Bishop Sartain. Father Bill commented on the crisis in our diocese of priest availability going into the future within our Diocese. The concerns of the diocese includes finances for schools, limited ministry staff and a growing Population within our diocese. Father Bill also reported that the windows for the adoration chapel are In process and will include the Stations of the Cross in the design. Holy water fonts are on order and will Be installed in the near future. The new Sanctuary Lamp was installed and the sound system is still being adjusted. The Dinner Dance benefit evening collected pledges of $80,000 for the event. Father Bill was pleased with the turn out for the Ministry Fair and the Nuns in Charge Events and thanked all the volunteers involved.
Closing Prayer
Next Meeting – Monday, November 26th at 7:00 pm in the Fireplace Room of the Parish Center
Minutes faithfully submitted by – Denise Stout Parish Council Secretary
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