Parish Committees > Parish Council > Minutes
St. Isaac Jogues Pastoral Council
Meeting Minutes
November 30, 2009
Fireplace Room 7:00 - 8:30
Pastoral Staff: Father William Donnelly, Father Pat Murphy
Council Chair: Tom Lavins, 3rd year
Vice Chair: John Richter, 3rd year
At Large Members: Anna Embree, 2nd year, Joan Brennan, 2nd year, Steve Turlek, 1st year
Commission Members: Ed Shishem - School, Joann Kamp - Parish Life, Pat Kenney
- Religious Ed, Joe Geiger - Worship, Nancy Laser - Christian Service
Reflection: Joe Geiger, Letter of St. Paul to the Romans, 10:9-18
Approval of Minutes: Meeting minutes from October 26, 2009 were approved.
Commission Reports
A & P Ken Quaas had emailed an update on the stewardship program. Pledge cards have been delivered and Father Bill has reminded everyone at masses, Nov 21 and 22.(Tom Lavins complemented Father Bill on his homily and said he has heard positive feedback. Lay people speaking at mass were also very good.) A stewardship thermometer will be in the Bulletin and in the Narthex to advertise how collections are going. Ken requests all council members and commission members to turn in their pledge cards. A thank you card from Father Bill will be sent to all who return a pledge card.
CHRISTIAN SERVICE Nancy Laser reports that the All Souls Day Mass and reception went very well. The only concern was that only 12 of the 43 deceased family members came forward. The Luminary mass was beautiful and a great success, with 475 bags purchased. Diaper Derby: SIJ took 2nd place collecting 4928 diapers.Clothing Drive: Filled half the truck, lots of help from students.Adopt a Family: All but 8 names have been taken. Return date is Dec. 12th. Holy Innocence Mass: 3:00 January 31st, in the Parish Center. Service Club: Collected balls and dolls for LaGrange Community Nurses Secret Santa.La Grange Soup Kitchen: Mens Group and students are serving lunch the 3rd Saturday of the month. PADS: SIJ staffs Saturday, Dec 26th. Joann Kamp needs green and fruit salads. Respect Life: Project Gabriel begins in January. Transitional Housing: New Client moving in.
PARISH LIFE Joann Kamp reported that Dr. Jim Healyʼs talk on marriage gathered about 100 people, and was very inspiring and meaningful.
Bishop Sartain will speak at St. Isaacs on Dec 10th.Planning continues for the Saints of March Dinner on March 20th. John Richter noted that March 20th is also the Catholic Mens Conference at the Rosemont Convention Center. CHIRP is moving along. Soup and Bread will continue as planned.
WORSHIP Joe Geiger reports that the Advent program, Sunday Nov 29th was Rosie Owens first. Particularly, the latin hymns and music were very good. The Advent booklet sales broke even. Rosie Owens Christmas planning committee is working well.osie is now looking for Lenten planning committee members. It involves only three hour and a half meetings.The outdoor Nativity scene was purchased with a donation and will be placed in front of church this Friday. A church neighbor built the stable. The council would like to thank Tim Rivelli and Ed Shishem for their contributions and efforts towards the new Nativity scene.
RELIGIOUS ED (K - 5) Pat Kenney said the last religious ed class for this semester is Dec. 9. The Families of Faith Dinner was very good. Cathy Bjeldanes organized the whole event and did a superb job. The event was enjoyed by all.
SCHOOL COMMISSION Ed Shishem reports that letters went out to families who are behind on their obligations to the school/church.Ed brought the article from the “Hinsdaleian” newspaper talking about SIJ graduates remaining great friends through high school. Joann Kamp said that the “Doings” had great article about our Luminary Mass.
RELIGIOUS ED (6 -8) Anna Embree reports that there is a 4:00 Youth Mass both Sunday Dec. 5th and Dec. 12th. Following mass on the 12th, Joan Webster Anderson will speak about her writings on angels and miracles.Ed Shishem asked for input concerning the seating of school children during special grade school masses. Father Bill and Pat agreed that they should sit with their family, and a section of the pews can be reserved for the families .Father Pat complimented the 15 - 20 high school lectors and their impact on fostering the interests of the younger children.
Pastoral Remarks: Father Bill states that the Meitler Report on the future of Unpaged is out. SIJ is fine. Schools that will be closed or consolidated were named. Dec. 1 is the finance office appointment for SIJ. Father Bill states that we are doing alright 19th a new auxiliary Bishop will be installed at the cathedral .December 6th is the Cadence Choir at 6:00 in the church. Tom Sullivan is looking into the problems with set up for various events. John Richter said that there should be a way or place where people can talk directly to John, rather
than having to go through Cathy. Feedback needs to be received from John as to whether the particular set up can be completed or not.
Old Business:
Alter Servers: Joe Geiger reports that Rosie Owens has had 2 training meetings. The new servers are mentoring with an eight grader. The alter servers names are in the Bulletin. A back up plan is being developed.
Stewardship Drive: Father Bill says that the collections look good now. We will know more in 3 - 4 weeks.
New Business:
Catholics Come Home begins December 13th with television adds. John Richter has found our banner and has an application at the village to post it by the train station.
Bishop Sartainʼs visit is December 10th. Tom Lavins would like to see a packed church. It is for adults. Local parishes have been invited.
Pastoral Council Cluster meeting is at Our Lady Of Peace in Darien. John Richter and Steve Turlek are attending.
Closing Prayer:
Minutes Submitted by Nancy Laser, Secretary
Next meeting: January 25, 2010
Gospel Reflection: Anna Embree
Refreshments: Nancy Laser