St. Gerald Parish Pastoral Council Meeting Minutes January 6, 2011

Present: Glen Bennett, Judy Haug, Joan Luebbert, Mary Morss, Tim Mundorf , Mike Rasmussen, Ryan Sevcik, Jamie Zabrocki Absent: Mary Bystrom, Additional Attendees: Father Korte, Kathy Hanson, Recording Secretary (Dave Garland – school principal not present)

OPENING PRAYER

I. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING: Approved

II. SCHOOL Report: (Dave Garland) Not in attendance/ no report this month. See Parish Education committee for discussion

III. PASTORS REPORT: Father described what a strategic plan might involve, including formation of a leadership team, survey of parishioners, data analysis and planning based on the analysis. This would include review of such things as demographics, fellowship, spirituality, communication, and it might include looking to see how group activities align with our needs, with our Pillars and with the Corp. and Spiritual Works of Mercy. Father reviewed an example of how that might progress and we discussed trying every possible way to get the responses all back, including emailing. The strategic planning process will help father and the council to get to know the parish faster. Father has started asking folks to be part of the Strategic planning group (3 so far) and is hoping for a good representation… 2 are on the parish council.

It was suggested that the committee would probably have an end date, but would have follow up reports and assurances of implementation. Father asked if the parish council agrees with this effort and a vote was taken with overall support. Some suggestions during the vote were to assure the school, older building and infrastructure issues are included in the study. It was also suggested that we have a wish list.. “if we have folks” that would be published or implemented as we have parishioners with the skills and desire to help with certain things.

IV. COMMITTEE REPORTS :

School Board Committee - No written report this month - Test (standardized) Scores: Were excellent in many grades. Specific grades with lowered scores were mostly be attributed to children with with learning disabilities/IEPs. - Tech Committee – Finishing up 5 year plan to present to finance committee. - Accredidations – discussed the checklist of requirements – couldn’t pin-point exactly what the reason was that it has not been implanted yet. Apparently just a general lack of commitment to getting accredited from staff. Father has asked that we move to the accredidation especially due to demographic changes (to stay competitive), and because it will help with more seamless progression from one grade/class to others. Father asked staff to talk openly about concerns with accredidation. Some concerns mentioned by staff were extra work involved, class plans being dictated, art requirements and library certifications. They are working to minimize any negative impacts and work toward accredidation. Michaela will lead the effort and diocese will support.

Stewardship (Stew) – Mary B, no written report this month - Next Stewardship appeal – Dates of March 6, 16 and 20 for next signup process.. including special sections for kids, teens and adults. Father wants to make sure that folks are guaranteed to be called back. It was suggested that Stewarship committee is in contact with Kathy Kensinger on the youth portions and father was aware that they are communicating about this. Parish Education – no written report this month - Family Ministry - Several volunteers stepped forward for the diocesan ‘Strengthening Catholic Families’ (Saturdays 9-2) training. Father is hoping that a couple more will attend this and come back to help lead or family life efforts. He understands this to be an overview of family life resources in the diocese and beyond. - Butterfield and Leaves or something lke that (?).. several are taking this as well and have been asked to be part of core leadership team for 2 years. - Totus T – Archdoicese has a web site to support this, includes some vocation awareness. It will involve teachin grade school kids, moddle school night, waterfights, team of young adults … similar costs to previous kids summer program They hope for 180 registrants and 3 teams. - First few weeks back to school - City Wide Moms event possible - due to installation of new regional coordinator. Several parishioners involved in brainstorming sessions with the new regional coordinator who is a past parishioner. - Adult Ed – Several opportunities to learn more about the new Missal, prayer and scripture are being offered over next few months.

Finance (Fin) – No written report this month. - Year end reports given to committees for verification with their records - Audit – Performance/Procedure audit may be forthcoming from the archdiocese to involve verification of accuracy and safety/security. Archdiocese has come in on a oudit in the past and a report was never obtained.. father has inquired about that. There is also a checklist for new pastors and they are asking for a report on that. - Katsup – envolopes did well overall. Pat G will co-chair the festival again next year. We were very thankful for all of their work and dedication to continue. The stopping of raffle mailing did drop the total income of this event the last couple of years.

Human Needs Committee (HN ) - No written report this month Parishioner suggested we start a monthly soup supper for the poorer folks in our area. This is to be discussed with Tom G who is bringing it back to his group.. One concern is location that can be used regularly??

Liturgy (Lit) – Judy H, No written report this month Father discussed the new Roman Missal and ways to introduce to the parish

Maintenance (maint) –Joan L, See ‘Facilities Maintenance committee notes Dec 14, 2010, Attachment 2 - Gym sound covering – We are checking this out to see how well it works - Roof – weather dependent schedule for replacements due to storm - Members – Re-iterated how thankful we are for the talented and dedicated group of volunteers on this team.

Social Committee (Soc ) – Jamie Z, No written report this month - Reconciliation went very well w/ reception. - Ecumenical Service was also very nice w/ reception. - No planned social events to support in January

I. OLD BUSINESS: See goals from last week

VII, NEW BUSINESS: Each member was asked to invite one person to stand on the Pastoral Council next year.

VIII. PRESIDENT/ VP BUSINESS:

Next meeting: Feb 10, 7pm, Lakeview Conference room. CLOSING PRAYER / Adjournment