ST. BONIFACE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL MINUTES

MARCH 27, 2007

The meeting was opened at 7:00 p.m.  Father Joe spoke about the Holy Saturday liturgy, which he referred to as the most beautiful service of the year.  Father spoke about the blessing of the fire representing that Christ is the light of the world and how the lighting of the Paschal Candle and the individual candles represents Christ’s light shared among us.  The service also includes at least four readings from the Old Testament, the blessing of the water and new people being received into the Church.  This year six people will be entering the Church.  Father also spoke about the Chrism Mass at the cathedral at which time the oils that will be used throughout the year are blessed.  Father encouraged Council members to attend both liturgies if possible.

Roll call was taken.   Members Present:  Father Joe, Lisa Biedenbach, Dave Bracken, Mike Grause, Beth Kessler, Tom LeSaint, Jill Rowinski, Amy Robinson, Rosemary Welz.  Carol Roosa was also present.

The minutes of the January 23 meeting were approved as published.

Old Business:

Parish Pastoral Council Elections  --  Tom LeSaint reported that Tim Banish, Jeanne Guenthner, Jill Rowinksi and Ruthann Sammarco were running for reelection.  Additional candidates are Rose Huber, Amy Kelm and Donna Lipps.  A notice will be placed in the bulletin asking for additional candidates.  Elections will be held in May.

Automatic Electronic Defibrillator (AED)  --  Dave Bracken reported that he had received questions from several parishioners regarding why we were not purchasing an AED for the church.  After discussion regarding possible liability and training required to certify people in its use, Amy Robinson moved that an AED be purchased for the church.  Tom LeSaint seconded the motion.  The motion was unanimously approved.

New Business:

Bingo Financial Report  --  Carol Roosa distributed a Bingo financial report, which was discussed by Council.  The Bingo gave $5,000 to the school in January 2007.

Parish Annual Budget  --  Carol Roosa distributed the parish budget for 2007-08.  After discussion Lisa Biedenbach moved that the budget be approved.  Beth Kessler seconded the motion.  The motion was unanimously approved.

Parish Activities Survey  --  Tom LeSaint distributed an activity survey, which had been prepared by Tim Banish.  The survey listed several ideas for fundraisers and a place for parishioners to give additional ideas.  Lisa Biedenbach suggested that, in addition to social/fundraising activities, the survey should also contain activities for faith formation.  The survey will be revised before it is distributed to parishioners.

Small Church Communities  --  Carol Roosa would like to hire someone to work with ministry to the young adults in our parish; for example, ages 18-32, looking toward developing small church communities within the parish.  Carol feels that a task force needs to be formed to study and propose activities for adult faith formation.  Lisa Biedenbach and Amy Robinson volunteered to serve on the task force.

For the Good of the Parish:

Father Joe and Council members reported the following.

·        There are currently about 165 students enrolled in St. Boniface School.  There are about 120 current students registered for 2007-08.  There are also about 25 new students who have applied for admission.  This year there will be a screening process for the new students.

·        The repair work on the front of the school is complete, except for replacing the railing.

·        Work on the school cafeteria floor will be done the week after Easter when the children are not in school. 

·        There will be Penance Service on Wednesday, March 28, preceded by a Soup Supper at 6:00 p.m.

·        Father invited Council members to participate in the Holy Week services.  There will be Morning Prayer at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  Services on Holy Thursday will be at 7:00 p.m.  Services on Good Friday will be at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m.  The Easter Vigil Service will begin at 8:45 p.m. because we need to wait until after sundown.

·        Deacon Jerry Yetter will be preaching on Holy Thursday and on April 14 and 15.

·        Father plans on publishing an annual financial report to the parish in summer or fall of this year.

·        We are close to making our $15,000 goal for the Archdiocesan Fund Drive.  We collected over $15,000 last year.

·        We still need someone to organize the Thanksgiving dinner/festival in November.

·        Carol Roosa is continuing to take classes at the Athenaeum.  She took a course in preaching and will preach at Morning Prayer on Holy Saturday.

·        Beth Kessler commented that several parishioners told her that they felt the organ was too loud and that our music needs to be updated.

·        Jay Muench has retired from his position with the parish due to health reasons.

·        Tina Browning is now working in the rectory.  Marilyn Herbort resigned from that position.

·        Father thanked all the Council members who responded to the questionnaire from the Archbishop regarding Father’s evaluation.  The overall response was good.

The next meeting will be May 22.  The meeting was closed with prayer at 8:35 p.m.

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

                                                                        Rosemary L. Welz, Secretary