St. John Vianney Parish Council Meeting

MINUTES

Monday, January 08, 2007

Members Present:

Jim Woloszyk Caren Groose

Dave Morris Sarah Derose

Barb Hetzel Ryan Williams

Frank Pasternak Jim Luther

Ralph Patitucci Bob Wallis

Steve Fastabend Kurt Baumann

Greg Van Winkle Fr. Len Van Vlaenderen

Guests:

Frank Deguire Joanne Cekanor

Mary Janowak Larry Reihbrandt

Ellen Heitman Janet Perry

Cheryl Redding

Call to Order:

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm by Jim Woloszyk, Council Chair.

Opening Prayer: Frank Pasternak

Approval of Minutes:

The minutes of the November 20, 2006 meeting were approved.

OPEN FORUM: No items.

Capital Expenditure Request: Larry Reihbrandt

A significant need for remodeling the Parish Hall was identified as the current décor is worn and the carpet is stained to the point of no return. Estimates have been obtained ranging from $28,000 - $34,000 to upgrade carpet, painting, refurbishing woodwork and baseboards, including labor and cleanup. Discussion was held. It was moved, seconded and approved to allocate $28,000 for this project.

PASTOR’S REPORT:

A short CD used by St. Mary’s in their capital appeal was presented. A similar type of CD will be developed for the Quad Parishes, with each Parish being featured. The costs would be shared. It would be used for evangelization in the communities served by the Quad Parishes.

Christian Formation Vision Update:

Cheryl Redding introduced and summarized the strategic plan, emphasizing the vast number and diverse nature of the ministries offered. She offered that communications are important and indicated the need for further development and support of the Parish website. The possibility of a Web Hosting Service to enhance the quality and use of the website is being explored.

Mary Janowak highlighted an effort to offer teaching in non-violent conflict resolution. Also, an effort will be made to explore creation of a Quad Parish Director of Human Concerns. Discussion ensued.

The November G.I.F.T. program had 626 registrants representing 190 families. Favorable feedback was received on the session. The next session will be February 10-11 and 13-14.

A transition plan for Ellen Heitman’s impending leave of absence is in process. She is planning to return to SJV after her leave of absence.

Committee Liaison Reports:

Barb Hetzel – Human Resources Committee: Concern was expressed regarding the attendance at two recent Virtus sessions. Discussion was held regarding improving attendance and monitoring compliance with the program. Council supports making this a priority.

Ryan Williams – Youth Board: They are discussing future retreat plans.

Dave Morris – Stewardship Committee: Receipts are falling behind budget and behind last year.

Jim Woloszyk – A number of committees need to discuss strategies for increasing Mass attendance to fulfill the Archdiocese directive.

NEW BUSINESS:

Dave Morris: There has been a proposal for offering the option of waiving Day School tuition for Parish School children who have lost a parent. There is a special need Grant-in-Aid policy that currently exists. Discussion ensued. It was the recommendation of the Council that the current policy be refined by the Finance Committee and brought back to Council for action.

Ralph Patitucci: He proposed revisiting the guidelines for the Outreach Program. Specifically, he proposed reduction in number of gifts and focusing more on local charities and those that combine a service component by our Parishioners. It was the recommendation of the Council that this be referred to the Human Concerns Committee with Council member input, then brought back to Council in February.

Closing Prayer: Dave Morris

Meeting Adjourned at 8:44 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Greg Van Winkle

Secretary