St. Paul’s Parish Council Minutes Apr. 24th., 2007
Council chair Richard Caffrey called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Members present: Father Jerry Funke, Richard Caffrey, Marueen Coon, Dan Jones, Matt Lara, Diana Larkin, Bob Peters, Mo Peterson, Terry Radford. Members absent: Juan Avila, Antonio Napoles, Norma Rodriguez.
The opening prayer was led by Matt Lara, and hospitality was provided by Mo Peterson.
Minutes for March 27 were corrected as follows: Mo Peterson will ask CWL about doing tickets for the parish picnic; and the minutes were then approved as corrected.
Meeting with cemetery board: Dan Jones contacted board president Pat Crane and reported that the board met a couple of weeks ago (no quorum was present). The Memorial Day mass at the cemetery is coming up and it is the main event of the year. Another board meeting may be called to get ready for that. Mario de Leon is contracted as caretaker of grounds and has done an excellent job. Keith Halvorson is new to the board, replacing Jack Trumbull who has moved out of state. There are probably three to five years’ worth of unsold plots left in the cemetery. There are approximately 30 burials per year, and some of those are for pre-sold plots. The cemetery is running in the black financially. The board has approximately two to three new members per year turnaround. The total land currently owned is about 10 acres, with five now developed.
Old Business
Building on Faith report: Dan said there is $3.419 thousand pledged or gifted to date, with $2.1 million in cash. There have also been two new gifts given recently. Last Sunday’s second collection for Building on Faith was $1100 cash and $5000 in redemptions. In the last six months this collection totals $20,000 new donations and $36,000 in redemptions. Easter’s collection was $2200 new.
Marcha Edificar En La Fe: Fr. Jerry said the plans are well under way for the June 3rd event. The start of the walk will be the Bowmont Church. There will be a first-aid van, nurses, and water provided.
Ministry Fair: Matt Lara reports that planning is in progress.
Parish picnic: Bob Peters and Rich Caffrey report that planning is in progress. There was some discussion regarding donations at the sign in table. Mo Peterson will ask CWL about doing the tickets.
Director of Youth Ministry: Fr. Jerry said the search committee has three candidates to interview and will also continue to advertise.
Idaho Catholic Appeal: Dan said 316 families have given $67,660 so far, which is $989 short of the goal. So far this year the number of families contributing is fewer than this time last year. However, last year the goal was met on the 4th Sunday of Easter (which would be this coming weekend).
Diocesan convocation: Fr. Jerry reminded the council that this meeting is scheduled for June 4-7 and registration can be done online.
Eucharistic Adoration Committee: Marueen Coon reported a concern regarding not knowing the time of night that the church is locked. Fr. Jerry said it’s between 9 and 10 p.m. and his concern is that sometimes the side door is locked but not pulled shut when an adorer leaves. Jesse Carillo is the security person that checks all the buildings and makes sure all are locked.
Membership in Bishop Kelly High School: Dan presented a handout regarding how the various member parishes are assessed. The cost to St. Paul’s would be $14,000 per year to join the membership. Currently there are 18 students from St. Paul’s attending BK. St. Paul’s would have no say in costs or the running of the membership. After discussion it was decided that at this time St. Paul’s would not join, but would still continue to donate toward the BK bus operation. The stat sheet will also be presented to the school board.
New council members; Juan Avila, Richard Caffrey, and Terry Radford are ending their terms in June. The council needs to vote in May for replacements.
New Business
Budget reports: Dan gave out copies of the new budget—draft edition, for council members to review in order to discuss at the next meeting in May. Currently the parish is 4% below budget on revenue. Cash balances are rising. The cost for Dempsey Hall sewer repair is still not available.
Fiesta de las madres: Fr. Jerry said this annual Mom’s Day celebration will be in Lakeview park on May 13 this year.
Parish organization hospitality: Mo Peterson presented her idea to organize parish groups to host and provide refreshments for various functions during the year.
Other Items
Fr. Jerry gave out copies of “Catholic Social Teaching and Idaho’s Public Policy” for 2007, which is a summary of Catholic Charities of Idaho/Diocese of Boise Legislative Advocacy.
Matt Lara gave pamphlets from Idaho Catholic Seminarian Fund regarding donation options for seminarians.
Mo Peterson said the parish pictorial directory was in the process of being organized.
Good of the Order: Announcements of family, friends, parish members’ news and those in need of prayers.
Next meeting: Tuesday, May 22. Maureen Coon will give the prayer, and Mo Peterson will provide hospitality.
Closing: The council members read the Building on Faith prayer and the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.