St. Paul’s Parish Council Minutes May 22nd., 2007
Council Chair Richard Caffrey called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Members present: Father Jerry Funke, Richard Caffrey, Dan Jones, Juan Avila, Matt Lara, Diana Larkin, Bob Peters, Mo Peterson, Terry Radford, Norma Rodriguez. Members absent: Maureen Coon, Antonio Napoles.
The opening prayer was sent by Marueen Coon, and hospitality was provided by Mo Peterson.
Minutes for April 24 were approved as written.
Meeting with Comite Latino: Helacio de la Rosa provided a copy of the groups, services, activities, and classes the comite has sponsored and accomplished during the year. These include: eight groups plus subgroups, and many pastoral activities such as religious education, marriage courses and weddings, parish retreats, visiting the sick and incarcerated, participation in Perpetual Adoration, activities supporting Building on Faith, and teaching Spanish at St. Paul’s School.
The Pastoral Council expressed appreciation for the many contributions sponsored by the comite.
Old Business
Building on Faith report: Dan Jones said that currently the fund has $3,429,000, which is an 89% redemption rate. A 501C3 for future funds is being checked on and an attorney is working on articles of incorporation for that account. There are two members of the finance council, and Bob Peters and Rich Caffrey who will work on bylaws needed for incorporation.
Ministry Fair: no report.
Parish picnic, June 24: Bob and Rich have the planning well in hand. The KC’s grill is being readied by Matt, and KCs will cook along with volunteers from the Latino community organized by Juan Avila. Antonio Napoles will be contacted about provided the astrojumps again this year. CDA will staff the sign-in table and handle name tags and CWL will take care of the pie/dessert table. The picnic is also the official parish farewell for Pete Espil and Jaime Theitten. Bulletin announcements will be made regarding there being a basket at the picnic for farewell cards. There was discussion regarding music/entertainment at the picnic and it was decided to ask last year’s group, Aardvark, to return. There should also be activities for the youth.
Director of Youth Ministry: Fr. Jerry reported that there were four interviews conducted for the position, and Mari de Leon, from St. Paul’s, was hired.
Idaho Catholic Appeal report: Dan said 339 families contributed $69,605, which tops St. Paul’s goal. Twenty seven fewer families gave this year than last, but the average gift was higher.
Diocesan Convocation, June 4-7: Fr. Jerry invited council members to attend.
New council members: After some discussion it was decided to vote on new members at the June meeting.
Parish budget for FY 2007-8: Dan presented copies of the revised budget. Earnings are present to balance the budget, and so far offertory receipts are above projection. There followed a long discussion regarding the church’s AC capabilities, building limitations that negate consistent cooling, problems with open windows and doors, and lack of any insulation. All these conditions result in an uneven and at times inadequate cooling effect, and short of a new church building these problems are not solvable within budgetary constraints. It was decided that monies are better saved toward the new building.
Report on sewer system: Dan said that the current troubles started on Holy Thursday night and continued clogging and repairs have taken place. Insurance coverage requires $500 deductible for each instance, and there were two separate instances according to the insurance company. Also not covered were repairs and parts.
Spanish Mass in Melba: Mass in Spanish will continue through the summer at 7:30 p.m.
Report on KC convention: Matt Lara said that the Nampa KCs are nearing completion of requirement for the Double Star Council award, which is the highest award a council can receive.
Report on CDA convention: Terry Radford said that the convention weekend was a resounding success. There are six courts in Idaho and five were represented at the convention. Activities included dinners, meetings, and an installation Mass for new officers.
New Business
Memorial Day Mass, May 28: The Mass will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery (weather permitting) at 10 a.m.
Other Items
The Oreana church is doing well and has recently received some additional contributions.
Parish Calendar: A review of upcoming events through June was given.
Good of the Order: Announcements of family, friends, parish members’ news and those in need of prayers.
Next meeting: Tuesday, June 26. Rich Caffrey will give the prayer, and Juan Avila will provide hospitality.
Closing: The council members read the prayer provided by Marueen Coon, and then recited the Building on Faith prayer. The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.