The opening prayer was given by Fr. Jerry, and hospitality was provided by Diana Larkin.

Minutes for June 22 were updated/corrected as follows regarding new members: Fr. Jerry re-appointed Terry, Juan was re-elected, Don and Susan were newly elected, and Judy was newly appointed. The minutes were then approved as amended.

Welcome to new members was extended and all council members introduced themselves and gave some information regarding parish involvement.

Building on Faith report: Fr. Jerry said there was a new gift recently of $75,000. The children’s collections now total $30,000. As of now the total pledged and redeemed is $3,532,350.

Ministry Fair: Matt reported that planning is underway and progressing.

Report on parish picnic: Rich and Bob reported that the picnic was successful in all regards. Less money was spent than in previous years. Paul’s Market donated all the water, soda, and ice. The desserts did suffer from the heat, however, and it was suggested that cookies, cakes, and finger foods would fare better. It was also suggested than an ice cream bar could be set up on dry ice. The name tags worked well, and there were fewer non-parish members because of that as well as signs. Next year the picnic will be on Father’s Day, June 15. The Vice Chair of the Council was suggested for picnic chairperson as part of his/her duties.

Director of music: Fr. Jerry said he had talked with Noreen Huntley and they will meet further about the job description for that position. Father will send letters to the music groups regarding the duties, responsibilities, and authority of the position.

Diocesan study: Fr. Jerry gave information and surveys to council members to be filled out and returned to him. It was suggested that the survey be a bulletin insert for the congregation.

Parish pictorial directory: Mo said that 176 families have signed up for all the August dates for pictures. Beginning soon will be sign up for the October dates. She would like pictures of parish events to be collected, too. Melba did a computer generated directory last year and it was suggested that could be updated for this year as well. Mo would also like a second collection for the Stewardship committee for postage, supplies, etc. Father said that could be done.

Summer maintenance projects: Cleaning, repairs, painting have all been done over the summer. The school has gotten some new flooring and roofing. The priests’ homes have been painted. The Melba, Oreana, and Silver City churches have also received work including painting, updating, roofing, windows, landscaping. There is still some painting underway and St. Paul’s office and school will soon be getting a new computer server system.

Sisters’ assignments: Our hardworking Sisters Evangelina and Neida have been re-assigned and will be missed. After Labor Day we will be seeing Sisters Manuela and Nadia who have been newly assigned to St. Paul’s and St. Joseph’s.

Western Deanery Day: Fr. Jerry extended an invitation to council members for the deanery meeting August 29 at Our Lady of the Valley in Caldwell.

Pastoral council calendar: Fr. Jerry gave the new list of meeting dates for the upcoming year as well as the groups invited to report at each meeting.

Diocesan Fall Conference: The council members are invited to attend the conference this year Sep. 28-30.

Election of officers; Officers for the coming year are: Chair: Bob Peter, Vice Chair: Matt Lara, Secretary: Judy Bartz. Thanks to all outgoing officers and welcome to the incoming officers.

Other Items: There was discussion on whether or not to have a sign on the Roosevelt property identifying it as the site of the new church. This will be an agenda item for the next meeting.

Good of the order: Announcements of family, friends, parish members’ news and those in need of prayers.

Thanks and farewell to retiring member Richard Caffrey. Our thanks to Rich for chairing this past year—a great job well done!

Next meeting: September 18, Matt will give the prayer and hospitality will be provided by Susan.

Closing: Fr. Jerry and Rich gave blessing and prayer for parish council members. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Diana Larkin

Retiring Secretary