St. Paul’s Parish Council Minutes Nov. 28th., 2006
Council chair Rich Caffrey called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.. Members present: Rich Caffrey, Father Jerry Funke, Maureen Coon, Dan Jones, Matt Lara, Diana Larkin, Bob Peters, Mo Peterson, Terry Radford, Norma Rodrigues. Members absent: Juan Avila, Maria Morales, Antonio Napoles.
The opening prayer was led by Norma Rodrigues and hospitality was provided by Diana Larkin.
Minutes for October 24 were approved as written.
Meeting with Pete Espil, Director of Youth Ministry: The youth ministry involves the following programs: boy and girl scouts, core/confirmation, junior high group, school confirmation, guys/girls groups, detention outreach, Melba confirmation, and RCIT. Pete also does a monthly apologetics class, travels and speaks, RCIA, teaches religion at St. Paul’s school, and the annual camp.
Pete’s concerns for the ministry include the availability of space for the various programs, funds, and transportation.
The numbers of youth involved in the various programs is growing every year. Congratulations and thanks to Pete for a job well done.
Meeting with Marisela Linan, director of Religious Education program. There are currently 358 children in religious education. The First Communion class for 2007 numbers 160, 18 for baptism, and there were 60 VBS students in 2006. Classes are large, some having 28 students. There is a need for more catechists, as well as more space for classes. Thanks to Marisela for organizing this most important ministry.
Old Business
Building on Faith report: Dan Jones reports that current pledges and gifts put us to just under $3 million, with $1.8 million in the bank. The 2nd collection for November for the building fund was $1154.
The Latino Committee is considering holding a march with people pledging money per mile for the walkers. Late spring or early summer dates are being considered.
Meeting with Diocesan officials Pat Crisler and Stan Welch: Representatives from St. Paul’s will attend this meeting on Wednesday, November 29, 2006.
Ministry Fair: Matt Lara and Mo Peterson are working in conjunction with the Stewardship Committee to compile a form for parish groups to fill out so there is a unified list of all existing groups. Matt is working on coordination for the Fair.
Nampa Christian School site: Rich Caffrey has researched the availability of the site and reports that the current site is to be retained by the school for it’s K-8 grades. The new building on Midway is to be the high school only.
New Business
Council dinner: Father Jerry hosts the annual council appreciation dinner and has suggested February 10 for the current council year event.
October mass count: The Diocese wants a tally of mass attendance done twice a year with the October count officially reported. Father Jerry has kept the count record since 1999. The count was taken this year on the weekend of October 28-29 and showed the total attendance at English masses to be 1087, and attendance at Spanish masses to be 1262 for a grand total of 2349. The total count has risen every year. Currently Fathers Jerry and Oscar are considering trying an additional Spanish mass in Melba, Saturdays at 7 p.m.
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe: This annual event includes mananitas, masses, and social time. All are invited, December 12.
Council member Maria Morales: Father Jerry talked to Maria this past week and she is currently so busy with BSU classes, activities and work that she has been unable to attend council meetings although she is still interested in St. Paul’s parish life. The council agreed to finding a replacement for her council seat and hopes that at a later date she will be able to serve more fully.
Other Items
Christmas mass schedule: Sunday, December 24 is the 4th Sunday of Advent as well as Christmas Eve, so the schedule becomes somewhat complicated. The Sunday schedule will be mass at 9 a.m. only. Christmas Eve vigil masses will begin December 24 at 5, 6:30 and 9 p.m. Christmas day masses will be at midnight, 10 a.m. and noon.
Parish mission in English: Father Steve Coffey will present the English parish mission starting on February 24th, will preach at all the weekend masses, and start the mission Sunday evening February 25th.
Building of Faith prayer cards: As previously discussed the cards are to be put into the mass/song books in the pews in church.
Candy Cane Lane Bazaar: A full report will be given at the December council meeting. Mo Peterson said that the Santa booth was very busy.
Calendar of parish events: The Fathers’ open house will be Sunday, December 17.
Good of the order: KC's had 1st Degree installation. Matt was appointed to the color guard commander.
Next meeting: Wednesday, December 13, 7 p.m. Bob Peters will give the prayer and each council member will bring a small treat for hospitality.
Closing: Norma Rodrigues led the closing prayer and the meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Diana Larkin
Secretary