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PRINCE OF PEACE COUNCIL MINUTES
October 19, 2006
“Walking Together, Growing in Faith
Opening Prayer: Father Tony led us in opening prayer.
Roll Call:
Members present: Father Tony Herold, Mary Beth Butt, Steve Cahoy, Fran Cornwell, Jim DeMong, Kathleen DeMong, Mary Jo Dopson, Cathy Eggers, Michelle Griffin, Denise Laufenberg, Joe Leonard, Charles Rutledge, Marc Smith, Lenny Weih, Mike Rastrelli, Sr. Kathy Holland
Deacons Present: Art Donart, Ray Hilgendorf, Jeff Schuetzle
High School Representative: Chris Outzen
School Board Representative: None
Faith Facilities: Mike Pittman, Dick Roberts
Staff Present: Betty Mantsch, Annette Lyons
Finance Commission: Ed Kross
Excused Absent: Cathy Eggers, Beverly Putman, Odelia Schrunk, Brenda Bertram, David Schnier, Fr. Thom Hennen
Guests: Lou Egging, Gabriela Egging
Approval of Agenda: Approved as printed.
Communications: None
Approval of Minutes: Approved with following corrections: 1. to include Fran Cornwell as being present and 2. To change $70M to $70K in the Finance Commission report.
Lenny Weih expressed the appreciation of Joe Leonard for his work as president for the past two years.
Pastor’s Report: Fr. Tony welcomed back Art Donart. Fr. Tony recapped the recent news from the diocese. Having known and worked with Bishop Franklin since he came to this diocese, Fr. Tony stated that Bishop Franklin is not taking reorganization lightly. He has had much input from his staff and leadership of the diocese. Bishop Franklin believes this is the best way to address victims coming forward to make sure it is fair and even to all victims and not just for the first victims coming forward. Fr. Tony encouraged us to continue praying for the victims of abuse. He has worked with Victim Assistance Committee and has spoken with some victims and knows they are angry, hurt and upset. They are working to find ways to resolve the hurt in their lives. He is seeking information from the committee regarding a gathering here for the parish to hear victims’ stories and to have counselors available. Contact Fr. Tony if you would like to assist him in planning a function within our parish. In regards to the Chapter 11 filing, at this time it appears that parishes will not be exposed. Fr. Tony also expresses concern over media coverage and the anti-Catholic bias.
The good news is we have a new bishop, Bishop Martin Amos. He will be installed November 20th at 2:00 pm at St. John Vianney with a reception to follow at the Lodge. The event will be modest and a special collection will be taken up in November to help defray the cost of the installation.
Faith Facilities Report: Mike Pittman and Dick Roberts updated the council on site development. Lou and Gabriela Egging provided a slide presentation of the design for the new faith facility explaining the different aspects of the design. The plans will be more refined before the November 20th Town Hall Meeting at Central Catholic Auditorium.
Old Business: None
New Business:
A. Committee Assignment: Lenny distributed assignments for the five Commissions. Contact him if you have a problem with your assignment. (Copy attached)
B, October 24, 2006 meeting in DeWitt: Lenny encouraged the council to attend the October 24th meeting in DeWitt on “Policies Relating to Parish Councils and Parish Finance Councils”. The meeting will begin at 6:00 pm and should last about one hour.
C. Town Hall Meeting November 20: The Town Hall Meeting will be November 20th at 7:00 pm at Central Catholic Auditorium. RDG Planning and Design, Estes Construction, Brother William, RSI Capital Campaign Consultant Buddy Miller, and Parish Faith Facilities Task Force members will be present to debut the new worship facility plans. Fr. Tony and Lenny encouraged the council to encourage as many people as possible to participate in this meeting.
D. Discussion Topic – “How can we increase attendance at Sunday Mass?” and “Why do people not attend Sunday Mass?” Tabled until next month due to the Faith Facilities report and presentation.
Prince of Peace School Report: Michelle Griffin reported that the Halloween Soup Supper would be held October 28th with the proceeds to benefit the Irish Auction. The middle school will be doing community service on Friday, October 20th. The high school cross-country team are district winners and will advance to state. The last pizza potluck was held October 18th.
COMMISSION REPORTS:
A. Parish Life: This commission has not met. With the new commission assignments, Fr. Tony expects revitalization and offered his assistance. Mary Beth Butt reported that the auxiliary’s Winter Fantasy Fall Luncheon would be held Saturday, November 4th.
B. Liturgical & Spiritual Life Commission: There was no meeting in September due to a large number of scheduling conflicts. The next meeting will be Saturday, October 28th at 8:00 am.
C. Social Action Commission: Written reports submitted. It was noted that meeting dates were changed to the fourth Saturday of the month at 8:00 am.
D. Finance Commission: The commission met Wednesday, October 18th. Ed Kross presented the current responses on the Stewardship Renewal as of 10/18/06: 523 families have responded. The ADA pledges stand at $73,730 or about 74% of $98,688 of the ADA goal with $36,415 (37%) paid to date. The Building Peace drive is at about $2,950,000 paid which is about 83% of total pledges. The St. Boniface rectory sale was completed 9/29/06 for $54,000. St. Patrick’s land sale will be completed Friday 10/20/06 for $48,000. Ed gave special recognition to Dwaine Van Buer for his hard work on these sales for which he took no commission. Please thank him. Ed pointed out that this week’s Catholic Messenger contained a Q/A on the bankruptcy that is very informative and worthwhile to read.
E. Faith Formation: Written reports submitted. Betty thanked Brenda Bertram, Fran Cornwell, Kathy DeMong and all those who helped organize “Why Catholic?” for their efforts. Brenda Bertram, Betty Mantsch and Sharon Roling are preparing a power-point presentation for the elementary, middle school and high school students to share some of the basics of the liturgy and why we’re doing some of the things we are in the church.
Next meeting November 16, 2006 at 7:00 pm at St. Boniface Hall.
The meeting closed with prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy DeMong