Pastoral Council
August 16, 2012
Upper Room’
Sacred Heart
7:00 p,m

Roll Call:  Present: Fr. McKinney, Blake Himmelwright, Vicki Rush, Jim Pecinovsky, Barb Harris, Maria Perez and Rhonda Westerhaus
Absent: Christine Brenner

Opening Agenda:
After an opening prayer and reflection of the next Sunday’s Gospel the Minutes from last month’s meeting were accepted.  Selection of officers resulted as follows:
Chair:  Barb Harris
Vice Chair:  Blake Himmelwright
Secretary:  Rhonda Westerhaus

Old Business:
Reports:
Jim reported that  the parish Liturgy council would be planning its annual ministry training in the Fall, as well as  the annual Parish Mission.  Vicki noted that Finance Council met and enjoyed a report from the new principal  who shared his goals and experiences as a principal.  To date the school budget was reported as what was  projected with stable enrollment.  5 Scholarships are being reviewed.  The finance  committee also sponsored the farewell reception for Aaron Pribil.  Blake reported that the Stewardship committee was interested in promoting Stewardship as a lifestyle more than a once a year campaign. Saturday, August 25th would be an opportunity for committee and or parishioners to attend a diocesan workshop in Dodge City.   There was also discussion about how this issue as well as other Catholic teachings could be shared with more parishioners.  Ideas included more personal testimonies of stewardship as well as possible liturgical settings for adult education of the Bishops’ letters. Fr McKinney reported that the Social Justice committee was seeking new volunteers.   A more detailed report /discussion of the building process then ensued.  Old Business ended with consideration of a more circular graphic aid to illustrate the relationship of the various ministries and functions within the parish entities of the Pastoral Council, Staff and Administration, Formation, Outreach, Spiritual Life,  and Community life.


New Business:
Father and the council  welcomed  new members Maria, Rhonda. and Vicki,  who then shared  impressions of their recent Leadership Conference noting characteristics of an effective pastoral council member, as well as servant leadership.  Other business included discussion using a CD to lead the rosary, reconciliation music, use of portable microphones, and the Spanish Mass  needs.  

Adjournment:    The next meeting was noted to be on the 3rd Thursday, Sept.20th.  Jim agreed to be the prayer leader. The group adjourned after a Hail Mary,

Respectfully submitted,
Rhonda Westerhaus
Secretary

Pastoral Council Meeting
(Unapproved Minutes)
March 15, 2012

Sacred Heart Pastoral Council met March 15, 2012, in the meeting room of the rectory.  Those present at the meeting were:  Father McKinney, Jim Pecinovsky, Jeanette Siemens, Blake Himmelwright, and Pam Marlow. 
Absent:  Paul Olson, Lynn Southard and Barb Harris.

The meeting was opened with prayer led by Pam.  The minutes from the previous meeting in February were discussed and will be approved with changes at the next meeting in April
Liaison Reports:
School Council:  Father reported from the February meeting that the school survey will go out to parishioners with children aged 16 years and younger, and to parents who have had a child in school, including non-catholic families.  The survey is being done through the School Steering Committee.  Father reported the council received applications from six interested candidates for the principal role.  Two of the applicants were interviewed.  An offer has been made to one of the candidates, and a contract has been sent for consideration. 
Finance:  Jeanette reported on the March 8th meeting of the Finance Council.  Vince Wilczek is working on the budget for the 2012-13 year for our church and school.  Discussion was held on promoting automatic withdrawal for tithing, which is currently available to the parish. 
Property & Maintenance:  Father reported the committee met March 14th.  Discussion centered around the requirements to meet standards set forth by our insurance provider, including:  place a cover on the top of the fence surrounding the playground; replace the tires under the teeter totters with more flexible rubber; trim the trees on the north side of the church that are growing into the power lines.
Religious Formation:  Jeanette reported on the March 12th meeting.  Discussion was held on Confirmation evaluation.  VBS is set for June 11-15.  A Juniour High Youth Rally is March 25th in Dodge City.  Cinnamon roll sales are in progress.  Deadline for orders is March 26th.  First Communion plans are underway.  Pictures will be taken by Cathy Colburn.  The end of year parties for PSR students are planned.
Liturgy:  Jim reported on the meetings held in February 21 and March 13th.  Discussions were held on Confirmation and First Communion events, Ash Wednesday, Lenten events, Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter.  Minutes from the meetings will be on the website.  Jim also reported on the directive from the State Fire Marshall regarding the practice of setting up chairs in the church aisles to accommodate overflow crowds.  This practice is in violation of the fire code, and cannot be allowed to continue.  If our parish is found to be in violation, our insurance will also be affected in a negative manner.
Parish Life:  Father reported the committee events have been published in the bulletin, monthly Newsletter and on the parish website.  The current upcoming event is the Family White Elephant Bingo Party to be held on March 24th following Mass.
Stewardship:  Blake reported the Council met last week.  Lenten speakers are scheduled for each weekend before Easter.  The Time and Talent Surveys will be distributed at the weekend Mass on March 24 & 25. Efforts are underway to promote planned giving, estate planning, and to solicit parishioners to put Sacred Heart in their wills.  Donor recognition was discussed regarding all levels.
Welcoming:  Due to the current level of activity with new members to our parish, Father will assume the duties of the welcoming committee.
Social Justice:  No report.  Information on activity has been in the bulletin, newsletter and website.
Old Business:
Father reported the Building Committee met February 21st to continue discussions on the Bishop’s plea to not sacrifice the school as we work forward in our Vision to improve the church.  The group intends to develop an overview of the physical needs of the parish, along with a timeline for things that need to take place.  The consensus among both the Building Committee and the Pastoral Council is that the school is a part of our Vision.  Having a staged plan will assist the parish in meeting goals.  The next meeting will be March 29th.
Jeanette requested to have an updated listing of Council and Committee members that can be put on the Sacred Heart website.
New Business:
Pastoral Council “elections” are coming up.  Three members will have completed their three year term on July 1st:  Jeanette Siemens, Lynn Southard, and Pam Marlow.  Everyone is encouraged to submit names to Father of people you feel would represent the parish well on the Council, or if you hear the call to serve, submit your own name to serve.  Father will place information in the weekly Bulletin, the monthly Newsletter and on the website informing the parish of the process.  Any active parishioner over the age of 18 who feels the desire to be a part of the Council may submit their name to Father.  The names of those who agree to the nomination will be placed in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to guide us.  Names will be drawn at Mass on the last weekend of May.
Father’s Report:
Collections remain steady.  Sacred Heart School has offered a contract to an applicant for the principal’s position, to begin July 1st.   Father made further comment on the need to be compliant with the mandate from the State Fire Marshall regarding not setting up chairs in the church to accommodate over flow crowds.  With Easter coming up, parishioners will need to be made aware of the issue.  We will investigate the possibility of setting up video/audio in the school gym for such occasions.
Other:
Jeanette presented information on a Leadership & Faith Teams Program August 5-8 in Wichita.  Information will be shared with the parish to see if there is interest in attending.

The next meeting of the Pastoral Council will be held on Thursday, April 19th, at 7 pm in the rectory meeting room.  
The meeting was closed with prayer.

Pam Marlow, recording secretary