Parish Council Minutes 2/21/2007

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In attendance: Fr. Hagedorn, Fr. Greg Schaut, Deacon Beercheck, Mr. Stroh, Lynne Zullo, Pat Singleton, Ron Ruble, Donna Charlton, Lynne Fischer, Steve Kovach, Carol Masek, Bob Walsh, Mary Zavoda, Kelsey Robertson
Excused: Fr. Joe Pednekar
Meeting Start Time: 8:00 PM
Gospel Reading and Reflection
December minutes were reviewed and approved, minor changes.

New Business

Introductions: Kelsey introduced, Lynne Z called for suggestions for another youth representative. Council members and our parish nurse introduced to visiting parents and teachers. Our new music director, John Franks, was not able to attend.

Smoking Ban: Discussed the requirements of the smoking ban, and different options for how to comply. There is a significant wish to make the church a non-smoking area; however, it was generally agreed that this is impractical and would probably be difficult to enforce.

Since groups of smokers who use the facilities have been cooperative, it was agreed to maintain outdoor smoking areas, most likely in the grass island area of the parking lot and in front of the garage.

Other: Dee Ialacci discussed the welcoming ministry and possible future expansion once the in-church part is more established.

Pat discussed the Jr. Holy Name societies activities; lock-in and Souper Sunday, and discussed another lock-in/retreat, in the March time-frame.

Living Stations practice beginning.

Teacher Awards: Lynne presented awards for Mrs. Link and Mrs Hopkins, for there service

Other School Business: Mr. Stroh discussed the current state accreditation program, how it is in a 5-year cycle for all schools. Beginning with self evaluation, the process continues with external examination and documentation, and planning for improvements.

Curriculum concerns focused on faith formation and mathematics. Suggestions were made for retreats and a math club or other program. Teachers mentioned that the school has an active Student Council that participates in a lot of activities planning.

Computers have been upgraded, including replacement of an aging serve, and some of the Capital Campaign funds have been placed in an endowment and others used in the school.

Mr. Stroh responded to questions about funding, how many of the fundraising activities in the parish assist in the normal regular expenses, such as heat, supplies, and repairs. Fr. Hagedorn told us about the heating control systems, and the options to change to a service contract to reduce expenses.

Parents discussed the dress code, particularly as it applies to dress-down days and skirt lengths, and Mr. Stroh and the teachers discussed some of the enforcement difficulties with a very flexible standard, and promised to work with teachers and parents on standards.

Suggestions made to try to bring in more students from outside the parish, including more visitors opportunities, improving the appearance of the school, and publicizing improvements such as the computer systems more widely..

Mr. Stroh told us that several former students have expressed a desired to see the school again, and more open houses/visitor opportunities could tie-in with that.

Old Business

Commissions: Father Hagedorn discussed commissions, Pat, Bob, and Steve will be meeting to discuss re-forming and re-establishing commissions.

Clustering: Most parishes are content with the clusters the diocese has selected, certainly in this area. The clusters are now going to prepare plans for the process of integrating activities and resources. Council will be reviewing the VPL I reports, looking particularly at what has changed since the questionnaires were tallied.

Fr. Hagedorn has been meeting with other parishes and initial ideas about clustering have been thrown out, including cross-links on parish web sites, sharing RCIA programs, and greater cooperation between Altar & Rosary and other groups.