June 2020 Minutes

Pastoral Council Meeting

Monday, June 8, 2020

Members Present:   Julie Harman, Steve Gregoire, Lou Angles, Libby Hernandez, Kevin Nordhues, Arsenio Arciga, Dan Bacon, Hugo Mendoza, Patrick Schaub.

Members Absent: Marla Neal

Guests: Father Mike, Deacon Chuck, Jim Newell, Jennifer Smith & Troy Sheeley

Opening prayer by Father Mike. Julie opened the meeting at about 7:02 pm. Minutes from the April & May 2020 meeting were approved.

Jim Newell’s Discussions: 

• New window shades on all the South windows of our lower level.
• There are to be new flowers for the fountain this coming weekend (June 13&14)

Deacon Chuck’s Discussions

• Quadrupled attendance at mass this last weekend
• There is a general reduction in attendance at this time of year when families take vacations.
• Half of the RCIA group as already been brought in with the last half coming this weekend for a total of 20.
• Confirmation of those that missed the 1^st Confirmation time (only 3) is to take place on the last weekend in June.
• Bishop’s Annual Appeal is coming up in November. He mentioned that the Diocese has been supporting us, so we should support them.
• First Communion scheduled for a couple weekends in July.

Jennifer Smith’s Discussions

• Homebound instruction for the children – Many schools have been teaching to lower standards, but St. James remained at high standards.
• We stayed in close communication with families – STAYED CONNECTED.
• Virtual May Crowning
• 8^th grade retreat via ZOOM
• 8^th grade graduation ceremony is planned for June 24^th
• Summer instruction was discussed
  • Usually require reading from the students
  • Reading & Math practice is laid back or low-key
  • Students log into computers 3 times per week
  • Parents remain connected with teachers
• Kids have also learned a bit about what their teachers have been doing.
• About 97-98% have stayed connected
• Special efforts made to keep 8^th graders engaged.
  • One teacher went to visit an 8^th grader who was behind
• Open Wednesday, Aug. 19^th for new school year
  • 26 full-time teachers
• Father received good response from families who were happy with the 1 on 1 contact during COVID
• There are presently openings in every grade level with the upper grades the fullest.

Troy Sheeley’s Discussions (Do Dads)

• Work is being done to put a shelter over the picnic tables behind the cafeteria.
• BBQ is scheduled for the end of August – likely Aug. 28-29.
• Color Run is scheduled for the Saturday of the BBQ, tentatively Aug. 28
  • 5K run where different colors of powdered paint are thrown at the runners at the end of their run.

Father Mike’s Discussions:

• Re-opening of the church went well
• Some churches have still NOT opened
• There has been a slight increase in attendance at the daily masses
• Giving was down $30K in April and $20K in May
• Government payroll protection was extended 4 extra weeks
• Capital Campaign payments remain good
• Gifts for those in need continue to come in
• Father thanked the pastoral council for all their support during re-opening

Dan Bacon’s Discussions:

• A curbside K of C Shrimp Boil is scheduled for June 19^th at 5-8 pm
• 3 knights in the kitchen; some taking orders; some bagging the food ; and some delivering the orders to the parking lot.
• Menu: Tilapia, shrimp, potato, coleslaw and all the “fixins”
• Credit card, cash or check accepted (no change)

Libby Hernandez’s St. James Auction Discussions: 

• We are NOT seeing donations as usual
• Scheduled for Oct. 10^th with the theme, “Together in Hope”
• Auction may look a bit different this year…
  • Smaller live auction
  • Silent auctions will be the same
  • 50/50 Raffle
  • Mouse races – One can sponsor a mouse
  • $50 cost per ticket
  • Heavy appetizers with beer and wine

Lou Angles’ Discussions: 

• Mowing of the St. James grounds
  • Tractors and mowers donated
  • 3 mowing teams made up from members of K of C, the Do-Dads & TMIY
  • Savings estimated at $20K

Julie Harman Discussion: 

• Pastoral Council Members – Please be careful about what we put on Social Media as we are representatives of the church. 

Next meeting – Generally the pastoral council takes off the months of July and Aug., but with the pandemic issue, there has been discussion about meeting during those months – Julie will let us know.

Closing Prayer – Father Mike – Prayer of Gratitude – The Lord’s Prayer