Pastoral Council Minutes (12-13-21)
Pastoral Council Meeting Minutes (12-13-21)
Members Present:
Father Mike Roach, Deacon Chuck Koesterer, Dan Bacon, Phil Baumert, Yvette Lopez, Louis Angles, Libby Hernandez, and Patrick Schaub.
Officer Kyle Hamline from the Liberty, Missouri Police Department (LPD) was a guest speaker.
The opening prayer was read by Phil Baumert.
Presentation from Officer Hamline:
Officer Hamline stated that neither he nor the LPD has ever charged for administering an active shooter training. He stated that based on the needs of the Saint James Parish he could conduct a one hour training or a more comprehensive training that would include a walk-around to pinpoint potential points of entry for an active shooter. He stated that many ordinary people, when stretched like a rubber band, can snap and do things they would not normally do, and sometimes all that is needed is for someone to talk to them and express a friendly greeting or a gesture that they care. Officer Hamline stated that we all have love and that God brings us back. Sometimes we just need to ask for God to intercede for us, or for others. He stated that evil was always there and that people who are planning an attack have most likely prepared and they know that they will only have four minutes until the police arrive. He stated that we do not know when an active shooter or a potentially aggressive individual will enter the church or the school. He stated that our three choices are: 1) Lock out, 2) Get out, or 3) Take out/fight, and the training could show people how to use everyday items, like a Bible and use it as a weapon to protect ourselves. The program promotes the philosophy of, “see something, say something.” This program could work with door greeters, ushers, and liturgical ministers. Officer Hamline worked with Pleasant Valley Baptist Church to develop their Security Plan and he stated that they use volunteer police officers. Officer Hamline gave Louis Angles the Security Plan on a flash drive for Saint James to edit and use as necessary.
Fr. Mike Update:
Christmas mass schedule will be Christmas Eve 3:00, 5:00, and 10:00 pm, and Christmas morning at 9:00am.
New Years Eve service at 5:00pm, not certain about the schedule for 1/1, and 1/2.
A plan is in place until May in the absence of Lori Tajchman, Director of Religious Education.
A plan is in place for a replacement for Daryl Ann Sweetland, Office Manager.
Don Ollier has made it official that he will be stepping down from running the St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen, after 30 years of service. Coordination will be required to find a replacement for him and to host an appreciation event for him.
Father Mike suggested would like to take some time with the Hillcrest Ministries to get it right.
Yvette Lopez Update:
Yvette spoke to Lori Tajchman, Director of Religious Education and Cecilia Richardson, Pastoral Associate. We need a list of duties for the Hillcrest Ministries Coordinator.
3x /year there is a move/in move/out of the apartments. A prayer partner is assigned to each family – it requires time.
There are a variety of people involved that can keep the Hillcrest Ministry moving along, a search for someone, or a small group to take the lead on this important ministry.
There was discussion on how this is currently handled and several ideas for paths going forward.
Early in these discussions, but we are committed to keeping this ministry active, and finding someone that will lead this, and provide the great service that Don has for so many years.
Deacon Chuck Update:
Omitted due to time constraints.