3-10-2025 Pastoral Council Minutes
ST. JAMES PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2025
Chairperson Joan Peluso called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Council Members present were Fr. Mike Roach, Deacon Chuck Koesterer, Eddie Baker, Phil Baumert, Kevin Casel, Chris Fullinwider, Betsy Lewey, Joan Peluso, and Corrine Sebranek. The opening prayer was said by Eddie Baker.
Special Guest: The council welcomed St. James parishioner Ann Marie Puck who is the Southwest Commander of the Fr. Vincent Capodanno Memorial Post 1974 of the Catholic War Veterans of the United States. In connection with our parish mission statement, Ann Marie developed the St. James War Veterans Ministry which serves, supports and upholds the values that make our nation and faith strong. Through the development of youth programs, involvement in community outreach and providing services, this ministry provides a place for all military whether they be active duty, retired or affiliated with a Reserve or National Guard and their families to connect with each other and provide stories in their faith. Ann Marie gave the Council a history of prayer connected with the ministry and talked about a special prayer book, Armed with Faith, that is given to veterans and current military alike. Each time the members meet they are devoted to prayer and to a military saint. Ann Marie, who also has a master’s degree in theology sees the organization in an evangelistic role in which the organization helps new military parishioners to realize that through their Catholic faith they can overcome any difficulties they may encounter in the transition from military to civilian life. Members are involved with the Honor Flights for Veterans and work closely with Catholic Charities. The ministry participates in a retreat each year held in April or May at the Jesuit White House Retreat Center in St. Louis.
Ann Marie asked the Council to consider helping to develop a special prayer service to honor our veterans and be an advocate for the veterans and their families. The upcoming issue of our diocesan magazine, The Catholic Key, will include an article to give a deeper understanding of this important and needed ministry.
Old Business:
Chairperson Joan Peluso briefly updated everyone on Fr. Timothy’s development of a Post-Youth Program. He is connecting other area churches to ask how they run their programs.
Members discussed ways to assist other St. James ministries. One option mentioned was each Council member contacting several ministries to see how we can help them. More will be discussed on this topic with the development of common verbiage to be used at the April meeting. Discussion was also held about sponsoring and organizing a Parish Ministry Fair this coming fall in August or September after the 8:00 and 10:30 Masses. Members were asked to consider helping with the organization of this event.
Betsy Lewey confirmed with the Council members who would be helping with the Confirmation receptions. She also let the Council know what a success the recent Hillcrest Hope graduation ceremony was. The dinner and ceremony for 3 graduates and their families was held at St. James Parish Hall and will probably become an annual event. If so, there will be a need to form a graduation team as this event is a big undertaking. Finally, she gave a brief update on our apartment resident.
New Business:
Chairperson Joan Peluso told the Council that Retreat Leader, Jay Meacham is asking that we consider a theme for the August Council Retreat to held August 2nd at the Precious Blood Center. A short discussion followed with consideration of a theme concerning transition and change but no selection of a theme was decided. More discussion will follow at the April meeting.
Deacon Chuck Koesterer told the Council that we have a new deacon, Juan Rodriquez who will also be serving St. Regis Catholic Church. He also told the Council that the St. James School Auction Committee would like to get the parish more involved in the auction held each fall. Possibly the Council might consider helping with this activity.
Eddie Baker asked members to try to attend the Knights of Columbus Fish Frys. In addition, Joan Peluso asked Council members to wear their badge if they attended. Both Eddie and Joan stated that this parish activity is very fun and a great way to meet and talk with parishioners as well as community members who attend.
Closing: Fr. Mike closed the meeting with a prayer and the members prayed the “Our Father” together. Chair Joan Peluso adjourned at 8:11p.m.
The Council’s next meeting is Monday, April 14th at 7:00 p.m. in the AV Conference Room. If you have any ideas or concerns for the Council, please contact Fr. Mike or Chairperson Joan Peluso. If you would like to attend the meeting, please contact Joan Peluso no later than Thurs. April 10th.
Respectfully submitted,
Sherri Porterfield, Pastoral Council Secretary