Pastoral Council Minutes 4-14-25
ST. JAMES PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2025
Pastoral Council’s April meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m. by Chairperson Joan Peluso. Council Members present were Fr. Mike Roach, Deacon Chuck Koesterer, Eddie Baker, Phil Baumert, Kevin Casel, Chris Fullinwider, Yvette Lopez, Joan Peluso, Sherri Porterfield, Jeff Ridder and Corrine Sebranek. The opening prayer was said by Sherri Porterfield.
Old Business:
Chairperson Joan Peluso shared with the Council a message from Discernment Director Jay Meacham that one person has been discerned to become a new Council member. In the coming weeks there will be two more meetings with potential candidates in which two additional Council members will be discerned.
In previous meetings it has been discussed that the Council works to build a relationship with the many ministries at St. James. Council members received contact information for ministry heads and will be contacting these leaders via email in the coming weeks. It is the Council’s desire to find out what their needs may be and how we can assist them. In addition, the Council will be asking in the email for a brief description of the ministry. This description will assist the St. James bulletin editor, Judy Keisling in informing the parish about these ministries with a short article in the bulletin throughout the summer months. The Council will also be asking if there is any interest in participating in a possible ministry fair sponsored by the Council in the early Fall. Council members are requesting a response from the ministry heads contacted by their May 12th meeting.
New Business:
At the suggestion of Sherri Porterfield, Chairperson Peluso reminded the Council to look over and be familiar with the articles concerning Election of Executive Committee members. Elections for Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretary for the year 2025-26 will be held at the May meeting.
Corinne Sebranek expressed concern for those parishioners who may experience health difficulties at Mass during the summer months because of air conditioning issues. Deacon Chuck suggested that the company who regulates the air conditioning be contacted to see if the temperatures in the church can be regulated. Luckily, if a parishioner does have a problem, there is a Point of Contact Person at every Mass to assist if there is a medical emergency.
The Council asked if a picture and information about St. James’ new Deacon, Juan Rodriguez, could be placed in the bulletin so that our parishioners could get to know him. They were told that this should be happening soon.
Closing Comments and Prayer:
Fr. Mike told the Council that the name of the new St. James pastor should be announced in mid-May. He also announced the good news that a new Director of Liturgy and Music has been recently hired. Sam Fleming will be joining the St. James staff around May 7th. Fr. Mike closed the meeting with a prayer and the members prayed the “Our Father” together. The Meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
The Council’s next meeting is Monday, May 12th 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. May 8th.
Respectfully submitted,
Sherri Porterfield, Pastoral Council Secretary