5-12-2025 Pastoral Council Meeting Minutes
St. JAMES PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, MAY 12, 2025
The Pastoral Council May meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by Chairperson Joan Peluso. Council Members present were Fr. Mike Roach, Eddie Baker, Phil Baumert, Kevin Casel, Yvette Lopez, Joan Peluso, Sherri Porterfield, Jeff Ridder and Corrine Sebranek. To begin the meeting Kevin Casel shared a spiritual reading written by Pope Francis with the group.
Old Business:
Chairperson Joan Peluso shared with the Council that currently only one person has been discerned as a new member of next year’s Council. There are still two more new members that need to be discerned to replace outgoing current members and to serve for the next four years. She also shared that Jay Meacham will not be able to lead the Council’s upcoming August retreat this year as he has another commitment. No decisions were made concerning ideas for a new retreat leader. It was decided to wait until our new pastor arrives to discuss future retreat plans.
The Council discussed information received from various ministry leaders that will be placed in the bulletin throughout the summer months. Plans for a Fall Ministry Fair were not discussed.
New Business:
Fr. Mike told the Council about our new pastor, Fr. Lac Phan. Fr. Lac is currently serving at St. Francis Xavier in St. Joseph. He is a priest with the Precious Blood order and will arrive to become the pastor of St. James on July 1st.
The Council held elections for Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Secretary who comprise the Executive Committee. Current Chairperson Peluso shared from the Council By-laws how the election should be completed and the personal qualities that these leaders should exemplify in being considered for office. The following members were elected for the 2025-26 year: Chairperson, Eddie Baker; Vice-Chairperson, Joan Peluso; and Secretary, Kevin Casel.
Sherri Porterfield introduced our new Director of Liturgy and Music, Sam Fleming. Sam told the Council a little about himself and the Council members introduced themselves and told Sam about their involvement in the parish. Sam has extensive experience as a church music director and is currently finishing his doctoral degree in music at the University of Kansas. He is married and has three sons. He expressed his excitement to be here at St. James.
The Council welcomed Sam, thanked him for accepting this important job and expressed how blessed we were to have him here.
Closing:
Fr. Mike led the Council in prayer and the Council prayed the “Our Father” together. The meeting concluded at 7:57 p.m.
The Council will be on summer break and will begin meeting again on Monday, August 11th. Parishioners with for the Council are always welcome at the meetings. Beginning in August, please contact new Chairperson Eddie Baker or Fr. Lac if you would like to attend.
Respectfully submitted,
Sherri Porterfield, Pastoral Council Secretary