BY-LAWS ~ MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS

The purpose of this Council is to respond to the movement of the Spirit in the People of God, to work for a unified mission among its members, and to plan, coordinate, and implement the pastoral goals and vision of the parish and the Church. The Council serves as consultative and advisory group to the Pastor.

Parish Council meetings are usually held the third Wednesday of the month 7 times each year or as needed (September-May) at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Center. The meetings are based upon the consensus process and open to the parish. Past meeting minutes are posted on this site - click on Minutes link above or scroll down to view. Any parishioner may bring a matter to the attention of the Council through a Council member or by contacting the chairperson at least two weeks prior to a meeting. Faith Formation occurs at every meeting and is an important aspect of the council process.

MEMBERSHIP
Staff Members: Fr. Michael Balash (Pastor), Beth Frank (Principal), Sr. Rose Anne Krantz, CDP (Pastoral Minister), Mac Clapp (Director of Religious Education), Jan Huter (Administrative Secretary), Kathi Trares (Council & Parish Secretary).
At-Large Members: Joe Daczko, Don Engelhart, Greg Pastor.
Appointed Members: Linda Dvorak, Brian Hirsch, Dave O'Donnell.
Committee Representatives: Camille Bichsel (Worship Committee), Phyllis Fussaro (Garden Club), Evelyn Glova (Home & School Association Co), Patty Greff (Home & School Association Co), Marie Minard (St. Vincent DePaul Society), Sue Rooth (Finance Comittee).

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PARISH COUNCIL BY-LAWS
(Approved - Fall, 2007)

Article 1: Name
This organization shall be called Saint Joseph Parish Council.

Article 2: Purpose
The purpose of this Council is to respond to the movement of the Spirit in the People of God, to work for a unified mission among its members, and to plan, coordinate, and implement the pastoral goals and vision of the parish and the Church. The Council serves as consultative and advisory group to the Pastor.

Article 3: Objectives
The main objective of the Council is to foster, reveal, and spread the Gospel message, life, and values of Christ among the members of the Parish. This objective is accomplished through the following:

• by providing an open, honest, and representative forum for full and free discussion of pastoral matters,
• by being true representatives of the People of God,
• by assisting the Pastor in discussing, formulating, and recommending policies, directives, and guidelines that directly affect the Parish community,
• by planning and implementing pastoral goals and priorities in response to the expressed needs and aspirations of the Parish community,
• by coordinating and fostering the development of Parish ministries and organizations that respond to the Gospel message and values,
• by responding, reviewing, and encouraging the continued call to pastoral stewardship of time, talent, and treasure,
• by supporting the vision and ministry of the Parish, its members, and the Parish Staff.

Article 4: Membership and Terms
The Membership of the Council shall consist of the ex-officio members, parish ministry representatives, at-large members, and appointed members. Terms for all members will commence in September and terminate in June of each year.

• Ex officio members: Shall be the Pastor and members of the Parish Staff.
• Parish Ministry Representatives: Shall be elected or appointed members from the various Parish ministries and organizations of the Parish. Representatives shall serve two year terms and may serve for two consecutive terms. After four years on the Council, a member is required to be absent from the Council for one year before returning.
• At-Large Members: Shall come forth from the Parish community through self nomination or by peer nomination. Upon acceptance of the nomination, selection to the Council will be by spiritual discernment. At-Large Members shall serve for two year terms. They may be nominated for a total of two consecutive terms. After four years on the Council, a member is required to be absent from the Council for one year before returning.
• Appointed Members: The Pastor will have the right to appoint members for a two year term. Appointed members shall not be more than two persons at any time. At the end of a term, this person is required to be absent from the Council for one year before returning.

Article 5: Council Make-Up
The Parish Council shall consist of not more than 15 members and not less than 10 members at any given time (not including ex officio members).

• Parish Ministry Representatives: shall not exceed ten members of the Council.
• At-Large Members: shall not exceed three members of the Council.
• Appointed Members: shall not exceed two members of the Council.

Article 6: Eligibility
In order to be a member of Parish Council, a person must meet the requirement of being a registered, confirmed, and active member of Saint Joseph Parish. In addition:

Parish Ministry Representatives: must be regular, active, and participating members in the ministry they represent.

At Large Members: must be registered, active, and participating members in Parish liturgies and activities.

Appointed Members: must be registered, active, and participating members in Parish liturgies and activities.

Article 7: Selection to the Council
Parish Ministry Representatives: In May and/or June of each year, Parish ministries and organizations shall meet to designate a representative. At their meeting, each group, through election, nomination, or discernment shall choose a person to represent this organization on the Council. Ideally, no person shall serve as a representative for more than one ministry or organization. In the event of a resignation or withdrawal of this representative from the Council, the organization/ministry will meet at its earliest convenience to select a successor to finish the term. Those filling a vacancy remain eligible to serve an additional two year term.

At-Large Members: In the Spring of each year, notice will be given to the Parish community asking for nominations either by self or peer. Upon completion of the nominating process, an evening of spiritual discernment and prayer will be held in June. Membership will be determined by lot. In the event of a resignation or withdrawal from the Council by an At-Large Member, the vacancy shall be filled by an appointed member chosen by the Pastor for the completion of the term.

Appointed Members: Will be chosen by the Pastor in consultation with the Parish Staff. In the event of a resignation or withdrawal by an appointed member, the Pastor shall fill the vacancy with an appointed member as soon as possible to fill the term.

Article 8: Responsibilities of Members
Membership on the Council requires attendance at all regularly scheduled meetings, (seven per year). The calendar shall be determined at the first meeting. Absence from three consecutive meetings without excuse can be cause for removal from the Council. Removal from the Council will be called for by the members of the Council in consultation with and upon recommendation to the Pastor.

Article 9: Officers of the Parish Council
The officers of the Parish Council shall be: Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. The Pastor will be the Chairperson of the Council. The Vice-Chairperson shall be discerned from the members.

Article 10: Appointment and Duties of Officers of the Parish Council
Appointment of Officers: The Vice-Chairperson shall serve a one year term and will be discerned at the first meeting of the year.

Duties of Chairperson: The duties of the Chairperson shall be:

• to preside at all meetings of the Council.
• to direct and implement any special tasks of the Council.
• to plan and set the agenda for Council Meetings.

Duties of the Vice-Chairperson: The duties of the Vice-Chairperson shall be:

• to preside at all meetings of the Council in the absence of the Chairperson.
• to aid in directing and implementing any special tasks of the Council.
• to work with the Chairperson to plan and set the agenda for Council Meetings.

Duties of the Secretary: The duties of the Secretary shall be:

• to keep the minutes of all meetings and proceedings of the Council.
• to keep an attendance record of all the members.
• to be responsible for all council correspondence.

Article 11: Council Meetings and Consensus Model of Decision-Making
Parish Council Meetings: Meetings shall be held seven times a year. Dates shall be determined each year, however, meetings are usually held on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.

Order of Meetings: The Order of Meetings shall be:

Call to Order
Opening Prayer - Formation
Roll Call and Approval of Minutes
Ministry/Organization Reports
Pastor Report
Staff Reports
Old Business
New Business

Business of the Council: Any business conducted by the Council must take place at a meeting where all members have been notified and a quorum of members is present. A quorum shall be a simple majority of members.

Consensus Model of Decision Making: "Robert's Rules of Order" shall preside at all procedures not outlined in these By-Laws of Parish Council. However, all decisions will be formed as recommendations to the Pastor for implementation using the Consensus Model of Decision-Making.

The Council will strive for the greatest degree of consensus on all its recommendations. Consensus is a group process in which each Council member can and should express their opinion on the matter under discussion. The process is characterized by each member of the Council listening carefully to all the other members with an attitude of openness to each member's unique perspective on the matter. Consensus is not necessarily total agreement, but it is a decision which everyone can gracefully accept and support. After discussion, a recommendation of consensus will be offered to the Pastor for implementation. The Pastor reserves the right to either accept or reject any recommendations made by the Council. In the event that the Pastor would reject a recommendation made by Council, the Pastor must provide good reason to the Council for the rejection and allow for further discussion.

Article 12: Amendments to By-Laws
Amendments may be made to these By-Laws if adopted by two-thirds majority of the total Council. Any amendments to the By-laws must be discussed at a Council Meeting, presented in writing, and voted on at the next meeting. Review of these By-laws will take place on a yearly basis by the members of the Council.

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PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

PARISH COUNCIL
April 16, 2008
Minutes of the Meeting
*submitted by Kathi Trares

PRESENT: Fr. Michael Balash, Sr. Rose Anne Krantz, Mac Clapp, Beth Frank, Jan Huter, Kathi Trares, Camille Bichsel, Joe Daczko, Linda Dvorak, Phyllis Fussaro, Patty Greff, Marie Minard, Dave O'Donnell, Greg Pastor, Don Engelhart
ABSENT: Brian Hirsch, Sue Rooth

Meeting opened at 7:03 p.m. with prayer, "In Your Spirit" led by Sr. Rose Anne followed.

WELCOME & APPROVAL OF JANUARY MINUTES

MINISTRY/ORGANIZATION REPORTS
Garden Club (Phyllis Fussaro) - George Murnyack memorial fund; spring bed clean-up at next meeting (as reported last meeting, decision was made to not hold the Mother's Day Flower Sale due to decreased sales).
Worship Committee (Camille Bichsel) - No meeting; Lit. Min. Retreat Day April 20th.
Home & School Association (Patty Greff) - Night at the Races (Mar. 1st) & Chinese Auction (Apr. 13th) went well with a good turn outs; Upcoming Events include: Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week (May 12th-16th), 2-$500 Scholarships to Awarded (Catholic High School), End of Year Event at Fun 'n Stuff (June 4th).
St. Vincent DePaul Society (Marie Minard) - Since January help has been given for utilities (3), housing (4), medical (1), food (5), car repairs (1), gas (1), plus donation to 4C's; collections have been good and school service project donated $115.00; activities include helping with bingo the 3rd Wednesday of each month at Maplewood Care Center in Streetsboro providing assistance and friendship to residence (small gifts donated for prizes) and volunteering at the Portage County Clothing Center in Ravenna the 2nd and 5th Sundays of each month.
Finance Committee (Fr. Balash) - Situation could become severe without changes - savings going fast, behind in diocesan payments for benefits and assessments; concern that in May collections typically slide (no PSR) and tuition payments are finishing; collections have remained constant but utilities and other expenses going up; bingo crowds diminishing after a brief resurgence and operating at a loss of $7,000 (July, 2007-April, 2008); Finance Committee very concerned about situation sighting no "cushion" with any break downs or extra expenses having the potential to severely hurt us (plan to meet again Apr. 30th with recommendations to Parish Council for financial responsibility); Fr. Balash expressed his concern that debt takes forever to pay back and the confidence of the parishioners is lost with irresponsible management. Many expressed the opinion that Bingo should go if it continually is running at a deficit and perhaps another way to raise funds would be a quarterly Casino night (Bingo Committee to meet again May 15th).

PARISH STAFF REPORTS
Jan (Administrative Secretary) - Liturgy Ministry Retreat Day (Apr. 20th) has approx. 60 people signed up with 7-8 new people; day will be nice "shot in the arm" for current folks and nice formation start for new; day will include optional lunch, prayer, keynote by Fr. Balash & break-out sessions for various ministries.
Sr. Rose Anne Krantz (Pastoral Minister) - Parish Appreciation Dinner/Dance (Mar. 29th) had 158 attending enjoying delicious meal, slide show presentation, "Parish Feud" game, recognition of various groups/ministries, 50/50, dancing (thank you Stewardship Committee); Pictorial Directory photos take place week of Apr. 14th & May 30th-31st (estimate 250 families will take part vs. 229 with last directory in 2002); 85th Anniversary Celebration scheduled for June 8th with outdoor Mass, potluck picnic, games, etc. & something special for Fr. Balash's farewell (moving to St. Williams Parish, Champion 7/1/08).
Mac Clapp (Religious Ed) - Lenten Mission nights following Tuesday Soup Suppers snowed out with only 1-1/2 taking place; PSR sponsored health & beauty aid collection for 4C's; PSR classes end Apr. 20th with prayer service; Pre-School PSR continues until May 18th; First Eucharist Retreat Day (Apr. 26th) and group celebration (May 4th).
Beth Frank (Principal) - Family Math Night (Apr. 10th) fabulous with a majority of school families participating in hands-on activities helping to fulfill one of two major goals; Service Projects in honor of Pope Benedict's birthday included tool collection for Appalachian Experience and Portage County's Habitat for Humanity, plus donation to our St. Vincent DePaul Society; 45th Anniversary of School will be celebrated beginning Fall, 2008; Proficiency testing for K, 3, 5, 8 taking place (FYI - 2 year test result study shows our students are scoring 2-3 grades above grade level); 3rd Grade Teacher, Mrs. Linda Pudloski expecting baby in August.

PASTOR'S REPORT
Priest Assignment - Fr. Balash announced to parish Apr. 5/6 that he is moving St. Williams Parish, Champion as July 1, 2008. Parish profile was sent to all priests of diocese (shared copy with committee); new pastor news may be determined as early as Mother's Day (diocesan decision); Fr. Balash will be available to help if needed.
Financial Concerns & Bingo - Previously discussed under Ministry/Committee Reports.
School -After taking a closer look at financial status in February, Fr. Balash met with Dr. Skube, diocesan superintendent, Msgr. Siffrin, and Beth Frank to present scenario and request recommendations (2008-09 registration delayed until decision); Fr. Balash presented financial reports for parish assets and bingo expressing serious concerns of parish budget, 2008-09 school proposal (tuition, gift card requirement, cuts & freezes, Home & School donation, class combination consideration), a "best case scenario" budget for the school still showing a $40,000+ deficit with 104 students registering. To date (4/16/08) 93 students are registered (not one class generates enough tuition to pay their teacher's salary and benefits). Teachers have received lay-off notices. Questions about use of Trust Fund was raised - only interest can be used and market is poor (suggestion was made to let people know tuition aid fund would be better way to support school); Capital Campaign money is earmarked for new church fund. Beth and Sue Rooth are looking at ways to fill the deficit gap with new fundraisers involving larger community, alumni, etc. Bishop Murry's plan to form a committee to formulate a plan for diocesan schools by this time next year has yet to come to pass (feeling is that our situation is much too urgent to wait for implementation of a diocesan plan - tuition not covering expenses, bingo revenue nearly non-existent, parish savings rapidly dwindling). Fr. Balash stated that parish is only surviving because of past savings which are being used up very quickly; parish has a moral obligation to fulfill pension and healthcare benefits; significant changes with Bingo, School and Food Service are required to help stop financial crisis. Members are asked to look over reports, pray, brainstorm, and submit any suggestions. Meeting planned with diocesan people soon to come up with plan that's best for school and parish (hope to have results by next meeting, May 21st).

OLD BUSINESS - None

NEW BUSINESS
FYI - Joe Daczko to run in the Boston Marathon!

Meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

NEXT MEETING: May 21st, 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Center

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PARISH COUNCIL
January 16, 2008
Minutes of the Meeting
*submitted by Kathi Trares

PRESENT: Fr. Michael Balash, Sr. Rose Anne Krantz, Mac Clapp, Beth Frank, Jan Huter, Kathi Trares, Camille Bichsel, Joe Daczko, Linda Dvorak, Phyllis Fussaro, Evelyn Glova, Brian Hirsch, Marie Minard, Dave O'Donnell, Greg Pastor, Sue Rooth
ABSENT: Don Engelhart

Meeting opened at 7:04 p.m. with prayer and reflection led by Sr. Rose Anne followed by welcome and introductions from everyone.

FORMATION
How we got to tonight - Fr. Balash explained Council's "self study" process over the past year of moving toward a consensus model with representation of various parish ministries along with ex-officio members, at-large members, and appointed members.
Scope of Council - As the chief advisory body this committee is an active working and enabling body that helps with the direction & vision of the parish. Previously, liaisons from Council were to serve as a "go-between" various parish groups but this connection did not always happen. The new direction of Council will help to gap this disconnectedness and work to fulfill the purpose and objectives.
By-Laws for Parish Council - Newly adopted by-laws were distributed and briefly reviewed along with an outline of the past process; make-up of the new Council consists of staff members, past Council members for continuity (at-large & appointed), and representatives from the most established and most active aspects of parish life; it was noted that as groups develop, "umbrella ministry" groups may be formed to represent an area in an effort to keep Council membership at a manageable size.

PARISH STAFF REPORTS
Sr. Rose Anne Krantz (Pastoral Minister) - RCIA participants will not be ready to enter the Church this Easter (formation continues); High School Bible Study is doing well with nine boys taking part; Adult Bible Study sessions have been well received with approximately 20 people attending; participants are encouraged to take part in the Lenten Mission and future sessions will return after Lent.
Mac Clapp (Religious Ed) - Second graders are preparing for First Eucharist (May 4th) with First Reconciliation on Jan. 12th and parent meetings in February; PSR classes will have a palm burning service (Jan. 27th); Fr. James Walker will be a part of our Lenten Mission nights following Tuesday Soup Suppers (those wishing to earn certification points for diocesan credit should contact Mac); related activities and care for children during the mission times will be available in Hughes Hall.
Jan (Administrative Secretary) - First Ox Roast Fair Core Group meeting planned for Feb. 7th.
Beth Frank (Principal) - Catholic Schools Week is Jan. 27th-Feb.1st (refer to schedule in bulletin); service project will benefit St. Vincent DePaul; "Save a Desk" campaign to recruit more students.

MINISTRY/ORGANIZATION REPORTS
Garden Club (Phyllis Fussaro) - Meetings include crafts, speakers and social time; activities include annual Christmas Boutique (helps pay for plantings in beds throughout parish grounds and other projects), giving baskets for needy at Easter, Thanksgiving & Christmas; decision was made to not hold the Mother's Day Flower Sale due to decreased sales.
Worship Committee (Camille Bichsel) - Christmas environment taken down in record time thanks to many volunteers (white poinsettias remain for Ordinary Time); donated candles will be part of Lenten environment; Easter environment will go up on Good Friday; Easter Vigil will be different with no RCIA candidates; Lenten Soup Suppers & beatitudes themed mission take place Tuesdays of Lent; Stations of the Cross will once again take place on Fridays; bi-parish Reconciliation Service will be here (Mar. 11th).
Home & School Association (Evelyn Glova) - Upcoming events include Night at the Races (Mar. 1st at OLPH), Easter Candy sale, and Chinese Auction (Apr. 13th); all funds raised directly benefit students.
Finance Committee (Sue Rooth) - Members basically review monthly balance sheets and budgets.
St. Vincent DePaul Society (Marie Minard) - Group currently has 12 members with 7 active participants (many are getting up in age); monthly collection helps needy families with groceries, utilities, rent, etc. throughout the year (2+ calls each week) including assisting families at Christmas (gift cards for food & gifts for 5 this year); activities include helping with bingo the 3rd Wednesday of each month at Maplewood Care Center in Streetsboro providing assistance and friendship to residence (small gifts donated for prizes) and volunteering at the Portage County Clothing Center in Ravenna the 2nd and 5th Sundays of each month.

PASTOR'S REPORT
Parish's 85th Anniversary & New Pictorial Directory - Plans are underway for a celebration on June 8th with an outdoor Mass followed by a pot-luck picnic, games, entertainment and fellowship; Busson Portrait Directories will once again help us assemble a parish pictorial directory for 2008 (last one done in 2002).
Status of Bingo - Program has seen a drastic down turn in players and revenue over the past year making just enough money to pay bills since Mar., 2007 (no money transferred to school; parish accounts providing extra subsidy); committee has been working to revamp since Aug., 2007 with some efforts paying off in recent weeks giving "cautiously optimistic" reactions; problem is occurring everywhere due to abundance of other gambling opportunities, no smoking issues, and economy.
School - Precarious status with no bingo revenue; studying other fund raiser(s) to supplement; gift cards good money maker but doesn't match bingo and could be much bigger; enrollment increase is critical.

OLD BUSINESS - None

NEW BUSINESS
Terms of Office - Since Council make-up is new, lots were drawn to determine which previous members are "appointed" and "at-large" and when each person's term would expire (see results below).

Ex officio Members: Fr. Michael Balash (Pastor), Sr. Rose Anne Krantz (Pastoral Minister), Beth Frank (Principal), Mac Clapp (Director of Religious Education), Jan Huter (Administrative Secretary), Kathi Trares (Parish & Council Secretary)

Parish Ministry Representatives:
Camille Bichsel (Worship Committee) - May, 2009
Phyllis Fussaro (Garden Club) - May, 2010
Evelyn Glova (Home & School Assoc.) - May, 2008
Patty Greff (Home & School Assoc.) - May, 2008
Marie Minard (St. Vincent DePaul Society) - May, 2009
Sue Rooth (Finance Committee) - May, 2009

At-Large Members:
Joe Daczko - May, 2010
Don Engelhart - May, 2008
Greg Pastor - May, 2010

Appointed Members:
Linda Dvorak - May, 2008
Brian Hirsch - May, 2009
Dave O'Donnell - May, 2010

Soup Suppers - Parish Family Life Committee (Brian & Jennifer Hirsch) host the Lenten Soup Suppers on Tuesday evenings and various parish group members are assigned one evening to assist with serving and help provide soups and breads (along with other parishioners' donations); assignments listed below.

Feb. 12th (Fr. Walker's Beatitudes presentation) > Home & School Assoc.
Feb. 19th (Fr. Walker's Beatitudes presentation) > Worship Committee
Feb. 26th (Fr. Walker's Beatitudes presentation) > Garden Club
Mar. 4th (Fr. Balash's Reconciliation presentation) > Finance Committee
Mar. 11th (Reconciliation Service with OLPH) > Parish Council

Meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

NEXT MEETINGS: Apr. 16th (changed due to scheduling conflicts); May 21st

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