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 each month or as needed (September-May) at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Center. Past meeting minutes are posted on this site. Any parishioner may bring a matter to the attention of the Council through a Council member or by contacting the chairperson or pastor 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 Garvey (Pastor), Sr. Joyce Schreiber, S.N.D. (Pastoral Minister), Peg Haney (Director of Religious Education), Jan Huter (Administrative Secretary), Kathi Trares (Council & Parish Secretary).
At-Large Members: Annette Carlisle (2013), Ruth Skocdopole (2013), Lonna Safko (2014)
Appointed Members: Rob Emens (2015), Dan Fejes (2014), Jim Schultis, President (2015)
Committee Representatives: Tom Caldwell-Finance Council (2015), Diane Sanderson, Worship Committee, Garden Club (2013), [St. Joseph Cares Submits Reports].

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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
March 20, 2013
Minutes of the Meeting
* submitted by Kathi Trares / approved by Fr. Garvey

PRESENT:  Fr. Garvey, Tom Caldwell, Sr. Joyce Schreiber, Jim Schultis, Rob Emens, Peg Haney, Lonna Safko, Annette Carlisle, Dan Fejes, Diane Sanderson, Kathi Trares

EXCUSED:  Jan Huter, Ruth Skocdopole
           
Meeting opened at 7:06 p.m. with prayer led by Jim Schultis.

MINISTRY/ORGANIZATION REPORTS
Finance Council (Tom Caldwell) – March’s meeting had a review of Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss comparison with nothing out of the ordinary for this time of year. Diocesan inspection of parish properties in February found no critical issues; upgrade of breaker box in rectory to be done soon, bowed wall by steps to Parish Center basement to be addressed during more favorable weather; committee plans to prioritize future updates, projects and funding.

Worship Committee (Diane Sanderson) – Triduum booklet reviewed along with discussions about Palm Sunday and Holy Week plans; Soup Supper (3/12) supplied by Worship Committee & Music Ministry; Parish Evangelization Program (PEP) was explained by Peg Haney and Marianne Berzinskas was chosen as a representative; appreciation was expressed for creation of new parish banner led by Marianne (Easter bulletin will publicly thank all involved); St. Joseph Feast Day liturgy was praised.

Garden Club (Diane Sanderson) – Calendaring and host assignments for year were set; spring planting ideas were discussed with input from Pat Romano; 29th Annual Christmas Boutique will be November 11th.

St. Joseph’s Cares – Fr. Garvey reported due to increasing demands, stress and fraudulent occurrences, Carol Hetzel is resigning as president of committee; replacement with necessary skills is needed and possibly restructuring of job description and specific guidelines; pastor intends to meet with remaining committee members to discuss recruitment ideas; members still participate in Portage County Clothing Center and Maplewood Care Center Bingo.

STAFF REPORTS
Sr. Joyce Schreiber, Pastoral Minister  – RCIA program has Evelyn Glova to receive full initiation at Easter Vigil. Baptism Ministry steady with two receiving sacraments since last meeting and four more in months ahead. Awakening Faith began 2/17 with no new folks; Council members discussed possible reasons and importance of personal contact for this invitational program. Seasons of Hope bereavement support program begins 4/10 for six weekly gatherings.

Peg Haney, DRE – PSR concludes 4/28 and Community Meal also takes place on this date (K of C Women’s Auxiliary co-sponsoring); attendance has been good; Pancake Breakfast is set for 3/24; First Communion preparation continues with parent meeting 4/7, author visit 4/21, Jesus Day 4/27 and celebration on 5/5 at 11:15. Confirmation on 3/2 at OLPH in Aurora went well with good integration of both parishes; personal contact with Bishop Murry was missed (ways to resolve to be explored). PEP Parish Visit is 4/18 that will involve staff and parish community/group representatives sharing thoughts about parish and direction in this visioning process; an invitation was extended for training session on 4/6, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at St. Michael’s in Canfield; suggestion was made that Ox Roast Fair include a parish informational booth.

Jan Huter, Administrative Secretary  – Kathi reported that parish business and Ox Roast Fair tasks continue.

Kathi Trares, Parish Secretary – Usual office tasks continue including early Easter bulletin, Triduum booklet and Ox Roast Fair responsibilities.

PASTOR’S REPORT
Bishop’s Appeal – Marvin and Linda Litz are new chairs for our parish replacing Bob and Pat Bruckner who have retired after handling for a number of years; advance donors have received letters and parish kick off begins 4/14.

Reconciliation – Deanery Communal Services well attended (3/13-St. Peter of the Fields, Rootstown; 3/18-St. Joseph’s); one more scheduled 3/21-Immaculate Conception, Ravenna; Additional reconciliation times offered during Holy Week (refer to bulletin).

Holy Week – Invitation to participate as fully as possible was extended for Holy Thursday , 7:00 p.m. Mass followed by Adoration, Good Friday 3:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross & 7:00 p.m. Liturgy, and Easter Vigil Holy Saturday 7:30 p.m.

Debt Reduction Campaign – Anonymous donation of $10,000 given but not reported to parish as of yet by request of donors; plans are to do so with short explanation; $40,000 has been invested in 6 month CD; additional $9,332.56 has been deposited thus far; approved plan is to begin paying Diocese Oct./Nov., 2013; funds received over goal will be reserved in rainy day fund.

Parish Center Improvements – Extremely worn linoleum and carpeting is being replaced in kitchen area, meeting room, hallway and offices at a cost of approximately $5,200 through parishioners Dennis & Loretta Chiancone, owners of State Crest Carpet, Bedford (funding from credit union reserve funds not debt reduction campaign); reasons behind project include fears about future consolidation and presenting facilities in favorable light as well as considering the long-term good of St. Joe’s; concerns about timing and keeping parish informed in an honest and humble way were expressed.

Eagle of the Cross – Caitlin Chartier has been awarded this recognition given annually in the Diocese of Youngstown to high school juniors and seniors who show particular zeal in the improvement of their parish; ceremony to take place 4/18.

Ox Roast Fair Improvements – Several more tents with storage bags will be purchased using some of remaining insurance money (from storm damage in 2011).

Church Environment Donations – Anonymous family has donated funds for purchase of two new altar candlesticks and paschal candlestick to be introduced at Easter liturgies. Possibility of donation toward a new processional cross may happen in near future.

OLD BUSINESS – None.

NEW BUSINESS
Council Membership – Kathi informed members that three positions need to be filled this spring – terms expire for two at-large members, Annette Carlisle and Ruth Skocdopole, and for one representing committees, Diane Sanderson (Worship Committee & Garden Club); discussion of previous ways used select new members for this 3-year commitment resulted in Fr. Garvey’s request for Council members to e-mail suggestions to him, Jim Schultis, Jan, or Kathi on how to go about process for this year.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. with prayer led by Fr. Garvey.

NEXT MEETING:  May 15th  (Prayer leader – To Be Determined)

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PARISH COUNCIL
February 20, 2013
Minutes of the Meeting
* submitted by Kathi Trares / approved by Fr. Garvey

PRESENT:  Fr. Garvey, Jan Huter, Sr. Joyce Schreiber, Jim Schultis, Peg Haney, Lonna Safko, Annette Carlisle, Dan Fejes, Diane Sanderson, Kathi Trares
EXCUSED:  Rob Emens, Ruth Skocdopole, Tom Caldwell
           
Meeting opened at 7:10 p.m. with prayer led by Dan Fejes.

MINISTRY/ORGANIZATION REPORTS
Finance Council – Fr. Garvey report on 2/7 meeting where semi-annual budget was reviewed (2/17 bulletin insert). Debt Reduction Campaign shows $59,320.00 in pledges with $32,752.00 collected thus far; 6 month CD taken out to earn interest. Cell tower contract negotiations are ongoing; suggestion was made to ask them to donate toward our Community Meal or other parish cause. Diocesan inspection of parish properties (2/20) found no critical issues; breaker box in rectory needs upgrade, bowed wall by steps to Parish Center basement needs addressed, and upgrades to phones, Parish Center roof & office carpeting will be looked into.

Worship Committee (Diane Sanderson) – February’s meeting dealt with discussions about Lent/Holy Week including Chrism Mass where our new parish banner will be presented (in parish on St. Joseph Feast Day), purchased a lighter weight bowl & pitcher for Feet Washing. Fr. Garvey informed Council that an anonymous family offered to replace altar candle stands and paschal candle stand.

Garden Club (Diane Sanderson) – No regular meeting held in February but a gathering to discuss the 2/24 Community Meal was held to finalize plans (Garden Club & Worship Committee hosting with PSR).

St. Joseph’s Cares – Fr. Garvey reported that a recent incident involving deceit and misrepresentation of being a parish family needed to be addressed and the sheriff’s department was contacted. Due to increasing demands, stress and fraudulent occurrences, Carol Hetzel is resigning as president of committee; replacement with necessary skills is needed and possibly restructuring of job description; suggestions of combining efforts with other community group(s) or to eliminate were not favorable solutions at this time.

STAFF REPORTS
Sr. Joyce Schreiber, Pastoral Minister  – RCIA program has one candidate to receive full initiation at Easter Vigil. Several funerals have taken place in last couple of months. Awakening Faith began 2/17 with no new folks; efforts to continue to invite and offer program are ongoing. Lenten Soup Suppers & Presentations began 2/19 with Fr. Pentello; next two sessions will also focus on the Mass. Parish Mission Statement is in process of being revised with help of Joanne Sawyer and reviewing other parishes’ statements. Bible Study continues with vibrant group meeting on Monday mornings and discussing the Gospel of Luke.

Peg Haney, DRE – Confirmation will take place 3/2 at OLPH in Aurora with a recognition Mass to take place here the following weekend. PSR attendance has been off slightly due to illness and weather; Community Meal going well with Garden Club & Worship Committee hosting 2/24 and Women’s Auxiliary 4/28 (no meal in March due to Easter but coupons will be distributed at February’s event for 3/24 Pancake Breakfast); event will resume in September with PSR year. First Communion scheduled for 5/5 at 11:15 Mass. May Crowning set for 5/12 at 11:15.

Jan Huter, Administrative Secretary  – Ox Roast Fair Core Group has met twice this year building excitement for 50th Ox Roast Fair. Fr. Garvey noted that Jan’s hours have changed (Tues.-Fri., 9-6).

Kathi Trares, Parish Secretary – Appalachian Experience has 12 interested participants for this year’s trip (final commitment due by 5/15); program fee has increased to $275.00 which covers materials, housing & other program expenses (gas & food money not included). Ox Roast Fair publicity tasks continue with updating fair & travel websites, sending out notices, etc.; work has begun choosing T-shirt design for “50 Years of Magnificence” theme. Bulletin insert provided by J.S. Paluch (2/28) commemorating Pope Benedict’s leadership.

PASTOR’S REPORT
Programs, finances and facilities going well (barring spray painting and egg vandalism Ash Wednesday). Ministry Training still needed and ongoing. A few marriage validations are in process but no weddings scheduled for 2013. Pastor’s upcoming appointments include meeting for Bishop’s Appeal, another with Bishop Murry concerning Catechesis Institute, and reconciliation at St. Thomas Aquinas High School.

OLD BUSINESS
PEP (Parish Evaluation Program) – Peg reported that campus visit to take place 4/18 involving meetings with staff and parish community/group representatives sharing thoughts about parish and direction in this visioning process.

NEW BUSINESS
Defibrillator – Annette reported Jason’s concerns about expiration of unit’s pads and batteries; although she no longer has connection to sales rep., she will investigate another source; Annette offered training services.

Parish’s 90th Anniversary in 2013 – St. Joseph Feast Day celebration includes Soup Supper and Parish Mass with introduction of new parish banner; Worship Committee to take charge of Mass planning. No other commemoration planned at this time.

Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. with prayer led by Jan.

NEXT MEETING:  March 20th  (Prayer leader – Jim Schultis)

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PARISH COUNCIL
January 16, 2013
Minutes of the Meeting
* submitted by Kathi Trares / approved by Fr. Garvey

PRESENT:  Fr. Garvey, Jan Huter, Sr. Joyce Schreiber, Jim Schultis, Rob Emens, Peg Haney, Lonna Safko, Dan Fejes, Tom Caldwell, Diane Sanderson, Kathi Trares
EXCUSED:  Ruth Skocdopole, Annette Carlisle
           
- Meeting opened at 7:04 p.m. with prayer led by Rob Emens.
- Jim Schultis was appointed as Parish Council President and gave an overview of Council’s purpose as a planning and consultative group with the decision-making process being a carefully considered and spiritually based one.
- Minutes from last meeting were approved as submitted.

MINISTRY/ORGANIZATION REPORTS
Finance Council (Tom Caldwell) – Members reviewed balance sheet and P&L’s for December 2012 and for July 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012. December’s income was $2,719.00 over the same period of 2011 with collections up $7,100.00; Expenses were up $53.00 over the same period of 2011; Net income for the month was up $2,666.00; boiler repairs and upgrades of $4,683.27 will be paid by Jan. 31st out of normal operating funds. For the six month period, income was $28,700.00 less than the same period in 2011; variables included an insurance claim of $14,000.00 (non-recurring income) and a$5,500.00 bequest from last year; expenses were down $53,200.00 compared to the same period last year with variable of $33,000.00 Hughes Hall roof repair from last year. Net Income for the six month period was $66,700.00, an improvement of $24,500.00 over the same period of 2011.

Worship Committee (Diane Sanderson) – Last meeting involved discussions on Christmas environment and preliminary ideas for Lent and Easter; Marianne Berzinskas has designed a parish banner to be used at the diocesan Chrism Mass during Holy Week; young people participating in the Choir were complimented.

Garden Club (Diane Sanderson) – December’s Christmas Party was held at Randall’s in Garrettsville; no meetings are scheduled for January or February.

St. Joseph’s Cares – Fr. Garvey spoke of overwhelming amount of calls coming through First Call for Help (211) and handling of this aspect; praise was given for good response with donations and dedicated volunteers.

STAFF REPORTS
Sr. Joyce Schreiber, Pastoral Minister  – Recent Biblical course and it’s help with Bible Study class and RCIA was briefly spoken about. Bible Study on Monday morning’s on the Gospel of Luke has 15 enthusiastic participants. Baptism Prep. offers parents a deeper understanding of the sacrament and is a moment of grace for parents; four baptisms are scheduled so far in 2013. RCIA continues with a few people in various stages of discernment and learning (Rob Emens offered himself as a contact for anyone wishing to speak with a convert). Seasons of Hope (Bereavement) will begin a second session in the spring offering an array of support to those grieving. Awakening Faith will be offered once again during Lent, 2013 with a wider invitation to those outside of actively attending Catholics. Lenten Soup Suppers & Presentations on Tuesdays will focus on the Mass with a presentation by Fr. Richard Pentello, video & discussion sessions on The History of the Mass, a presentation by Fr. Garvey on Reconciliation, and a Feast Day observance (further details coming in future bulletins).

Peg Haney, DRE – PSR Program doing well with 75-80% attendance; students to participate in Children’s Mass Jan. 20th at 11:15. Lector Training with a focus on high school students and adults to take place Jan. 20th at 12:30 p.m. Sacramental Prep. continues with 1st Reconciliation to take place Jan. 23rd and a Confirmation Retreat on Jan. 26th w/OLPH at their site (last year’s narthex photo displays of those preparing for sacraments were complimented and would be most appreciated again); Council members were invited to write letters to Confirmandi for this event (Rob volunteered to draft one on behalf of Parish Council). Free Community Meal on Jan. 27th will be hosted by Parish Council & PSR volunteers; Annette Carlisle is coordinating event planning for 80 people (family will donate chicken, PSR families providing green beans, Parish Council supplying potatoes and rolls); Council members are asked to help with cooking (9:30-12:30), serving 12:30-2:00, and clean up. Worship Committee and Garden Club will be asked to coordinate for Feb. 24th meal.

Jan Huter, Administrative Secretary  – Ox Roast Fair Core Group meets Jan. 27th; Jim Schultis asked to sit in on the meeting.

Kathi Trares, Parish Secretary – 2012 Contribution Statements will be prepared in January and will include any December Debt Reduction Campaign payments. Ox Roast Fair publicity tasks begin this month with updating of websites, contacts, etc. Parish website updates and improvements continue as time allows.

PASTOR’S REPORT
Debt Reduction Campaign – Sue Rooth submitted report announcing goal of $35,000.00 has been surpassed with approximately half that amount already contributed; about one third of our active parishioners have responded as expected with some extraordinary, very generous responses as well; additional funds received above our goal will go toward our “rainy day fund”; informational packet with letter, brochure and pledge card were mailed to 400 non-responding households asking for a response by Feb. 1st (stamps were donated for this effort).

Cell Phone Tower Contract – Crown Castle has offered a renewal of contract (that originally was scheduled to go through 2015) paying us $9,000.00 per year for 2013 and 2014. Parishioner Bob Fathauer, who has property with a cell tower on it, was consulted and stated that he receives approximately $12,000.00 per year. This also was the amount suggested by Bob May, who is in the business.

Future of Parish Center / Updates – Study of efficient use of parish spaces, updates, and needs will be pursued for future planning; diocesan expert, a Finance Council representative, and maintenance person Jason Garey will be involved in this process along with Fr. Garvey.

Revision of Parish Mission Statement – Sr. Joyce agreed to Fr. Garvey’s request to review and propose update.

Pastor’s Finance Report – Plans are to submit requested semi-annual report by mid-February.

Co-responsibility for Parish Operations – Cooperation from Council members’ involvement would be appreciated helping to ensure that everything does not fall back to parish staff.

Appeal Request – Advice concerning a Catholic society requesting to come and make an appeal for needy children and homeless people was solicited; members felt that this type of ongoing monthly support was not a good idea sighting the many outreach efforts parishioners participate in through the parish and diocese.

OLD BUSINESS – None.

NEW BUSINESS
Anniversaries – 2013 marks the 90th Anniversary of St. Joseph Parish. It is also the 50th Ox Roast Fair. Hopes are to mark each milestone in some way throughout the year (details to be determined).

Ox Roast Fair Coordinator – Jan introduced the need to turn over the job of organizing the Fair to someone outside the Parish Office sighting increasing demands of time and energy warranting someone with greater enthusiasm; proposal was to have someone shadow tasks over the next year or two; it was mentioned that responsibilities for several things used to be handled by different individuals but now falls on office staff.

Upcoming Events – Eagle of the Cross nomination deadline for this youth leadership diocesan award is Feb. 13th (Peg has details). Portage County Dinner & Doctrine will host the last of series on Feb. 12th with Fr. Pat Ferraro speaking on Biblical Fundamentalism. PEP (Parish Evaluation Program) presentations will be made to various parish organizations by Peg prior to Apr. 5th diocesan meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m. with prayer led by Fr. Garvey.

NEXT MEETING:  February 20th  (Prayer leader - Dan Fejes)

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PARISH COUNCIL
November 28, 2012
Minutes of the Meeting
* submitted by Kathi Trares / approved by Fr. Garvey

PRESENT:  Fr. Garvey, Annette Carlisle, Jim Schultis, Rob Emens, Peg Haney, Lonna Safko, Ruth Skocdopole, Dan Fejes, Tom Caldwell, Diane Sanderson, Kathi Trares

EXCUSED:  Jan Huter, Sr. Joyce Schreiber
           
Meeting opened at 7:07 p.m. with prayer led by Fr. Garvey
Minutes from last month’s meeting were approved as submitted; introductions were made for new Finance Council representative Tom Caldwell.

MINISTRY/ORGANIZATION REPORTS
Finance Council (Tom Caldwell) – October’s meeting included review of Profit & Loss statement, addressing repairs of 50 year old boilers, raffle for 50th Ox Roast Fair, Parish Debt Reduction Campaign, and renegotiating cell tower lease with Crown Castle.
Worship Committee (Diane Sanderson) – November’s meeting consisted of discussions concerning Advent happenings including introduction of new worship aid, Breaking Bread 2013 (hymnal includes readings and prayers), Giving Tree, Salvation Army bell ringing, and Portage County reconciliation services. Question of families being asked to participating in Advent wreath lighting was raised.
Garden Club (Diane Sanderson) – Meeting discussions included concerns over plants covering ac unit on east side of Parish Center to be  addressed in spring, flag pole flower bed revamp, 28th Annual Christmas Boutique (thank you to  Connie-Rae Duber coordinating Kitchen with PSR room parents & families), annual Christmas party. No meeting in January or February.
St. Joseph’s Cares – Fr. Garvey spoke of good response with donations.

STAFF REPORTS
Sr. Joyce Schreiber, Pastoral Minister (report submitted) – RCIA has completed first phase of program with four participants; 12/9 celebration of Rite of Acceptance (for those looking toward baptism). Bible Study of the Gospel of Luke continues on Monday mornings with a robust group of 15 participants. Baptism Preparation includes one December celebration and several other families in planning stages. Bereavement Support Group, Seasons of Hope, was well-received by our 10 participants; a new 6-week cycle will be presented in the spring. Evangelization program of Awakening Faith will be promoted and offered during Lent 2013 with promotional messages during Advent and a special invitational card in the Christmas bulletin; plans are to publicize in the community as well. Anointing of the Sick had a good response with many helpers involved and appreciated.

Peg Haney, DRE – PSR Program has reached 119 out of 120 and weekly attendance is averaging 75% in November; Nine altar servers were trained in October; 10/28 Pray Day involved Community Rosary led by 6th grade class and Children’s Mass; Food concession at Christmas Boutique went very well. Community Meal hosted on Nov. 25th served 58 meals to 37 guests and 21 volunteers; Safko family donated food to this initial effort along with contributions from PSR students and one cash contribution; plans are to do again January 27 with Parish Council members hosting and Annette Carlisle coordinating with Peg; effort will grow through word of mouth & promotion; Confirmation Rite of Election takes place on 12/2 (sacrament to be celebrating with OLPH students at Aurora parish 3/3/13. PSR’s “The Story of Christmas” program is planned for 12/16 at 10 a.m.

Jan Huter, Administrative Secretary (excused) – No report.

Kathi Trares, Parish Secretary – 50th Anniversary Ox Roast Fair stickers donated by Northcoast Tape & Label, Inc. (Debbie Bukas) were shown.

PASTOR’S REPORT
Debt Reduction Campaign – Kick-off materials were shared including letter, pamphlet and pledge card for 12/2-3 presentation at Masses with various speakers; by participating in the Diocesan Forgiveness Program St. Joseph Church will save $8,570 and will reduce the debt to $35,000; each household is asked to consider pledging $190 choosing a payment plan that fits family’s needs; pledge cards are to be returned by Sunday, December 16 (those Active families not responding will be contacted through mailing); pledges may be fulfilled with a one time donation or payments thru December, 2013 using cash, check, or PayPalä options (details/links on our website); monthly Debt Reduction envelopes will be provided in 2013 Contribution Envelope Packets; debt reduction income not assessed by Diocese; result is ability to offer a larger variety of programs and ministries and will be a secure, strong, solid parish with a dynamic future; role and responsibility in diocesan family and larger church were also mentioned.

Good News – Retired Religious Collection had a marvelous response of $2,617.00 so far. Giving Tree is being handled once again by Nuti Family with Jim Fields offering to deliver gifts to Catholic Charities. Breaking Bread hymnal being added to pews this Advent. Community Meal participation and success were praised; plans are to offer again 1/27 with parish organizations rotating coordinating efforts each month. Holiday Assistance being offered by St. Joseph Cares, K of C Women’s Auxiliary and Boy Scout Troop #575. Financial picture looking reasonably well with collections having up swings each month and staying current on bills.

OLD BUSINESS
Ox Roast Fair Sponsorship – Jim Schultis inquired about attendance numbers for Ox Roast to submit to hopeful sponsor company; estimates from parking fees may be gotten from Jan.

NEW BUSINESS
Parish Evangelization Project (PEP) – Peg Haney introduced diocesan program that St. Joe’s will be a part of as one of the pilot parishes. St. Joseph Parish was selected by the Diocese of Youngstown, to initiate the Parish Evaluation Project in our area. PEP will provide St. Joseph Parish with the tools and the forum for assessing our parish’s strengths and weaknesses with a look toward making ourselves a stronger, more evangelization-centered parish.
Fr. Thomas Sweetser, author of Taking the Parish to the Next Level and Keeping the Covenant, and Fr. Nick Shori, Director of Parish Planning Implementation for the Diocese of Youngstown, have begun working with parish staff.  Early in 2013, a committee of parish leaders will be formed to spearhead this process. The process is a unique blend of information gathering and future planning and begins with six months of self-assessment, during which time the leadership collects information about the parish. This is followed by a two week on-site visit by the PEP Pastoral Consultant team. Fr. Sweetser and Fr. Shori will be here on April 18th to initiate this process by meeting with people from all segments of our parish. The focus of the two week visit is to access the strengths and needs of the parish through direct observation, personal interviews, telephone calls to parishioners and analysis of parish liturgies, programs and ministries. For more information, please contact Peg Haney.
Church Issues & Past Election – Fr. Garvey inquired about any reactions members heard concerning issues of abortion, birth control, and health & human services and fall’s elections; discussion included relevance, taking a stand as Catholics, pro-life or social justice confusion, power of and need for prayer for ourselves and society.

Prayer for January meeting will be led by Rob Emens.

Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. with a Hail Mary prayer.

2013 MEETING SCHEDULE:  1/16/13, 2/20/13, 3/20/13, No April meeting, 5/15/13, no summer meetings, 9/18, 10/16, 11/20, No December meeting.

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