March 4th, 2004

Members Present: Susan Sell, Roger Dick, Barbara Norrgard, Chuck MacDonald, Janet Brown, Ray Spack, George Buchok, Steve Boyle, Peter Eichten, George Wertin.

1. Opening Prayer:
   Was led by Susan
2. Mission Statement: Was read by all. There was a brief check-in; “Share a Lenten reflection.”
3. Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the Feb. meeting were approved. There were several additions to the agenda.
4. New Business:
   1. Update on the Statement on Stewardship: A document created by the sub-committee working on the statement was handed out. It was a series of recommendations that the sub-committee felt would help in clarifying roles and understandings. This was an introduction to the re-write. Then another document was handed out that was a critique of the original statement. Roger took the Council through the critique. Then the re-written document was distributed. Council members were given time to read the document. Everyone thought that it was well done, and thanked Roger and the sub-committee for the time and effort they put into this project.
      
      The discussion then turned to the next steps. It was agreed that the document now go back to the Stewardship Committee for them to look at it and make comments.
      
      The discussion then centered on the recommendations, especially the recommendation to change the name of the Stewardship Committee. Steve mentioned that last month Jeanette explained well the purpose of the Stewardship Committee, which is to help all parishioners to become fully involved in the life of the parish. It was noted that the members of the Stewardship Committee felt some tensions at the meeting last month. All agreed that it would be important to air out the issues together. There is a meeting scheduled for Wed. March 17 at 4:30. It was recommended that a sub-committee of each group be at that meeting with Peter and/or George to talk about the purpose of the two groups. Steve, and Susan volunteered to come to that meeting. Roger indicated that he might come to that meeting.

      Liaison Reports: Susan reported on the Sudanese family. They are looking for a place to live and looking for employment. Susan handed out Alfred’s resume and asked the Council to be aware of any employment opportunities that may come along. She noted that the resume was in draft form.

      • Chuck on Personnel: The Personnel Committee wants to be part of a search committee that will look for a new pastor when George retires.
      • Barbara on Finance: Barbara mentioned that the Planned Giving Seminar took place and while the presentation was very good there were only a handful of people that attended. It was recommended that the Finance Committee continue to push long-term planned giving.
      • Susan and guest Joe Whalen on Neighborhood: Susan and Joe are part of Neighborhood Research Project for Isaiah and have been interviewing neighborhood leaders in the Regina neighborhood. What they discovered was that parking is one of the hottest issues. Susan indicated that she felt that this was a St. Joan of Arc community problem, and as a community we need to face it and try to solve it. Some of the solutions given were, signs, and a physical presence in the streets to politely ask folks to park in a respectable manner. Susan will work some of the Council members to try to create a physical presence.

      Pastor’s Report: George reported that things are moving along fine. Lent is off to a good start. There have been a number of very large funerals lately. He mentioned that some of the staff toured the new Mpls Crisis Nursery which is just 2 blocks away in the old Regina Terrace building, and that was a good experience. The staff also had an in-service day with Margaret Lulic to learn some more about Spiral Dynamics. That was a very worthwhile experience.

      Memorial Garden Committee Update: Steve indicated that this committee is being formed and Peter will become a part of it. Steve wanted to know if the Council would endorse the work of this committee, and the Council did endorse it. George has talked to the Archdiocese and there is not a definite word from them, he indicated that the permanency issue is a difficult one.

      March 14 Welcome Giving: Steve reminded the Council that the entire Council is giving the welcome at the liturgies on Mar. 14. Steve will introduce them. There was discussion on having council members pictures taken this Sunday. All are to come to the receptionist desk to have their picture taken.

      Goals for 2004/05: Steve asked liaisons to make sure they are asking their committees for goals for the coming year. Peter will get goal forms to the Council Members.

      Meeting Times: There was a brief discussion on changing the meeting time. Most agreed that a 5:00 or 5:15 meeting time could work. Nothing was decided.

      Archbishop’s Advisory Board Meeting: All parishes are invited to send people to a meeting on Sat. March 13. Chuck, Mark, Steve, and Pat (if she accepts) will attend that meeting.

      Handout: Janet handed out 2 documents. One was a brochure about a speaking series that is being sponsored by the Inclusive Catholics group, and the other was a petition to support the document on married priests that the priests in the Archdiocese drafted a few weeks ago. Both of these will be handed out at the liturgies on Sunday, and Janet asked the Council if anyone would be willing to staff the table that is distributing these documents.
5. Closing Prayer Was led by Susan Meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM.

Next regular meeting is Thursday, April 1, 7:00 in the Upper Room.

Respectfully submitted,

Peter Eichten