April 3rd, 2003

Members Present: Chuck MacDonald, Susan Sell, Deb Meyer, Janet Brown, Roger Dick, Steve Boyle, Ray Spack, Mark Abeln, George Buchok, George Wertin, Peter Eichten. Guests: Steve Friedrichs, Amy Bissonette, Chris Oppegard, Jessica Schmidt. Plus many parishioners were in attendance to hear about the situation with Dr. Mel White.

1. Opening Prayer:
   Was led by Janet.
2. Mission Statement: Was read by all.
3. Approval of Minutes: Minutes of the Mar. meeting were approved. Agenda was changed to allow for discussion of the situation with Dr. Mel White.
4. Search Institute Report:
   Jessica began the report of the survey taken here at St. Joan’s by the Search Institute. 350 parishioners participated in the survey. Jessica indicated that she and Mike McCloskey attended the Search Institute Conference that was held here a few months ago, and they learned about Search Institute and their commitment to youth. Jessica indicated that Search has identified 40 assets that make for a healthy development in youth, and that the goal is have at least 31 of those present in a youth’s life, yet the national average is about 19 assets.

   Chris Oppegard spoke briefly about the survey results here at SJA. She indicated that it is important to look at the total results. It is difficult to make generalizations from the survey results.

   Amy emphasized that what’s being presented here to the Council is not a program but rather a frame work for having the parish help youth in the 40 assets as identified by the Search Institute. It’s a commitment by the parish to be more aware of the needs of our youth, and to work to help them succeed more.

   Steve said the goal tonight is to present the Search experience to the Council, and to have the Council’s backing in trying to transform the parish into a youth centered place. He hopes that the parish will become committed to help building the assets youth need.

   The plan is to come back next month with more concrete plans on how this can be lived out by the parish.

   The Council thanked Amy, Jessica, Chris, and Steve for coming and look forward to hearing more about this next month.

5. Archbishop’s Action on Mel White: George indicated that when he returned from vacation he had a voice message from the Archbishop demanding that Dr. Mel White - who was scheduled to speak at the masses on Sunday, April 6 - not speak. On Monday George then received a letter from the Archbishop saying the same thing as his voice message. There was no consultation, no chance for dialogue or questions. George did some consulting, but felt that this was on him and his decision was to do what the Archbishop had demanded. This decision was made knowing that he, and the parish, should not respond to the Archbishop in the same manner that he is dealing with us. In other words, the violence of such an authoritarian demand requires a non-violent response. George responded by saying that he would do as the Archbishop asked, but that he was disappointed in the way it was handled, and that there would probably be more repercussions coming from this action. George read the letter he sent to the Archbishop to the Council.

   George indicated that Mel White has been very understanding and gracious through all of this. George also sent the Archbishop a very brief outline of Dr. White’s talk.

   George Buchok brought to the Council the recommendation made by the Stewardship Committee: the Council should contact the Archbishop and ask for a time to dialogue on this topic. The Council took this recommendation under consideration.

   This topic was then opened to the floor for discussion. Everyone on the Council, and the parishioners present at the meeting were given an opportunity to share their thoughts, feelings, concerns, and questions. There were many parishioners from the gay/lesbian community present, and many expressed the pain they felt by this action. There was also a strong feeling expressed that this situation offers us the opportunity to put into practice the principles of non-violence that we espouse here at St. Joan’s. We need to respond to the Archbishop, or to the group of Catholics that influenced him, with non-violence, compassion and love. Which is not say that we should not challenge his authoritarian manner.

   George will be the homilist on Sunday and he will state the parish’s commitment to the GLBT community.

   The Council agreed to the following action: The Council will ask the Archbishop (tomorrow) to reconsider his action of banning Dr White. The Council will also ask for an opportunity to dialogue with the Archbishop, either within the next few days, or sometime in the future. The whole Council agreed to meet with the Archbishop. The Council also agreed to investigate having Dr. White help us in living out our commitment to non-violence. And to put Mel White’s Twin City appearances on the SJA website.

6. Old Business:
   1. Discernment Process: Janet, Deb, and Cathy’s terms are all coming to an end this year. However, all three of them were appointed to fill vacant spots. All three have the opportunity to serve another term. Deb and Janet have indicated that would like to serve another term. We have not heard back from Cathy yet. It Cathy serves another term there will not be a discernment process this year.
   2. Discussion of the Archbishop’s letter: the response the Archbishop sent to the Council was seen as being a bit patronizing and not very substantial since he did not address the major issue: ordaining gay men to the priesthood.
   Other agenda items were tabled until the next meeting.
7. Meeting adjourned at 9:15 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Peter Eichten