June 3rd, 2004

Members Present: Susan Sell, Barbara Norrgard, Chuck MacDonald, Steve Boyle, Pat Murphy, Janet Brown, Mark Abeln, Peter Eichten, George Wertin.

1. Opening Prayer:
   Was led by Janet
2. Mission Statement: Was read by all. There was a brief check-in.
3. Approval of Minutes: Minutes from the May meeting were approved. Susan added the Discernment Process, update on Parking, a Parade to the agenda.
4. New Business:
   1. Liaison Reports: PE reported on the Buildings and Grounds Committee meeting of June 3. The committee has taken on the issue of parking. Their first step is to try some signage on the corners. Peter Knaeble is working on that aspect. We will evaluate the signage after is up and operating, and then continue to work on solving the problem. The Committee seemed committed to keep working on the issue.
   2. Pastor’s Report: Peter gave a report in George’s absence. He reported that the Parish Picnic was a success in spite of the all day rain; it was very well attended. There was a Prayer Service for peace on June 2 and that was a powerful experience, about 60 people attended. We are starting the new liturgical practices this Sunday. George will explain it at the beginning of the liturgies, which will be followed by a reading, welcome, and then our regular order. A discussion followed that touched on a number of subjects, among them were: the new emphasis the church is putting on orthodoxy and order in the liturgy; the “dragnet” started by Parents Online; the event at the Cathedral this past Sunday where there was an attempt to block folks from participating in the Eucharist; the need to have open communication with the parish on these issues. The house on Clinton has been sold, and the money from that sale is enough to pay off our loan - we are now debt free.
   3. Update on the Memorial Garden: Marlys Weber came to the meeting to give an update on the Memorial Garden. She distributed a draft of a letter that will go to the archdiocese. At this point it was not clear to whom the letter should be sent, but Marlys wanted a copy to go the Archbishop. She stated that George was willing to sign the letter and even showed some support for the project. The council agreed that the letter should be signed by George and by Marlys since she is the chair of the committee. Marlys thanked the Council for their support, and the Council thanked Marlys for all the work she has done on this project. When the project gets approved by the archdiocese then it will come back to the Council and the work of implementing it will begin.
   4. Pastor Selection Process: Pat, George B and Steve will serve for the Council. Steve has talked to Bob Brandt and he will also serve on the committee with another Personnel Committee member. Bob is presently tied up but will be available later this summer to meet. The committee’s task will be to create a process. Susan recommended that Marie Manthey be on the selection committee. Susan also noted that George Moudry suggested that we notify the Priest Personnel Board early in the process so we can work together in finding a replacement for George.
   5. Gay Pride Parade: Steve reminded the Council that the parade is June 27, and that we will be prominent in the parade. This led to Susan’s Parade - which will be this Saturday in the Field Regina Neighborhood. Susan’s SCC will participate in it, and Susan invited all Council members to join them
   6. Inclusive Catholics: A question had been raised as to what this group is doing. Steve gave a brief report. They did 3 speakers this past year, and have many activities planned for the coming year.
   7. Election of New Chair: Susan asked if Steve would be willing to serve a chair another year, Steve agreed, and the Council gave Steve their unanimous support. Thank you Steve.
   8. Dates of Importance: Party to say farewell to Chuck and hello to Vicki Underland-Rosow (our new member) will be on August 11 at Steve’s at 6:30. Date for the joint “retreat” with the staff was discussed, and it was felt that it would be best to ask the staff first what their preference is. Peter will take that question to the staff. Then a date for an orientation was discussed. Pat made a couple of valuable comments about that process - she felt it would be valuable for each Council member to say something about what’s going on in their area of Parish Life to help get a sense of what is happening. This would happen at the new member’s first meeting with the Council. She also said that it would be valuable to have the new members review to minutes from the past couple of months so they get a sense of what the issues are that the Council is dealing with. Steve, Mark and Peter will meet with Vicki sometime in August.
   9. Discernment Process: Susan said that the 3 candidates we had were all outstanding, and that Vicki will be a great addition to the Council. She felt the process was very good, and the candidates appreciated the fact that it was not a competitive process. She was a bit disappointed that there were only 4 Council members present at the discernment.
   10. SJA Strategic Plan: Steve directed the Council to review the strategic plan that is in our folder, and stated that the plan has been successful, and is probably complete, and the Council should review it in the coming year.
5. Closing Prayer Was led by Barbara Meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM.

Next regular meeting is our annual party Wed. August 11, 6:30 at Steve Boyle’s.

Respectfully submitted,

Peter Eichten