St. Edward Church Pastoral Council Minutes

March 13, 2008

 

            X         Father Kopacek                          X         Kate Anderson                       Ex        Teri Berry

            X         Gina Berg                                     Ex        Aaron Buzza                           X         Milt Dakovich

            X         Fred Freese                                 X         Joni Hansen                            Ab      Jim O’Connor

            Ex        Lucy O’Connor                          X         Gladys Oppold                       Ab      Cristina Ortiz

            Ab      Bob Pranger                                Ex        Malynda Ryan                        X         Joe Surma

 

Joe Surma called the meeting to order at 7:02.  Fred Freese led the prayer.   Gladys Oppold called the roll.  The  February Council minutes were approved as read.

 

Discussion Items/Action/Education:

Inservice – Ray Larsen

Deacon Ray Larsen began his presentation for the Council by saying he does whatever  is asked of him by the Archbishop and the Pastor. His contract is renewed every three years. Ray serves in several areas in our parish. He helps with the preparations for those receiving the sacrament of Confirmation and is chaplain support for the Youth Group, and has joined them on numerous trips, including the NCYC. Ray works with couples who will be married without a Mass and serves as the Chaplain for the Troop 1 Boy Scouts sponsored by our parish. Ray is Assistant Director for Formation of Deacons where he meets with the classes every other weekend and helps with candidate selection and discernment. There are continuing education he must attend during the course of the year and must make an annual retreat. Informational meetings for those who will be a part of the 15th class have been held and applications are being reviewed. Ray said he feels blessed everyday, is grateful to be a part of the Diaconate program, and finds working with youth extremely rewarding.  He assists at Mass, administers Baptisms, holds Wake services, and gives homilies. He is looking forward to being a part of the Chrism Mass again this year. Council members applauded Ray and the other deacons for their service. Father expressed deep gratitude for the presence of all three in our parish.

 

Music Director Update – Father Kopacek

Father Kopacek reported that ads have been placed for the half time music position in our parish. One response has been received so far.  Faye Hansen, Julie Anderson, and Chery Einsweiler will coordinate the parish liturgical music through June.

 

CVCS Personnel Update – Father Kopacek

Father reported that Cathy Walz has submitted her resignation as Director of the Cedar Valley Catholic Schools and as half-time principal at St. Edward School, effective through June. She and her husband are moving to Cedar Rapids. Joanne Schwarz, the other half-time principal at St. Edward wishes to return to classroom teaching. Thus, there is need for a full time principal at St. Edward and the position of Director of the CVCS will be made full time. The Executive Committee of the CVCS will serve as the Search Committee for the Director position. Donna O'Brien will chair the Search Committee for the St. Edward Principal position. Father will serve on that Committee. They will meet March 31st and hope to begin interviews April 14th.  A new position of Campus Minister for Columbus

has been created. Father Kopacek will also serve on that committee. Father asked for prayers that the right persons are chosen for each of these positions.

 

Ad Hoc Committee of Pastoral Council – Joe Surma

Joe reported that Andrea Berns and Emily Nelson will run for the Youth representative position on the council. Jim O'Connor will not seek another term. Bob Pranger will.  Tim Kneeland will run for the open position which he has been filling for the duration of this year on the CVCS Board. At least 6-8 additional names will be needed to complete the slate. Please make contacts or send suggestions to Joe Surma or Gladys Oppold.

 

Strategic Plan Ad Hoc Committee-Gladys Oppold

Karol Hoth and Gladys Oppold were happy to report that every person contacted to serve on the Strategic Plan has accepted the challenge. They are Joe Surma, Joan Craig Harvey, Teri Berry, Cristina Ortiz, Cathy Feldmann, Bob Place, Brendon Boleyn, Roger Judas, John Wood, Jim O'Connor, Tim Mack, Paul Nathe, Angela Conrad, and Amy Kimball. Karol, Drew Conrad, and Gladys Oppold will meet on March 24 and establish the calendar of meetings.

Youth Report – No report

 

Calendar:

April 17: Dave Cushing, Adult Faith Formation

May 15: Fire/Disaster Plan Presentation – Mary Conway

June 19: Election of Officers

 

Other Business:

Committee Reports:

Social Concerns – Report received

Haitian Twinning Committee and Okolona  - Report received

Liturgy Committee –No report received

Buildings & Grounds Committee –  No report received

Finance Committee – Report received

Youth Ministry –  No report

Education and Faith Formation Committee – Report received

Parish Community Life – No report received

Deanery Report – No report

Stewardship –  No report

 

Additional Education Committee items  e-mailed to Teri Berry from Hazel Martin were given orally:

-Confirmation Mass – Friday, April 4th, 7:00 PM at Columbus High with Celebrant Episcopal Vicar Lyle             Wilgenbusch.

-First Holy Communion Mass – Sunday, April 20th, 1:00 at St. Ed's

-Vacation Bible Camp 2008 Chairpersons: Deb Nathe and Kathi Mills.

-Meeting with the Archdiocese of Dubuque on Tuesday, March 25th regarding a competency based approach for the Elements of Faith portion of the religious education curriculum, along with classroom accommodations that can be incorporated to better meet the needs of our special needs youth.

-Men's Retreat on Sunday, April 6th 1:00-4:00 PM.

 

Other:

                Karol Hoth encouraged attendance at the Paschal Meal, March 19, at approximately 6:00 PM. Since spring break has fallen in Holy Week, the group attending is smaller. The deadline for reservations has been extended.

                Joni Hansen clarified some items on the Social Concerns Haiti report.

                Our Council covered the 8-9 AM Adoration Hour in March. Our next opportunity will be in June.

                Gina Burg and Karol Hoth will work on a PR article about the Paschal Meal.

                Joni Hansen will be working on the six month report of the Perpetual Adoration.

 

Communications/Thank you Notes:

-To Randy and Kathy Brown who coordinated the Sponsor Couple since 2001. They are continuing with the program but will no longer be the coordinators. Marty and Ric Foreman will be the new coordinators.

-John and Christie Wood for coordinating the Paschal Meal during Holy Week.

-Laurie McLaughlin for preparation of the Paschal Meal, particularly the lamb.

 

 

Pastor's Comments:

                The Chrism Mass this year will be at 2:00 PM March 18th at St. Mary's in Manchester.

                The Triduum begins on Holy Thursday and ends on Easter Sunday. There will be no Perpetual Adoration during those days.

                The Knights of Columbus have begun Phase 1 of a Capital Campaign to raise $125,000 for the renovation of their kitchen.

                On Tuesday, March 4th, members of the CVCS Board traveled to Dubuque to visit the new Mazzuchelli Middle School. It was built onto Wahlert and already reaching capacity.  The day was well organized with meetings, visit times and other onsite activities. The visitors were extremely impressed with all they saw. The enrollment has already grown to within 5 of their capacity.

                Father Jose' has begun his new assignment at Queen of Peace but still lives at St. Edward Rectory. He will move when Father Colter has moved.

               

Adjournment: The meeting was concluded at 8:35 pm.

The next meeting will April 17, 2008.  Jim O'Connor will lead the Opening Prayer.

 

Respectfully submitted,  Gladys Oppold, Secretary