2-22-2011 Pastoral Council Meeting Minutes

Meeting was called to order by Jay Puestohl at 6:30 pm.

Present were: Father Matt, Jay Puestohl, Bob Vajgrt, Irene Derus, Joe Bauer, Neal Weber, Janet Weisse, Bruce Dumann, Ellen Poeschl

Father Matt distributed the Parish Meeting Prayer. Janet read the scripture.

Minutes from January meeting were approved with one correction: Date of Altar Dedication was stated as March 14, should be March 19.

Trustee report was given by Fr Matt, in the absence of George:

• As of April 1, employees of parish will be self insured because of teachings of the Catholic Church. Budget work for 2011 will begin soon. Staff will receive a 2.5% salary increase. As of the end of January we are up $3000, YTD is $60,000 due to staff reductions. The renovation of the Sacred Heart parking lot is planned for after the parish picnic.

Father Matt then gave his report.

• He reminded us of the altar dedication on March 19 at the 4:30 mass with the reception to follow. Bishop Ricken will be here. Fr. Matt will also be installed as pastor.
• Stations will be on Tuesdays at 5:30 pm at Sacred Heart with soup to follow in the Parish Center and on Fridays at 12:15 pm at St Vincents with soup to follow.
• There will be a mailing going out with all of the Lenten Services listed for all of the Oshkosh churches.

Under old business:

• We discussed the collection baskets and decided to have the Worship Committee revisit the procedure and see how it can be improved.
• Fr Matt distributed information about Pastoral Councils from the Diocese. We had some discussion about the role of the Pastoral Council and the organization of the Parish. We also received the Parish Organization Norms booklet and the PowerPoint presentation of why a Parish Pastoral Council.
• We will review the various committees at the next meeting.

Under new business:

• Fr Matt distributed questionnaires to be completed by the council members about the Key Indicators of Parish Vitality. We can drop them off before the next meeting at the Parish Center, in the collection basket or bring them to the next meeting.
• Bob reported that the choir loft at both churches has been locked. Only the organist will be allowed up there. The ushers will have a key and there will be a key in the sacristy.
• Janet reported that there are eight women signed up for Christ Renews his Parish retreat the weekend of March 5 and 6.
• Bruce said they are still looking for more men to sign up for the Men's retreat the weekend of March 12 and 13.
• There are no plans for Spanish mass in Oshkosh. Right now there is one in Omro.
• The Parish is one third of the way to goal for the Bishop's appeal.  As of the meeting, there have been 175 pledges for a total of $27,575.
• EAA food booth is looking for several new chair people to commit to a 3 year term. If you know of anyone, you can give the names to Bob Fisher or Roger Karlin or interested parties can contact them as well.

The closing prayer will be led by a council person starting next month. Rotation will be in alphabetical order.

The next meeting will be Thursday March 24 at 6:30 in the Heritage room at St Vincents.