Members present: Matt Duffy, Theresa Hodgins, Nichelle Leavell, Jim Turner.
Members unable to be present: Mike Chisley, Gregg Wallander
Also present: Father Tom Schliessmann, Pastor, Melinda Rivelli, Pastoral Associate
The members of the Parish Pastoral Council met Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at 7 p.m. The Council began in prayer, with Fr. Tom reading the first reading for the upcoming weekend (Sirach 15:15-20) and asking each person present to share a reflection regarding the passage.
Approval of Minutes. The minutes of the January 8, 2023, Council meeting were approved as amended. Council members agreed that once approved, Council minutes should be posted on the parish website and placed in the Church Bulletin the weekend following approval so that parishioners have visibility into the Council’s discussions and deliberations.
Update from Fr. Tom. The Council next heard from Fr. Tom regarding a leaking roof over the school. A lengthy discussion ensued. The problem is quite significant, and we are presently getting estimates for different levels of repair – either the whole roof or part of the roof. We also need to figure out how to pay for whatever level of repair is deemed necessary. In light of other parish debts and shortfalls from the school budget, we may need to take on extra fundraising initiatives to pay for this costly repair. We also discussed the possibility of preparing and budgeting for future building maintenance problems as they arise.
Fr. Tom next updated the Council regarding a recent meeting of the North Deanery. Fr. Tom advised that the Deanery discussed upcoming events related to the National Eucharistic Revival, which is a “movement to restore understanding and devotion to this great mystery here in the United States by . . . renew[ing] our worship of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.” Fr. Tom noted that the Revival has several components – a Year of Diocesan Revival (2022-2023), a Year of Parish Revival (2023-2024), and a National Eucharistic Congress scheduled to take place in Indianapolis, July 17-21, 2024. Tickets for this latter event are scheduled to go on sale February 15, 2023. The Revival concludes with a Year of Going Out on Mission, running from July 21, 2024, through Pentecost 2025 Fr. Tom also shared an upcoming opportunity to be engaged at the diocesan level. On Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 6:30 p.m., Father Jonathan Meyer, who has begun serving as a national minister for the Eucharistic Revival, will be speaking on this topic at St. Luke Parish in Indianapolis. The Council then discussed ways to engage the parish in the Eucharistic Revival. Matt Duffy and Teresa Hodgins agreed to help develop ideas for parish engagement to present to the Council.
Fr. Tom’s update from the North Deanery meeting concluded with a cautionary note that parishes should be on the lookout for organizations from both the conservative and liberal side of the spectrum that are representing themselves as official Catholic organizations. Two organizations were specifically identified: Corpus Christi for Unity and Peace (conservative), and Catholic Allies (liberal). These organizations include people who are Catholic and may even include some priests as members, but they are not official Catholic organizations and do not speak for the Church.
Selection of Officers. The Council next discussed the selection of officers to lead the council. Following discussion, the Council reached a consensus that the following members would serve as officers for 2023: Matt Duffy, Chair Nichelle Leavell, Vice Chair Jim Turner, Secretary
Discussion of 3-5 Year Strategic Goals. Picking up on the discussion from last month’s meeting, the Council next discussed our parish strategic goals around Faith, Community, and Service. Numerous ideas were considered and discussed, including conducting a survey to measure parish engagement, how we meet people where they are, and expanding our parish community. The Council also discussed how best to interface with the six Commissions that are part of St. Joan of Arc: Community Commission, Faith Formation Commission, School Commission, Service Commission, Stewardship Commission, and Worship Commission.
Other Business. Melinda Rivelli reported that the Live to Give campaign and pledge card would be going out the first week of Lent.
The Council also discussed including a short bio of Council members in the Church Bulletin along with a letter from newly selected Council chair, Matt Duffy, introducing the work of the Council.
Following a closing prayer, the meeting adjourned at 8:55 p.m.
James L. Turner, Secretary