January 19, 2005 Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the Meeting of the St. Therese Pastoral Council
January 19, 2005

The Pastoral Council met January 19, 2005 in the St. Therese Parish and Education Center. Brad Grill, Damian Gerstner, Wayne Snyder, Dennis Meier, Steve Hilliard, Linda Winter, Tom Skorupa, Joe Doetzl, Nancy Fahey, Linda Albani, and Fr. Mike Roach were present.

Facilitators: Tom Skorupa and Dennis Meier
Prayer: Wayne Snyder
Scribe: Joe Doetzl

Wayne Sndyer led a reflection on the readings from January 23rd.

Dennis led a discussion of Youth Ministry at St. Therese. Ernie Collins is joining St. Therese as a full time staff member. Monica Arrendondo is assisting with youth activities on a part-time basis. This interim arrangement has lessened the urgency of filling the void left by Gina’s departure.

The parish still needs a long range plan for youth ministry. Dennis suggested a time frame of April 2005 for developing a plan. A sub-committee consisting of Brad, Dennis, Wayne and Linda Albani was formed to begin the process of long range planning for youth ministry. Forums, focus groups, professional facilitators, and youth ministry experts were all discussed as possible options.

Over the Christmas holiday Tom sent a copy of the essential elements document to the parish staff and parish ministry leaders. He received feedback from about 20 recipients.

Tom will solicit comments on the essential elements document from the diocese and Bishops Finn and Boland. Damian, Linda Winter, Nancy and Joe will meet to incorporate the comments already received into the existing document.

Future meetings are 2/2, and 2/16 at 6:30. For the 2/2 meeting Tom will prepare prayer, Damian and Dennis will facilitate and Joe will scribe.