SAINT CHRISTOPHER COUNCIL OF STEWARDSHIP
OF PASTORAL ACTIVITIES
MINUTES FOR MARCH 20, 2014
Present: Jack Joswick, Helen Morlock, Katie Patterson, George Pontones, Tim Ramion,
Neil Schaefer, Anita Thompson, Bill Szolek-VanValkenburgh, Fr. Mike, Anne Wilmes, and special guest Dan Krodel.
Not Present: Cheryl Bilsland, Jim McMechan and Sandy Whitaker
Council President Katie Patterson called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. in Bethany room.
During her opening devotional remarks, Katie noted that the process of de-cluttering her mother’s home to get it ready to put on the market was a powerful reminder of her need to de-clutter her own life, both spiritually and physically, during Lent. Katie then read a short prayer from a plaque she found while cleaning out her mother's home.
Volunteer for May Prayer: Tim Ramion
Acceptance of the February 2014 Minutes: The minutes of the February Council
Meeting were accepted by consensus with one minor spelling correction.
Staff/Ministry Reports
Pastor’s Report: Fr. Mike reported that all documentation regarding Connected in the
Spirit has been sent to Archbishop Tobin, who is taking time to pray about the next steps.
Fr. Mike indicated that we likely would not hear anything until after Easter. Due to illness, Fr. Mike was unable to attend a recent meeting at which the Archbishop outlined his vision/priorities as follows: 1) campus and youth ministry; 2) married, family life, divorced and remarried; 3) migrants; 4) prison ministry; 5) debt relief; and 6) global
Catholicism. A diocesan pastoral council may also be formed later.
Fr. Mike reported that Confirmation went well last week, and that afterward, Archbishop
Tobin sought out Fr. Mike to compliment and thank him and the Parish Council for recently submitting the New Pastor Letter.
Fr. Mike indicated that the school is in good shape going forward to next year. He affirmed that the principal has many good ideas for improvements.
Financial Report:
In Jim McMechan’s absence, Fr. Mike gave the financial report. He reported that the YTD collection is $970,174.36, down $32,899.50 from 2013. YTD actual vs. budget is ($4,633.33). Fr. Mike noted that the severe winter weather appears to have negatively impacted Sunday collections this year, along with the fact that there are only 52 weeks in the current fiscal year as opposed to 53 during the last fiscal year.
Old Business
Following a review of the suggested 2014 parish strategic priorities drafted at last month's meeting, Council members further edited the list, aligning the suggested strategic

priorities with the Archbishop’s expressed vision and priorities. In terms of next steps, the revised list of priorities will be submitted to the parish staff for their input in the next few weeks.
New Business
Honoring Fr. Dave
Council members agreed to honor Fr. Dave with a going-away event, most likely an ice cream social similar to the one the parish hosted last year for the rededication of our parish. Tentative plans are for Fr. Dave to celebrate an 11a.m. Mass prior to the ice cream social on Sunday, June 29. Bill SVV agreed to contact the appropriate parishioners to arrange the details.
Next Council Meeting
Because the third Thursday in April falls on Holy Thursday, the Parish Council will not meet next month. If any information is received about our new priest or Connected in the
Spirit , the tentative date for the next meeting is Thursday, May 1 at 7 pm. Katie also reminded those present of several special retirement events planned for Fr. Mike. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by
Anita Thompson, Council Secretary