Saint John the Evangelist Parish and Newman Center at OSU

210 N. Knoblock

Stillwater, OK 74075

405-372-6408

saintjohnparish@yahoo.com

 

 

Parish Council Minutes:  March 13, 2007

 

Present:  Fr. Yew, Debbie Schroeder, Patty Weir, Rhoda Easley, Kelly Edwards, Lisa Healey Mike Lawson, Marie Saatkamp, Clem Ward

 

Absent: Barbara Stalzer

 

Fr. Yew opened the meeting with a prayer about 7:00 PM. 

 

The February minutes were approved as distributed by e-mail.

 

Parishioner Comments and Concerns: Bob Lambert asked about follow-up to the open forum conducted last spring.  He indicated hearing rumors about a new fund-raising plan, a person appointed to be the primary fund raiser, etc.  He reminded the council that we are responsible for keeping the parish informed.  In the ensuing discussion, it was agreed we could post approved parish council minutes to the website.  Regarding long range plans, Fr. Yew mentioned that the Chancellor of the Diocese wants to meet with both Priests (Fr. Yew and Fr. Ken) to discuss future directions for both parishes.

 

Another parishioner asked if there was a deliberate attempt to make St. Francis the family parish.  Fr. responded, no, there is no conscious or deliberate move to do so.

 

A parishioner asked if it was possible to put speakers in the hallway and foyer.  Fr. responded that speakers are there currently, though they do not always work very well.

 

Some parishioners have apparently received several letters from the Diocese regarding the DDF drive, whether or not they have pledged, and have wondered why.  Fr. could not explain why.  However, he suggested donating through St. John rather than directly to the Diocese, to possibly avoid the direct mailings from the Diocese.

 

Program/Committee Reports:

Religious Education – Marie distributed notes from the February board meeting.  She indicated there will be a new planning meeting for the middle/junior high program the 3rd Tuesday of each month.  She also indicated James Davies is leaving at the end of the semester and will need to be replaced.

 

Early Childhood Center – Patty reported the ECC has two fundraisers planned, selling smoked hams and the annual spaghetti dinner (April 20 at the Payne Co. Expo Center).  Rebecca Hoover indicated the ECC program is already a recognized Montessori program.  Unlike the previous accreditation affiliation, no annual fee is required for be associated with the Montessori curriculum.  The ECC plans to extend its hours next year, offering specific services from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.

 

Finance Committee – No report.

 

Long Range Planning Committee – No report.

 

Deaconate Concerns – No report.

 

Campus Ministry/Newman Center – The art auction and dinner is scheduled for Saturday, April 21 at St. John and will be held inside a tent in the parking lot.  The Sunday 5 pm student Mass will be moved to Saturday at 5 pm, just preceding the dinner and auction.  Students have a Lenten retreat scheduled for March 30-31.

 

Student Concerns/Comments – None

 

Business Manager – In Barbara’s absence, Fr. distributed the usual monthly reports (calendar of activities, monthly revenue, and monthly sources and uses of funds).  Fr. reported that our DDF contributions to date total $45,500, 79% of our goal; with a 46% participation rate based on registered parishioners. 

 

Pastor’s Comments – Fr. reported that three sitters for the nursery are being hired.  The three will rotate to provide nursery services for 1-4 year olds.  Fr. mentioned the change in policy at the Stillwater Medical Center to no longer release names of Catholics admitted to the hospital.  The hospital is concerned about divulging confidential information. Deacon Tom Haan met with the SMC Board and proposed an alternative but Fr. was not very optimistic the board would approve it. 

 

Old Business:  None

 

New Business:  A potential project was discussed, putting carpet pieces or other material to soften the sound of everyone putting their hymnals in the book racks at the same time.  It was agreed this might be a good scout project for someone.

 

Also discussed was the possibility of hosting an open forum this spring, much like what has been done the past couple years.  Fr. suggested having an open parish council meeting combined with the forum at the next regularly scheduled meeting time (April 10).

 

Fr. was asked about when Bishop Slattery may be in Stillwater.  Fr. indicated he is coming to St. John this spring for confirmation.

 

Next Meeting: Tuesday, April 10, 7:00 PM, at St. John. 

 

Fr. Yew led the council in a closing prayer.

 

Respectfully submitted, Clement Ward, Secretary