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: August 14, 2007

Present: Fr. Crevcoure, Barbara Stalzer, Debbie Schroeder, Rhoda Easley, Mike Lawson, Marie Saatkamp, Clem Ward

Absent: Kelly Edwards, Lisa Healey, Patty Weir

Fr. Crevcoure opened the meeting with a prayer at 7:00 PM.

The May and June minutes were approved as distributed by e-mail. They will be posted to the St. John website.

Parishioner Comments and Concerns: A parishioner raised a question about liturgical minister training. Fr. indicated we need to schedule additional training sessions. He will mention it to the appropriate Deacons. More volunteers are needed for some ministries and specific Masses.

A parishioner had heard CCD classes would be shortened this year. Fr. didn’t know the source of the comment but knew nothing about plans for shorter classes.

Another parishioner asked about planned junior high programs. Fr. indicated Denise Stephenson is in the process of scheduling activities for the year.

Program/Committee Reports:

Religious Education – Marie distributed notes from the June and July board meetings. She mentioned there are new registration forms this year. More parent contact information is being sought. Classes begin September 9.

Early Childhood Center – Fr. said enrollment is full and that arrangements were even made to add a few more children. Teachers have all received Montessori training certification.

Finance Committee – Debbie reported the finance committee will meet later in August to approve the fiscal year budget.

Campus Ministry/Newman Center – Fr. reported Cathy Perry is working on a calendar of activities for the year.

Student Concerns/Comments – None

Business Manager – Barbara distributed the usual monthly reports (calendar of activities, monthly revenue, and monthly sources and uses of funds). Revenue so far in this fiscal year continues the trend of lagging our weekly goal. A comment was made that maybe we need to put more emphasis this year on stewardship. It also seems Mass attendance has increased again so collections should also. Barbara reported the cost of the new air conditioner was $10,000, which was well-below the original estimate of $15,000.

Pastor’s Comments – Fr. said the parish life Corn Fest event was well attended. He liked the idea of planning a parish-wide activity once a month. While worship is most important, the social life of the community is very important also. Fr. believes he had a good summer getting to learn more about St. John, parish life, and the various boards. He said he is excited to begin the new academic year.

Fr. is interested in having a parish-wide meeting this fall regarding the future of the parish. Fr. believes it important to build consensus regarding parish needs. This requires involving and listening to the entire parish. At a conference this summer, he learned about a World Café model of group discussion which might be appropriate for such a parish-wide meeting.

Old Business: Parish Council agreed to serve as greeters at each Mass the first two weekends of the OSU school year. Mike agreed to coordinate the schedule. Greeter ministry guidelines were distributed.

New Business: Parish Council elections are planned for October 14-15. Barbara will begin printing a bulletin announcement soliciting nominees. Biographies of candidates will be printed and distributed at Masses two weekends prior to the election. Council members whose terms expire are Kelly Edwards, Marie Saatkamp, and Clem Ward.

The fall stewardship fair is scheduled for October 14-15 also. Barbara will send a letter alerting groups and encouraging their participation.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, September 11, 7:00 PM, at St. John

Fr. Crevcoure led the council in a closing prayer.

Respectfully submitted, Clement Ward, Secretary