St. Jude Catholic Church

St. Jude Pastoral Council Meeting
June 4, 2009 - 7PM

Attending: Fr. Ken Shuping, Steve Stafford, Ginger Burggraf, Sue Ellerbrock, Charlie Simpson, Mary Hawley, Roger and Bonnie Hermann, Brad Shean, Karen Melendez, Jean Rockwell

Meeting was called to order with a prayer.
The major topics for discussion were:
• Expansion priorities/alternatives
• Bishop’s visit to St. Jude on June 21
• Parish picnic and other planned activities
• Parish Council succession
• Reports

Steve asked initially for reports. Karen and Ginger reported on the recently developed Campus Catholic Advisory Reaching Out Through Education (C-CARE) (attached). A meeting was held on May 28 of RU Catholic Faculty in order to develop a more coordinated ministry and linkage to the Catholic Campus Ministry. Dates for future meetings are established as well as a monthly potluck following the 11 AM Mass for those RU students who choose to attend St. Jude on Sunday – preferring the ‘Church’ atmosphere. The parish may be able to establish an ‘adopt a student’ after these luncheons. This will be further discussed in the Fall.

Sue mentioned an RCIA planning Retreat on June 11.

Charlie Simpson discussed the plans that have been previously developed for the expansion of the Commons, classroom space (see attached letters and rationale) and kitchen. The cost for the classroom wing would be approximately $760,000. Including the Commons, yields an estimated total cost of $1,000.000. Following a thoughtful discussion, council voted to move forward with a less costly alternative - partitions for the classrooms that would cost $5,000. As a secondary priority, the council would also like to move ahead with the idea of enclosing the chapel area with a glass wall and glass door, with appropriate changes for speakers and air conditioning if needed. These two alternatives, classroom partitions and chapel improvements, will cost under $10,000 and are approved pending Finance Committee agreement.

When the economy improves and the mortgage is further spent down, additional plans for the Worship space expansion (Commons) will be discussed. It was proposed by Fr. Ken and others that a Building Fund Committee be established as an ad hoc group to address the needs for a future Building Fund Campaign and its structure. Fr. Ken will call the first meeting. Brad, Charlie, Mary and Dennis Wnorowski were suggested to serve on the committee. The kitchen renovations were detailed by Bonnie Hermann who is seeking estimates on a stove as well as additional cabinet space. She estimates that this will cost between $4-6,000. The total cost for the kitchen improvements will be less than $10,000. This discussion will continue in the Fall.

Plans for the visit of the Bishop are in place. St. Jude future expansion plans (above) will be discussed with the Bishop. A summary of St. Jude’s responses to We Walk by Faith will be provided to the Bishop with an outline of the future expansion. The architectural renderings will be on easels. Bonnie Hermann is planning for the luncheon –pot luck- following Mass. Fr. Paul is also expected to be here to concelebrate.

St. Jude Picnic is set at Claytor Lake at Pavilion 5 for September 20. Further details will be in the bulletin. A sign up sheet will be posted and a committee formed.

Steve discussed the family outing at the ball park in Salem. This will be on Sunday the 26 of July and Steve will coordinate – flier, tickets and other promotional ads. A bulletin announcement will be developed to inform the parish.

Bonnie Hermann also announced the development of a Family Movie Night. This will be further pursued by Bonnie and Sue. Spiritual films will be chosen and families will be invited.

Steve and Ginger, after many years of service, will be leaving the Council. Plans for their succession must be discussed and discerned. Ginger will attend the Sept. meeting to orient a new secretary and Steve is available to meet with his successor.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM with a prayer.

Respectfully Submitted

Ginger Burggraf