Minutes for March 11th, 2009

Attendance
Darlene Greiner, Patti LaRue, Mark Butler, Father John Amsberry, Janet Rathbone, David Mastroieni, Mike Caldwell, Marlene Myers, Mike Jefferies, Lillian Erwin, Tim Brown, Lori Burmester

Meeting began at 6:00 pm

Opening
Father led the group with the opening prayer.

Deacon Mike introduced Deacon Jim from Christ the King for his presentation on their Helping Hands program.

Program began helping people about 22 years ago, not organized just as a collections type program and then distributed funds to those in need.

Five years ago it was decided they needed to do more than just money and that's when it was decided to begin the Helping Hands program to offer household items and clothing to those in need.

Deacon Jim was able to raise $87,000.00 via donations and grants within a month to get the building built and the program started. They now have 120 volunteers that help them run the program. The program now helps our area, the coastal area, parts of Eastern and Central Oregon and even out of State. So it's vital another get started. Right now SE Portland is the area being most served by Helping Hands.

Deacon Jim said that Christ the King would help St. Joe's set up program along with giving the $5,000.00 to help get started.

Old Business
Approval of November minutes.

New Business
Discussed the Helping Hands issue and did agree that it is something that SE Portland needs very badly. Concerns about the start up cost were noted.

Father said that we need to make sure that this is what God truly wants our church to do considering the other needs of the parish itself.

It was decided that Deacon Mike should come up with a “Master Plan” before going any further.

It was suggested that the classrooms not be rented to Serendipity and take them back for the soul purpose of use by groups that are part of our parish, an example would be giving space to the Youth Group.

Everyone did agree though that our call should be to serve the poor.

May council elections were discussed and the need to get nominations from parishioners. Lori suggested that a members of the council speak at all three masses to speak about their experience on the council.

The discernment was discussed. Lori suggested prayer, members speak about experiences, candidates speak, pray then vote.

It was suggested that something be put in the bulletin that the parishioners could use to cast their nominations on.

Date for discernment will be Sunday, May 31st at noon.

Closing Prayer
Father John led the closing prayer

Meeting Adjourned at 6:55 pm

There will be no meeting in April.

Minutes prepared by Patti LaRue, Recording Secretary