Minutes for September 17th, 2008

Attendance
David Mastroieni, Darlene Greiner, Patti LaRue, Lori Burmester, Mark Butler, Tim Cook, Lillian Erwin, Janet Rathbone, Mike Jefferies

Not in Attendance
Fr. John Amsberry, Marlene Myers

Opening
David led everyone in prayer.

Old Business
Approved the June minutes.

New Business
1. Ministry Sunday – Both Patti and Mark said that it went off pretty well and the way it was set up in the Social Room was very convenient for all members and for the parishioners to move around to each ministry that was set up. It was suggested that perhaps Ministry Sunday should be a twice a year type of event so that if some couldn't make it the first time they might be able to come by at the second event. It was also suggested that Carolyn set up a registration table for parishioners to register with the church.
2. Anniversary Celebration Update – There was too much to cover in so little time so Patti printed out an 8 page report and distributed to the group. 3. Planning Meeting Goals – This years planning meeting will be held at Lillian Erwin's home which is located at 3325 NE 132nd Ave. She will send directions as the date gets closer. David suggested that we try and continue to focus on Social Justice issues and evangelization as well some of the things that might be facing the parish now.

Before David left he asked the group to discuss what they felt might be important to bring up at the planning meeting as well.

After David left the meeting the group discussed Immigration and how they felt we needed to find some way to educate our parishioners about Immigration and felt that many may not really understand what is happening around them regarding Immigration.

The group also thought that we should consider ways of uniting other churches in our area as one. Even if they are not Catholic. Come up with something on a smaller scale than the Anniversary Celebration where we could get others involved.

Janet suggested also uniting the different Youth Groups in some sort of event. Right now they do have something set up where they have meetings together where they rotate from church to church for each meeting or get together.

Discussed going door to door to see how many Catholics might consider returning to church. But most thought this was an invasive approach and a lot of people are turned off by the door to door approach.

Patti suggested that St. Joseph sponsor a social gathering every 3 months that has a different theme each time to enable the parishioners to get to know one another better on a social level and not just at church.

It was suggested there should be more focus on seniors, young adults and the ill and their families and find resources for them in time of need.

Round Table
There was a complaint about Fr. Alstott saying at times he was to abrupt and some parishioners didn't like that.

The parking lot lines not being painted was brought up again.

There have been times when the TV is not turned on at the 8:30 Mass and it was said that the ushers need to tend to this. It was also brought up that the ushers especially during the 8:30 Mass are not seating people and too many people are standing in the Narthex during Mass. Ushers are also not helping with bringing those in wheelchairs into the church, this is something that should be addressed as well.

Janet mentioned she wanted to use half of the Social Room to decorate for the Youth Group.

Adjournment
Next meeting Planning Meeting on October 18th, at 9:00 am at Lillian Erwin's home. This will be a pot luck and Lillian will email us of her needs in the near future.

Meeting adjourned at 7:15 pm

Minutes prepared by Patti LaRue, Recording Secretary