Mass Times

I am still hoping to get some input on the question of our Mass schedule. I am willing to consider any and all options but hesitant to endorse soemthing before it has been discussed. I promised that Masses that would fit in the church would stay in the church. We will have to move one Mass for the sake of the CCD program. The question has been raised about moving others for the sake of: parking, handicap accessibility, restrooms. Since we are here to serve, all options should be given fair opportunity.

I asked that I get an extra half hour between Masses. Three Masses on Sunday morning is becoming harder without some relief. Consolidating the Sunday Masses into two at the Parish Activity Center would make an easier schedule but does it serve the parish needs best. If Seniors are interested in the Saturday 4:30 being moved, will we end up with all the Weekend Masses at the PAC?

If two Sunday Masses, what times? 8:30 and 11:30 with CCD from 9:45 to 11:15? Would both be at PAC? 8:30 at Church would allow social in basement, 8:30 at PAC would allow social in Carpenter Hall (Name of social space)

Vacation Bible School 2006

I just got a preview of the VBS program for this year. WOW! Our theme will be Saints Alive. The planned activities, crafts and classes are far beyond what we done in the past. Do not miss this opportunity.

Mass Times

The Liturgy Committee is considering my request to change Mass times. I would like an extra half hour between Masses for socializing and resting. The obvious change would be Sunday 8:00; 10:00 and 12:00. We are open to other options, for example if 12:00 is too late in the morning but there is interest in a 5:00 Sunday evening.

One Mass on Sunday will be moved to the Parish Activity Center to accommodate the CCD classes. 10:00 has been suggested with CCD from 11:00 to 12:30. I have also been asked by some seniors to consider the Saturday 4:30 at the Parish Activity Center because of parking, handicap accessibility and restrooms.

My promise was what will fit in the church stays in the church is open to your wanting to change that. Comments are welcome.

Religious Education Committee

• June 20, 2006
  Present: Bobbi Carpenter, Jill Will, Elaine Bonacci, Diana Rowley, Michelle Powers, Heidi Kellett, and Fr. Pat
  
  Budget was reviewed and accepted as submitted.
  
  Workgroup leaders
  CCD Program: Michelle Powers
  Alternative Programs: Bobbi Carpenter and Amy Wenerstrom
  Youth Ministry Diana Rowley (Peggy Trombley)
  Enrichment (Works with Liturgy Committee: Jill Will (Cathy Wright)
  Liturgical catechesis (Works with Liturgy Committee): Elaine Bonacci
  
  Bracketed names are recommendations. Each workgroup will recruit 3 or 4 more persons and report results of brainstorming back to committee.
  
  Recommended that Fr. Pat ask Cindy Tran to be Chairperson for Committee.
  
  Next meeting, Monday, Sept 11, 2006-06-21

Finance Committee

Monday, June 19
Reviewed proposed budget and discussed need for guidelines:
1. Guidelines for fund raising activities: submit request with reason for fund raiser, nature of fund raiser, and dates. Approval from Fr. Pat and Finance Committee
2. Guidelines on sppending limits: committees up to $1000 (if in budget), Fr. Pat approves up to $3000; finance committee beyond that level
3. Form for requesting budget amendament

Discussion on staff
1. We can afford a Minister of Music position
2. Promote Sarah to Parish Administrator and hire part time Secretary

Next meeting in September

Confirmation

A lot of hard work went into Sunday's Confirmation. We built a church in the gym at the High School on Saturday and Sunday after Confirmation tore it down in under an hour. There was a great spirit of Cooperation.

The message of Confirmation was present to all. Many reported how impressed they were with what was done.

Bishop Campbell asked a lot of the Confirmandi about the significance of the saint they had choosen. I heard some interesting answers.

New Parishioners

People come to checkout St. Joseph. They have such a good experience of welcome and the prayerfulness of the parish. As our liturgy committee prepares to recruit ministers of hospitality, we are reminded of the words of Jesus "I was a stranger and you welcomed me."

Families from neighboring parishes have registered here and been amazed at how easy we make things. It has always been part of my philosophy to put people before paperwork. The best way to feel at home is to get involved. Excitement over the Parish Activity Center is growing.

Flag Day

Thanks to the Knights of Columbus and the Plain City Druggist for doing a flag exchange. It is great to see the parish becoming more involved in community programs. The K of C has served fish and chips at past community events and is prepared to do it again.

The LIGHT (our new respect life ministry) will be participating in the Fourth of July parade. They have also planned a NO GAMBLING CASINO night to raise funds for respect life projects. We have made a commitment to the community values that we will not use gambling (BINGO) as a fundraising activity. The games will be for play money with all proceeds to the respect life effort.

Summer happenings

Eventhough our plans for the Parish Activity Center are going slowly, life still goes on. Confirmation will be at the High School. The Christian Music and Rib fest will be at the parish house. So will VBS. Packing up for the move continues.

Among the highlights for the summer will be the tlaks by Patrick Madrid. The Liturgy Committee is gearing up with a lot of enthusiasm. This will be a summer of meetings.

The Adoration Program hais finishing its first week with the new schedule. There will be acouple sessions to train people to pray the Liturgy of Hours. At present most are just following along as I pray.

Introduction

Saint Joseph Parish is a lively place. It is exciting to hear others speak about their encounters with the priest and people of Saint Joseph. Our Newsletter "St. Joe's Journal" has been a means of sharing faith stories, photos, and various important happenings. Printed material is limited as to the space we can devote. This site gives us a chance to share and exchange blessings.