Members Present: Fr. Jim, Lorie Frink, Arlene Osterlund, Pete Raboin, Jon Shamla and
Michael Woods.
Members Absent/Excused: Shannon Ilenda
Others Present: Gail Erdman, Sue Koehler, Mary Margaret Sitek
Fr. Jim led council members in a prayer from Prayers for the Servants of God.
The agenda was approved as written. The Parish Mission Statement was read by Michael Woods.
Old Business
a. Parish Picnic / Welcome Table:
The picnic is planned for this Sunday following the 10:30 Mass. The parish is providing hot dogs, hamburgers, bratwurst, chips, cookies and beverages. Those who attend are asked to bring a dish to pass which will be served by ladies of the Altar Society in the hall outside the Garden Room. Michael Woods and his sister will supervise children’s games on the parish grounds and Chris Polson will be calling Bingo in the Garden Room. Michael Woods reported that 10 families took registration papers over the past two weekends. This weekend, September 25-26 will be the last weekend for the opportunity to those who wish to join parish. Michael suggested having the Welcome Table available once a month in the future and he offered to continue to serve the parish in this area.
b. Parish Directory:
Sue Koehler and Gail Erdman presented a very detailed report on the upcoming publication of a new St. Francis Parish Directory. Pictures will be taken in November. A brochure outlining all the details will be mailed to all registered parish families. The lay-out has been planned by Arlene Osterlund and Sue stated that parishioners can find information on the parish website www.stfrancisxaviersuperior.com.
Registration will begin in mid-October for individuals and families who wish to have their photos taken.
c. Catholic Services Appeal (CSA):
Fr. Jim stated that the 2021-2022 CSA Campaign has begun and our parish goal this year is $53,356. Councilors agreed that this year’s CSA video, shown last weekend at all Masses, was excellent.
d. Council Membership:
Fr. Jim informed the council that the terms for Shannon Ilenda and Pete Raboin have ended. Both Shannon and Pete will be leaving the council. Fr. Jim thanked them for their service.
New Business
a. Painting Project:
Bishop Powers has approved the project which should begin in the church soon. The work will include caulking of all of the stained-glass windows, replacing the pasted ceiling stars with stenciled stars, and painting of several areas of the church where the paint has chipped. Pews will be removed as the project necessitates. The cost of the work will be approximately $50,000.
b. Fall Activities:
Some of the upcoming events in the parish include the picnic on September 26th, “Trunk or Treat” on Friday, October 29th, Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, October 30th following 4:00 Mass, photo sessions beginning in November for the new parish directory, Altar Society Mitten Tree party on Thursday, November 4th, Parish Appreciation Mass & Dinner, Tuesday, November 9th and the Cookie Stroll on Saturday, December 11th.
Committee Reports
Religious Education: Dwane Anderson returned on August 1st as Coordinator of Religious Education and classes will begin on Sunday, October 3rd for grades K-5 at 9:15 AM and on Wednesday, October 6 for grades 6-8 at 6:15 PM and grades 9-11at 7:15 PM. Masks are required for all staff and students. There is a need for teachers as well as teacher aides. Dwane can be reached at the parish office for anyone wishing to volunteer.
Altar Society: Sue Koehler, president, distributed copies of upcoming events for the Altar Society. (These events were noted in fall activities). She informed the council the recent “This N’ That” sale netted $3,571.23 which was all profit since there were no expenses incurred.
Cathedral School: Jon Shamla stated that the current enrollment at Cathedral School is 142 – 111 in grades K-8 and 31 in Pre-K. Jon will now serve on the Cathedral School Board.
Liturgy: Fr. Jim said the liturgies are planned through November. Our church will be decorated for the fall season very soon. The Christmas Mass Schedule will be the following: Christmas Eve, Friday, December 24th, Mases will be at 4:00 and 5:30 PM. The live children’s nativity will take place only at the 4:00 PM Mass. Christmas Day, Saturday, December 25th, Masses will be at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM. There will not be a 4:00 Mass that day. Fr. Jim added there will not be a midnight Mass this year. He also informed the council that the Altar Society will again provide loaves of bread for distribution at Mass on Thanksgiving Day.
Social Action: Parishioners continue to donate non-perishable food items as well as grocery store gift cards. Plans are to distribute Thanksgiving and Christmas Baskets if the need arises and there are individuals or families willing to donate food, gifts, etc. Normally the committee asks for donations of pajamas and socks during the holiday season.
Building Committee: Jon Shamla stated that there are plans being made to install internet access in certain areas of the parish facility.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at 4:30 PM.
The meeting closed at 5:45 PM with the Our Father and prayers for parishioners to are ill.
Respectfully Submitted
Mary Margaret Sitek