Unapproved Pastoral Council Minutes
November 15, 2022
Present: Bruce Millershaski, Marci Kumle, Mike Bucher, Andy Boyd, Moe Ptacek, Dee Dee Dewell and
Father Jim.
Regrets: None
Pastoral Assistants: Judy & Steve Dewell
Guest(s): Carl Reimer, Reimer Tree Service; Janice Brock & Pam Milford
Call to Order, Opening Prayer & Introductions:
The meeting was called to order by Bruce at 7:00 p.m. with prayer by Fr. Jim.
Property – Tree Trimming
Carl Reimer attended the meeting to relay his sincere apologies for misunderstanding the trimming
needs which resulted in over trimming of a tree on the east side of the property. Carl plans to treat
the tree with abundant watering and spraying. He is hoping to finish all the trimming this week.
Approval of Minutes:
Minutes of the 10/18/22 meeting were read in silence. Motion made by Andy to approve the
minutes and seconded by Marci. Motion passed.
Finance Council Report:
Larry Knott submitted receipts for 4 items to be paid equaling approximately $40,000 and there is
about $20,000 to be paid later. Donations coming in will reimburse those amounts and hopefully
there will not be a need to borrow money until after the first of the year. Will need about $200,000
for the rest of the costs and the parish should be over 50% paid.
Father is planning to send pledge update letters out soon.
STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS
Liturgy:
Fr. Jim distributed a Eucharistic Revival schedule for the traveling monstrance during the month of
December. Bishop Brungardt will be saying masses at the Meade County parishes the first weekend
in December. St. Anthony’s 1 hour adoration time will be Dec. 8 th coupled with confessions
beginning after the Feast of the Immaculate Conception mass. See schedule for other parish times.
A 24-hour adoration will be held on Dec. 30/31 at St. John’s parish in Meade. All three parishes will
sign up for adoration hours at intervals for each parish to fill the 24 hours. Father will place sign up
sheets at each parish.
Thanksgiving mass schedule: 12 noon Wednesday in Fowler, 6 pm Wednesday in Plains, 8:30 am
Thursday in Meade. Father John Strasser will be saying masses that weekend while Fr. Jim goes to
see family.
Christmas masses schedule: Christmas Eve, 5:30 pm Plains; 7:30 pm Meade; 10:00 pm Fowler;
Christmas Day, 8:30 am Meade, 11:00 am Spanish in Plains.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception mass schedule: Wednesday, December 7 at 5:30 pm Meade;
December 7 at 7:00 pm Plains; Thursday, Dec. 8 at 7:00 pm Fowler.
A stewardship letter and form will be provided to all parishioners soon.
Adult Formation:
The women’s group will conclude its fall session on November 21 st with a soup pot luck supper and
fellowship. The group will discuss what they want to focus on when they resume meeting after the
first of the year.
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Religious Education:
Protecting God’s Children class will be held in Fowler at the parish school on Monday, Nov. 21 st from
6-9 p.m.
Hospitality:
Dee Dee is working to gather appropriate documents to include in Welcome folders to have on hand
to give to those new to the parish. Included will be a family census form, list of those serving on the
councils, prayer chain list, stewardship/ministries form, women’s guild list, seminarian card, RCIA
pamphlet, ministries testimonial inserts (2), St. Anthony prayer card (need to order) and a welcome
note from Fr. Jim. Dee Dee will bring a sample of folder to next meeting.
Parish directory: Judy contacted Kim Copenhaver to inquire of her interest in taking the photos for a
parish directory. She may be interested and would need more details. Fr. Jim is thinking of pursuing
this after the parish center is finished next fall, so will touch base with Kim closer to that time. Bob
Parker might also be considered for taking the pictures.
The Ministerial Alliances will have Thanksgiving services this Sunday at 6 p.m. in Fowler at the
Friends Church and 4 p.m. at the Baptist church in Meade. There will be collections for food pantry
items to give in Christmas boxes to families in need.
Property:
Jan Brock and Pam Milford visited the meeting to talk about tearing down the old parish hall and
ways to preserve some of wood from the building. Becky Heinz was consulted for ideas on how
some of the pieces could be incorporated into the new parish center. Becky advised that salvage
companies may have interest in some of the wood and to advertise to them. It was noted that the
potential of asbestos existing in the building should be considered from an insurance liability
perspective. ACTION: It was the consensus of the pastoral council that Janice and Pam could
proceed with advertising the wood removal opportunity and prepare a liability waiver form to be
signed by anyone removing items in regards to the potential asbestos.
Church grounds cleanup was completed with a few volunteers on Nov. 5 th . A spring cleanup will be
considered. The grounds spraying has not been completed yet.
The old parish hall roof is leaking again as the wind has blown the patching off. Rosario will be
contacted to patch it up again to get us by until the building can be torn down.
The sidewalk heater is not performing correctly, so Steve has asked Larry Knott to take a look at it.
out.
Old Business:
Quote from the person in Liberal for the automatic handicap door is around $4,000. Brad Ackerman
will assess the electrical needs and provide a quote. An update on all costs will be presented at the
next meeting for approval by the council.
Window Cleaning: The weather has not cooperated, so the project will be moved to next spring.
New Business:
Hospitality guilds will begin serving breakfast to the 6-12 grades PSR class and parents when they
meet monthly before Sunday mass.
A fellowship lunch was suggested after mass when Bishop Brungardt is here on December 4. The
current Guild leaders are Pam Milford and Decina Heinz. Dee Dee will talk to Decina about
coordinating.
Adjournment & Closing Prayer:
Meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. with prayer by Fr. Jim. Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday,
December 20 th , 7:00 p.m.