Blessed John XXIII Catholic Parish

Committees

Pastoral Council | Finance Council | Stewardship Committee
Faith Formation Commission | Liturgy Committee | Parish Life Committee
Social Justice Committee

Pastoral Council

November_14_2011_Minutes.pdf
March_12_2012.pdf
January_9_2012_Minutes.pdf

Chair: Karen Volz

Phone: 319-390-1821

E-Mail: kvolz@akklaw.com

Vice Chair: Mike Lefebure

Phone: 319-846-6101

E-Mail: mike@lefebure.com

Secretary: Karen Schulte

Phone: 319-846-2089

E-Mail: karenjschulte@southslope.net

Ryan Bunge

Phone: 319-892-0325

E-Mail: rlbunge@hotmail.com

Patrick McAllister

Phone: 319-390-0335

E-Mail: patmcallister@mchsi.com

Luke Reichert

Phone: 319-393-0084

E-Mail: lluke7071@hotmail.com

Kevin Rigdon

Phone: 319-848-3484

E-Mail: krigdon@adtrack.com

Tim Tompas

Phone: 319-436-2538

E-Mail: raineysboy@yahoo.com

We, the pastor/pastoral administrator and members of Blessed John XXIII Parish, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, recognize that we are called to union with God not merely as individuals but as a holy community, the People of God. The Spirit has given a variety of ministries and gifts to this community, which enables all to work for the good of the whole. Formed by the Word of God, we recognize our unity of faith and love, and we accept our common responsibility for the mission of Christ. To proclaim our unity of mind and purpose and to more effectively perform our responsibilities to God and neighbor, we unite to form a parish pastoral council. We affirm and accept communion with the Archbishop of Dubuque and with our pastor/pastoral administrator. We declare ourselves willing to accept their authority and to share their pastoral concerns so that together we may carry out the saving mission of the Church.

PASTORAL COUNCIL PURPOSE

The pastoral council offers counsel to and collaborates with the pastor/pastoral administrator to provide the long-range planning which will guide the parish toward its future. It's purpose is:

1. To facilitate a process by which the mission of the parish is determined and to serve as stewards of that mission.

2. To implement the mission by engaging in pastoral planning, which includes assessing parish needs, identifying resources, determining priorities.

3. To collaborate with the finance council to maintain appropriate stewardship in implementing the mission of the parish.

FUNCTIONS

The pastoral council carries out its purposes through three interdependent functions:

1. To listen to and represent the wisdom of parishioners and parish staff as part of the planning process.

2. To determine priorities and develop a plan for both implementing and evaluating them.

3. To develop goals and objectives which further the mission of the parish.

4. To evaluate regularly the goals and objectives of the council and of its subgroups.

5. To recommend policies which are supportive of the mission of the parish.

6. To call forth the gifts of individuals and groups/committees in the parish to carry out its mission.

7. To cooperate with neighboring parishes in regional planning for the future of the Church in the local area.

8. To collaborate with the stewardship committee to conduct a parish census periodically.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership consists of those who are ex officio and of registered parishioners who are elected or appointed as delineated in the bylaws. For further information see Parish_Pastoral_Council_Guidelines_Aug_2009.pdf

Finance Council

January_2012_Finance_Minutes.pdf
March_2012_Finance_Minutes.pdf

Chair: Dennis McGivern

Phone: 319-390-3397

E-Mail: d.mcgivern@mchsi.com

Vice Chair: Derek Miller

Phone: 319-446-6116

E-Mail: dmiller@thebankhere.com

Secretary: Herb Musser

Phone: 319-845-3044

E-Mail: herb.musser@gmail.com

Bill Boland

Phone: 319-846-2353

E-Mail: viboland@aol.com

Mike Stallman

Phone: 319-846-2670

E-Mail: mike.stallman@rsmi.com

Amy Woodward

Phone: 319-227-6415

E-Mail: awoodward@johnsongas.com

FINANCE COUNCIL PURPOSE

The finance council has as its primary purpose to support the parish participation in the fourfold mission of Jesus Christ to celebrate faith, proclaim the Gospel, build community, and serve the needy. The finance council serves as an advisory body to the pastor/pastoral administrator and the pastoral council regarding the administration and stewardship of human resources, parish facilities, and parish finances, including the annual budget and long-range financial development. The finance council is a consultative body that enables the parish to live its mission by prudent and lawful stewardship of all resources. The finance council has as its responsibility the obligation of planning, providing for, and supervising the financial affairs and the physical properties of the parish. It is concerned with the budget, stewardship, church support, and the effective utilization and maintenance of the parish plant. This council provides the necessary administrative and financial skills needed to sustain the mission and ongoing development of the parish community. The members of the finance council work in communion with the pastor/pastoral administrator and the pastoral council of the parish to accomplish the mission of the Church as articulated in the parish mission statement. The finance council assists the pastor/pastoral administrator in the appropriate administration and stewardship of parish facilities, finances, and personnel for the purpose of supporting the parish and of furthering its mission.

MEMBERSHIP

1. Parishioners who are knowledgeable of and interested in the field of administration and finance are ideal candidates for membership on the council, such as successful business persons and farmers, lawyers, accountants, bookkeepers, and individuals knowledgeable in fund-raising, financial planning, building maintenance, human resources, stewardship, and construction.

2. Three to seven members appointed by the pastor/pastoral administrator constitute the membership of the finance council.

3. The term of appointed members is three years. Members serve at the discretion of the pastor/pastoral administrator, but no member shall serve more than two terms consecutively. Appointments should be staggered to provide for continuity on the finance council.

4. The officers of the finance council are the chair, the vice-chair, and the secretary. Officers are elected annually. The chair is an ex officio voting member of the pastoral council.

5. The finance council may establish task forces or committees to assist with the business of the finance council (e.g., budget, buildings and grounds, human resources, project committees). Given the nature of the matters handled by the finance council, it may often be desirable to have long-term continuity of involvement by certain individuals who possess the skills and intimate understanding of the business and/or financial affairs of the parish. Accordingly, former finance council members are eligible to serve on task forces and committees established by the finance council.

FUNCTIONS

1. To develop policies and procedural recommendations which exercise financial stewardship and ensure that the financial policies and procedures of the parish are in accord with civil and canon law, Archdiocesan policies, and the Internal Control Guidelines of the Archdiocese.

2. To research, prepare, and submit to the pastoral council an annual budget, ensuring that financial resources and goals are compatible, based on stewardship and the parish mission.

3. To collaborate with local and/or regional boards of education and formation in the development of the education budget in accord with the Archdiocesan Catholic School Board and Archdiocesan Faith Formation Commission policies and procedures.

4. To provide to the pastoral council monthly or quarterly reports on the financial condition of the parish, including the results of operations in comparison to the budget, and to make recommendations as needed.

5. To verify that required financial reports are prepared and submitted to the Archdiocese.

6. To provide to the parish a printed financial report at least annually and highlight salient points of this report by an oral summary to the congregation as needed.

7. To develop and recommend parish personnel policies including employment agreements and salary/benefits packages.

8. To assist in establishing effective means of raising the funds needed to attain the goals of the parish.

9. To develop local procedures for handling and coordinating all fund-raising not part of the regular parish budget.

10. To make recommendations, jointly with the stewardship committee, regarding the increase of revenues and the stewardship of resources.

11. To propose a long-range plan for capital expenditures which is aligned with the parish mission.

12. To propose a long-range plan for risk management and preventive maintenance of all parish properties.

13. To periodically inspect all parish properties in order to ensure that more immediate necessary repairs and improvements are included and completed.

14. To maintain and present to the pastoral council a priority checklist and timetable for major repairs, renovations, and construction.

Qualities/Expectations of Appointed Members

1. Be registered Catholic parishioners.

2. Possess integrity and maintain confidentiality.

3. View membership as a ministry of service without any vested or reciprocal interest.

4. Possess a working knowledge of at least one of the following: financial affairs, building maintenance, construction, law, insurance, human resources, fund-raising, marketing, stewardship.

5. Have a clear understanding of the parish mission.

6. Have the ability to be collaborative.

7. Attend meetings regularly and complete tasks as assigned.

Procedures

1. The finance council holds regular meetings and convenes for work sessions as needed. A simple majority of the finance council shall constitute a quorum. The presence of the pastor/pastoral administrator is required at regular meetings to hear the discussion and understand the recommendations of the finance council.

2. Minutes of all meetings are to be properly recorded and duly maintained in the parish archives.

3. Recommendations will normally be determined by consensus, except when a formal vote is necessary.

Following the recommendations for approval made by the Priests' Council, the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council, the Archdiocesan Board of Education, and the Archdiocesan Finance Council, these norms are approved and promulgated this 14th day of March, 2008, with an effective date of July 1, 2008. Pastors should use their discretion in making the transition from present membership and terms to the new arrangements. The transition should be completed by June 30, 2010.

Stewardship Committee

No_Current_Stewardship_Minutes.pdf

Chair: Karen Volz

Phone: 319-390-1821

E-Mail: kvolz@akklaw.com

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE PURPOSE

To encourage parishioners to exercise stewardship as an expression of gratitude to God and as a way of life for disciples of Christ.

MEMBERSHIP

1. Appointed and/or volunteer according to the bylaws of the local pastoral council constitution.

2. Persons with the following traits:

a. Stewardship is already a way of life at some level.

b. Personal stewardship is exercised and is motivated by gratitude for God's gifts.

c. Have the ability to make the goals of stewardship viable for parishioners.

d. Possess belief in accountability exercised by reporting back to parishioners on all aspects of the parish stewardship efforts.

FUNCTIONS

1. To foster a sense of belonging to and 'ownership' of the parish.

2. To view evangelization as essential to stewardship and to assist with evangelization efforts in the parish.

3. To encourage all committees, groups, families, and individuals to center themselves in prayer, especially prayer of gratitude.

4. To provide education about stewardship to parish leadership/committees and to all parishioners.

5. To call parishioners to the practice of stewardship as a way of life.

6. To call the parish itself to the practice of stewardship of its resources.

7. To collaborate with all other standing committees and ministries in assessing the ministry needs of the parish.

8. To draw forth the stewardship of treasure of all parishioners by:

a. Working with the parish finance council to identify and share the financial needs of the parish.

b. Promoting planned giving, the "stewardship of assets" within the parish community.

c. Establishing an electronic giving option for weekly giving.

9. To draw forth the stewardship of time and talent of all parishioners. Some avenues are:

a. Encouraging the parish to use people resource management skills as time/talent commitment cards are received.

b. Providing a gifts discernment process for individuals and the community.

c. Using the results of this discernment to guide volunteers toward the best placement for their time and talent.

d. Establishing accountability for committees to contact those who volunteered on their time/talent commitment cards.

e. Providing an annual appreciation event for all people who offer their time, talent, and treasure.

f. Encouraging coordinators of all ministries to offer their own form of appreciation to those who assist in the ministries.

10. To facilitate parish publicity and communications by:

a. Maintaining up-to-date data on all parishioners.

b. Establishing a parish area or block system devised to encourage parish communications and interrelations.

c. Assessing regularly the need for a parish census.

11. To collaborate with the parish life committee in providing organized hospitality and orientation for new parishioners.

12. To evaluate stewardship on a regular basis to ensure its viability.

13. To select a member of the committee to be an ex-officio voting member of the pastoral council.

Faith Formation Commission

FFC_minutes_November_2010.pdf
FFC_Minutes_January_10_2011.pdf

FAITH FORMATION COMMISSION PURPOSE

To develop and oversee a comprehensive catechetical plan for the parish/cluster to provide for the lifelong faith formation and catechesis of all its members as described in the General Directory for Catechesis and the National Directory for Catechesis.

MEMBERSHIP

Elected and appointed according to the policies of the Archdiocesan Faith Formation Commission, with the total number being an uneven number of members. The appointed members should constitute less than fifty percent of the total commission membership. The pastor/pastoral administrator is an ex-officio voting member.

FUNCTIONS

1. To develop and implement a comprehensive catechetical plan that supports the six tasks of catechesis:

a. Promotion of knowledge of the faith.

b. Liturgical education.

c. Moral formation.

d. Teaching to pray.

e. Education for community life.

f. Missionary initiation.

2. To implement the directives of the General Directory for Catechesis, the National Directory for Catechesis, and applicable Archdiocesan policies in regard to the defined areas of catechesis:* adults, elderly, young adults, adolescents, children of catechetical age, Catholic schools,** early childhood, family, persons with disabilities, and the marginalized.

3. To develop ongoing goals and objectives based upon the needs of the parishioners which are supportive of the teaching mission of the Church and directives of the Archbishop.

4. To set policies in conjunction with Archdiocesan directives and in collaboration with the catechetical leader(s) (DRE, youth ministry director, adult faith formation director, etc.) for their respective programs.

5. To develop, oversee and review the faith formation budget and annual financial reports according to Archdiocesan directives.

6. To collaborate with the finance council(s) of the parish(es), presenting its proposed budget for review and approval.

7. To employ personnel according to Archdiocesan policy.

8. To receive regular reports from those responsible for each area of catechesis.

9. To select a member of the commission to be an ex-officio voting member of the pastoral council.

10. To invite, support, and recognize the gifts of trained volunteers within catechetical programs.

11. To practice stewardship of resources by collaborating with neighboring parishes, clusters, deaneries, etc., when appropriate. *Parishes/clusters with large catechetical programs for children may choose to establish a subcommittee similar to the school board of education (described below) to oversee the ongoing planning and operation of the programs, reporting activity to the faith formation commission. If forming such a subcommittee, the policies of the Archdiocesan Faith Formation Commission must be followed.

Liturgy Committee

Liturgy_Minutes_November_1_2011.pdf
February_7_minutes.pdf
favicon.ico
April_10_2012_Minutes.pdf

Chair: Marcia Musser

Phone: 319-845-3044

E-Mail: marcia.musser@gmail.com

Secretary: Ann Leymaster

Phone: 319-846-3932

E-Mail: aleymaster@southslope.net

LITURGY COMMITTEE PURPOSE

1. To assist the pastor or the sacramental priest and the pastoral administrator in facilitating the liturgical prayer of the community.

2. To nourish and give direction to the liturgical worship of the parish, including the elements of spirituality, music, environment, liturgical ministers, and attention to liturgical norms.

MEMBERSHIP

1. Pastor/sacramental priest who, in the name of the bishop, is the principal liturgist.

2. Pastoral administrator and staff persons associated with liturgy (liturgist, music director, musicians, RCIA coordinator).

3. Coordinators of various liturgical ministries (readers, extraordinary ministers of Communion, musicians, ushers/greeters, altar servers, sacristans, those who prepare the environment).

4. Representation may be solicited as needed from other parishioners whose contributions would be helpful to the committee.

5. The size of the committee is regulated in each parish to accommodate efficiency and effectiveness.

FUNCTIONS

1. To engage in its own ongoing formation in order to develop an understanding of liturgical theology and liturgical spirituality.

2. To implement the liturgical guidelines issued by the universal Church and the Archdiocese.

3. To collaborate with the pastor or with the sacramental priest and the pastoral administrator in order to prepare liturgical celebrations consistent with the theology and practice of the universal Church.

4. To assess liturgical celebrations with a view toward their strengths, weaknesses, and needed improvements.

5. To promote awareness of the liturgical year through various celebrations and prayer services and through aesthetic environment.

6. To identify people qualified for various liturgical ministries of the parish, e.g., extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, all musicians, ministers of hospitality, readers, sacristans, servers, those who prepare the environment, etc.

7. To provide training and scheduling for the various liturgical ministers and to assess their performance.

8. To prepare guidelines for baptisms, weddings, and funerals in collaboration with the pastor, or with the sacramental priest and the pastoral administrator, music coordinators, and those who coordinate their preparation.

9. To communicate the work of the committee to the pastoral council via written report or liaison.

Parish Life Committee

Parish_Life_March_19_2012.pdf
February_13_2012.pdf

Chair: Judy Henley

Phone: 319-845-2116

E-Mail: jdhenley54@yahoo.com

Secretary: Mary Rita Meyers

Phone: 319-846-2868

E-Mail: meyersfrfx@aol.com

PARISH LIFE COMMITTEE PURPOSE

1. To offer welcome to new parishioners and to foster a sense of belonging for all parishioners.

2. To provide activities which both build and strengthen community within the parish and in its outreach efforts.

3. To assist the pastor or pastoral administrator, pastoral associate and/or parish nurse in the pastoral care of the parish community.

MEMBERSHIP

1. Parishioners who are genuinely convinced that the hospitality of the parish is an essential form of stewardship and evangelization.

2. Parishioners who are able to engage others for the 'nuts and bolts' work of this committee.

FUNCTIONS

1. To research and utilize various events (picnics, dances, potlucks, coffee and donuts after liturgies) and forms of communication (parish newsletters and Web pages) for building and maintaining community.

2. To collaborate with all committees by providing the hospitality which makes gatherings welcoming and community-building.

3. To establish small Christian communities (e.g., parish area or block system) to encourage deeper parish interrelations.

4. To strengthen and support couples in their marriages by providing enrichment activities, events, and resources.

5. To help strengthen family life within the parish community by encouraging church activities and events which are family-centered at all stages of the family life cycle.

a. Young adults before marriage.

b. Newly married.

c. Families with small children.

d. Families with adolescents.

e. Launching children and moving on.

f. Couples later in life-senior adults.

6. To provide outreach and resources to nontraditional families.

a. Singles.

b. Separated and divorced.

c. Widows and widowers.

7. To collaborate with the pastor or pastoral administrator, pastoral associate and/or parish nurse to offer pastoral care to various members who are hurting by:

a. Planning and supporting a parish visitation program to elderly, homebound, sick and dying.

b. Planning and supporting a parish bereavement ministry-funeral dinners, grief support, etc.

8. To be inclusive and supportive of minority groups, multicultural diverse, and marginalized members.

9. To communicate the work of the committee to the pastoral council via written report or liaison.

Social Justice Committee

March_22_2012_Minutes.pdf
April_19_2012.pdf

Chair: Julie LeCaptain

Phone: 319-846-3917

E-Mail: lecaptain@southslope.net

SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMITTEE PURPOSE

1. To continue the ministry of Jesus by service to marginalized persons and persons with special needs.

2. To promote and coordinate programs which will promote justice and charity in full measure to all of God's children.

3. To provide opportunities for parishioners to respond to the social needs of today.

MEMBERSHIP

1. Appointed and/or volunteer according to the bylaws of the local pastoral council constitution.

2. Demonstrated interest in justice, in serving the needy, and in promoting respect for all persons.

FUNCTIONS

1. To study the papal encyclicals and statements of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and of the Iowa Catholic Conference which:

a. Describe our Catholic social teachings.

b. Assist us in advocating for just public policies by discerning the questions and the viable options.

2. To educate toward the realization that baptism calls each person to care for the needs of the universal Church and the world.

3. To educate and motivate parishioners about issues relating to justice, peace, hunger, the marginalized.

4. To organize avenues for parishioners to respond directly to local needs.

5. To coordinate and advocate for parish service programs and mission projects, e.g., parish twinning or partnership programs which promote solidarity, Thanksgiving clothing drive, local food collections for the poor, special collections for the poor and for emergency disaster relief, the semiannual 3-in-1 collections for national and international organizations sponsored by the USCCB, etc.

6. To be apprised of programs and resources available through Catholic Charities, the Archdiocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry, the Rural Life Conference, as well as Internet connections which can assist in education and networking, and also of the efforts for legislative advocacy coordinated by the Iowa Catholic Conference and the offices of the USCCB.

7. To promote systemic change by informing and empowering parishioners to use principles of community organizing. These principles promote awareness of poverty, social analysis, and grassroots organizing so that the dignity and rights of each person may be preserved by social and religious institutions.

8. To practice social justice through direct service, through policy formation, advocacy, and any other means which promote justice and peace.

9. To communicate the work of the committee to the pastoral council via written report or liaison.