Parish Council Minutes
September 8, 2008

Meeting began at 6:37 p.m. in the Parish Office building. 
M embers present: Ron Greene, Tony Kraus, John Little, Debbie Luedke, Laura Baker, Carol Alvey, David Danhauer, Connie Caceres, Mike Hagan, Juan Fernandez, Tom Hayden
Staff members present: Fr. Carl, Ken Caselden, Martha Little, Alan Sims, Kay Beth Riney, Chris Gutierrez
Members absent: Pete Johnson, John Wells
Guest: Darrell Howard, Tom Rose, Suzanne Rose, Kathy McCarty, Jim Vicent, Penny Vicent, Lavida Mischel
1.  Opening prayer led by John Little
2. Minutes from June 16 meeting were approved.
3. Continuing Education – presented by Debbie Luedke. Topic came from Today’s Parish magazine and its focus on Evangelization Strategies for the World We Live In. We were reminded of many ways the parish can and should reach out to the un-churched and those who have fallen away from the faith. 
4. Presentation by the Social Justice Committee:
A) Suzanne Rose has been in contact with James Robinson with the International Refugee Agency in Bowling Green regarding the future of the Good Samaritan Home. James is preparing a proposal that will be sent to Washington. One of the main obstacles we face now in ministering to refugees is the federal regulation stating that a refugee home/center must be within a certain millage range from the International Center. The distance from Bowling Green to Owensboro exceeds this limit. James’ proposal is asking that the federal laws be changed. If this happens, we can then open our doors to refugees again. James said if new families were to come here, the Center will send a case worker to Owensboro three days a week to handle the important issues. In addition, the International Center will take all risks and responsibilities involved with having a refugee family. It is possible that the proposal will be sent to Washington and approved by October, but Suzanne felt this was very optimistic. The International Center asked for four items from our parish:
1) A commitment of $200 per month (which can be recouped through having the family pay rent)
2) Office space for the case worker
3) Storage space
4) A computer
The council felt that we, or other local churches/agencies, could come up with what was needed.  It was decided that as long as significant changes were not made by the International Center (or the government), that we would welcome having new families come to the Good Samaritan Home. If significant changes are made, it will come back to the Council. Also, if the government does not allow the change in federal regulations, the Council will discuss other options for the house. 
B) Darrell Howard gave an update on the Community Garden. Darrell thanked everyone for their support. The garden has been successful this year; however, there is still work to be done on the quality of the soil. It may take two to three years before the soil is up to the standards we need. Also, there is been a lack of rain this year, which has hurt the garden. Some green beans have been grown. Darrell has been working with St. Vincent DePaul and Lighthouse Recovery to get the fruits of the garden to them for distribution. 

 
5. Reports:
A) Lavida Mischel reported from the Sacred Liturgy Committee regarding two items:
1) The parish has been asked to respect quiet in the church before Mass. If anyone wants to socialize, they can do so outside. Fr. Carl said he has received positive comments regarding this request. This suggestion came out of the door-to-door stewardship visits.
2) There has been discussion regarding changing the Mass schedule. It was the consensus of the Sacred Liturgy Committee and the Parish Council that this change is needed. It will allow more time between Masses for socializing, and will help traffic and parking. It will also give our pastor more time to speak with parishioners. The parish will be polled regarding this issue in the near future.
B) Carol Alvey provided a list of activities that are taking place commemorating the Year of St. Paul. The next activity will be this Sunday evening. Sr. Evelyn Craig from Mount St. Joseph will speak on St. Paul. Everyone is invited. The council will help host this event.
C) We will be the first parish in the diocese to take part in the Scrips program (which is currently being used by Catholic High). Information will be provided at Masses this weekend. In general, parishioners will be allowed to purchase gift cards to various establishments in the community. These will be for items that would be purchased anyway (food, clothing, etc.). There will be no additional cost to the parishioner. A percentage of the proceeds will be given back to the parish. It could be a significant fundraiser for the parish and Catholic schools. We hope to have a large number of people to participate. At the Masses, gift cards to IGA and Krogers will be available. A form can be filled out for Scrips 
to other establishments. 6. Fr. Carl handed out a proposal regarding clean up of 
the parish hall after big events. Due to time limitations, discussion of this 
proposal was tabled until the next meeting. 7. Information concerning parish 
bylaws and the election process were passed out. We will discuss this issue 
again at the next meeting. 8. A letter was given to all council members from 
Amanda Davis (parishioner) regarding child care during Masses. We are asked to 
read the letter and we will discuss at the next meeting. 9. We will ask Pete 
Johnson to lead us in prayer and John Wells to lead out continuing education 
segment. 10. Fr. Carl closed the meeting with prayer at 8:32 p.m. 11. The next 
Council meeting will be Monday, October 6, 2008.