Pastoral Council
August 2025 Pastoral Council Meeting Summary
Financial Report: The May and June figures and the end of the fiscal year finances were discussed. It was an exceptional year for collections, which came in at a record level. Additionally, the church was able to put away goodly amounts into the diocesan or “rainy day” fund. Finances are in good shape and it was a solid year financially.
Finance and Administration Commission: Ms. Denay Minett was employed as a church Sacristan. She assumes her duties on September 2nd. Ms. Carol Kennard stepped down from her position as our Music Director to return to her career as a dietician. A search has begun for a permanent replacement which could take a good deal of time to find the right person. In the interim, Steve Bailey and Jennifer Fullerton will manage things until that person comes along.
Liturgy and Worship Commission: Father John said new candlesticks were ordered for both the Adoration Chapel and the church sanctuary. And update on the upgrading of the church sound system was given. The new system was expected to go “live” the weekend of August 23-24.
Education and Formation Commission: The student population of St. Joseph School stands at 512. Sign-ups for Youth Faith Formation are progressing and all signs point to a strong school year. The second annual St Joseph School faculty retreat at Subiaco Abbey’s Coury House was set to begin August 7 and 8 with both Father John and Father Daniel conference sessions.
Hispanic Commission: Deacon Ramon Argueta is leading an intensive three-year leadership training program that will be meeting monthly. In a side-bar during that briefing, vocational awareness and deaconate discernment was discussed. Several men from our parish are beginning that process. Those already in the program would make up the Class of 2028. Any men who make that final decision to join the new group would be ordained in 2030.
Old Business: Father John presented an assessment of how things have progressed with the church’s ongoing efforts to come up with a vision of our church’s future direction. He pulled together comments from the monthly listening sessions that began last fall, along with input from pastoral council members and other individuals. The consensus is that there’s agreement within the parish for growth or improvement in three areas; the quality and variety of church music, accommodating the needs and schedules of young families, and making additional efforts to create a welcoming environment for new parishioners. Although the latter topic was one that came up often in listening sessions, Father John felt it may be a misperception. Even so, it will be addressed. The Pastoral Council members were asked to read over Father John’s assessment and the specifics brought out in it between now and the next meeting in September. He welcomed any comments or additional suggestions kept within the framework of what’s already been agreed upon. There is no deadline as to when such improvements in these areas may be implemented, but parishioners will receive information about the work that’s been done in creating a vision for St. Joseph Church. This will go out in a packet connected with Stewardship Month in October.
New Business: Yolanda Berumen, who typically writes up the minutes of each Pastoral Council meeting, will take leave from that assignment for several months because of her involvement in a spiritual direction program that meets on Wednesday nights. This could keep her away for up to 10 months. The Council will be looking for someone to take over that duty until her work is completed.
Pastor’s Report: Father John said he’s looking forward to the new fiscal year. He expressed regret for the time he has to spend doing work for the Diocese which puts pressure on Father Daniel. Things are improving in this area, and he’s ready to spend more time at school Masses and events. He’s continuing to try to balance his many duties. It’s not a perfect situation, but he says he’s doing his best. Both he and Father Daniel loves our parish and feel they are blessed to be here.
