Pastoral Council
september 2026 Pastoral Council Meeting Summary
Financial Report: The collections/expenses for May, June and July were looked at. It was stated that the church’s finances have been very consistent with nothing out of the ordinary to report. In response to a question, it was noted that about 40% of the church collections are done online.
Parish Life Commission: The sponsored Arkansas Travelers game went well. All tickets were used. Seating on the shaded 1st base side was a good decision. It will continue that way in the future. The 150th Anniversary of the church was discussed. A committee is being formed to handle it. This commission will be responsible for the meal. Father Booker’s welcoming reception went well. Seventy-five to 100 people attended. The annual Volunteer Banquet will be held November 4. The plans are the same as last year. Invitations will be emailed October 9 and the RSVPs must respond by October 23. The dates for the Lenten Dinners in 2027 have been set. They are February 17, March 3, and March 17. The latter prompts St. Patrick’s Day ideas.
Education and Formation Commission: Dr. Tucker expressed gratitude for the wonderful start of the school year while continuing to build a joyful, faith-filled school culture while maintaining high expectations for learning and behavior. The total enrollment PK-12 is 608 with 80% capacity. ACE Scholarships provide partial tuition assistance for lower income students attending private schools. This year 115 students are receiving this help at a cost of $371,500.00
Old Business: The state of the capital campaign for the new K-6 school building was the primary focus. The plans for October’s Stewardship Month were laid out which is including the production of a seven-minute video for screening at Mass. Before the Stewardship Month kick-off, Father John said he’d have one of his “From the Pastor’s Desk” emails sent out giving everyone a heads-up. Letters were to go out as well to all parishioners and school parents. That first weekend the parishioners will hear words from both our priests about what’s in the works along with the building plans and newest architectural renderings. They’ll also learn where the fundraising efforts currently stand. The second weekend is when the aforementioned video will be screened. Pledge cards will also be made available. On the third weekend, the school’s principal and assistant principals make their case for support. Father John will make a final appeal in his homily on the fourth weekend of the month. By that time, we’ll hopefully be at the 100% level needed to ensure completion of the campaign. If so, our intent moves on to the diocesan level where the building and finance councils should concur. Then it goes to Rome. With its approval, a contract would be sent to Bishop Taylor for his signing. That could take place by January of 2027 with groundbreaking possibly coming in the Spring. With no unforeseen difficulties, the keys to the new building should be delivered by July 1, 2028.
The committee appointed to oversee the remodeling of the church sanctuary includes David Hambuchen, Tim Nabholz, Gary Strack, Jeff Lock, Sandra Ake, Joanna Nabholz, Matt Mallett and Father John. They will meet in November and begin having regular ones after the first of the year. The project is self-funded relying on monies in our reserve account with the diocese. Father John will also be having informal meetings with parishioners as to how the remodeling will be carried out. There will be no Pastoral Council meeting in November so as not to conflict with the Volunteer Banquet on November 4. No other meetings should be scheduled for the same reason to assure maximum attendance at the banquet. RSVPs will be sent out to get an accurate head count. About 250 persons have turned out in the first two years of its existence.
New Business: It’s a virtual certainty that the middle school will move into Spiritan Center next year. There are sufficient classrooms in that space to make it work. The old middle school building has to be retooled for future use by the preschool. It’s construction, along with that of the new K-6 building, will be done together to save money and time.
Pastor’s Report: Father John expressed relief that his 12 weeks without an associate finally came to an end in July. He is now mentoring Father Booker on how to be a priest since that comes with time and experience. He said he is pleased with Father Booker’s ministry of working with college students in CCM. He was converted to Catholicism on a college campus and wants young people to get off to a good start. Father Booker won’t be dealing much with administrative matters until his second year as an associate. Father John continues to balance his role as Pastor and Moderator of the Curia with the diocese. He’s had to do a lot or reorganization work there.
