Mission Statement: Encounter Jesus, Serve Others.

Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council

Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church

1003 North Tyler Street

Little Rock, Arkansas 72205

August 9, 2016

The Parish Council meeting was called to order at 6:00p.m. by Barbara Grafe, President. The meeting opened with prayer.

Members present: Diane Scroggins, Tamara Ketter,Brooke White, Russell Hoerman, Joan Swenson, Jeff Byers, Ben Baldwin, LuAnne Seay, Chris Schaffhauser

Members absent: Ben France, Zelenka Herts-Gibson

Approval of the Minutes: A motion was made to accept the May 24, 2016 Parish Council minutes as written. The motion was seconded, voted upon and approved.

Finance & Administration:

The financial report stated, “Income for last fiscal year equaled $1,520,687. Expenses were a little over because rental property expense included painting and cleaning for new renter; benefits will see an insurance premium holiday in June; Evangelical Catholic expense paid for 2016-2017; $18,080 moved into Diocesan Parish Maintenance Account; $20,000 moved into Diocesan Savings account. The Building Fund collections equaled $29,286 which is maintained by the Diocese; weekly collections for July 2016 was budgeted for $110,000. Actual collections equaled $109,740.”

Building and Grounds Committee:

There was no report from Building and Grounds.

Education and Formation Commission:

Ben Baldwin reported that another Scripture Study will be starting soon and possibly discussing the Book of Revelation. Joan Swenson mentioned beginning September 13th, a 20 week study on “ACTS, The Spread of the Kingdom”, will start in the Parish Hall, Tuesday mornings from 9:45-11:45am. In addition, on October 4th, Father Taryn Whittington, House of Formation, will conduct a session on “The Catholic Vote”.

Evangelization Commission:

Barbara Grafe reported that their group is presently meeting with the Director of Faith Formation, Samantha Denefe, to further develop their Commission.

Parish Life Commission:

.Brooke White reported for Parish Life. On August 27th, another Holy Happy Hour has been planned after the 4pm Mass. The annual Pet Blessing is scheduled for October 1st, 10am. Holy Hog Happy Hour is being planned in conjunction with September 3rd Arkansas Razorback game. The Feast Day and All Souls Fest is being planned for October 29th and 30th. Also mentioned was the possibility of having a Back Pack Blessing during a future Mass.

Social Concerns Commission:

LuAnne Seay reported for Social Concerns. She mentioned that the grant letters have gone out. Their next events include the Food Drive for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Our House is requesting that new or gently used Halloween costumes be collected at Holy Souls.

Old Business:

No old business to discuss.

Mission Statement: Encounter Jesus, Serve Others

New Business:

Barbara Grafe suggested that future Parish Council meetings be held on the second Tuesday of each month except in June, July, and December. A motion was made, seconded and approved to accept this suggestion.

In addition, Samantha Denefe, Director of Evangelization and Faith Formation, has requested that Parish Council members prepare a dinner for RCIA for October 6th. The Parish Life Commission will coordinate the planning.

Pastoral Comments:

Father John said that he received information from Dr. Rebecca Glazier, Associate Professor, University of Arkansas at Little Rock/School of Public Affairs. Dr. Glazier was inquiring whether Holy Souls would like to participate in a group of students studying diverse churches, mosques, and synagogues in the city of Little Rock. The goal is to collect data from many different kinds of religious organizations in Little Rock. After discussion, Parish Council members concluded that this request be tabled until further discussion.

Father John requested that each Parish Council member present introduce themselves and mention a brief bio of themselves, which was completed at this meeting.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:45 pm.

The next Parish Council Meeting is scheduled for September 13, 2016, Parish Hall.

Respectfully submitted,

Edna de Noble

Recording Secretary