PSF Committee
Serving as a consultative board, the parish PSF Committee meets monthly with the Director of Religious Education (DRE). Using a consensus-style of discussion, the committee helps to set policies, determine goals, plan programs and generally guide the education plans for children and families and for the good of the parish.
If you are a registered member of the parish and are interested in being part of this committee, please contact Kathy Nicklaus (at the parish office). Members of the PSF Committee: Cindy Sjolander, John Horman, Mike Hoffman, Kate Escher, Steve Duffrin and Kathy Nicklaus
PSF Committee
Thursday, April 7, 2011
M I N U T E S
Present: John Horman, Cindy Sjolander, Kate Escher, Kathy Nicklaus
Absent: Mike Hoffman and Steve Duffrin
The meeting opened with “A Prayer for Families”
OLD BUSINESS
Essay Contest: The “first-ever” PSF essay contest resulted in only one entry (out of more than 50 possible, grades 5-8). After discussion and reading, “My life in the church” by 8th grade student Peter Schneider, the committee was unanimous in awarding the prize to Peter. Following the award, the group discussed having an essay contest next year. It was agreed to try again in the hope that students would be familiar with the idea. Kathy will give Peter the winning prize, movie tickets to the Ward Ave. theater valued at $60, before PSF ends for the year.
Lenten Activity – Because the committee was unable to meet as scheduled in March, this discussion could only offer that space issues prevented the group from following through with a family “Stations of the Cross” idea. As Lent will end April 21, there is no time left for this idea. It was suggested that we move on this idea much earlier next year to avoid space concerns.
Additional space in lower hall – This discussion was brought up at the February meeting. Kathy shared the cost of three options for accordion folding partitions in the lower hall and the conference room. Another option of building a classroom downstairs was also discussed. The cost of these options was provided by River Architects. A discussion followed after the presentation for feedback on the ideas. Although everyone was surprised by the stated costs, no decisions were made on the best plan. Kathy will relay this to Fr. Mark. Cindy offered that her husband might be able to help with a folding door for the conference room.
NEW BUSINESS
7TH /8TH grade PSF Retreat – Kathy shared an invitation given to students in the 7th and 8th grade PSF classrooms. It is an invite to a retreat to be held at Newman on Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21. Kathy explained the retreat would not be an overnight but would be from 6 pm-10 pm Friday, then from 9 am – Noon, Saturday. The retreat would be based on the movie, “Evan Almighty” and would focus on random acts of kindness. A minimum number of 8 students would have to register for the retreat to actually happen. Students have until May 1st to register.
This retreat will be an opportunity for the students to have a retreat experience before the required retreat during the 10th grade Confirmation preparation.
Catechist/LWC gathering – The committee was invited to attend the year-end “Thank you” gathering for the Catechists/LWC leaders. This will be an opportunity to meet and greet and thank those who work so hard for the religious education of our parish children. It will be held Thursday, May 5, from 6:45-8 pm. Fr. Mark will be in attendance.
Confirmation Liturgy/Reception – Kathy announced that there will not be a reception after the Confirmation liturgy, Sunday, May 1st. Families were asked if they wanted to have a food reception following the liturgy because of the proximity to lunch. Only two families were interested. Therefore, the staff will be taking the Bishop and his assistant out to lunch at a local restaurant to thank him and to spend some time with him.
Participation Survey – It was reported that the committee has reached its goal of 100 surveys being completed, with the actual number of surveys being 115. The group spent time at the meeting tallying the individual surveys. Kathy said she will have the final results available at the next meeting.
NEXT MEETING: The final meeting of the academic year, this meeting will be held at the Wine Guyz, Thursday, May 26.