Blog

OUR LADY OF THE LAKE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL
August 7, 2025 5:30pm – 6:30pm

Members:
Pastor: Monsignor Greg Higley
Social Concerns: Jeanie Freeman
Hispanic Ministry: vacant
Worship: Joy Corwin for Julie Mercurio

At Large Member: Brandy Hutzler
Deacon Jim
Education: Lynne Green for Linda Adams

Stewardship: Jay Bukalski
At Large Member: Tony Otto
At Large Member: vacant until 1/26

Opening Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Inspire us with your Spirit of wisdom. Plant seeds of your vision in our hearts and minds. Give us humility as we work with one another to help people come to know you. This we ask through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

5:30 – Introductions:
*Welcome Msgr. Greg to Pastoral Council

5:35 – Altar Renovation Project Update: Joy Corwin
*Altar renovation plan was presented to council
*Pastoral Council concurred with moving forward and presenting to the Finance
Council.

5:45 – Social Concerns Report: Jeanie Freeman
*Baby Bottle Drive, Hope House School Supply Drive, and Red Cross Blood Drive were very successful
*New Parishioner Welcome Dinner is October 11th following 5pm mass.
5:50 – Stewardship Report: Jay Bukalski
*Stewardship Conference on August 9th was very successful and gave ideas and motivation for the annual Catholic Stewardship Renewal in October
*Online Catholic Stewardship Renewal Forms are being updated *Parishioners interested in being involved are encouraged to reach out to the
church office or scan the QR code from Stewardship Card found in all church pews.
5:55 – Worship Report: Joy Corwin
*Opening spot for Leadership in Liturgical Support (Lectors, Ushers, Greeters) Reach out to the church office if interested in this role
*Reach out to church office if interested in being a substitute for Adoration

6:00 – Education Report: Lynne Green
*Faith Family Formation BBQ & Classes kick off on Sept. 3rd
*FFF Supper Saints will help feed the kids. Parents will be signing up for a
turn at FFF Supper Saints.
*Preparation for NCYC this November is currently taking place.
*White House Retreat is Sept. 11th and Welcome Weekend is Oct. 18th.
6:05 – Pastoral Plan Finalization:
*The following Pastoral Plan was submitted to the diocese:
Priority #1 – Youth, Young Adults, Young Families

• Request that our Youth Group takes a more active role in planning and executing parish activities and liturgies.
• Continue to build and promote Family Faith Formation activities that engage the whole family (e.g., youth in PSR program and their parents).
• Promote a Young Adult (not necessarily families) ministry.
  Priority #2 – Hispanic Ministry
• Engage in greater consultation with existing Hispanic community to discern needs.
• Promote greater integration of Hispanic and Anglo communities within the parish.
  Priority #3 – Engaging Inactive Catholics
• Provide and promote resources to help parishioners invite inactive Catholics to return to a more active practice of their faith.
• Promote diocesan and parish ministries that address obstacles to returning to the Church (e.g., divorce ministry, grief ministry, etc.).
  6:15 – Monsignor Higley & Deacon Jim
  *Needed Repairs were presented for the North and South Side stairways/entrances.
  6:25 – Next Meeting Date & Topic(s):
  *Thursday, October 16, 2025 @ 5:30pm in Fellowship Hall
  *Discuss Council positions, duties, term dates according to By-Laws
  Closing Prayer:
  Hail Mary

6:15 – Monsignor Higley & Deacon Jim
*Needed Repairs were presented for the North and South Side stairways/entrances.
6:25 – Next Meeting Date & Topic(s):
*Thursday, October 16, 2025 @ 5:30pm in Fellowship Hall
*Discuss Council positions, duties, term dates according to By-Laws
Closing Prayer:
Hail Mary