The Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) serves the parish of St. John the Baptist as a visioning body.  Where should the parish be going and how do we get there?  Are we faithful to our parish mission (found on the front of the bulletin each week.)  The PPC helps the pastor make the best decisions for the common good of the parish.  The pros and cons of each decision are debated when we have to make a decision (e.g. the Sunday Mass Schedule due to winter parking/construction and the importance of fellowship/hospitality as a Roman Catholic parish).
     Listed here is the PPC membership:
Chair:   Doug Shamp
     Vice-chair:    Jeff Sjobeck (who becomes chair next year)
       Secretary:   Kay Baker
      Members:   Cary Becker     
  Fr. Michael Becker
  Jerry Bucksa
  Theresa Cermak
  Alan Gregerson
  Mary Hoel
  Patty Horton
  Kathleen Kieffer
  Mary Sheehan
  David Stanton
  Paula Strand
  Susan Ward
  Fr. Bill Murtaugh
     Each member of the PPC serves as a liaison to different parish committees:  Liturgy/Music, Parish school, Faith Formation, Youth Ministry, Social Justice, Pastoral Ministry, Stewardship, Administration, Communication, Cemetery, Seniors, Fall Festival, CCW, Circle of Women, Marriage Program. 
     This year PPC will write a job description for a new position:  Director of Volunteers.  This person will also be the responsible  person for usage of the new St. John Centre (rentals, bookings, etc).
     The parish policy manual will be updated. 
     We are planning to celebrate the parish centennial in 2002.  Preparation is beginning now.
     Also, once the St. John Centre is completed, there will be a public dedication (hopefully with the Archbishop present.  We will not use the building until it is formally dedicated for the use of the People of God at St. John's.)
     The PPC has established a new committee:  The Social Life Committee.  It is the hope of the PPC that we (the parish) can come together not only for prayer, study & service but also for fun.  More details as this committee evolves.
     The St. John Centre will have a pre-school in the fall of 2001.  The PPC will work closely with the committee writing policy for this new parish program.
     Last, but by no means last, PPC will oversee the details of the new construction-- hoping that it comes to completion "on time and under budget!"
     If you have concerns/worries/opinions/questions, first go to the right committee so that your concerns/opinions can be brought to the PPC.
     A few members go off PPC each year (3 year term).  If you might be interested in serving the parish in this way, please drop me a line.
     I'll see you next weekend.  I'm on vacation this weekend.

Fr. Bill