St. Mary Catholic Church
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May 2024

5/21/2024

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Councils don't meet June-July.

St Mary Pastoral Council Minutes 5/21/24
Present:  Leo Beschorner, Michelle Even, Nathan Heitz, Joe Barber, Sandy Risvold, Elizabeth Amsberry, Mary Jo Stromberg, Elaine Lawler, Phil Paladino, Fr. Doug Wathier
Call to order:  Nathan Heitz, 7:00
Prayer:  Fr. Doug Wathier
The minutes of the 4/16/24 Pastoral Council were reviewed.  Motion by Michelle Even, second by Elaine Lawer to accept.  Motion passed.  Minutes from 4/16/24 Finance Council, 5/13/24 Peace and Justice, 4/2/24 and 5/7/24 Faith Formation meeting were reviewed.  Motion by Joe Barber, second by Michelle Even to accept.  Motion passed.  
Finance update was provided by Joe Barber.  The shortfall on offertory has been closed and we expect to hit offertory budget by the fiscal year end.  Investment income is ahead of budget and the operating shortage should be less than expected.  This would result in a lower withdrawal from savings. 
The parking lot has been assessed.  Water getting under the asphalt continues to cause damage.  A proposal to repair the major cracks in the lot was presented.  Asphalt company would cut and remove the damaged areas.  Install drainage tile and immediately resurface.  Cost of approximately $96,000 for asphalt work and $7,000 for tiling.  The second phase would be to dig footings on either side of the south driveway to create an anchor to prevent the lot from sliding down the hill.  Will Kurt will work with volunteers to do this project at an estimated cost of $15,000.  The projects will be completed this summer. 
When complete, the lot may need to be resurfaced in the next 18-24 months.  The repair is expected to add 10 years to the useful life of the lot.  The areas repaired are not expected to overlap with the area near the front entrance that will be reconfigured with the building expansion.  The approximate cost of $118,000 will be withdrawn from general savings.  The remaining savings balance is still in excess of the long-term average balance of $350,000. 
Joe Barber made a motion to proceed with the parking lot repair, second by Leo Beschorner.  Motion passed. 
Phase 2 update was provided by Phil Paladino.  The capital campaign packets are available for pickup after mass.  Any remaining packets will be mailed.  The initial results have been positive.  Receipt of updated pledge packets is expected in 4-6 weeks.  If fundraising is sufficient to proceed with the project prior to the next Pastoral Council meeting in August, an interim meeting or vote will be taken. 
Elaine Lawler was thanked for her years of service on the Pastoral Council.  Elaine thanked the group for their efforts and was proud to be a member.  Nathan Heitz and Elizabeth Amsberry agreed to a 2nd term.  Discussion was had on a replacement member, and it was determined that the opening should be posted in the bulletin. 
With no other business, Joe Barber made a motion to adjourn, second by Sandy Risvold.  Motion passed and the meeting was adjourned at 7:30. 
Minutes by Nathan Heitz.

Finance Council  –  May 21, 2024
Present: Becky David, Joe Barber, Katie Crouse, Scott Danner, Joe Barber, Becky Willson, Fr Doug Wathier. Also present: Deacon Phil Paladino, Dixie Jacobs.
Monthly Financials:  We have made up most of the offertory budget deficit this spring, and are expecting to end on budget. Our utilities are over $3,000 under budget due to a mild winter-spring. The religious education endowment had significant growth; $56,198 of growth was reinvested in the endowment. Becky D. made motion to accept financials as presented; Becky W seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Building & Grounds Committee – Parking Lot: The lot has been deteriorating quickly the past few years due to drainage issues. The proposal is to install drainage tile under the lot and install a retaining wall on the south side of the lot to stabilize the lot for potentially 10+ years. Estimate $118,000. In the future, the lot could be sealed or a thin top coat applied. Scott made a motion to recommend to go forward this proposal; Becky D seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. The recommendation will be taken to the pastoral council.
Building Update: If the building shortfall is met this summer, a special meeting or email vote will be required to proceed to bid or accept a bid. 
Capital Campaign: The information meetings after Masses were lightly attended. Packets for the extension-campaign were handed out to as many parishioners as possible, and members will continue to distribute pledge packets after Masses the next couple weeks. We have 311 households who pledged during the initial campaign, and 23 extension-campaign have been returned. We’re approximately $402,000 short on pledges/gifts.
Aug Meeting: Mini-Capital Campaign update, parking lot update, monthly finances
Faith Formation Commission, August 8, 2024, 6:30pm -7:30pm
Members Present: Sandy Risvold, Natalie Even, Chris Schneider, Becky Prostine, Sue Rand, Mariah Stauffer, Laurie Masters
 1. General updates- Natalie
Totus Tuus went very well, smooth and was a great experience for all. Father’s homilies were AMAZING! Shared an invite with St. Pat’s and had children from their parish attend. Question if it might be possible to coordinate with St. Pat’s for Totus Tuus  on the opposite years we are in charge of VBS with St. Paul’s. Attendance estimated 22 students for day program and 10 for evening program for high school
VBS 66 registrants and was hosted at St. Paul’s
LOTEC for Natalie- Not able to get a youth squad, a lot of interest but no enough committed. No adult group this year. Natalie went with other Faith Formation leaders                   
RCIA program – 4 newly interested and possibly 1 more for the upcoming year. 2 young men are going through the program currently. 
The Archdioceses hosts Faith Formation leadership day every fall and spring. We host this fall and the Archbishop will be here speaking.
 2. Goals/re-evaluations for upcoming year
Adult Faith Formation – Would like to continue to grow this program. Holy Spirits once a month WAVP. Working to plan Faith and Film- three events Sundays from 3-6pm, family event with meal, childcare or movie with kiddos, October/November, Spring, June, movie snacks. 
Children’s Mass- This was an idea from parishioners. Five women from the parish are leading this effort. More to come.
Childcare – Mariah plans to make phone calls to start this planning in moving forward.             
 3. Catechist recruitment process
        Going well so far with new promotion and announcements in Church
            Still looking for more catechists for elementary and MS Edge
4.  Registration forms revamped for online registration. Paper copies are still available. 
5.  Catechetical Sunday
Date in September. Plans being made to encourage and celebrate catechists. Last year, hand-written cards were provided. 
 6.  Coordinating the meal for the FF Parent/family Kickoff on August 28th 5:30-7:30 PM
        Initial plans made for hosting a meal for the families for Faith Formation kickoff.
Next Meeting: Tuesday, September 3rd at 6:30pm
 
Faith Formation Commission, May 7, 2024, 6:30-7:30
Members Present: Fr. Wathier, Sandy Risvold, Natalie Even, Chris Schneider, Becky Prostine, Sue Rand, 
  1.  Evaluate sacrament preparation programs and celebrations
    1. The First Reconciliation and First Communion classes are complete
      1. Natalie discussed the celebration of First Communion during Mass and asked for feedback regarding where children are seated with their families, should the child and the family receive the Eucharist together 
      2. Natalie has sent a feedback survey to Parents 
  2. Evaluate Faith Formation Programs
    1. Laurie, Mariah and Natalie will meet mid-May and then meet with Fr. Wathier to share plans for dates/schedules for the 24-25 year
    2. Elementary programs will remain the same and utilize the second half of the purchased educational materials (first half was used this year). 
    3. EDGE, High School and Confirmation Prep will continue with similar programming
    4. Faith Formation Registration- plans to send out at end of June and again in July/August for reminder
  3. Share planning process for Totus Tuus and VBS
    1. Totus Tuus flyer available and handout will be shared at EDGE this week
      1. Registration is now open on the parish website
      2. Week of June 23rd- Elementary will meet during the day and Middle School and High School in the evening
      3. Before and After daycare offered for elementary sessions
      4. Host families are needed for the Totus Tuus volunteers
      5. Parish volunteers will be needed to help during each session
    2. VBS with St. Paul’s 
      1. Registration link on website
      2. Ages 3yo to 4th grade
  4. Catechist Appreciation Event at Fredrick's
    1. The goal was to build a sense of fellowship. Some catechists attended and those that were unable to attend received Waverly Dollars in the mail. 
  5. Recruitment of Catechists
    1. We may try to incorporate our need for volunteers with the Faith Formation program on the time, talent and treasure  kick off this fall, depending on the timing of it.
    2. Thinking of ways to recruit catechists because of the turnover.  Trying to have them think of it as a ministry and not a commitment while their kids are involved.
  6. Adult Ministry
    1. May have recurring ministries for adults to grow their faith and carry on. 
  7.  The staff attended the online program for Framework for Adult Evangelization and Formation.  Some staff may also attend in person. 
  8.  Christ our Life will be held in September  in Des Moines.  
    1. There is a flier in the hall. Spread the word. 
  9.  High School Ministry for the summer
    1. May try to have the Chosen series watch party weekly to keep high school students involved. 
  10. A survey will be sent to all parents with students in Faith Formation asking for feedback.
The Capital Campaign is extending for 2 years. Need help from committee members to pass out packets after each mass the weekends of May 18th-19th, May 25th-26th, and June 1st-2nd. They will mail out any packets for those who didn't pick up after mass.
 
Peace and  Justice Meeting Minutes, June 13,  2024 @ 7:00 p.m.
Attendance: Lindsey Kuhlmann, Wayne Green, Jan Kriener, Teresa Moerer, Phil Paladino, Val King
7:00 Opening Prayer :  Lindsey
Habitat for Humanity
-       Panel build for a future two-story house was completed on May 22 at TruStage.
 Walking with Moms - Val and Anna have not connected since last meeting.
 Bremer County Family Services
Lindsey contacted and did not hear back
 
United Way Christmas in July
  • Collecting money for school supplies this year. Dixie will make up envelopes for the different levels of giving.
  • We will also collect and transport new shoes
-        Dixie will put in bulletin
A parishioner, Carolyn Johnson, submitted a project called “Ray of Light” for consideration. Church groups finance and make solar kits for Ukraine. We decided we did not have enough information at this time to make a decision. Jan and Lindsey will follow up with Carolyn to get additional information.
Carolyn Johnson also suggested an organization called Human Life International for possible tithing from the parish.. We will evaluate and apply our charity group criteria. All should take a look at the information Carolyn provided and check out the organization on the internet.
Peace and Justice education
-       Lindsey presented and led discussion on Catholic Social Teaching #6 – Solidarity..
-       See the USCCB website for a summary of information presented.
-       We watched a video from the Catholic Relief Services Website.
-       Help others by doing with them and NOT for them.
-       Prayer leads to action.
-        Lindsey will write an article or two on solidarity for the bulletin for the end of June, beginning of July.
No tithing this month.
Closing Prayer: Hail Mary. Meeting adjourned at 8:05
Next meeting is Thursday, July 11 at 7:00 p.m.                        Minutes prepared by: Val King
 
Peace and  Justice Meeting Minutes, July 11,  2024 @ 7:00 p.m
Attendance: Lindsey Kuhlmann, Wayne Green, Jan Kriener, Phil Paladino, Val King
7:00 Opening Prayer :  Wayne
Habitat for Humanity - no report, summer break.
Walking with Moms - no report. Val and Anna have not met.
 Tithing
1.    Mary’s Inn - Its mission is as a maternity home located in Dubuque, Iowa dedicated to the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of single pregnant mothers and their developing babies. It meets two Catholic Social Teachings: Life and Dignity of the Human Person and Rights and Responsibilities of the Human Person. The little financial information available was also reviewed. This organization was approved for addition to the tithing list under “State/National.”
2.    Human Life International - Mission is to defend the God-given right to life and dignity of all human persons from conception until natural death. Strive to train, organize, and equip pro-life leaders around the world. It meets two Catholic Social Teachings: Life and Dignity of the Human Person and Rights and Responsibilities of the Human Person. Being a large, global organization they are able to meet all the financial requirements for a high charity rating. Much of their income goes to salaries and lobbying for pro-life activities. This organization was not approved for addition to the tithing list.
3.    Ray of Life Solar Kits - This is a fairly new group that gathers people together to make solar light kits to be sent to Ukraine. We had questions about the cost of the kits at $125 and the challenges of getting the kits into Ukraine. We think we can better help Ukraine by giving our funds through Catholic Relief Services. This organization was not approved for addition to the tithing list.
 
The current pro-life organizations that we support are Guiding Star and Birthright.
No tithing this month.
Adoration for Peace - we received a recommendation to hold Eucharistic Adoration for Peace. This was referred to the Liturgy Committee. We noted how difficult it is to cover 12 hours of Eucharistic Adoration in January for the Day of Prayer for the Unborn.
Peace and Justice education
-     Jan presented and led discussion on Catholic Social Teaching #5 – Dignity or Work and Rights of Workers
-     Work is an essential part of human dignity.
-     We were given the garden of Eden to cultivate and care for.
-     Work provides purpose and fulfillment.
-     Workers are to be guaranteed productive work, a just wage, good working conditions, and the right to unionize.
-    God is in all of us and all individuals must be respected.
-    Jan will write an article for the bulletin for mid August.
Closing Prayer. Meeting adjourned at 8:15. Next meeting is Thursday, August 8 at 7pm. Minutes prepared by: Val King
 
Parish Life Committee Meeting Minutes,  June 13, 2024,  7PM      
Present:  David Voves, Gerri Dix, Helen Melichar, Mindy Hart, Fr. Wathier                                                         
Meeting called to order by Mindy. Prayer by Mindy. Review May minutes. Thanks to David for taking the minutes in Helen’s absence. No corrections/additions.
Recent Events
May Graduation Events – No Wartburg students attended. Is there a need to change the recognition of Wartburg seniors- time/day for Spring 2025…end of April possibly?  Or possibly in the Fall when seniors are back on campus?  Mariah is planning an event for the beginning of this year.  We will also have welcome back bags in the fall. Possibly recognize seniors in January. Discussion to continue about Spring 2025.  A good group of high school (9) grads attended.  Nine egg bakes were made and two were left.  150 mini cinnamon rolls, although some were not “mini”.  KC’s announced scholarships at the breakfast.                                             
June Parish Picnic – Weather not so good.  Not quite 80 in attendance. Fun night. Food was good.  Kids liked the games.
Upcoming Events:                                                                                                                                                                    
 Fall Dinner:  Sunday, October 13-Ideas were discussed in place of silent auction.   Possibly sell raffle tickets for a playhouse or a shed.  Gambling license would be needed.  Need to speak with KC’s. Maybe make a connection with those who are involved with Habitat for Humanity.  Gerri will speak with Dixie.                                                                                   
Trivia Night: No Bingo in January.  Maybe a trivia night for adults (BYOB) on January 26. Possibly hold it at the Brewery or at the AMVETS.  If held at the church, a liquor license would be needed.                                                            
Other                                                                                                                                                   
 Parish Life Shared Drive: In Google… Is this a possibility? Documents would be “read only.” Gerri will check w/Dixie    
Deck the Halls: Saturday, Dec 14 - Mindy would like to have a committee be in charge of this event.              
David Voves will assume the chair position in August.  Need a Vice-Chair.  Contacts will be made.
Mindy closed the meeting with “Glory Be.” Next meeting:  Monday, August 5 at 7 PM  
Respectfully submitted,  Helen Melichar       


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St Mary Catholic Church
2700 Horton Road
Waverly, IA 50677

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