Jan 2026

Pastoral Council Minutes, Jan 20, 2026 @ 7 pm
Present Nathan Heitz (zoom), Elizabeth Amsberry, Mary Jo Stromberg, LuAnn Scallon,  Theresa Buss, Becky David (finance), Ted Mulert (Faith Formation), Phil Plaadino, and Fr Doug Wathier

1. Call to order:  Nathan Heitz at 7 pm. Journey in Faith Prayer led by Father
2. We reviewed and approved as written the Pastoral Council minutes from 11/18/25.   We also reviewed minutes from Finance Council  11/28/25, Faith Formation Commission 11/4/25,  Peace and Justice 10/15/2025, Parish Life minutes 11/10/25. 
3. Becky reported on the latest finance council meeting, noting that offertory “still strong”.    There were some year end, unexpected expenses including furnace repairs, replacing phone system, tractor repairs.    They are in the process of getting bids for parking lot seal. 
4. Journey in Faith – there was a meeting in Jan with the Journey in Faith team, and on Feb 3rd the newest models will be presented to all the priests.   
5. Ted brought to our attention the flow of offertory collection is somewhat cumbersome for some folks, so we had a brief discussion on changing this flow.   Father recommended bringing this to the Liturgy committee.  
6. Next Meeting- Tues Feb 17, 2026 at 7pm 

 
 
Finance Council, Jan 20, 2026
Present: Becky David, Tom Kuhlmann, Adam Losey , Katie Crouse, Regina Peters, John Holden, Fr Doug Wathier. Also present: Deacon Phil Paladino, Dixie Jacobs.
Meeting opened with Journey in Faith prayer.
Monthly Financials: Offertory continues to be strong, about $32,000 above budget year-to-date. We had a few unbudgeted repairs needed including $2100 for snowblower and mower repairs and replacing the office phone system $4200, which was unrepairable. We received a gift of $10,000 for facility needs. This will be deposited in the deposit and loan in Facility Savings.
Update Nave Furnace & Stained Glass: We have not received the bill for the nave furnace blower, Will Kurtt is checking on the invoice. No update on the stained glass.
Parking Lot: The next step on the parking lot will be a top coat of asphalt to seal and prolong its life $128,000 (south lot estimate). This will be done after determining the drainage work stabilized the lot.
Journey in Faith: The priests will review the newest pastorate models in early Feb, and the finalized pastorates will be shared with parishioners in March. The parish meetings provided a lot of feedback, and have been implemented in the pastorate models.
Agenda for Tues, Mar 17. Monthly financials, Journey in Faith, update on nave furnace and stained glass, and preliminary 2026 budget discussion.
 
 
Peace and Justice Minutes for January 12, 2026
Present: Phil Paladino, Sharon Denner, Lindsey Kuhlmann, and Jan Kriener
Opening Prayer: Jan
Legal Protection for the Unborn: Information for 9 day Novena for Life is in gathering space. Mass will be 8AM on Tuesday, January 22 and people are encouraged to pray throughout the day in the Reservation Chapel.
Lenten Project: Sister Water project. Lindsey notified them that our parish is interested in providing a well and she will pass on the information to rest of the committee when she receives it. Committee plans to prepare bulletin board regarding the project at next meeting on February 9th.
Food Bank: Next volunteer day is Saturday February 7th. Lindsey will notify volunteers regarding parking instructions due to construction. .
Tithing: Local: $1,000 to Alternative Pregnancy Center in Waverly (through Knights of Columbus)
National: $1,000 to Birthright and $1,000 to Cedar Valley Friends of the Family
International: $1,500 to Catholic Relief Services
Closing Prayer: Hail Mary
Meeting Adjourned: 7:45PM
Minutes written: Jan Kriener
 
 
Peace and Justice Minutes for February 9, 2026
Opening Prayer: Jan
Food Bank: About 23 helped in February and next volunteer day is March 7th.
Tithing: For international: $1,000 to Mary’s Meals
Lenten Project: During meeting time, bulletin board was made to display information about the Sister Water Project.
Closing prayer: Hail Mary
Next meeting: Monday, March 9th
Minutes written: Jan Kriener
 
 
Parish Life Minutes,  Monday, January 12, 2026
Present:  Mindy Hart, Helen Melichar, Liz Poock, Gerri Dix, Mary Lou Ungs, Amanda Wente                                                                                                              
Meeting called to order by Co-Chair Liz.  Opening Prayer: Liz led  the “Journey in Faith Prayer”
Added to the Agenda:  Update Bingo menu
Review of December Minutes:  No additions or corrections.  Approved
Old Business:
Deck the Halls:   Good attendance.  Lisa Barker helped with the photo booth. She has agreed to be in charge of setting up the booth backdrop next year.  Mariah, with help of high school students,  was in charge of games and activities.  The games were well received. Santa arrived via the police department. When advertising next year’s event the following will be added: “Open to the public”.  Over $700 was raised by the Sweet Shoppe.  This money was donated to the Friends of the Family.  Gerri will check with Dixie to see if the check has been issued.  Discussed the possibility of getting a picture of presenting the check.  This would be put in the bulletin and possibly in the Waverly paper.
Trivia Night:  Was held on January 10.  Liz shared a report from David.   Event was enjoyed by all. WAVP  allowed the group to switch to a smaller room, since there were only 9 teams (3 fewer than last year) with 55 attending.  The smaller room was less expensive.   Hors d'oeuvres were served.  Discussion followed:  Next year possibly schedule the event a bit later in January.  Possibly have a pizza, pop, and puzzle night.  David indicated that he would like to back away from having a major role in this event.  Is there another way to get the questions?  Would David stay on as the emcee?  Amanda indicated that she would be willing to work with Mariah and/or David to develop questions and put the trivia night together.  Trivia night will be put on the February agenda.
New Business:
Mardi Gras:  Friday, February 6.  KC’s will hold the spaghetti supper from 5-7.  Open to the public.  Gerri has ordered the cakes. She also has the Mardi Gras beads.  Lynn has volunteered to help with the games and activities.  Mindy will develop the flyers if the KC’s would like.  Gerri will check with them.
Bingo: February 7.  “Souper” Bowl theme  Mindy will do a flyer and put an announcement in the bulletin. Soup will be served along with garlic bread.  The buns in the freezer will be used for the garlic bread.  There will be a signup for crockpots of soup.  Helen will call for bars.  Mindy shared a possible menu item for another time:  turkey and dressing sandwiches.
Easter Egg Hunt:  March 21.   Gerri will contact Karen to discuss what prizes are needed.  Mary Lou and Liz will be in the kitchen.  Donut holes, apple juice, and milk will be served.
Spring Tea:  April 25. Mindy, Mary Lou and Liz will meet on Saturday, January 24 at 9:00 to plan this event.
Welcome for Transferring Catholics to St. Mary:  Mindy reported that Journey in Faith has created videos that will focus on 1-2 topics each week.  Videos have been developed for parish staff to view and then take the information to various committees. Mindy will report on this topic as a result of watching the videos.
Closing Prayer: Liz led “Hail Mary”
Next Meeting:  Monday, February 9, 2026,  at 7:00PM.   Respectfully submitted,  Helen Melichar