Pastoral Council Minutes, November 19, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m.
The mission of St. Mary Parish is to make Christ real in our Communities by  living the Gospel, worshipping together and serving others.
Present: Elizabeth Amsberry, Leo Beschorner, Nathan Heitz, Val King, LuAnn Scallon, Mary Jo Stomberg, Dixie Jacobs, Phil Paladino, Fr. Doug Wathier
Call to order: Nathan Heitz at 7:00p.m.                                    Prayer: Fr. Doug Wathier
We reviewed and approved as written the Pastoral Council minutes from 10/15/24 and the  Finance Council meeting minutes of 10/15/24. We also reviewed and approved as written minutes from the 10/14/24 and 11/11/24 Peace and Justice Committee and the 10/21/24 Parish Life Committee.
Finance Council  - Dixie Jacobs

• The monthly financials are looking good. Offering collection was strong in October. Utilities were within budget.
• The parking lot retaining wall is in. The rest of this project will be completed next spring in conjunction with the installation of the covered entrance.
• Building pledges continue to come in as scheduled. Our write off percentage is very low – less than 5%.

Building Update

• Two air conditioning units are leaking and moving the other 3 units will be hard on the units. The decision has been made to replace all 5 units.
• An electric furnace is in the plans. Because our electric bills are so high, we are investigating putting in a gas furnace instead.
• Flooring that will not need to be stripped and waxed on a regular basis is going to be placed in hallways and bathrooms at an additional cost of approximately $4000. This will save many dollars in labor in the years ahead.
• The cost of hanging a stained-glass window at the west end of the current south vestibule is being investigated. It will be more cost effective to hang this in front of the windows that will replace the doors in that area.
• It has been decided to leave the brick and stone exterior wall in the new hallway.
• We project the classrooms will be in use by late spring 2025.
• The “flat” roof has been a concern raised by parishioners. The roof actually has a sufficient slope for water drainage.

Archdiocese survey

• A link and QR code will be included in the Advent flyer sent out to parishioners and bulletin announcements.
• The survey is quite long and will probably take more time than the suggested 20 minutes. It has to be completed all at once.
• We need to encourage others to take the survey.
• The results of the survey will be used by the Diocese for parish planning.

The parish seems to be growing! Good group of Wartburg students has been attending Masses.
As there were no further items for discussion, we adjourned at 7:30.
No December meeting. The next meeting is Tuesday, January 21, 2024 at 7:00p.m.                                                            Minutes prepared by Val King

Finance Council  –  Nov 19, 2024
Present: Joe Barber, Katie Crouse, Becky Wilson, John Holden, Adam Losey, Fr Doug Wathier. Also present: Deacon Phil Paladino, Dixie Jacobs.
Monthly Financials: Offertory continues to be strong; it is about $2000 above budget-to-date. We received our 6mo. interest on savings at the Archdiocesan deposit & loan. Unrestricted savings interest was almost $8000 and building savings interest was almost $16,000. No extraordinary expenses to report. Utilities had been running slightly above budget, but with the mild weather, utilities are at budget levels. Discussion on the utilities with the addition will continue in January to determine impact on budget. Less than 5% of pledges were written-off; much less than the typically capital campaign.
Building & Grounds Committee – Parking Lot: The drainage tile will be installed in the spring when the canopy and south entrance work is done.
Building Update: Two of the five current air conditioning units. Acquiring bid for replacement of units. Recommendation is to replace all five units. They are all original to building. Due to their age, they are like to have or develop issues from age and moving them during the addition construction can cause leaks on old units. The additions furnace will be electric. We are researching the cost of substituting a gas furnace, because our electric bills are so high. This may not be feasible as the unit may already be in production. A few change orders have been approved including upgrading the addition’s hall floors to vinyl plank $4000 which will not need to be stripped or waxed and windows upgrade $2250 to prevent future water-infiltration. An angel stained glass from the old church (stored in attic) was to installed in the vestibule. This was not included in the bid; researching cost of this installation. Had concern about leaving exterior brick in hallway; construction crew suggested replacing it with drywall would be more practical. After a discussion on the added cost, the architects and construction crew decided the brick would remain.
Jan Meeting: Building update, review utility budget mid-year, monthly finances

 
Parish Life Minutes, Monday, December 9, 2024
Present:  Mindy Hart, David Voves, Mariah Stauffer, Liz Poock, Mary Lou Ungs, Fr. Wathier, Helen Melichar                                                                                                        
Meeting called to order by David, Chairperson
Opening Prayer: Mariah, Vice-Chair
Review of November Minutes:  No additions or corrections
Old Business
Wartburg Finals Outreach- Treat bags provided to Wartburg students during masses of 12/7 & 12/8 were well received.
December 7 Bingo:  Candy Cane Theme - 70 people in attendance with many new faces, 4 confirmation students who called bingo did a nice job; Gerri made maid rites and Helen arranged desserts; Gerri, Lynn Darnold and Mary Lou Ungs helped serve meal.
Fresh Christmas Wreath Making Class; Thursday, December 5 - 13 people in attendance; soup prepared by 4 volunteers, lots of wreath embellishments donated; participants shared laughter and enjoyed the evening.  It was suggested that we do this again in 2025.
New Business
Deck the Halls (Mindy)
-Saturday, December 14, 9:30-11:30; Santa’s arrival at 10:00, no buddy
-Gerri will take photos w/ Santa; Mindy’s Gingerbread Shoppe Backdrop. She will 
  need help with the sign up sheets for this activity.
-Planning for 70 kids w/ 3 different crafts for each child; Mariah checking on having
  high school students help on December 11 to prepare the materials and again on
  Saturday during the event.  
-Grace Ivey has games, will secure the volunteers, and will put together goodie bags.
  She has asked the KC’s for a donation; $100 Budget
-Mary Lou, Liz P., Helen, and Amy P. will work in the Sweet Shop.  Nestle to donate   
  hot chocolate; Gerri has purchased the following: marshmallows, chocolate chips,
  whipped cream and sprinkles.  Still need more bakers.  There will be an 
  announcement at week-end masses and also on facebook.
-Still need volunteers for the decorating/set-up (Dec. 13 at 2:00) and for cleanup. Also, need door prizes for kids….possibly Christmas books, nativity sets, etc. 
- Need to check with someone to take photos of the day’ activities.  Gerri will be busy   
  taking the photos with Santa.
- There will be an article in the newspaper.
Trivia Night: (No Bingo in January)   January 11                                                                           Location: Fredericks @ No Charge with 60+ people . Teams of 6, $ 30 /team;Maximum of 60 people.  Mariah will put out a “Save the Date” announcement.  She has designed a flyer.  May be able to do online registration.  Discussed a way to invite the different church councils to see if they would want to put together a team. Information will be in the Dec. 21, 28 and Jan. 6 bulletins.  Mariah and David in charge of Trivia Night.  Checking on the possibility of having a trophy.  Helen will get back to them.  Possibly will have “phone Father” opportunity.          
Update on Archdiocese Survey (Father)                                  Began December 5 and will go through early January.  There will be a record of how many complete the survey.  There are two computers  and a tablet in the gathering hall for people to use to complete the survey.  There are paper copies that can be completed and put in the collection baskets.  There is also a QR code in the bulletin that can be used.  It will take about 10-15 minutes to complete the survey.  Results will be back in March. To date, 4000 surveys have been completed within the archdiocese.  Results will be used for planning within the archdiocese and the local parishes.
Closing Prayer:  “Hail Mary”  Father Wathier.  Next Meeting: Monday, January 13, 2025
 
 Peace and  Justice Meeting Minutes, December 9,  2024 @ 7:00 p.m.
The Peace and Justice Committee seeks to mobilize the St. Mary community to care for the  poor and marginalized in the name of Jesus through the lens of our Catholic faith.
Attendance: Lindsey Kuhlmann, Wayne Green, Phil Paladino, Jan Kreiner, Val King
7:00 Opening Prayer :  all
Food Bank - The next 2 Saturday Food Bank Work Days are January 4th and February 1st.
Habitat for Humanity - 
House of hope partnership work w/ them to help women
103 families served
71 home repairs
2025 goal 114 families
723 families helped since beginning (1990) 
Need volunteering b/c of aging
Spring/Fall volunteer projects??
Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children - check with Mollie and Natalie for Liturgy committee plans for January 2nd. Lindsey will email the Peace & Justice committee to update them before the next meeting in January.
Rice Bowl for lent? YES
Taking a hiatus from Mary’s Meals in 2025
Monthly group discussions in 2025
Establish Talking points
Bulletin articles begin again in January
No Tithe
Closing Prayer – Phil.  Next meeting is Mon, Jan 13 at 7:00 p.m. Minutes prepared by: Lindsey Kuhlmann
 

No Meetings in December

Pastoral Council Minutes, October 15, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m.
Present:  Elizabeth Amsberry, Leo Beschorner, Michelle Even (ZOOM), Nathan Heitz, Val King, LuAnn Scallon, Mary Jo Stomberg (ZOOM), Sandy Risvold, Becky David, Phil Paladino, Fr. Doug Wathier                
Call to order:      Nathan Heitz at 7:00 p.m.                           Prayer:       Fr. Doug Wathier
We reviewed and approved as written the Pastoral Council minutes from 9/17/24. The Finance Council meeting minutes of 9/17/24 were reviewed and approved as written with the notation that John Holden and Joe Barber were not in attendance at this meeting.
We also reviewed minutes from the 9/12/24 Peace and Justice Committee and the 10/1/24 Faith Formation Commission. Both approved as submitted.
 
Finance Council: Becky David reported that monthly financials are looking good. Offering has been strong being $2000  ahead of budget. Taxes came in at $37,500 which is a little less than the budgeted amount of $42,000. Utilities have been a little high.   Building pledges coming in as scheduled. We are not expecting to write off much (less than 5%). The first invoice of $130,000 has been received and will be paid next week.
 
Phase 2:  The project is ahead of schedule with plans to break through the wall into the current building sometime in December. Walls are up and they are starting on the roof. There have been three minor change orders. One actually saves us some money. The contractor meets with staff on Tuesdays. The meetings are short and informative. Town halls are planned for November with pie after the Saturday evening Mass and donuts available on Sunday morning. We still need to purchase some furniture and this is being worked on. Once the addition is completed, the plan is to move classes out of the conference room.
 
Confirmation is this Saturday, October 19 at 10:00 a.m. with Archbishop Zinkula. There are 20 students to be confirmed this year and a new group of 26 starting up to be confirmed next year. The confirmation students will be presenting about the saints on November 1 at “Saints and Subs” following Mass.
 
As there were no further items for discussion, we adjourned at 7:20.  The next meeting is Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.            .              Minutes prepared by Val King
 
Finance Council  –  Oct 15, 2024
Present: Becky David, Joe Barber, Katie Crouse, Becky Wilson, John Holden, Adam Losey, Fr Doug Wathier. Also present: Deacon Phil Paladino, Dixie Jacobs.
Monthly Financials: Offertory continues to be strong; it is about $2000 above budget-to-date. We received our 6mo. interest on savings at the Archdiocesan deposit & loan. Unrestricted savings interest was almost $8000 and building savings interest was almost $16,000. Utilities running slightly above budget. No extraordinary expenses to report. Discussion on importance of keeping expenses within budget, and the added utility and upkeep cost of the addition.
Building & Grounds Committee – Parking Lot: The parking lot retention walls has been completed. The drainage tile will be installed in the spring when the canopy and south entrance work is done.
Building Update: The foundation work is a few days ahead of schedule. Finance will put on budgeting process the added cost of insuring, heating and cooling the new addition when it is complete. The bid did not include furniture, but the staff procured enough classroom chairs and wipe-off boards for the classrooms for free or fraction-of-cost from schools/businesses’ donations and online auctions. The canopy at the south entrance will begin in April, weather permitting, when the beams arrive.
Nov Meeting: Building update, review utility budget mid-year, monthly finances
 
Faith Formation Commission, October 1, 2024, 6:30- 7:30 PM
Members Present: Father Wathier, Natalie Even, Sandy Risvold, Sue Rand, Jess Hass. Guest: Mollie Muntefering

1. Opening Prayer

1. Mollie talked about possibly starting a smaller version of LOCTEC that would be within a few hours from here and a 3 day trip from Friday through Sunday.

• This would be a hiking weekend similar to LOTEC. It is in the initial phase and Mollie is working on getting a committee together. The goal is to start planning in January. One example of a location would be around the Mississippi River or Pike’s Peak. 

1. All Saints Day - Friday, November 1st

• There will be mass at 6:00 pm followed by the “Saints and Subs”. Confirmation students will be booths again showcasing their saint. There will be subs to eat.

1. Advent materials: We are planning on giving books again this Advent.

• There is a need for some to be in larger print

1. Faith Formation Numbers

• Elementary: 115 kids  (55 kids in 5:00 session and 60 in 6:30 session)
• Edge has 79 kids

            - Faith Formation Commission thinks it’s better to leave the 5th graders with   
              Edge instead of moving them with the Elementary. In Edge, they start as a 
              large group, then break into smaller groups with a Catechist that they will have 
              for the school year. This way they can continue to build relationships.

• They did serve pizza for Edge last time. The pizza cost $153 and they collected $112.75.
• High School Youth: 28 enrolled for topic night/game night. These alternate.

           - The High School youth can give ideas for topics to discuss.

• Confirmation: 21 are getting Confirmed this fall, there are 26 enrolled for the new group starting this winter.

1. Thoughts on Bibles and Catechisms  

• Right now, the church provides each Confirmation student a Bible. We may change this by giving a Bible to all 7th graders to help deepen their faith at an earlier age. There were ideas discussed on how to keep the Bible safe since they would need to bring it back and forth from home. Using leftover cinch bags, making a cover on a paperback, buying one that comes in a box and with gilding, etc were some ideas for the Bibles. 
• If we implement this, we would need to do a catch up year by giving all 7th  - 12th grade a Bible, unless they are in Confirmation. By doing this with a paper cover, it would be $112 over the budget.This is still in the planning stages and will look into costs of some of the other options.

1. Summer Camps and Conferences

• There are several camps and conferences that are available.

            -Steubonville Conferences
           - Catholic Heart Work Camp
           - Damascus Youth Summer Camp
           -Notre Dame Vision
           -One Bread, One Cup

• These will be discussed more at a later date.

1. Closing Prayer

Next Meeting is Tuesday, November 5th at 6:30 - 7:30 pm.
 
Peace and  Justice Meeting Minutes, October 14,  2024 @ 7:00 p.m.
Attendance: Lindsey Kuhlmann, Wayne Green, Phil Paladino, Teresa Moerer, Val King
7:00 Opening Prayer :  Teresa
Food Bank - The next 2 Saturday Food Bank Work Days are November 2 and December 7.
Habitat for Humanity - They are having an open house in the office and warehouse on Tuesday this week at 3:30 to show off their recent remodeling.
Respect Life Month - Jan submitted articles for the bulletins during October.
Tithing - no monthly tithing.  We did approve a $500 tithe to Catholic Relief Services for the hurricane victims in the United States (local/national). This can be included with the collection that is being held for this in the parish.
Peace and Justice education
Wayne presented on the Catholic Social Teaching #4 - Option for the Poor and Vulnerable. He reviewed his 2024 trip to Honduras to work on the Sister Water Project.
The Sister Water Project serves very poor areas in Tanzania and Honduras by putting in wells or water systems. They partner with World Vision to involve local people in the project. Villagers came out to greet them when they arrived and provided great hospitality throughout the project.
The people plant, hoe, and harvest by hand. Oxen are used. They grow beans, corn, and bananas. They use river and spring water. They did not have water in their village or homes. Wayne helped the group put in a piping system to transport water from a spring to the village.
Two things he learned:   Don’t need much to be happy.  Don’t need much to be generous.
We discussed doing a bulletin board in November for the Sister Water Project much like we do for Mary’s Meals during Lent. Val is willing to help put this together. Wayne will provide pictures and a map.
Next meeting is Monday, November 11 at 7:00 p.m.                   Minutes prepared by: Val King
 
Peace and  Justice Meeting Minutes, November 11,  2024 @ 7:00 p.m.
Attendance: Lindsey Kuhlmann, Wayne Green, Phil Paladino, Teresa Moerer, Jan Kriener, Val King
7:00 Opening Prayer :  “prayer for the other” from CRS
Food Bank - A group of about 15 participated on November 2, sorting food for Thanksgiving baskets. They expect to provide food to 4000 families throughout northeast Iowa. The Food Bank has put us down for the first Saturday of each month in 2025.
Habitat for Humanity -

1. A house at 608 Independence Avenue in Waterloo has been upgraded and “regifted” to Habitat by the daughters of the original owner. It will be used for traveling nurses to stay.
2. Blueprint Program - a graduate from this financial training program got a loan from a local bank.
3. There were 2 house dedications in Oct and another 2 planned for November.

CAN Update - Dixie provided an update of the Caring Assistance Network (CAN) program which is a collaboration between 6 local churches that was established in December of 2023 to coordinate the delivery of community resources to individuals and families residing in the greater Waverly area. St. Mary has helped financially this year and last for administrative costs ($1500 tithe, $1500 budget).
All local requests for assistance come through CAN. This saves persons from having to make multiple calls for assistance. One call is made to the Community Outreach Specialist at the Waverly-Shell Rock Area United Way who guides individuals to the resources to meet their needs. CAN also saves staff hours at the churches and prevents an individual from abusing the system by requesting resources from multiple churches.
Sisters Water Project - pictures received today from Wayne. Dixie will print for us. Val will type up and print the text. Jan and Val will put the bulletin board together on Thursday, November 14.
Mary’s Meals - Phil received a thank you packet from Mary’s Meals. He sent it out to committee members. Lindsey will work with Dixie to pass on this thank you to parishioners.
January Prayer for the Unborn - This includes 12 hours of adoration. We have had a challenge in covering these hours in the past years. Phil referred us to Natalie and Molly as they may have some additional ideas to get some of the youth involved. It is on a Wednesday in 2025. Lindsey will check with Natalie and Molly.
 
 
St. Mary Parish Life Committee, October 21, 2024    7PM      
Present:  David Voves, Gerri Dix, Helen Melichar, Mary Lou Ungs, Mindy Hart, Fr. Wathier, and Mariah Stauffer via Zoom   
 Meeting called to order by David. Prayer was given by David.   
 Review of September  minutes. No corrections/additions.
Old Business:                                                                                                                                                                    

• Bingo:  Oct 5:  66 attended; Pumpkin themed. Seasonal prizes were a hit. Four confirmation students called the games and helped serve the meal. A nice job was done by all.                       
• Trivia Night: Mindy has yet to call about location for January.

New Business:  
No Bingo on November 2:  All Soul’s  Day.
November 1: Saints and Subs    Subs and chips will be served. Gerri will arrange for the subs. Helen will call for bars.  Information will be in the bulletin.   
Building Campaign Thank You :  November 6/7 after Mass.  Information will be in the bulletin.  Sunday:  “Stick Around for the Sticky Bun” caramel rolls…Lynn and Gerri will arrange.  Saturday night:  “Get the Scoop” stay for pie and ice cream.  Gerri will put out a signup sheet for pies.  We will need 7 or 8.
 Deck the Halls:  December 14    Still looking for help.  Mary Lou, Liz Poock, and Helen will be in the kitchen.  Gerri will take the pictures with Santa.  Money from the sweet shop will go to support parish life events.  Mary Lou will create a list.  Most of the funds will be used for food. 
Wartburg  Outreach:  Finals Week bags will be handed out weekend of Dec 7-8.   Nov 3 will be a 5PM Mass. 
Focus Groups:   Discussed the need to identify groups of demographics for a verbal survey.  Possible age ranges:  18-30, 30-45, 46-60, 60+.  Focus of discussion with individuals would be how to get involved with parish life.  Question as to who would be doing the survey.    This will happen after the first of the year.
Father closed meeting with “Hail Mary”.    Next meeting:  Monday, November 11, at 7 PM  
Respectfully submitted,  Helen Melichar