May-July 2022

Councils did not meet in June-July

Pastoral Council Minutes, May 17, 2022
Present: Elizabeth Amsberry, Kris Dunkin,Nathan Heitz, Elaine Lawler, Phil Paladino, Father Doug Wathier, ZOOM: Joe Barber. Not Present: Wayne Green
 -Meeting called to order by Nathan Heitz at 7:02 pm.  Father Doug started the meeting with a prayer
-The April 19th Minutes were reviewed. Joe Barber moved to accept minutes, second by   Nathan and approved by the Council.
 
-PHASE 2: Phil Paladino reported that we need a proxy from the Diocese for Fundraising. He will take care of this. Phil also reported that the Co-chairperson of the Phase 2 Committee, Tab Ray, will be moving out of town, so Phil is looking for a new Co-Chair for the Phase 2 Committee.
 
-TERMS: We have two other vacant seats on the Council.  It is strongly encouraged that Parishioners consider serving on the Council to support the Church, but also to learn more about the inner workings of a Parish. Please be in touch with Father Wathier, Dixie, or any of the current Parish Council members if you are interested in serving.

• A special “thank you” to Kris Dunkin for his service and we hope he will continue for another term.
• Deacon Phil will speak at Mass and encourage people who are interested to run for the Council Seats. 

 The Meeting was adjourned at 7:23. Motion by Kris Dunkin, Second by Elizabeth Amsberry.  Next Meeting: August 16, 2022.
 
 Finance Council –  May 17, 2022
Present: Steve Phyfe, Scott Danner, Becky David, Joe Barber, Kelly Flege, Fr Doug Wathier. Also present: Deacon Phil Paladino, Dixie Jacobs.
Monthly Financials:
Bequest Update: The family will pick up the tractor previously agreed upon.  Proceeds from the estate will go toward the building project as previously determined by the councils.
Phase 2 Building Update: The proxy (archdiocesan approval) has been received to begin the fundraising. A proxy and possibly a meeting with the archdiocese will need to be setup to request the building loan. The loan will cover expenses until the pledges are received from donors.
Finance Terms: Joe accepted a second term. Becky W. will be contacted to see if she would be open to a second term.
Discussion:  Angie Beck, faith formation director, has graciously agreed to help us as interim director until we hire a new director. Registration for classes will begin in July. We will start promoting the classes for next year.
The Sadie Byrnes Trust has been providing funding for many years. Originally it was designated for seminarians from St Mary. Fr Pepper worked with the councils and the bank that administers the trust to get it amended for seminarians from St Mary, seminarians from the archdiocese, and the upkeep of stained glass at St Mary. It was suggested to approach the bank to determine if it can be amended to also include building projects at St Mary.
Aug Meeting: Estate update, Phase 2 update, monthly finances, and Byrnes Trust. Meeting adjourned.
 
 
Peace & Justice Committee, June 13, 2022
Present: Lindsey Kuhlmann, Becky David, Ted Mulert, Val King
Guest: Teresa Moerer
 

1. Food Bank Volunteer Day
   1. No date scheduled for June or rest of summer.
   2. Lindsey will schedule in September.
   3. Lindsey will prepare a prayer to begin the morning.
2. Habitat for Humanity - no update per Wayne

3.    Mary’s Meals for Lent - Goal set for $10,000.  Money raised to date per website is $11,753.97 which also includes the $1,000 tithe from Peace and Justice Committee.
4.  Christmas in July

1. Flyer is completed and ready to go.
2. Lindsey will check on the announcement for the bulletin.
3. Lindsey will contact Mollie regarding purchasing supplies.  If Mollie is unable to help, Val will assist Lindsey in purchasing items. 

5. Immigrants from Ukraine - Teresa

1. Teresa has spoken with Megan S. at Catholic Charities regarding donation.
2. There are about 250 Afghan refugees in Cedar Rapids.
3. The Refugee Resettlement Program is separate from Catholic Charities.
4. There is a donation drive this summer for new items for babies and children.  Teresa will get details and place an announcement in the bulletin
5. World Refugee Day is June 20
6. Speakers are available. Suggest a speaker on the topic of “How can individuals help?” and what are volunteer opportunities.  Could be possible education program sponsored by P&J Committee.  Presentation at “Holy Spirits” night?
7. Teresa will continue to monitor refugee status and report updates to P&J committee.  Add Teresa to minutes and agenda emails.

6.  Website

1. The group feels strongly that the minutes of parish meetings and pastoral council should be posted on our parish website.  This is not happening.  Ask Dixie to update Pastoral Council minutes on our website and add S&J minutes.  This is for communication and transparency.
2. Wayne was working on a list of organizations we support for our website. As of today, the list is not on our website.  Will need to follow up with Wayne. 

7. June Tithe:
Local:    Christmas in July - $1000 to purchase needed items
Bremer County Food Bank - $500
Butler County Food Bank - $500
 
State/National: Retrieving Freedom  - $500
  Guiding Star - $1000
  US Catholic Charities - $1000
  NE Iowa Food Bank - $500
 
International:  Caritas - $1000
 Self Help International - $500
 Catholic Legal Immigration Network - $500
 
We discussed the increased needs at the food banks with the state of the economy and wanted to give extra money to help locally and in the state. For next fiscal year, we discussed re-evaluating Caritas and the relationship between it and CRS for our understanding.  For the next meeting, Val will bring information on The Larrabee Center and Becky will bring information on Waverly Health Center program on helping patients with paying bills. We will consider both of these programs as tithe recipients for the next fiscal year.
 
8. Val shared an update from the Waverly newspaper on the Waverly Human Equity and Diversity Commission.  The seven- member commission was created in February 2021.  They offered a couple of programs in June and will be part of Heritage Days this year. 
 
Closing prayer : Ted.  We agreed to skip a meeting in July.  Our next meeting will be August 8, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
 
 
Parish Life Committee, Apr 12, 2022
Present:  Gerri Dix, Mary Jo Stromberg, Helen Melichar, Teresa Moerer, Amy Price, Fr. Wathier
Mary Jo opened the meeting with a prayer.
Mary Jo reviewed and commented on the April minutes
Two Bible study groups are still meeting.    Attendance was down at April “Holy Spirits”.  Good attendance at the Spring Tea.
Agenda Items:

• June Bingo will be held at the June 8 Parish Picnic, not on Saturday.  No bingo in July, August, and September.  Bingo will start up again in October.
• Teresa reported the May Rosary activity will be held at 11:00 in the church on May 14.  Notice was in the bulletin.
• Teresa also reported that she is investigating refugee needs.
• Tea Party will be held again next year. Mini tea sets will be collected and used for centerpieces.
• Senior Breakfast will be held after 10:00 Mass on May 29. Breakfast is open to all, but it is a celebration of                    graduation for seniors.  Gerri will arrange for 12 egg bakes (9x13 pans). Breakfast sausage and rolls will also be served. Set-up will be after 5:15 Mass on May 28.
• Parish Picnic is June 8.  There will be a 6:00 Mass before the 6:30 picnic.  Lynn Darnold has arranged for caterer.  Games like we had last year were discussed.
• VBS is July 10-14.  We are partnering with St. Paul. We may also partner with them for summer story nights. Angie has information on this.
• St. Mary is planning to hold a Bike Rodeo at St. Mary on June 14. St. Paul would be invited.
• A movie night in July is being planned.  St. Paul would also be invited to this.  Simple snacks would be provided.
• A pool party may be scheduled for August.

Mindy will work with Angie on possibly scheduling a Food Truck on a Wednesday night during the summer.
Cards on Thursday afternoons will meet during the summer.
Last “Holy Spirits” May 19. Will be scheduled again in the fall.
Amy Price will begin her term as chair in July.  Mindy graciously agreed to fill the vice-chair post.          
Parish Life will meet in July and August.  Next meeting date:  Thursday, June 9, 2022, at 7 PM.                 
Respectfully submitted,  Helen Melichar