August 2022

Pastoral Council Minutes,  August 16, 2022 @ 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: Ellizabeth Amsberry, Leo Beschorner, Michelle Even, Nathan Heitz, Val King, Elaine Lawler, Mary Jo Stomberg, Joe Barber, Phil Paladino, Father Doug Wathier
Meeting called to order:  Nathan Heitz at 7:02 p.m.
Prayer: Father Doug
Minutes from May 17 approved as written
Elections for 2023 Fiscal Year:  Nominated and approved by unanimous vote: Chair – Nathan Heitz, Vice Chair – Michelle Even, Secretary – Val King
 
BEQUEST:

1. Income from first auction was $61,445.
2. The second auction has just completed with estimated proceeds of around $30,000.
3. The third action will begin in a week or so and is mainly tools.
4. We will close on the property in September and buyer will take possession.
5. Property taxes on property due in September.

 
PHASE 2:

1. Capital campaign: Kim and Chuck Mashek are co-chairs, Phil shared the logo.
2. On September 10 and 11, we will announce at each Mass information on the capital campaign.
3. We will then send a letter to all parishioners the following week.
4. In October, we will have an event for all parish leaders so they have the information to address any questions and concerns from members of the parish.
5. Volunteer members of the parish will distribute pledge packets in November prior to Thanksgiving. They will also collect the packets with pledges and/or donations.
6. Goal $1.5 million and additional $200,000 for an additional classroom.  Approximately $350,00 has been raised to date.  Any unrestricted bequests will go to the capital campaign.
7. We need ½ of the cash in hand and commitment for the total in order to begin digging in the spring of 2024.

 
Peace and Justice Tithing
Last year the Peace and Justice Committee (P & J Committee) requested authority to submit monthly tithes directly to the Business Manager for prompt payment instead of waiting for the approval of the Pastoral Council each month. All organizations that we tithe to are reviewed yearly by the P & J Committee to determine they continue to meet our guidelines and contribute to the scope of the P & J Committee’s mission statement. Nathan Heitz motioned that we continue to give the P & J Committee authority to submit tithes directly to the Business Manager for prompt payment and to give the Pastoral Council a quarterly update. Mary Jo Stromberg seconded the  motion. All agreed and the motion passed.
Adjournment:  Nathan Heitz at 7:30. Minutes prepared by Val King
 
Finance Council –  Aug 16, 2022
Present: Steve Phyfe, Becky Willson, Becky David, Joe Barber, Kelly Flege, Fr Doug Wathier. Also present: Deacon Phil Paladino, Dixie Jacobs.
Chair/Vice: Joe Barber was elected unanimously as chair; and Steve Phyfe was elected as vice unanimously.
Monthly Financials: Offertory is on budget, and no unusual expenses to report. The religious education endowment experienced a $10,036 loss (6mo.) Jan-June 2022. It had a $17,000 gain the first 6 mo., so it still ended with fiscal year with a gain. The fund has a balance of $420,545; of this $218,126 is principal and cannot be spent.
Bequest Update: The property has been sold for $185,000, and the closing will be in Sept to allow time to complete auctions. The first auction of three had net proceeds of $61,445. The next two auctions are expected to raise about half of the first one.
Phase 2 Building Update:  The capital campaign committee is meeting, and the campaign will begin in October.
Finance Terms: Becky Wilson accepted a second term.
Byrnes Trust: Dixie contacted the bank handling the Sadie Byrnes trust. It has a balance of $250,000, which provides an annual stipend for Mass intentions for the family, supports seminarians of the archdiocese, and stained glass upkeep for St Mary. Last year, eight seminarians received $2,000 each toward their tuition. The fund is just keeping up with its current designations, and is very unlikely to be altered to include building projects for St Mary.
Aug Meeting: Estate update, Phase 2 update, monthly finances,
Meeting adjourned.
 
 
Faith Formation Commission, Tuesday, August 2, 2022
Members Present: Fr. Doug Wathier, Angie Beck, Becky Prostine, Mariah Stauffer, Sue Rand, Ted Mulert, Jessica Hass, and Sandy Risvold
Meeting Notes:

1. Opening Prayer
2. Introductions
3. Nominations and appointments for Chair, Vice-Chair, and Recorder
   1. Chair: Sandy Risvold
   2. Vice-Chair: Chris Schneider
   3. Recorder: Jessica Hass
4. Faith Formation Programs
5. Pray and Play (4 year olds): look into Fr. Mike Schmitz’s Bible in a Year podcast as a possible option for the upcoming year
6. Discussed ongoing Faith Formation options following Confirmation in order to keep high school students active in their faith. Mariah Stauffer will be leading this group.
7. Children’s Liturgy of the Word- possibly between 8:00 and 10:00 Mass on Sundays from 9:00-10:00
8. Upcoming events include movie night, bike rodeo, and talent fair
9. Closing Prayer
10. Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 6, 2022, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

 
 
Faith Formation Commission, Tuesday, September 6, 2022
Members Present: Angie Beck, Chris Schneider, Sue Rand, Sandy Risvold, and Jessica Hass
Meeting Notes:

1. Opening Prayer
2. Program Updates
   1. New Confirmation group will begin in January for students currently in 9th grade, as well as older students who have missed
3. Faith Formation Goals
   1. Elementary programs- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd- was expensive and not feasible to continue training staff; materials have been kept and are used when possible; Gospel Weeklies used regularly
   2. Middle School program (Edge) is divided into grade levels with at least two teachers per grade level team
   3. Attendance taken to track participation of students and volunteers
   4. Provide group event/adventure opportunities for students after Confirmation; these students can also join religious education at other churches with similar religious 
   5. Children’s Liturgy of the Word- during 10:00 a.m. Mass throughout school year; begin recruiting volunteers
   6. First and Communal Reconciliation will take place within a couple of weeks after Ash Wednesday, closer to First Communion
   7. Adult Faith Formation- continue Holy Spirits, possibly do “Catechism in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz” podcast
4. Closing Prayer
5. Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 4, 2022, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.