Councils did not meet in June-July

Pastoral Council Minutes, May 16, 2023 @ 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, Michell Even (ZOOM), Nathan Heitz, Val King, Elaine Lawler, Mary Jo Stromberg, Steve Phyfe, Sandy Risvold, Phil  Paladino, Father Doug Wathier
Call to order:      Nathan Heitz at 7:00 p.m.
Prayer:                 Father Doug
 
We reviewed and approved minutes from the April Pastoral Council with the addition of Elaine Lawler as present on ZOOM. April minutes will be so amended.  We then reviewed and approved the minutes in the packet from the April Finance Council and the May Faith Formation Commission.
 
Finance Council

1. The Archdiocese notified the Parish that “the Central Endowment Fund has experienced a gain of approximately 14% during the 6 months ending March 31, 2023. This is a 6-month return, equating to an annualized return of approximately 28%. Coupled with the loss from the previous 6-month period, the return for the last year was a loss of approximately 1.65%. Despite this loss, the fund has earned approximately 5% annualized over the last 5 years. More importantly, given the long-term nature of these funds, the annualized return since the funds was established on January 1, 1991 has been approximately 6.9%.” On May 1, St Mary received a deposit into our account of $49,178.98.
2. The updated tractor proposal includes a $10,000 trade-in on the old tractor which is determined to be a good price and 84-month, no interest financing.   
3. We have made modifications to the furnace venting and the improved functioning should extend the life of the furnaces. The $8000 for new furnaces has been removed from the budget.
4. The 2023/24 budget was accepted as presented with the above changes noted.

 
PHASE 2:

1. The architects are not ready yet with drawings.
2. Once completed, we will send the drawings to the Archdiocese for approval and final tax allotment. 
3. Then parish informational meetings will be held.
4. We still plan to accept bids in August and begin digging in October.

 
OPEN POSITIONS:

1. We still have not filled our open positions. Six parishes in the Archdiocese are looking for Faith Formation Directors.
2. Lori Masters has willing agreed to expand her role. Mariah Stauffer is discerning whether to increase her duties. Angie Beck is moving to Waterloo and will probably decrease her duties.
3. There are 248 participants in Faith Formation this year which is up slightly from previous years.

 
Meeting adjourned at 7:25.  Next meeting is August 22, 2023  Minutes prepared by Val King

Faith Formation Commission Meeting Minutes,  Tuesday, May 2, 2023
Members Present: Fr. Wathier, Angie Beck, Sue Rand, Sandy Risvold, Laurie Masters, Jessica Hass
Meeting Notes:
1. Opening prayer
2. Questions from Building Committee
     a. Folding partition/wall between Classrooms A206 and A203
             i. If there is enough funding for Optional Classroom A203, it is the Faith Formation Commission’s recommendation that it be combined with Classroom A206 as one large classroom.
       b. Sinks are highly desired in all new classrooms
       c . Classroom flooring- carpet in all new classrooms is requested. Do not do partial hard floor, partial carpet.
3. Faith formation program updates from Angie
       a. Low attendance recently due to spring extra-curricular activities
       b. Half of next year’s materials have been ordered (two-year curriculum cycle)
       c. 3 students attending NCYC (proceeds from Fish Fry will provide funds)
       d. Upcoming movie nights
       e. Bonfires this summer
       f. VBS- get middle school students involved to volunteer; have a youth night for volunteers
        g. Get Faith Formation registration for next year out in time to send home at VBS
4. Next meeting in August
5. Closing prayer

Peace and  Justice Meeting Minutes, June 12, 2023 @ 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: Ted Mulert, Wayne Green, Jan Kriener, Teresa Moerer, Val King
Opening Prayer :  Wayne @ 7:00
Habitat for Humanity

• Six houses are being rehabbed in Waterloo and one in Independence.
• On May 24, there was a “panel build” at CUNA  when 40 volunteers built internal and external walls of a house. These will be used for a future house in Bremer County.
• It is a bigger challenge to build houses in smaller communities in Black Hawk, Bremer, Butler, and Buchanan counties.

Christmas in July - Committee members approved doing the project this year.
“Walking with Moms in Need'' - tabled until the next meeting in Phil’s absence as he was going to do some follow-up.
Fall Program Ideas

• Have a P&J kick off: Are you breathing? Are you Catholic? Then social justice is    your concern. It is the concern of the whole church.

-      Base social justice program on book by Bishop Barron, “This is My Body: A Call to Eucharistic Revival”. Teresa will order books and let committee members know when available. We agreed we will all read the book before deciding if we want to use it.
-      Do a program between 9 and 10 a.m. masses.
-      How do we currently serve our own parishioners during times of death, illness, and other life crises?
-      Importance of priest’s involvement?
-      Perhaps do in conjunction with “Holy Spirits” Thursday.
-      Bread for the world letter writing campaign. Best to respond to specific bills in the legislation.
-      Support for the Walking with Moms program if the parish should choose to implement this program.
 4th Quarter FY 2023:
Local:  The Larrabee Center - $1000  (117 11th Street NW, Waverly, Iowa 50677)
State/National: Catholic Charities - $1000
***Transfer $1000 from National fund to Immediate Needs fund
International: Catholic Relief Services (USA) - $1000
                    ***Transfer $1000 from International fund to Immediate Needs fund
We discussed and recommend that the percentage per category be updated as follows:

• Immediate Needs 2.3%
• Local 1.6%
• State/National 2%
• International 2%

We will review and update our donation list in August.
Next meeting is July 10 @ 7:00 p.m. Closing Prayer @ 8:10 - Our Father.  Minutes prepared by: Val King
 
Peace and  Justice Meeting Minutes, July 10, 2023 @ 7:00 p.m.
Attendance: Ted Mulert, Jan Kriener, Teresa Moerer, Lindsey Kuhlman, Val King Opening Prayer :  Val @ 7:05
Food Bank

• Saturday, September 9, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
• Lindsey will take care of bulletin and website announcements.

Christmas in July
-      $1000 approved for purchasing items in addition to the donated items by parishioners.
-      Lindsay and Mollie will do the shopping.
“Walking with Moms in Need'' - tabled until the next meeting in Phil’s absence as he was going to do some follow-up.
Webinar by Just Faith Ministries entitled “Tools for Transformation” was attended by Teresa, Lindsey, Jan, and Val. Three transformations:

• Individuals.
• Parish.
• World. How does our faith intersect with the world?

Just Faith Ministries offers and assists parishes to present programs that they offer on social justice, ecojustice, and communication. All programs are fee-based depending on the number of participants and are available if we wish to pursue.
 
Fall Programming - more brainstorming

• “Shout Out” looking for new members.

-      “Principles of Catholic Social Teaching” articles in the bulletin and the website. Ask, “Can you think of a way to address this teaching over the next month?”
-      Send letters to “Impact” people.
-      Homebound involvement by having them pray for those on Angel Tree and first communicants.
-      Archdiocese contact - Val will check the Archdiocese website.
-      Explaining why we do things in relation to Catholic Social Teaching.
-      Bills in the legislature presented to parishioners with content. Can the Iowa Catholic Conference help with this?
-      Bingo night.
-      Explore pregnancy services in the area.
-      Worksheet/survey for parishioners. What do you want to see happen?
-      All committee members read the book by Bishop Robert Barron, “This is My Body: A Call to Eucharistic Revival” by August meeting. Books were left in the office for Phil and Wayne.
-      What is our action plan?

• How do we get started?
• Script to recruit new members
• Bulletin/website articles:  What we do.  Principles of Catholic Social Teaching.  Picture of Christmas in July donations.
• Work with the Faith Formation Committee.
• Teresa and Val will meet to begin drafts to share with the group.

No tithing this month.
Next meeting is August 14 @ 7:00 p.m. Be prepared to review our charitable organizations list that can be found on Google Docs under Charity Rating Info https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XbkzoVTlX1dv1g3WdJGJuPRKn4DpyP_K?usp=sharing
Closing Prayer @ 8:20.  Minutes prepared by: Val King
 
Peace and  Justice Meeting Minutes, August 14, 2023 @ 7:00 p.m.
Attendance: Ted Mulert, Jan Kriener, Teresa Moerer, Wayne Green, Phil Paladino, Val King
Opening Prayer :  Ted @ 7:05
Food Bank

• Saturday, September 9, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
• Lindsey will take care of bulletin and website announcements.

Habitat for Humanity

• Wayne played two short videos showing before and after pictures of 2 homes rehabbed on Church Row in Waterloo. Amazing transformations! A family will be placed in the homes through Habitat or the homes will be sold on the market if a good family match cannot be found.

“Walking with Moms in Need'' - No report. Phil will follow up.
Continued discussion on incorporating our Peace and Justice ministry into parish life..

• Just Faith Ministries has programs available for purchase, if we choose to go  that route.
• Reviewed lists in previous minutes.

-      Val located the name of the Archdiocesan contact on their website - Deacon Brian Zeman, Director of Life, Earth, and Social Justice Ministry
-      We discussed the book by Bishop Robert Barron, “This is My Body: A Call to Eucharistic Revival”. While the book offered some connections we can draw on between Eucharist and Social Justice as we move forward, we felt the book was difficult to read and not the tool for our ministry.  Some ideas to keep in mind include sacred meal, community of sharing a meal, how can we reach out in action and prayer, the loop of grace - what we receive we give away. We will place the extra books in the parish library so it is available for others to read. 
-      Teresa and Val did not meet to begin drafts to share with the group because of personal conflicts this past month.
-      Could we run short videos on a topic of social justice once a month or once a quarter at Coffee and Donuts?  Those who attend view this as a social time and it may not be the best time for education.
-      Could we run short videos at Lenten Suppers or place table tents for a discussion during or at the end of the shared meal?
-      Ted will search for short appropriate videos to possibly present.
-      Should we consider changing the name of the committee to Social Ministry or Social Mission. Or, align with the Archdiocese which uses the words Social Justice Ministry.
-      What is happening in the community that we can plug into?

• Is there an opportunity to help with meals at St. Paul’s?
• How can we work with or support the Alternative Pregnancy Center out of Waterloo that has an office here in Waverly?

-      How can we work with Faith Formation to incorporate social justice teaching in our parish education? Ted serves on both committees.
-      We discussed how we might bring in those who are homebound to add more prayer to this ministry. Teresa will talk to Geri Dix about a simple newsletter to the Homebound so they can pray for social issues and/or projects we are promoting. She will report at the next meeting.
-      Val handed out a printout entitled, “Themes from Catholic Social Teaching” for all to review. Using these seven principles, each member will reflect upon and answer these questions:

• Here are the things I would like to see happen at St. Mary Parish under our Social Justice Ministry.
• Here is what I have to offer (computer skills, writing skills, certain contacts in the community (parish or beyond), etc.

Send your results to Jan at rajkriener@gmail.com.  She will compile answers for the next meeting. DO NOT WAIT TO THE LAST MINUTE, PLEASE. She will need time to put together a report.
Season of Creation

• Val will work with Dixie for an article or series of articles on the Season of Creation which is from September 1 (World Day of Prayer) to October 4 (the Feast of St. Francis). The theme this year is “Let Justice and Peace Flow” based on the prophet Amos: “Let justice flow on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream.” (5:24).  There is information on the internet for promoting along with clip art of the logo.

Tithing:
Local: Butler County Food Pantry - $750
State/National:  Special Olympics - $500
International: Sister Water Project - $1000
We noted that the fiscal year ending in 2023 is missing on the Parish Tithe report. Also, we noted that the giving percentages per category are updated. We did not increase overall tithe, just changed the percentages for distribution in each category.
 
Charity Rating Info
We briefly reviewed our list of charitable organizations that we support. Comments: Remove Bartels Halloween Candy, Perhaps, after investigation, we support the Alternative Pregnancy Center instead of Birthright. We do not support the United Way with a donation, but support their programs throughout the year, such as Christmas in July. All can review the list in more detail on Google Docs under Charity Rating Info https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XbkzoVTlX1dv1g3WdJGJuPRKn4DpyP_K?usp=sharing
 
Because 2-3 people cannot attend the next meeting scheduled on September 11, our next meeting will be September 18 at 7:00 p.m.  Val will not be at this meeting and someone will need to take minutes.  Closing Hail Mary @ 8:20   Minutes prepared by: Val King
 
St. Mary Parish Life Committee Meeting Minutes, June 9, 2022    7PM     
Present:  Ruth Schluter, Gerri Dix, Mary Jo Stromberg, Helen Melichar, Teresa Moerer, Fr. Wathier
Mary Jo opened the meeting with a reading.
Mary Jo reviewed and commented on the May minutes.
 Parish Picnic had good attendance-over 100. Nine-square was popular. Nine-square and  the volleyball net will stay up thru the summer. The plastic bench on the patio has equipment for outdoor activities.
Teresa reported the May Rosary Rally had 20-30 people in attendance.  Thoughts of possible holding a Rosary Rally 4 times a year.…August, October, February, May
Teresa also reported that bits of information (when available) will be put in bulletin regarding opportunities for assisting Afghan refugees.
Agenda Items:
Summer events:  
June 18 a movie night/meal after the 5:15 Mass   “Marmaduke” will be shown.  Sign-up sheets for food/help will be in the hall.  Looking into a movie night for adults…possibly “Father Stu”.
Bike Rodeo in August  Angie is working with police department.  May include St. Paul. No date yet.
July  Possibly a pool party.
Tuesday cards will continue thru the summer.
Funeral Procedure is going well.
Hospice Activity may be scheduled in the fall.  Possibly a panel on funeral planning  to address questions. Also, another grief activity may be planned, possibly a support group.
It was determined that there was no need for Parish Life to meet in July and August.  Parish Life will begin meeting again in September.
The meeting ended with a Thank you to Mary Jo for her Parish Life leadership this past 1 ½ years.  A thank you gift was given to her.
Next meeting:  September 8 at 7PM.  This date happens to be the Birth of Mary. Respectfully submitted,  Helen Melichar                                                                               

Pastoral Council, April 25, 2023 @ 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, Michell Even (ZOOM), Nathan Heitz, Val King, Joe Barber (ZOOM), Sandy Risvold, Phil  Paladino, Father Doug Wathier
Call to order:  Nathan Heitz at 7:03 p.m.  Prayer: Father Doug
 
We reviewed and approved minutes from the March Pastoral Council. We then reviewed and approved the minutes in the packet from the Finance Council, Phase 2 Building Committee, Faith Formation Commission, Parish Life Committee, and Peace and Justice Committee.  Update: Mary’s Meals Total Dollars Collected is $9793.95.
 
Finance Council

1. The original tractor proposal has been updated to reflect some changes. Cost may be lower. We need to verify interest free financing at 36 months versus 5 years. Tabled the discussion on the tractor purchase to the May meeting. As a result, the draft budget is not ready for presentation at this time.  
2. The tractor has been used for mowing the cemeteries the last several years. The cemetery fund is separate from St. Mary and is now to the point where the cemetery fund will pay to contract out for the mowing. The St. Mary tractor will not be needed to mow the cemeteries at this time.

PHASE 2:

1. We have an updated quote of $1.7 million with the additional classroom and a quote of $1.5 million without the extra classroom. 
2. Final plans to go to the Archdiocese to determine actual taxes due. The amount of taxes should decrease as the percentage is reduced for any revenue related to youth faith formation.
3. We plan to accept bids in August and begin digging in October.

 
As there were no further items for discussion, we adjourned at 7:20. The next meeting is May 16, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. Minutes prepared by Val King
 
Finance Council –  April 25, 2023
Present: Becky David, Kelly Flege, Scott Danner, Steve Phyfe, Joe Barber, Fr Doug Wathier. Also present: Deacon Phil Paladino, Dixie Jacobs, Will Kurtt.
Monthly Financials: We expect to end the year on budget. A vent system was installed for the furnaces in the office area for $1,850. This wasn’t budgeted but will prevent future issues with the furnaces. A $850 rake to collect yard debris especially for the cemeteries was purchased with memorial gifts. No other extraordinary expenditures to report. Becky D made a motion to accept the financials as presented; Steve seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Phase 2 Building Update:  First meeting held to begin construction drawings. Architect estimate $1.7m with extra (4th) classroom. He recommended proceeding with bidding process including 4th classrooms. In the rapidly changing materials market, it is difficult to estimate cost. The decision on the number of classrooms can be made after the bids are submitted. Architect will make suggested changes and the next meeting will be in May.
2023/24 Budget:

• Operating Expenses: $15,000 in operating budget cuts were made over many accounts based on current spending. This brought the budget within balance after the annual budgeted withdrawal from the religious endowment of 4% ($14,160). Dixie will make the adjustments requested and have a draft for the May meeting.
• Building & Grounds: The $8,000 to be set aside in restricted savings for future furnace replacement will be removed from next year’s budget. It cannot be covered by next year’s revenue. A discussion was held on a new tractor and attachments. Will recommended not going forward with the larger tractor; this bid was included in the council packet. He is recommending the same size tractor as the current one. Due to the committee not having the bid to review for this tractor, the decision was tabled until May. Will will get the info to Dixie so it can be included in the May packets. (See notes with agenda)

May Meeting: Phase 2 update, monthly finances, members terms, decision - budget 2023/24.
Kelly made amotion to adjourn; Scott seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.