OUR LADY OF THE MEADOWS HISTORY
JULY 1996 TO JULY 1997
7-16-96 New Parish Council Members: Chuck Alarid , Mary Jane Mauro and Ginger Lenzmeier(Council member at-large)
Worship Committee: Limit servers to grades 5 and up, no recruitment this year as have many
Vacancy in Sacristan position
Tri-Parish Youth Ministry: Ad placed nationally for full-time replacement for Director position
Linda Davis, Shrine of St. Therese, to serve as Interim Director with Cheryl Tavar coordinating the middle school program and Mary Jane Mauro coordinating the high school program. Coordinator for confirmation component needed.
Parish Christian Formation: Age span changes from 5-10 years to K-5 grade
Parishioners have opportunity to vote on day and time for formation classes
1 class pre month for 12 months, no tuition as part of Scholarship
Age guidelines for Eucharistic classes - 2nd grade
“ “ Confirmation “ 7th “
Liturgical/Music: Scott Uhernik - training instrumentalists and cantors; plans to form an adult choir for Christmas and do liturgies 1 x / mo
Then form Children’s Choir
Has recruited 15 cantors and 7 instrumentalists and 10 vocalists who will be part of the choir but not cantors- need paid cantors and instrumentalists
Need upgrade of the sound system, currently only one microphone jack, need more jacks; can upgrade the organ with external speakers
Diaconate Program: Rick Oresky in program, Worship Committee to give him monetary assistance
Computer Update: Charlotte Plutt - 4 terminals are networked with Windows 95 and Microsoft software; 2 complete systems taken in burglary; delaying loading and training PDS for 7-10 days. Replacements ordered. Data is possible to download from PIC
Payroll is not included
Have buyer for old monitors and terminals and maybe CPU’s
New system very speedy; Jim Duff said with the PDS software the budget can be entered, can track BDF, Stewardship etc, record on budget as checks are written
Altar Dedication and Appreciation Dinner 9-14-96. Bishop Tafoya unavailable. Fr. Dorcy or Bishop Buswell will preside
Contract/Job Descriptions: Jim Duff - need to get job descriptions done plus one for sacristan, need Personnel Committee in place
Financial Report: Jim Duff - $25,000 moved from Minnequa Bank to Dain Bosworth; Committee completing questions for development of investment profile
Savings from last year’s budget to be used to renovate rectory
Sr. Jan provided copies of delineation of Pastoral Responsibilities
Elaine Pusedu: Rosary Sunday - OLM lead one decade and provide 20 dozen cookies
Parish Directory: Many are making appointments for pictures
Discussed selling grocery certificates
$8000 for computers (covered by insurance); doors replaced; locks rekeyed; all keys accounted for; alarm on automatic. An additional alarm placed in the basement in 2 zones
Interview to newspaper and on Crimestoppers
Charlotte Plutt asked Committee chairs to submit meeting schedules for 96-97 so they can be entered in the Master Schedule
Jodee Bueno, Acting Recording Secretary
8-20-96 Resignation: Diane Baker, OLM representative to Tri-Parish Council; Sr. Jan to represent until another is appointed
Formation Process: Sr. Jan - theme for September is “The Trinity”
Music Update: Scott Uhernik - Attended National Association Pastoral Musicians
Music area redesigned and piano near the organ, more room for choir; hopes for 4 microphones in the area
Discussed cassette and C.D . system
Has recruited 50-60 for the music ministry
Break-in: Charlotte Plutt: Detective on the case said a 17 year old suspect confessed and implicated an adult
Social Committee: Sr. Jan - looking for volunteers and a chairperson for coffee and donuts each Sunday
Elaine Pusedu requested Social Committee be evaluated; Fr., Sr. Jan and Elaine Pusedu will do
Finance Committee: Jim Duff - Dave Cardinal helping to draft investment strategy.
$2200 to Rick Orsky with expenses for this year in Deaconate Program
Project Development Status: Paul Depatie -Structural engineer determined no major problems with the rectory; basement needs bridging; low spots in window wells; amount budgeted not enough; to prepare report of all repairs and cost and then do in phases
Sr. Jan asked if parish has a five year plan- does not
Ruth Brandt: Softball fee will be refunded
Jim Duff: ad for Tri-Parish Director getting little response
Communication in Tri-Parish needs improvement
Need to reorganize the Social Committee
Regional Diocesan Congress to be October 18-19
Jodee Bueno: Lots of complaints about the music
9-17-96 Social Life Activities:
Fr., Sr. Jan , Charlotte Plutt, and Elaine Pesudu reviewed the total concept of Social Activities- not feasible for one committee to handle it. Pusedu would like to do the Christmas Bazaar. Sr. Jan to continue the coffee and rolls. Council do the New Year’s Eve Party, Mother’s Day Breakfast, Thanksgiving Dinner/raffle, summer picnic. Other social events to organize under special committees. Sr. Jan would like the parents of Communion/Reconciliation program to help with coffee and rolls. Council members at-large may be asked to chair special events. Robin Birch to work on Halloween Party.
Committee to be reorganized.
New Year’s Eve Party: Rip Avina (band) back, Fr.and Shirley Filer cook the dinner. $30/couple. 60 tickets for parishioners and then open to the public. Beer, mixers and favors provided by the parish.
Tri-Parish Update: Sr. Jan - Diane Baker resigned. Barbara Duff, Mark Jesik, and Bob Donovan interested.
1 person interviewed for Director position.
Project Development: Paul Depatie - #1 priority to remodel the rectory
Fr. doing sketches for remodeling kitchen
Depatie obtaining prices for completion of project
Depatie wants to establish priorities for other parish projects
Fr. - advisable to develop a six year plan - match his term at OLM
Finance Report: Investment financial profile done , Cardinal will recommend portfolio to be reviewed annually.
Special events budget depleted by $3000 for raffle start-up
Personnel Committee: Jim Duff - Duff can no longer be chair. Sr. Jan asked about presence of evaluation process for employees. Evaluation tool to be the priority of the committee.
Ministry Fair: Social Concerns do the food - pancake/supper/breakfast
$3 for adults, $2 for children
Church on the Move: Fr. -Program at St Pius on workings of Diocese
Ruth Brandt voted as new Vice-President/President elect.
Scott Uhernik: Man from Denver to evaluate organ, clean and service it and
evaluate the sound system
Start using the new song books
10-15-96 Guest Loretta Opferman reported on Family Formation, 387 attended on Sunday and 89 on Tuesday, people still registering, considering getting another teacher
Ministry Fair: Debbie Carleo - served 150 persons, made $300
Tri-Parish Update: 75-80 students signed for Sunday, keeping a profile on each student
Parish Dinner: Collette’s prepare the chicken
Garage Sale: Parishioners have first choice on items
New decorative paint in small hall
John Powers League: New Director being sought. Bill Pershing in charge last year, may do again
Finance: Paul Depatie: Charlotte Plutt and Judy Stefano getting training on new computer system
Five Year Goals: Fr. -
Strengthen worship
Family Formation
Social Justice Commitment
Stewardship
Plan/expand the worship space
Outreach to singles, divorced, widowed, empty nesters, couples, kids, unchurched, seniors
Spoke about Parish Mission Statement:
To: Form Christian Community of Families and Individuals; Learn the gospel of Jesus Christ and integrate its values into our lives; Become responsible steward’s of God’s Gifts to us; Share from our abundance with those less fortunate than we are. To revisit the Mission Statement in preparation for the Bishop’s visit
Diocesan Pastoral Plan Evaluation
October 19/20 a Quaker Missionary will visit all Masses to speak about work in Central America
Rick Oresky, Barbara Duff to wtiness Stewarship at all Masses.
11-19-96 Parish Dinner: Pasta Cottage doing chicken and “drumettes” for kids. Parishioners paying for chicken
Yard Sale: Tables $20, Chairs $5 from basement
Finance: Jim Duff - to do all the needed repairs to rectory will need $50 to 100,000
Administrative Support/ Personnel: Jim Duff -
Need to reestablish Personnel Committee- possible members are Wilma Carsella, Ted Bueno, Jim McKissick
Have need for greater efficiency and better use of personnel
Jim Duff offered to facilitate reorganization of the committee
Need accountability
Mary Ann Valentine helping with accounting
Need evaluation and accountability of personnel
Christmas Dinner: Mary Jane Mauro cook dinner
12-17-96 Worship Committee: Need interim chair until Jodee Bueno well enough to return; Diane Eickleman to do
Raffle/Yard Sale: Expenses including prizes ($2700), Net sales $12,000
Social Concerns and Pastoral Council to share the profits
All tables /chairs sold for $2200 profit
Bazaar: Table rental $1080; profit $1602; cleared $1400 on cookbooks and bake sale
New Year’s Eve Party: 89 tickets sold; Sr. Jan and Fr. prepare the food;
New Processes/Programs: Sr. Jan- Spoke aboout Family Formation and Adult Programs
Arlene Weimer to speak in January on Grieving Process
Sr. met with Formation Committee for evaluation of the program to date
BDF for 1997 will be $67,000 - $9000 over last year
1-21-97 Tri-Parish Update: Jim Duff - concern exists about quality of program this year, lack of leadership, discussion has been on disbanding or hire new Director, ad hoc committee created to get a replacement
Council Concerns: poor quality of program, some volunteers inexperienced, requirements for students vague, communication practically nonexistent
Council Suggestions: adhere to structural curriculum, provide training and support for volunteers/teachers, improve the schedule, improve communication with parents, schedule guest speakers
Jim Duff presented a suggested New Model for Tri-Parish
Parish Visitation: Looked at the Mission Statement and Goals, evaluate the 5 year goals for what accomplished and make changes as needed
Ask Bishop Tafoya what he expects of the parish
Stewardship: Rick Oresky - Committee too large - just need core committee of eight, wants program to be multigenerational including youth
Finance Update: Jim Duff - now $19,000 behind, report seems much easier to read
Fr. Dorcy gone for month of February.
Shirley Filer suggested having one person or one family chair a particular social event.
2-11-97 Pastoral Visit: To be March 7-9.
Need to strengthen outreach to the sick
Since the last visitation parish has grown by 300 families
For future decrease the number of Masses and increase worship space
Consider ADA
Must present a positive attitude toward expansion of program and physical facilities
Make Bishop aware of accomplishments since last visit:
Payment of debt
Children’s liturgy of the Word
RCIA
Adoption of Springfield Parish
Avondale Program for migrants
Deacon Bob Myscofski
Social Events: Holy Thursday Seder Meal for Worhisp Committee to do
St. Patrick’s Day Event: Mary Jane Mauro Chair the Committee
Finances: Jim Duff - barely in the black- monthly expenses $40,000
Stewardship Committee: Rick Oresky - wants the 8 member committee to set objectives and goals
Tri-Parish: Need strong director, Sr. Jan thought the biggest challenge was huge number of kids from OLM
Bob Rick : Thought it might be appropriate for cantors/music ministers to have a dress code
3-11-97 Worship Committee: Palm Sunday 5 p.m. Mass procession from Schmitt Park
Beginning Palm Sunday Eucharist to be distributed at back of church on Choir side (east)
Potluck Seder Meal Holy Thursday at 6.p.m. - two readings in the basement then procession to church. Three people from the Parish to carry the sacred oils
Stewardship Committee: Rick Oresky - too busy, have someone head the committee. Feasible to make a paid position?
Spring Cleanup: Spread over three days - Day 1 - ceilings, walls and pews;
Day 2 - cry room, statues, stations, more walls
Day 3 - vacuuming and windows
Shirley Filer in charge, Lenzmeier supervise Tuesday, Chuck Alarid and Ruth Brandt help Saturday
Do outside cleanup later
St. Patrick’s Day Dinner: Jane Mauro - corned beef and cabbage, 4 helpers
Estate Planning Seminar: Fr. - Speaker Ron Schwartz, Attorney. Well attended
Pastoral Parish Visitation: Fr. - Spoke of Bishop’s visit
As of July 1 will have six years left at OLM
Need timeline with extensive planning with expansion 60% needed up front
96-97 budget about $400,000, stewarship pledges $285,000, need stewardship increase to $600,000
Need strategic planning plus day-to-day operation. Need part-time volunteer with gung-ho positive attitude for campaign
Personal approach is best when asking a volunteer for time
Parish Directory: Shirley Filer - on hold, needs proofed
Finance Committee: Jim Duff - money from theft insurance not released yet
Ruth Brandt and Georgia Alfonso in charge of the Faith Family Style Retreat at the Shrine
Chuck Alarid to check into the Gift Certificate program
Sr. Jan and other Tri-Parish directors put together a proposal for Tri-Parish program but was unacceptable to Pastor at the Shrine