September 15, 2005

In attendance: Mary Jo Ambrosius, Ron Henn, Lois Maczuzak, Dale Vannes, Fred Ponschok, Walberto Colon, Gemma Niemuth, Randy Lorge, Penny Demerath, Patty Rindt, Herb Tauchen, Mary Ellen Waldvogel, Peter Warmenhoven,

Absent: Andy Onesti, Bill Stern, Jim Daniel, Fr. Len, Geri VanDeLoo, and Mark Anderson

• Opening Prayer lead by Randy Lorge since Walberto would be detained (7:36)
• Addition & Approval of the Agenda: Ron motioned to approve, Fred Second, motioned passed
• Approval of August 18, minutes: Pete motioned to approve, Ron second the motion, motion passed
• Approval of Sept 10 Day of Reflection: Fred moved to approve minutes of Day of Reflection, Pete second the motion
• TEAM REPORTS:
• Building & Grounds: bids were received, Randy reported on the specifics of the bids that came in regarding a rubber roof, white verses black rubber, and aluminum fascia. One contractor had to back out since his schedule is now full for the fall. The bid came over the approved budget by just over $302. Dale moved to approve the bid over the original amount approved. Herb second the motion, motion passed. The roof over the top of the school entry-way is complete but there were a few questions that need to be resolved before the final payment. The kitchen exhaust fan needed some extensive repairs that were not foreseen happening. The question was asked if we do all our business with Montour. We spread the business around to the local contractors.
• Financial: Some final adjustments were made since the committee met; Pete explained the various adjustments of year end. Operational, the parish looks in good shape. There will be a financial presentation at all masses this coming Sunday to the general membership. Will Phase I financial condition be mentioned at the Sunday informational session? Yes, it would be a good idea since many members are not aware of the pay-off just about complete including the additional burden of the parking lot.
• Cemetery: Pete also gave a report regarding the financial situation for the Cemetery Fund, excess of revenue over expenses of $9600. There is over $125,000 in cash and receivables, no debts. There was some discussion as to the excess funds; there is a perpetual care fund, and certain other expenses that are annual.
• Stewardship:
• Board of Total Catholic Education: There is nothing planned for a bible group so far. The enrollment is down at 138 students. There are only 60 families from Sacred Heart Parish of over 1,100 units that send their children to the catholic school. There was a survey that went out to the families that do not send their children to Sacred Heart to find out why they do not. There were only about 20 surveys returned. Of those that were returned the tuition seemed to be the biggest obstacle. Lois found this unacceptable of a parish this size, and encourages the parish to take the school enrollment on as a serious mission or the future of the school is questionable. There have been many articles published regarding the high standards of the school and the success of the students graduated. We need to do something ASAP to remedy the situation. Ron related his feelings about why the enrollment isn’t up is reflected by the items that came from the Day of Reflection. From the Day of Reflection is was identified that the general membership needs to be educated so that they can grow in their faith to understand their lot in life, their parish, and the world. Once people deepen their faith, they are more likely be active and send their children to the school. It was stated by a new member of the Board of Total Education, that the public relation of the parish is bad: the parish is not welcoming, there seems to be bickering and tension within the parish. There was further discussion as to what the cause is and how we can resolve the problem.
• Activities: Fish Fry schedule is set, the second Friday of the month is the date set excluding some evenings. New chair and co-chair for the picnic have volunteered, Vicki Huffman and Lisa Anderson. The picnic only made about $12,000 which is significantly down in revenues. Next Thursday evening is a recognition appreciation party for fish fry volunteers with pizza and drinks. In conjunction with the appreciation night there will be a training session for those who want to take on new jobs and responsibilities for the fish frys. There was a donation for gas for those who may need a ride.
• Liturgy & Worship:
• Evangelization: Mary Jo stated that she would be out of town on the first weekend in October and may not have the social unless someone else could take it over. It will be posted in the bulletin if it is canceled. There were many positive comments regarding the social and the use of the gathering space. There was some discussion as to the use of the grand piano and more music to touch the younger people in the parish. Some of those ideas did come up during the Day of Reflection.
• Human Concerns:
• Communications:
• Building Project: update was given during the Day of Reflection, the power-point was in the gathering space the last two Sunday s.
• New Business:
• Establish a date to tackle problems of school enrollment, October 6, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. Parish Center Basement
• From last year’s Day of Reflection, we still need to find out what we didn’t accomplish and why, what was the obstacle that prevented us from achieving that goal.
• Do we need a group similar to a “Welcome Wagon” for new members that join our parish?
• Closing Prayer: Mary Ellen led us in the Lord’s Prayer, (8:47)

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