NOTRE DAME PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES – February 18, 2010
            
The February 18, 2010 meeting of the Notre Dame Parish Council was called to order by Darrel Andera and Fr. Ament led the group in prayer.  Present were:  Fr. Ament, Darrel Andera, Dean Balk, Elaine Kleve, Marvin Lensing, Joye Meyer, Teresa McGee, Tom Spindler, Emory Westcott and Dave Wilgenbusch.  Absent:  Jim Truka.  Finance Council members present:  Brian McConnell, Terry Duerre, Jodi Dull, Patti Guyer, Tom Barnes and Peg Seifried.  A portion of the DVD pertaining to the upcoming changes to the Pastoral Council and Finance Council were viewed and discussed.      
            The minutes of January 21, 2010 meeting were reviewed. “I make a motion to approve the minutes of the January 21, 2010 meeting” was made by Marvin Lensing, seconded by Dave Wilgenbusch.  Motion carried.
            The agenda was reviewed.   “I make a motion to approve the agenda as presented” was made by Teresa McGee, seconded by Joye Meyer.  Motion carried. 
            Old Business:  The Council took a tour of the church and school before the meeting.  The elevator project is progressing very well and projected to be finished by the first part of March.  The students are enjoying the school addition.  It was suggested we remove the wheel chair lift from the west entrance when the elevator is completed as it will not be necessary and does pose a hazard.  It was noted we borrowed money to make the monthly payment on the construction in February.  These are the first funds that have been borrowed on the project to date.  A question was received regarding distribution of communion in the back of church as handicapped individuals using the elevator would be seated in the back.  The question will be referred to the Liturgy Committee.
           The next Deanery Council meeting will be held on Feb. 25.
            The subcommitee formed at the last meeting to work on the revised Mission Statement and Pastoral Council Constitution submitted a draft for the Council to review.    “I make a motion to submit the draft of the Mission Statement, Pastoral Council Constitution, Bylaws and Standing Committee Guidelines to the Archdiocese as presented” was made by Tom Spindler, seconded by Emory Westcott.  Motion carried.
            The Liturgy Committee will meet on March 4.
           Teresa McGee reported on the Social Concerns Committee meeting held on February 2.  The committee watched the portion of the DVD viewed at the last Parish Council meeting as some of the committee members were not able to attend the Council meeting.   The Food Pantry donations have been averaging two bags a week.  The card parties have been averaging six tables.  The nursing home visits are going well.  Notre Dame will deliver Meals on Wheels in March.  The next meeting will be in June.  
            The Family Circles of Faith will meet on March 15. 
            Tom Spindler reported on the Board of Education meetings held in January and February.  The STO has received $3.7 million.  More funds will be available to be distributed for tuition grants.  The school has received the Mitchell-Howard County Community Fund Grant in the amount of $3,980.00 for computer/library furniture. $8,783.00 was received from the Educational Development Fund.  The Lasagne Supper and Pie Auction profit was over $14,000.00.  The students donated $182.75 for Haiti .  The State Dept. of Education visit will be held Feb. 23 – 24.  The evaluation of the principal was very positive.  The Board discussed discontinuing the Club Choice Food Fundraiser to emphasize healthier food choices and replace the fundraiser with an annual fall appeal seeking donations from alumni. The Board discussed reimbursing the school for utilities and maintenance expenses attributable to construction from the building fund.  Darrel will visit with Tom Barnes as to this amount.  ITBS scores were very good.  The Board is working on the budget.  Pam Daley, CRE, reported there is an interest in starting a youth group; a Safe Touch program will be presented through Religious Education.  A letter of explanation will be sent to the parents prior to the beginning of the program.  First Communion will be held on April 18 and Confirmation on April 25.
              The Long Range Planning Committee did not meet; however, Dean Balk reported the City of Cresco has received bids for the street project at 25% less than the original estimated cost which could reduce our assessment for this project.
            Emory Westcott reported on the Stewardship Committee meeting on Jan. 25.  A report on the Giving Tree was given.  Our parishioners donated gifts for 157 tags from Community Action and CARE.  The families also received a Christmas meal through these organizations and community donations.  The Stewardship Committee helped serve a pizza party for the 7th through 12th graders in January.  The students were involved with giving suggestions as to how to get the youth involved in the parish.  The ideas were summarized and the students will be given the opportunity to vote on what they would like to see implemented this year and next year.  The next Committee meeting will be in March.           
            Dave Wilgenbusch reported for the Capital Campaign Committee.  To date pledges total $2,078,551.00 and money paid to date:  $1,398,550.00.  Quarterly reminders are sent.  New pledges/donations are still being received.
            Marvin Lensing and Joye Meyer reported on the Finance Council meeting.  Receipts for the fiscal year (7-1-09 to 1-31-10):  $1,892,213.50; Expenditures for same period:  $1,911,130.50; Archdiocesan Loan Balance:  $110,988.35.  The Council reviewed a summary of the parish asset accounts.  The purchase of a cordless tool set was approved.  The proposed budget was discussed.  The reimbursement of the parish/school for construction utility and maintenance costs was discussed.         
            Fr. Ament reported LeRoy and Deanne Webb will be leading the pre-Baptism classes. 
            Fr. Ament contacted the Archdiocesan insurance office regarding the repair of the church bells as requested at the last meeting.  The insurance agent stated clearly that the repair could not be done by volunteers due to the dangers involved.  The agent provided the names of companies that specialize in church bells.  Dean Balk volunteered to contact them for more information.
            The Council discussed possible dates to hold a Blessing/Dedication ceremony for the new additions to the school and church.  These dates will be sent to the Archdiocese as we would like to have Archbishop Hanus, Msgr. Toale and Mr. Jeff Henderson attend.
            “I make a motion to adjourn the meeting” was made by Emory Westcott, seconded by Teresa McGee. Motion carried. The next meeting will be held on March 18, 2010 with an in-service with the Parish Life Committee at 7:00.
Respectfully submitted,
Connie Frana, Recording Secretary