St. Mary Parish, Waverly
Parish Council unapproved Minutes
Feb. 18, 2003
Present: Marilee Kajewski, Mary Foy, Brad Anderson, Fr. Mike Tauke, Kevin King, Ann Bock, Bob Hanfelt, Linda Schrage, Nancy McKenzie, Don Juhl. Also Present: Ned Rucker, Kraig Pfiffner, Dixie Jacobs.
Fr Mike led faith sharing based on the Sunday scriptures and the Question of the Week. Jan. minutes were approved.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION:
1. Building Committee Update: Kraig Pfiffner gave a presentation on the preliminary architectural drawings. The committee is still working with the city on an acceptable route for construction equipment; the city is concerned about the impact on 20th street. In phase 1, the worship space would seat 520 and the fellowship hall would provide overflow seating for an additional 320. The fellowship hall would seat 225 at round tables. When phase 2 is completed, the phase 1 worship space would become gathering space. The new nave would seat 1500. The phases (two) would cost about $2.8 million each. The committee continues to work on classroom and interior/exterior details with the architects, including the possible integration of the current stained glass art (windows). The committee is researching the use of four side windows from the current facility which could become part of a bell tower at the new site. The stained glass would be lit during the night, so they would become a distinctive and visible art display for persons entering or passing the new facility from any direction. Other possible uses of the current art are being investigated. A meeting with the archdiocesan Church Design & Renovation Commission is being scheduled.
2. March & April Council meetings: The April meeting is scheduled during Holy Week. The council agreed to cancel the April meeting and combine any agenda items with the March 18th meeting.
Executive Session Parish Team Salary: Mary Foy made a motion to raise the staff salaries by 2.4% (cost of living rate) for 2003/04; Marilee Kajewski seconded the motion. The motion passed with a majority, with one no vote.
Next Meeting: March 18 at 7pm in Marian Hall. Nancy McKenzie will bring refreshments.
Agenda Whole Parish Catechesis presentation
Summary of submitted written & verbal reports:
Building Committee: See discussion section above
Pastors Report: Helped with the childrens worship service at St. Paul School. Attended workshop on whole parish catechesis, working with Wartburg students, attended many parish, ecumenical and archdiocesan meetings. Fr Mikes vacation was cut short due to a parish funeral. The parish team is opening up more avenues for people to get involved. We have received a lot of positive feedback on the parish team, and participation is increasing in our RCIA, rel. ed./youth formation, and liturgical ministries. We are encouraged by the gratitude Wartburg students parents and our parishioners have expressed for the outreach they receive from Fr Mike and the parish team. A prayer list is being developed for those in military service.
Finance Committee: The committee tabled discussion on the CCW finances and taxa issues for 6 months. An archdiocesan finance officer will be invited to meet with the Finance Committee to discuss taxa in relation to Building donations, the council was invited to attend this session when it is scheduled. A policy concerning stock donations to the parish will be developed in a future meeting. These gifts will be subject to taxa each year if not invested in the archdiocesan deposit and loan program, and this needs to be taken into consideration for these gifts. The committee concentrated on the offertory deficit. A letter to the parish and Mass talks were organized.
Board of Ed.: Over 50 St. Mary parishioners attended the Deanery January Splash at UNIs recreation facility. The childrens book, hat & mitten drive raised over 300 items for charity. Good turn out at the Bill Huebsch workshop for catechists, staff and leaders of parishes. Over 50 students are attending the JH & HS gatherings each night; 35 JH students attending lock-in. Wartburg students volunteered to paint the Drexler hallway rainbow colors! and the meeting rooms of upstairs JD. The job descriptions and evaluations where reviewed.
Director of Religious Ed. (DRE): Working on confirmation program, planning team for Jan. Splash, organized hat/mitten drive, assembled & distributed Advent packets to rel. ed. families. Working with families whose children are in the 1st Reconciliation program and attended deanery meetings/workshops for CRE/DREs. Will be attending National Catholic Youth Conference with students.
Worship (Liturgy) Committee: Gifts & cards are being sent out for the first anniversary of parish baptisms and weddings. Lenten materials were chosen for distribution to parishioners. Jenny will organize leaders for the Stations of the Cross to be held at 6pm the Wed. of Lent. Banners are being developed for the Easter season. Lent and Fill the Ark environment was decided.
Liturgist: First anniversary cards will be sent to those baptized and married at St. Marys. Working on Lent/Easter environment with the Worship Committee. Planning Seder meal with Katie, DRE. Assisted at funeral services, working with Wartburg discussion group and catholic activities, assisting with confirmation program. Working with rel. ed. students who will sing at Mass. Will be attending National Catholic Youth Conference with five HS students from St. Marys.
Pastoral Minister: Sr Dolores continues to make weekly contacts with our parishs fifty-two shut-ins in five nursing homes and ten towns. In addition, she has made many visits to those hospitalized and, with Fr Mike, worked with families during a family members death and funeral services.
Pastoral Associate: Nine adults and six children will join the church at the Easter Vigil. Nine couples are registered for the baptism class which has been rescheduled for Mar. 11 due to weather. Kraig has shared information about the Building project with our shutins and parishioners who have expressed interest. Working with and providing assistance to the Building Committee, Parish Life Committee, Worship Committee, and Wartburg students. Gave presentation to rel. ed. classes on sacraments, and working on annulments with parishioners.
