Holy Angels Catholic Church
Parish Council Minutes
Holy Angels Catholic Church
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UNOFFICIAL
Minutes of Holy Angels Parish Council Meeting
May 15, 2008
Parish School Science Room, 7:30 PM
In Attendance: Fr. Jerry Brittain Fr. Rick Wendell, Paula Beine, Don Felix, Marilynn Gundrum, Sandy Lang, Harry German, Jack Trzebiatowski, Mike Nowak, Dan Hanrahan, Colleen Mas. Guests: Mark Jansen, Jack Daniels, and members of the School Board (Mike Sternig, Tammy Waech, Greg Rinn, Mark LaFond, Tim Heniadis).
Absent: Steve Albinger, Earl VanderWielen.
Opening Prayer / Scripture Reflection / Personal Prayer: Led by Sandy Lang.
School Board Guest Report:
Mike Sternig
submitted an “annual report” and highlight content such as the school mission,
curriculum, Stehling Project updates, status of enrollment, staff and finances.
He highlighted the diocesan Vision for the 21st Century initial
developments, which make it difficult to predict accurately the future landscape
of Catholic schools in West Bend. Mike also touched on the SPA accreditation
cycle at HAS which begins at Year One of seven next fall.
Tammy Waech presented an updated on Recruitment efforts, including a display booth (short-term project) and exploring parish attractiveness as a long-term project. She also addressed what the School Board identified as one of the Core Values of HAS: two classrooms per grade level. This allows the school to meet more students’ needs, keep class sizes manageable, increase attentiveness to students (teacher::student ratio), middle school specialization, and diversity in peer relationships.
Tim Heniadis also discussed one of the Board’s identified Core Values of HAS: its K-8 presence. He noted decreased disciplinary issues, easier transition to junior high levels, a strong system of community values, strong parent-teacher relationships and teacher-student relationships, and a homogenous tie with families as benefits of this configuration.
Greg Rinn noted that the school hopes to generate additional funds in the future through the use of the SCRIP program. This fundraiser produces income through retail profit sharing; consumers purchase “gift cards” at their face value, yet the parish and school receive a percentage back from the retailer. Currently efforts are underway to increase utilization of this program.
Mark LaFond requested on behalf of the School Board that continued efforts be made to facilitate open communication between and among the Parish Council, the School Board, and other standing committees. He suggested that such communication might benefit all committees: for example, the school students might be able to help the Human Concerns committee with their efforts, and so on. This may take the shape of monthly reports from each standing committee, or a regular gathering of representatives of each committee.
Discussion also followed regarding the School Board’s review of their Bylaws. The Board will address formation of an Ad Hoc committee to begin this review, with an eye toward submitting its draft to Parish Council in October.
Archdiocesan Capital Campaign: Faith in Our Future:
Father Jerry noted that meetings will begin and committees will
be formed starting June 17th (Church Hall) to launch Holy Angel’s
participation in the Archdiocesan Capital Campaign, Faith in Our Future. Sixty
percent of revenues generated will return to the Parish, while 33% will go to
the Diocese and 7% covers campaign costs. Since the Parish has no outstanding
capital needs or projects, the focus will be on endowing the school trust fund
to enable affordable Catholic education for parishioners. He encouraged school
board members, school families, and all parishioers to consider leadership
opportunities for committees such as phone, follow up, children’s stewardship
committee, youth stewardship committee, and others. The Parish Case Statement
will be due in August; the Campaign Giving will begin in November. The Parish
Council discussed timing of the various entities. Tentatively, a video on
parish school, activities and outreach of the parish will be shown at Masses
10/26, volunteer sign-up will be held 10/19 or 11/23, and pledge cards for
regular parish giving and the diocesan capital campaign will be distributed
11/16.
Approval of Previous Minutes:
Motion
to approve April Minutes by Don Felix, approved by consensus. Future minutes
will be distributed electronically where possible. Jack T. will post Council
Meeting Agendas and Unofficial (until official version is approved) Minutes on
the website.
Bulletin developments:
Currently MinuteMan Press has taken
responsibility for printing the bulletin following the close of ProPrint. St.
George printers would not honor the terms formerly discussed by the Council, but
LPI agreed to a similar arrangement. Therefore, Council agreed to move forward
with the new proposal by LPI, which will feature digital printing, $250 annual
advertising contracts, and a $4000 printing rebate. Jack Daniels and
parishioner David Beine (atty.) will continue the process with Father Jerry of
insuring terms of the current advertising structure with MinuteMan, and the new
LPI contract will begin September 1st.
Parish Council Nominations/Elections Update:
Elections will be held the weekend of May 18th with
ten candidates accepting the nomination to serve. New member training will be
offered by the Archdiocese Monday, May 19th at 7pm in the HA Parish
Hall. Mike Nowak will tally the responses on Sunday afternoon.
Editor’s Note: Election results:
Paula Beine, Carol Bork-Bednarek
and Tim Briscoe will be the three new Councilors beginning terms in June.
Committee Reports:
Finance: Mike Nowak reported that following a decline in March collections, April showed a rebound to +$14,000.
School Board: In addition to the Board presentation, Dan Hanrahan reported that the Board continues to efforts toward Wellness Policy adjustments, including discussion regarding the benefits or drawbacks of recess held prior to lunch. Additionally, Dan reported that twelve SmartBoards will be purchased and installed before the next school year, and additional boards to complete the installation will subsequently follow.
Christian Formation: Deacon Mark noted that a banquet will be held in August to celebrate the completion of the Youth Outreach Trips this summer. All Councilors are warmly invited to attend to share a recap of the trips.
Quad Parish Seniors: Harry German reported that the April 30th trip to Racine Dominican Retreat Center, the Serbian Orthodox Church, and Froedert Medical Complex was well attended and quite enjoyable. The June trip will include stops at St. Josaphat’s and Crocus, St. Mary’s and St. Antonia’s Orthodox Church. The August trip will head to St. Norbert’s for Mass with the Bishop followed by lunch at the Fin -n- Feather in Winneconne.
Human Concerns: Marilynn noted that geraniums were sold Mother’s Day and remaining inventory will be sold again next weekend. She also requested that an announcement be made regarding low supplies at the St Vincent de Paul’s Food Pantry.
Notes from the Chairperson:
Paula Beine requested that council members review Article 3
Sections 4-6 of the Bylaws concerning duties and responsibilities of the liasons
and elected positions of the Council. Next month the new members will be seated
and positions will be determined.
Paula also shared information regarding a Fund Raiser Dinner for St. Francis Seminary to be held October 4th. The Seminary invites the parish to attend the event ($150 per person), honor your pastor or parish ($50 advertising) and/or promote the event at the parish level. Colleen Mas will forward info to the parish secretary to be included in the bulletin if possible.
Notes for Next Meeting:
· Discuss committee communication suggestions
· Discuss possible get-together for all parish committees
· Any further review of Bylaws if deemed appropriate
· Departing reflection from Marilynn Gundrumm
Closing Prayer: Led by Paula Beine.
Adjourned: 10:25 pm
Respectfully submitted by Colleen Mas