Joint Pastoral and Finance Councils Meeting Minutes | June 7, 2023

Blessed Sacrament Parish Joint Pastoral and Finance Councils Meeting Minutes | June 7, 2023 

Attendees: Annette Clark, Dick Dolinski, Joe Dostal, Kathy Fothergill, Pam Gandy, Fr. Rob Howe, Jim Marinek, Lyn Pajk, Jeff Paulus, Patrick Regier, Cathy Richard, Dennis Thiel, Barb Warczinsky 

Excused: Judy Gross, Dan Kozakiewicz, Jim Mahoney, Andy Pasztor, Kevin Spencer 

Minutes 

  • Meeting began at 6:34pm 
  • Jeff Paulus moved and Annette Clark seconded the approval of the minutes of the April 19, 2023 Pastoral Council meeting. The motion carried. 

Opening Comments—Fr. Rob and Patrick  

  • An agreement in principle has been reached with the city of Midland to accept the Blessed Sacrament playground as city property. The city will be responsible for all maintenance, liability, and any other obligations as sole owner. The current equipment has deteriorated, cannot be repaired, and must be replaced to meet current standards and mitigate potential future injury-related liability claims. In turn, the parish will provide funds not to exceed $200,000 to purchase new playground equipment to meet existing standards including Americans with Disability Act (ADA) requirements. Funds will come from COVID-related federal funds that have been received from the government by the parish. This is a “win-win” situation; the city (and the neighborhood) gets the playground as part of Wallen Park and the parish no longer has maintenance, insurance, and liability risk-exposure costs. 

Faith Formation—Lyn 

  • Lyn updated the Council on the various Faith Formation programs  including the following: 
  • Cedar Point Trip—45 youth are registered to date for the trip. 
  • Outreach—Justin is leading the trip leaving on June 11 with about 17 youth who will be working on four projects including a soup kitchen and fire damage repairs. 
  •  Planetarium Trip—visit to the Delta Planetarium in Bay City is scheduled for middle school students on June 14. Faith and science will be part of the discussion.  
  • Baptisms—Baptisms are up—described as “blocks of babies!” 
  • Vacation Bible School (VBS)—VBS is coming soon. About 70 youth are already registered. The program is in partnership with St. Brigid and Our Lady of Grace.  
  • Adult Faith Formations—The program is proceeding well. 12 new small faith groups have been formed. A current project is making prayer beads. Another session of Theology By The Glass is scheduled for June 14.  
  • Corpus Christi Bike Ride—The annual “procession” will be the bike ride from the Tridge to the Cottage Creamery on June 8.  
  • Garden Stroll—Four parishioners’ houses will be open for a stroll through their gardens at the end of this month. 
  • Emily Janoch Presentation—Greg and Nancy Janoch’s daughter, Emily, is employed by CARE working on various projects assisting the poor. She has just returned from a project in Ethiopia and will be speaking about her experiences there at the Parish Center on June 27 at 1:00-2:30pm. 
  • “Kingdom Builders” will be the theme for next year’s programs 
  • Organization Changes—With Lyn’s retirement, Justin Rose will become the Director of Youth Programs and Christy Granda has been hired to be the Director for Adult Programs. She will begin on June 22. 

Finance Update—Patrick 

  • Patrick reported on Parish finances through the period ending May 31, 2023. The balance sheet increased by $652K to a total of $2.84 million largely due to a $333K payment from the federal COVID program, the $187K bequest from the Glenn Waters Estate, and higher weekend collections. 
  • The Christian Service Commission outreach balance was reduced reflecting the payment of $125K made to 50 different recipient non-profit organizations. 
  • Weekend collections through the end of May are up $75K over budget. Overall expenses are higher than the budget by $23K driven primarily by increased utility costs and a CMA deficit of between $30-45K.  
  • The 2023-24 budget was approved by the Finance Council at their last meeting in May. It calls for Revenues of $1.7 million and an “Operating” surplus (excluding Major Expenditures) of $136K. This is an increase of $11K from last year. Wages are projected to increase 6% and Benefits by 4% while other expenses are expected to remain flat. An overall budget Revenue less Expenses shortfall of $64K is planned after anticipated expenses of $136K for Major Expenditures.  

Roundtable Updates 

  • Annette—reported that “One Week, One Street” program is underway. 
  • Jim and Barb—expressed heartfelt appreciation to Lyn for all of her contributions to the parish with her many skills, competencies, and enthusiasm along with her unique joy-filled personality. They wished her well and Godspeed in her future endeavors. 
  • Barb—reported on the CRHP 17 celebration at Richard’s home and their desire to keep the effort moving forward. An 85-year-old woman is interested in participating next year. 
  • Lyn—had the last word (as usual?) 😀 She thanked the Council members for the gift of their time and for being the first line of parish support. She urged the Council to continue doing what St. Mother Teresa always advocated, viz., “do small things with great love!” 
  • The next meeting of the Pastoral Council will be held on September 6.  

The meeting was adjourned at 7:19 pm followed by refreshments in honor of Lyn. 

Wednesday Morning Scripture Study

You are invited to join us from 9:30-11:00 on Wednesday mornings.

On Wednesdays beginning September 13th from 9:30-11:00 am, we will be diving into Little Rock’s Scripture Study’s The Gospel According to John Part One.  This covers the magnificent prologue of John’s Gospel and a portion of Jesus’ ministry filled with the signs of his divine nature.

The cost of the book is $12, and you may drop by the Faith Formation office to sign up and pick up your book.   

About The Gospel According to John Part One

The Gospel of John is a testament to the divine nature of Jesus, the Word made flesh, the Light of the World. Part One of our study (John 1-10) covers the magnificent prologue of John’s Gospel and a significant portion of Jesus’ ministry. This ministry is highlighted by miraculous “signs” that reveal Jesus’ true nature and his relationship with the Father.

Afternoon Bible Break

Afternoon Bible Break: A bi-weekly bible study to refresh your spirit

Looking for something to brighten your winter days? Join our small group as we study Luke: The Good News of God’s Mercy. We learn through Luke, that God acts through Jesus Christ to meet our deepest needs, encouraging us to welcome God’s actions in our lives, and then go out and offer God’s mercy to the world around us 

Wednesdays, 12:30-2 pm
Jan. 10, 24, Feb. 7, 21, Mar. 6, 20

Stop by the Parish office to register and purchase a book.
Books cost $9.00. 

Questions: Call Kathy Doering- 839-9273, Carmen Gray-832-4164 

Description:

An overview of the key themes and messages of the book of Luke are offered in this Bible study, Luke: The Good News of God’s Mercy. The overriding message of the book of Luke, that God has acted through Jesus Christ to meet our deepest needs, encourages us to welcome God’s actions throughout our lives and, in turn, to go out and offer God’s mercy to the world around us.

For busy adults who want to study the Bible but don’t know where to begin, Six Weeks with the Bible provides an inviting starting point. Each guide is divided into six concise, 90-minute segments that introduce one book of the Bible. All biblical text is printed in the guides, which means no additional study aids are required.

Christ Renews

Life has a way of teaching us that all of our commitments, including our commitment to Christ, need continual renewal if we are to be faithful!

Christ Renews is an ongoing process for the personal spiritual renewal of men and women over the age of 18 that results in the renewal of our faith community. The process begins with a weekend of prayer, talks given by members of our Midland Area parishes, times of silence and reflection, social activities, and small group discussion. This all takes place in a relaxed, prayerful, and caring atmosphere. Participants are free to share as much or as little as they wish. This is a wonderful time spent exploring our faith and growing in our relationship with Christ.

Think and pray seriously about this opportunity

  • do you need to deepen your faith?
  • do you need space for your inner journey?
  • is your life out of balance?
  • are you out of touch with the action of God in your life?
  • are you seeking to enrich your understanding of what it means to be a Christian in today’s world?
  • do you see yourself as “church”? As a disciple of Jesus?
  • do you need to listen anew to Jesus’ call?

What about the cost?

The renewal weekend is a gift from the team putting on the weekend to the participants attending the weekend.  Volunteers provide food and service.

Who facilitates the weekend?

A team of people from the previous Christ Renews weekend is in formation now with a Spiritual Director, preparing to make your weekend a truly special experience.

What happens during the weekend?

The many activities include prayer, reflection, talks, small group discussions, and social activities; all in a relaxed, prayerful, and caring atmosphere. Participants are free to share as much, or as little, as they wish. The entire weekend is informal. Casual clothes are recommended.

There will be a Reconciliation Service and we participate in Sunday Eucharist together with the rest of the parish community. There are opportunities for private and shared prayer.

It is a Spirit-filled weekend!

FINANCE AND ASSET COUNCIL MINUTES – May 17, 2023

Attendees:  Fr. Rob Howe, Pat Regier, Judy Gross, Andy Pasztor, Pam Gandy, Joe Dostal, Dennis Theil, Kathy Fothergill

Reported by:  Fothergill                                                     

Opening Comments:

Fr. Rob reported that the income level has been good, with the exception of Christ Mission Appeal (shortfall vs. Diocesan funding target).  There are several changes to our staff.  Lyn Pajk will be retiring in June.  Christy Granda will lead Adult Faith Formation effective August 1. Mike Percha is retiring, and we plan to hire a part-time Maintenance employee.  Starting in June, the Arnold Center will take over the cleaning of the church.

Financial Results as of April 30, 2023: 

Net Assets increased by $632K for the current fiscal year which began July 1, 2022.  The increase was due to a $333K payment from the Federal COVID relief program, $187K donation from the Glenn Waters Estate, and higher Weekend Collections. YTD Weekend Collections were $150K higher than budget, including $25K above budget in April. Total Expenses in April were higher than budget by $14K, largely due to the purchase of audio equipment for the Social Hall which is expected to be installed in August.  Student-related expenses for Faith Formation were higher as a result of retreat fees for a Youth conference in Indiana.

Christian Service balance decreased by $145K, with $125K in funding grant payments made to 50 different organizations.  Emergency assistance claims were higher than expected in April but aligned with YTD expectations.

Major Expenditures Fund increased due to the $187K estate donation.  Expenditures included church carpet installation and repairs to the church air handler.  Long-term projects may include the roof of the parish center and the former school building and the heating system in the former school area.

Through April, donations to Christ Mission Appeal are at 80% of our $250K target.  A new assessment from the diocese will begin in the Fall.

Weekend Collections are tracking ahead of the budget through April, and this trend has continued into May.

Budget for 2023-2024: 

We will use the current year’s budget as the basis for planning the upcoming fiscal year budget. 

  • Weekend Collections – increase by $75K vs. Current Budget; lower than Current FY Estimate
  • Other Income – reduce by $11K, due to lower student activity fees
  • Salaries – Merit and COLA increase of 6%, partially offset by retirements; will follow Diocesan  guidelines for Clergy
  • Medical Benefits – increase 4% (Michigan Catholic Conference guideline)
  • Non-Medical including Dental – small change from current year
  • Higher utilizes $4K
  • A payment of $45K for Christ Mission Appeal will be included in Budget to cover potential shortfall vs. expected assessment from Diocese

It was noted that Utilities may have a higher increase than initially forecast.  The Budget proposal was unanimously accepted by the Council members.

Facilities Update:

Joe Dostal looked at the heating system last Fall, and recommended the installment of shutoff valves. Now is the time to implement that recommendation. An estimate will be provided by a local heating and cooling provider.

Parish Playground:

Fr. Rob and Patrick presented a proposal to partner with the City of Midland to fully replace the playground. The existing playground is reaching the end of its asset life. The parish would partner with the City and deed the existing property to them as well as fund the new equipment up to $200,000. The City would share the new playground design with us and install an ADA-compliant playground on the current site. It will then become part of the City Park & Recreation property. All future maintenance and liability will be the City’s responsibility. Council approved the proposal. The next step is to review with City Park & Rec Committee (June 6) and then seek approval from the City of Midland Council.

Roundtable:

The next meeting will be held jointly with Pastoral Council on June 7, 2023, at 6:30 p.m.

The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.       

Pastoral Council Meeting Minutes | April 19, 2023

Attendees: Annette Clark, Dick Dolinski, Fr. Rob Howe, Melissa Kato, Lyn Pajk, Patrick Regier, Cathy Richard, Barb Warczinsky

Attended via Zoom: Jeff Paulus, Jim Marinek

Excused: Jim Mahoney

Minutes

  • Meeting began at 7:04pm
  • Cathy Richard moved and Barb Warczinsky seconded the approval of the minutes of the February 1, 2023 Pastoral Council meeting. The motion carried.

Updates (Fr. Rob)

  • The arrangements for the annual parish picnic are progressing. The date is August 27. The annual golf outing will be the next day, August 28.
  • The car show will be held on September 16 (the 3rd Saturday in September).
  • The sidewalk project will begin the week of April 24 to repair uneven pavement adjacent to the former school wing. These repairs will address the flooding problem in that area.
  • Lyn will be retiring from her role at the end of June. The job has been posted and several promising candidates have submitted resumes.
  • Mike Percha is retiring at the end of May. Cleaning of the church will be carried out by the Arnold Center and Kutchey’s will be providing the lawn mowing and snow removal services.

Faith Formation—Young Adults and Family Life Updates (Melissa Kato and Lyn Pajk)

  • Melissa updated the Council on the various programs for which she is responsible including the following:
    • RCIA—now called the Order of Christian Initiation (OCIA). Four children, ranging in age from 8 to 11 years old, will receive their sacraments at the Easter Vigil. Corrine Cathcart and Mary Beth O’Connor assisted with the preparation sessions and a team of volunteers helped with the reception after the Easter Vigil.

There are two adults in preparation to receive sacrament of first Eucharist and Confirmation later this year.

  • Baptisms—A baptism preparation class is offered monthly for parents seeking baptism for their children. 10 children have been baptized since August 2022 not counting the 4 in OCIA and 6 more coming up.
    • Marriage Preparation—Couples intending to marry participate in a marriage preparation program called Prepare/Enrich. An online assessment of the couple is followed by a review and the creation of a basic outline. Typically, two to four in person meetings (or via Zoom if necessary) are held. Two couples have completed classes and a third one is pending.
    • Young Adults—A Flocknotes list is sent to young adults and families. With the help of Justin Rose, a curling match was held over the Christmas break for returning college students. Eleven participants are interested in participating during the summer.
    • Divorce Recovery—a non-denominational team of seven volunteers offers an 8-week program in the fall. Because we did not have sufficient interest in the program, we offered a Divorce Care evening once a month.
    • Annulment Procurator—Assistance is offered to a petitioner seeking an annulment in selecting the right petition and to gather the necessary paperwork and signatures. The procurator also helps in gathering the necessary testimony, provides tribunal feedback, and discusses possible grounds for annulment. Five annulments have been completed in 2023, four others are at the tribunal, and two are being compiled.
  • Lyn reported that 8 small faith groups involving 65 people were active during Lent. Seven are continuing beyond Lent and the other is looking at meeting seasonally. Continuing the momentum in encouraging small faith groups will be an important role for Lyn’s replacement
  • An 8th person has shared the peace plate.
  • Ann Boyd has been leading Faith Beautifully Crafted sessions. The first led to the distribution of over 80 Easter Greeting Cards to those parishioners who are alone/single. Creating inspirational boxes as well as prayer beads are the next two Faith Beautifully Crafted offerings.
  • Lyn reviewed a number of events planned over the next couple of months including:
    • May 4— Demetrius Titus on Mass incarceration in the US and the need for prison reform
    • May 2—Laid back book club meeting
    • May 10 and June 14—theology by the glass
    • May 14—June 11; baby bottle collection from Mother’s to Father’s Day
    • June 11—bike ride to Cottage Creamery for ice cream
    • June 25—stroll through 4 gardens (1:00-4:00pm)
  • Other hospitality-focused programs being considered include Around the Table ministry—food focused, e.g., reception after Easter Vigil, Talent Show Night, etc.

Finance Update (Patrick)

  • Patrick reported the Parish finances through the end of the first quarter ending March 31, 2023. The balance sheet increased by $392K to a total of $2.6 million in Net Assets largely due to $140K payment from the federal COVID program, $187K bequest from the Glenn Waters Estate, and higher weekend collections.
  • The Christian Service balance was reduced reflecting the payment of $125K in February. An open house was held in early March for all recipient agencies.
  • Weekend collections through the end of the quarter are $124K higher than budget. Expenses were lower than budget across all categories except utilities and office supplies.
  • We are at ~80% of the 2022-23 CMA target ($200K vs. $250K target). An additional $10-15K is expected by fiscal year end. The remaining shortfall is planned in the budget.

Roundtable Updates

  • Patrick—Audio/Visual equipment in the social hall is being updated. There also is an increased demand for hearing assistance equipment in the church which is being addressed.
  • Patrick—Adjustments to the parish center heating system are planned to isolate hot water flow to the former school building from the parish center offices.
  • Fr. Rob—The gate across the parking lot entrance is working well to deter speeding through the lot.
  • Jeff—Police are ticketing parishioners after Mass on Sugnet. Be wary of speeding out in that direction.
  • Barb—Asked if there were any plans for a church directory. It would be possible but it takes a considerable amount of work to organize the project, especially the taking of photographs. Is there anyone willing to take this on is the question?
  • Annette—Described outreach efforts at Eagle Village including painting, yard work, woodwork, bird feeders, etc. There is an opportunity at Washington Woods.
  • The next meeting will be held on June 7 jointly among the Finance and Pastoral Councils

The meeting was adjourned at 8:18 pm

The Sharing Plate

Hey parish family! Did you know that there’s a Sharing Plate with yummy treats being passed around the parish? Sign up to join in the fun! Enjoy the treats that you receive and then fill up the plate with your family favorites and pass it on to another parish family!

The plate has already started to pass around and will continue through May. Want to join in the fun?

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Sign up below!

Step 2: You’ll be contacted by a parish family to set up your plate delivery. This would be a good time to make sure the family is aware of any food allergies that you or a member of your family has.

Step 3: Receive the plate and enjoy the treats on it. This is also a great time to take pictures to share with us on Facebook and to add your name and story to the blessing book that came with the plate.

Step 4: Contact the next person on the list that came with the plate to set up your drop-off. Please try to set up a delivery for the next family within 5 days of receiving the plate.

Step 5: Fill up the plate with your family’s favorite treats and pass it on!

Have questions? Please call the Faith Formation office at 835-6777 (extension 236).

Sign-up:

Charitable Giving Strategies

As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace. Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God; whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. -1 Peter 4:10-11

How many of you know that at age 70 ½ an individual can use a strategy that can save themselves taxes on charitable giving if using a Traditional IRA?  There has been a recent change to the tax laws known as Secure Act 2.0 that lifted the age from 70 ½ to age 73 for required minimum distributions (RMD) from Traditional IRA’s and could provide additional benefits to you and your charitable giving.

Please join parishioner, Kevin Spencer, certified financial planner, and a local attorney, as they present the strategies that lie in Secure Act 2.0 which was approved late last year. The Secure Act added a key alternative that could benefit you by providing tax relief on distributions from qualified accounts while you are alive, and the church when you are gone.

Topics include:

  • Qualified Charitable Distributions
  • RMDs
  • Charitable Remainder Annuity Trusts

We will gather for coffee in the Social Hall on Saturday, March 11at 8:30 am with the presentation starting at 9:00 am. We hope you can join us to look at stewardship with a true tax advantage. Please register below or by calling the Parish Center.

Other Resources

SECURE 2.0 Act: What individuals need to know

Building Community Partnerships

Blessed Sacrament Welcomes Arnold Center & Midland County ESA

Blessed Sacrament Parish is excited to announce two new partnerships with local community organizations! In late 2021, a team of parishioners was tasked to review the leasing options of the south wing of the parish center, formerly the school wing. The group provided a list of organizations that aligned with the parish’s mission and served the greater Midland community.  

In early January, two non-profits began their leases with us. The Arnold Center will use two rooms to conduct their adult community living training and art class. The Midland County ESA will use a room for temporary office space for program coordinators as their main building on Jefferson Ave undergoes a multi-year renovation. 

We are excited to welcome the Arnold Center and the Midland County ESA to the space and look forward to helping them continue their mission of serving our Midland Community. 

Logos for Arnold Center Inc and Midland County ESA

Fr. Rob’s Message

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