Pastoral Council

Attendees: Corinne Cathcart, Annette Clark, Fr. Rob Howe, Jim Marinik, Jeff Paulus, Cathy Richard, Barb Warczinsky, Melisa Waskevich, Christine Sellnow

Minutes

• The meeting began at 7:01pm
• Jim Marinik moved and Annette Clark seconded the approval of the minutes of the November and December 2024 council meeting minutes. The motion carried.

Faith Formation Update (Update by Corinne Cathcart and Christine Sellnow)

Highlights:

• This year’s theme is “Unravel the Mystery, focusing on understanding God’s great plan for us.
• The elementary school program has 83 kids and 54 families
• They’re building Bible timelines as well as learning how to reference
• The Nativity Play during Advent was the best they’ve ever had, where every role had one actor (instead of actors doubling up to cover all roles).
• Melissa Kato is the high school youth She is actively advertising for the Notre Dame Vision retreat that will take place this summer.
• The Y2Y team has 11 kids & 7 adults Their theme is “FROG” (Fully Rely on God). Their retreat will be at Camp Rotary on April 26 & 27^th.
• The Sunday Night High School YM program has 26 kids They are doing a series on the Paschal Mystery.
• “Souper” Bowl of Caring will be this weekend. You can put your donations in buckets for the Chiefs, the Eagles, or “Should have been the Lions”.
• Chili cook-off & Euchre tournament coming March
• The Marriage Milestone celebration has 10 couples
• OCIA has 4 people (1 will be baptized at the Easter Vigil, 3 will be confirmed on Pentecost in June)
• The Boxes of Love event made 19
• The Laidback Book Club is reading Screwtape Letters by CS
• Creative Card Ministry made Valentine cards for Box of Love and Emmaus House. They will also be making sympathy cards that will be used for Bereavement Ministry and funeral lunches.
• Walk & Pray Lenten Pilgrimage will be coming for
• Family Game Night was January 11 – 104 people attended! There was grilled cheese & soup, Bingo, Euchre and a Jigsaw Puzzle competition.
• The Art Show was February 1 – over 25 artists shared their beautiful work and 108 friends came to see their creations!
• First Reconciliation prep has been completed; First Eucharist prep will begin in February; First Eucharist Masses will be in May
• Confirmation prep begins this year with a year of discernment for 6^th graders – Confirmation classes will begin in their 7^th grade year (it is a two year program)

Parish Finance Report (Melisa Waskevich)

Melisa reported on the parish’s finances through December 31, 2024.

• Net assets increased by $265,000.
• The total revenue for the 2^nd quarter was almost $544k which was driven by higher Weekend Collections and Other Income and about $46k greater than what we expected to bring in this quarter.
• This year we need to replace 5 computers because Microsoft is going to stop releasing security updates and providing support for. We will use the funds from Furnishings & Equipment to cover those costs.
• Weekend Collections through December were higher than budget by $41,000.
• Compared to the end of December 2023, we are doing better financially by about $35,000.
• At the end of February we will issue checks for the Christian Service Funding Grants totaling $125,000. The Open House for those organizations will take place on March 16^th.
• We are at 57% ($174,000) of our $303,000 target for Christ’s Mission Approximately $129,000 short of our goal, as of January 31st.

Closing Comments (Fr. Rob)

• Christ Mission Appeal. The Diocese is still looking at ways to change CMA – including changing the name, the time of year that the campaign runs and possibly using a flat rate based on each parish’s collections.
• October Count was about an average of 1100 parishioners per weekend (there were 4 weekends in total).
• The playground construction will start in the spring of We still have about $40,000 that we will need to pay later this year.
• We will do another Registration weekend during the beginning of There were 10 families that registered the last time we did this back in October.
• Rob will be leaving for Guatemala next week to help install stoves for those communities. He will miss two weeks in a row at Blessed Sacrament, but Fr. Jack Johnson and Fr. Pat O’Connor will be here while he is gone.

Round Table Discussion

• Barb complimented the staff on how they work together and get
• Annette reminded everyone of the donations that are being dropped off for Emmaus House. They are requesting toilet paper, socks, and coffee, as well as “Birthday Boxes” to celebrate birthdays in the house.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:41pm.

Attendees: Annette Clark, Corinne Cathcart, Dick Dolinski, Judy Gross, Fr. Rob Howe, Jim Mahoney, Jim Marinik, Jeff Paulus, Cathy Richard, Barb Warczinsky, Melisa Waskevich

Minutes

• The meeting began at 6:59pm
• Cathy Richard moved and Barb Warczinsky seconded the approval of the minutes of the September 4, 2024 Pastoral Council meeting. The motion carried.

Opening Comments (Fr. Rob)

• The playground project has not been completed by the city. Fr. Rob will follow up with them.
• Michael Beaudoin, the new Chief Financial Officer of the Diocese, will review the Christ’s Mission Appeal (CMA) to develop a better process for setting parish targets and conducting the annual campaign.
• The parish Facilities Task Force is monitoring and will be conducting an audit of our facilities soon.

Faith Formation Update (Update by Corinne Cathcart)

Corrine reported some of the highlights of the Parish’s Faith Formation programs that are underway or being planned. Highlights include the following:

• The elementary school program is in the second year of a family-centered approach. Parents and children learn and pray together with the ultimate goal of building lifelong, faithful, and faith-filled Catholics.
• The elementary program currently has 83 children and 53 families enrolled.
• Instead of a Christmas party this year, a baby shower be held for Mary. Proceeds from the shower will be donated to HIS Restoration Ministries, a Saginaw-based non-profit that serves homeless pregnant women….just like Mary.
• The middle school youth ministry program is exploring Salvation History. a collaboration with Assumption. It consists of whole group learning and break-out groups.
• Enrollment is 50 from the two parishes, about the same as last year. A ”Youth Ministry” style adoration will be held on December 8.
• The Notre Dame retreat will be offered to High School youth in lieu of Outreach this year since only one person registered for Outreach. Information and registration for the retreat will begin in January.
• 11 students are participating in the Youth to Youth program. This year’s theme is “FROG,” Fully Rely on God!
• Enrollment in the Sunday Youth Ministry program is 26 youth. A series on the Paschal Mysteries is beginning in January. The youth will participate in Adoration with the Middle School group.
• Corinne’s full report is attached with these minutes.

Parish Finance Report (Melisa Waskevich)

Melisa presented her report of finances through November 30, 2024. The YTD fund balance is about $145,000 greater than at the beginning of our fiscal year (July 1, 2024) largely owing to accruing the Christian Service Tithe money that will be dispersed early in 2025. Higher than budgeted weekend donations began in the fall but YTD revenues are still about $46,000 lower than budget.

In lieu of further discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 7:18pm to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Fr. Rob’s ordination. Also, attached is a copy of the homily that Bishop Ken Untener delivered on the occasion of Fr. Rob’s ordination on December 4, 1994. It’s a profound and meaningful missive on the context of becoming a priest and how to authentically be one…in words only Bishop Ken could summon.

Attendees: Corinne Cathcart, Annette Clark, Fr. Rob Howe, Jim Mahoney, Jeff Paulus, Cathy Richard, Barb Warczinsky, Melisa Waskevich, Christy Granda

Minutes

• The meeting began at 7:17pm
• Jeff Paulus moved and Jim Mahoney seconded the approval of the minutes of the September 4, 2024 Joint Finance and Pastoral Councils’ meeting. The motion carried.

Opening Comments (Fr. Rob)

• Christ Mission Appeal. Many parishioners would like to support the church, but not the Diocese. Years ago there was a team that was working on a new approach for Christ’s Mission Appeal where each parish had a flat rate of 12-13% of their weekend collections. This idea never took off, but maybe with the new CFO, a new team could be formed for future collections
• October Count was about an average of 1100 parishioners per weekend (there were 4 weekends in total).
• There has not been any updates on when the playground construction will start. The contract states that if the new playground is not in by January 1, the parish won’t have to pay the remainder of the donation.
• Registration weekend in October brought in 8 new families. Kristyn made Welcome Packets for the new members to learn more about Blessed Sacrament.
• About 50 kids came by the parish for Trick or Treating. The location (Swede entrance) did not bring in as many kids as expected. Next year the staff will set up on Kentwood to get more Trick or Treaters.

Faith Formation Update (Update by Corinne Cathcart and Christy Granda)

The enclosed handout (Faith Formation) provided by Corinne describes some of the Faith Formation programs underway or being planned. Highlights include the following:

• This year’s theme is “Unravel the Mystery, focusing on understanding God’s great plan for us.
• The elementary school program has 82 kids in 53 families enrolled; last year’s enrollment was 72 kids in 50 families.
• Instead of a Christmas party this year, we will have a Baby Shower for Mary. We’re collecting items for HIS Restoration Ministries which serves homeless pregnant women.
• The middle school youth program is a collaboration with Assumption. It consists of whole group learning and break-out groups. Enrollment is 50 from the two parishes.
• Melissa Kato is the high school youth minister. This program also is collaborative with Assumption and has 26 kids registered. The outreach team is deciding on this year’s trip location. Eleven teens have registered thus far for the Youth-to-Youth retreat.
• A number of Family Fun Events are planned including Game Night, Lenten Events, and Advent Wreath Making. An All Souls event is planned as well as a Trivia Night scheduled for October 5.
• Family Fun Events are open to all parishioners. Trivia Night was a success with more than 80 people.
• The All Souls Event that was scheduled for November 2 was cancelled due to lack of interest.
• Build an Advent wreath on November 24. All participants can also decorate a cookie and play Advent themed activities with their families.
• First Reconciliation prep began with 19 kids enrolled.
• First Eucharist prep begins in February with a retreat in April and First Eucharist Mass in May.
• Confirmation prep also begins this year with a year of discernment for 6th graders. They’ll begin their Confirmation classes in their 7th grade year.

Parish Finance Report (Melisa Waskevich)

Melisa reported on the parish’s finances through October 31, 2024.

• Net assets increased by $106k.
• Christian Services Funding committee met and reviewed 54 grant applications. The committee has made recommendations on allocating $125k to these nonprofit organizations. Letters to these organizations will go out in December and the payments will be made in February.
• Despite starting the fiscal year with lower weekend collections than budget, we have made up the difference and we are over budget by $15k, as of October 31st. (In September we had a few sizable donations come in.)
• Compared to the end of October 2023, we are doing about $45k better than this time last year.
• Our Total YTD Expenses were better than Budget by $53k largely driven by employee related expenses (salaries/payroll taxes/social security/benefits have been approximately $12k lower than what we budgeted for).

Round Table Discussion

Annette suggested that the Pardee Fund in Bay County has extra money to help those in need. This information should be given to the Emergency Assistance volunteers to help any callers in the Auburn/Bay County areas.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:56pm.

Attendees: Corinne Cathcart, Annette Clark, Dick Dolinski, Fr. Rob Howe, Pat Lautner, Jim Mahoney, Jim Marinik, Jeff Paulus, Cathy Richard, Kristyn Russell, Barb Warczinsky, Melisa Waskevich

Minutes

• The meeting began at 7:01pm
• Dick Dolinski moved and Barb Warczinsky seconded the approval of the minutes of the June 12, 2024 Joint Finance and Pastoral Councils’ meeting. The motion carried.

Opening Comments (Fr. Rob)

Fr. Rob described the following staff changes:

• Melisa Waskevich has adapted well to her role as the new Business Manager.
• A change will be forthcoming in our parish communications partners. We will be using Evangelus (EVA) that will be replacing Flocknotes. We also have a new parish logo and website as well that Kristyn described later in the meeting.
• The parish picnic and golf outings were highly successful. Indicators are we almost ran out of hamburgers and did run out of beer!! Seventeen foursomes participated in the golf outing. Congratulations to Pat Lautner and the team for the successful events. The dates for next year’s picnic and golf outing will be August 23 and 24 respectively.

Communications Update (Kristyn Russell)

Kristyn described several major forthcoming changes to our communications system.

• The parish logo has a new design. It features four elements: a wheat head, a bunch of grapes, a cross, and a pair of hands. The wheat and grapes symbolize Eucharist, the cross is a representation of salvation and our overall faith, while the pair of hands is symbolic of our sharing with the community and the world.
• We will be switching from Flocknotes to Evangelus (EVA) for most of our direct communications such as e-mail. All weekly communications will be on EVA by the end of October.
• The parish website has been redesigned. It is the same URL and is much easier to navigate.
• The enclosed document contains additional details of the several communications initiatives.

Faith Formation Update (Update by Corinne Cathcart)

The enclosed handout (Faith Formation) provided by Corinne describes some of the Faith Formation programs underway or being planned. Highlights include the following:

• This year’s theme is “Unravel the Mystery, focusing on understanding God’s great plan for us.
• The elementary school program is in the second year of a family-centered approach. Parents and children learn and pray together with the ultimate goal of building lifelong, faithful, and faith-filled Catholics.
• The middle school youth program is a collaboration with Assumption. It consists of whole group learning and break-out groups. Enrollment is 50 from the two parishes.
• Melissa Kato is the high school youth minister. This program also is collaborative with Assumption. The outreach team is deciding on this year’s trip location. Seven teens have registered thus far for the Youth-to-Youth retreat.
• Christy Granda is overseeing the OCIA (formerly RCIA) program. Five candidates are registered so far. A number of activities/programs are planned including the next series of “The Chosen, Bible Study groups, Laidback Book Club, and more.
• A number of Family Fun Events are planned including Game Night, Lenten Events, and Advent Wreath Making. An All Souls event is planned as well as a Trivia Night scheduled for October 5.
• First Reconciliation prep will begin in October with the actual sacrament occurring at their December retreat. First Eucharist prep begins in February with a retreat in April and First Eucharist in May. Confirmation is a two-year collaborative program t with Assumption for 6th and 7th graders using the “Purpose” curriculum by Life Teen. Details are available on the parish website.

Parish Finance Report (Melisa Waskevich)

Melisa presented her first report of finances through August 31, 2024. Net assets increased by almost $12,000. Despite lower than budgeted weekend collections, revenues exceeded expenses by $32,000 thanks in part to higher than planned interest rates and other donations. Our 2023-24 Christ’s Mission Appeal (CMA) campaign ended at 89% of the $236,000 plan resulting in a deficit of $25,000. We will be covering this shortfall with payments to the Diocese over the next few months. The 2024-25 CMA campaign will begin in the Fall. The new sound system has been installed and has been favorably received.

Round Table Discussion

• Annette reported that she and her group are working on several clean-up projects this fall.
• Barb indicated that she has heard many positive comments about asking people to introduce themselves and greet others at weekend Masses.
• Corinne reported that she needs volunteers, especially school catechists
• Cathy reported that the men’s and women’s Christ Renews is going well. Currently 19 women are signed up for the next session.

Jeff Paulus moved and Jim Mahoney seconded adjournment of the meeting. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 8:09pm.

Attendees: Annette Clark, Dick Dolinski, Joe Dostal, Kathy Fothergill, Fr. Rob Howe, Jim Mahoney, Jim Marinik, Jeff Paulus, Patrick Regier, Dennis Thiel, Barb Warczinsky, Melisa Waskevich

Minutes

• Meeting began at 6:36pm
• Annette Clark moved and Dick Dolinski seconded the approval of the minutes of the March 6, 2024 Pastoral Council meeting. The motion carried.

Opening Comments (Fr. Rob)

Fr. Rob described the following staff changes:

• Melisa Waskevich is replacing retiring Business Manager, Patrick Regier
• Melissa Kato has taken up the responsibility as Coordinator of High School Youth Ministry in Faith Formation
• Keith Brandt is joining the Maintenance group

The church carpet will be cleaned. The playground has formally been transferred to the City of Midland and is part of Wallen Park. General and property liability along with maintenance now belongs to the City. Conceptual designs for the forthcoming improvements are pending and will be shared with the parish. Completion timing for the playground upgrades is the Fall of this year. The Parish picnic will be held on August 24. Mass will be outdoors that day, weather permitting. The Golf Tournament will be on August 25 beginning at 1:00pm at Currie Golf Course.

Faith Formation Update (Submitted by Corinne Cathcart)

The enclosed handout (Faith Formation) provided by Corinne describes some of the Faith Formation programs underway or being planned. Highlights include the following:

• Sacramental preparation included 9 children who celebrated their First Eucharist. Parents were engaged and all had a positive experience. Confirmation program for 12-year-olds begins next year as a joint effort with Assumption.
• Vacation Bible School is at Blessed Sacrament this year instead of at Assumption. The theme is “Scuba Dive into Friendship with God!” Currently, 105 children are registered for the program—20 more than last year.
• The Youth 2 Youth Retreat was very successful. 12 teen leaders and 7 adults led the program for 33 participants—a dozen more than last year. The theme was “Rescued.”
• The Outreach mission trip is going well. The team is in the Knoxville area in “low amenity” housing. They’ve built a deck and have done some hiking so far.

Parish Finance Report (Patrick Regier)

Patrick provided his last Finance report. Through May 31, 2024, net assets increased $260,000 driven by higher than budgeted weekend collections and lower expenses largely owing to lower employee-related expenses. Our Christ Mission Appeal is at 86% of our $236,000 target: approximately $33,000 short of the target. The current year appeal is completed. Next year’s campaign will begin in the Fall.

The proposed 2024-25 fiscal year budget was reviewed. Weekend collections are projected to be flat at approximately $1.54 million. Interest and miscellaneous income will increase total income to about $1.69 million. Operational expenses are projected to be slightly lower at $1.54 million (versus $1.55 projected for 2023-24) resulting in a revenue surplus of $149,000. Major expenditures of $75,000, primarily for a new sound system for the church (including a Bluetooth hearing assistance feature for those with a hearing disability) will result in an estimated overall net budget surplus of $74,000.

Tribute to Patrick on his retirement

Fr. Rob and the meeting participants offered comments of gratitude for Patrick’s service as the Parish’s Business Manager for the past 9 years and extended their prayers and best wishes for every success and happiness in the next chapter of his life. Fr. Rob concluded the meeting with a prayer for Patrick and his family.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:23pm

A reception/celebration for Patrick followed the meeting.

Attendees: Corrine Cathcart, Annette Clark, Christy Granda, Fr. Rob Howe, Jim Mahoney, Jeff Paulus, Patrick Regier, Cathy Richard, and Barb Warczinsky

Minutes

• Meeting began at 7 pm
• Annette Clark moved and Jeff Paulus seconded the approval of the minutes of the December 13, 2023 Pastoral Council meeting as presented. The motion carried.

Updates (Fr. Rob)

• The Christ Mission Appeal amount for Blessed Sacrament has been adjusted. The method of determining the rate of assessment for this program in future years is being studied by the diocese.
• At this point the maintenance staffing is stable. A new person, Keith Brandt has been hired.
• The staff is getting closer to hiring a new person to serve as the leader of the High School Youth Ministry program.
• Eight priests will be here for Blessed Sacrament’s Communal Penance service.
• There are 17 new or returning Eucharistic Ministers to serve at Masses. We will return to the pre-Covid number of cup ministers during the Easter weekend Masses.
• Blessed Sacrament choir will be singing at the Diocese Chrism Mass.
• Pastoral Council members are encouraged to attend the Christian Service Funding Showcase on March 17th.

Adult Faith Formation – Christy Granda

Recent events included

• Contemplating the Eucharist Through Art – an offering to join with the Eucharistic Revival. Twenty persons attended this event.
• Box of Love – Families preparing goodies to send to college students
• Milestone Anniversary – Fifteen couples signed up to celebrate their milestone anniversary with 40 to 72 years of marriage being celebrated.
• Lenten Reflections – focusing on Gospel Readings and applying them to home, life, parish and the world

Theology by the Glass has been changed to Jesus and Java. Meeting times will be twice a month. Mornings at Cultivate Coffee in the Mall and evenings at Stranded Yarn and Coffee on the Circle.

Ongoing events include

• Small faith groups
• Little Rock Scripture study
• CARE
• Christ Renews
• Laidback Book Club
• Special Event Task Force (A group of people who help with the “behind the scenes” needs of parish events such as the Parish Picnic and Holy Thursday meal.

Upcoming events:

• Parishioners have the opportunity to sign up to create a Peace Post. The finished post will represent reflections on Scripture. Instruction will be provided and participants will have stencils and paint available for their use.
• The parish art show was well attended and many parishioners showcased a variety of artistic talent.

Faith Formation

See attached document for a complete overview from Corrine Cathcart regarding the Elementary, Sacramental Prep, Middle School, and High School Ministries as well as Family Fun events.

Finance Update (Patrick)

The parish Net Assets increased by $167K through February 2024.

Our weekend collections have rebounded since December and we closed the gap vs our plan. Actually, through February our Weekend Collections is better than Budget by $9. In March we continue to track higher than budget. Our Total YTD Expenses were better than Budget across most categories. In addition, our tuition assistance payments to St. Brigid were lower by 4K due to fewer families enrolling children in their school. (12 students enrolled vs 16 students budgeted).

Grant payments totaling $125K were paid to nonprofit programs/organizations supported by Christian Service funding.

Round Table Updates

There were 38 participants in the Men’s Christ Renews program presented earlier this month. There were several younger men who attended.

The Outreach Team paired with the Emmaus House for a project and the Riverside project is coming up.

Attendees: Cathy Ahearn, Corinne Cathcart, Annette Clark, Dick Dolinski, Kathy Fothergill, Judy Gross, Fr. Rob Howe, Andy Pasztor, Jeff Paulus, Patrick Regier, Cathy Richard, Kristyn Russel, Barb Warczinsky

Minutes

• Meeting began at 7:17pm
• Barb Warczinsky moved and Jeff Paulus seconded the approval of the minutes of the November 8, 2023 Pastoral Council meeting as corrected. The motion carried.

Elementary School Faith Formation Update (Corinne Cathcart)

Corinne provided an update of the Elementary, Middle School, and High School programs as outlined in the attachment (“Faith Formation”). Some highlights of the Elementary program include that 50 families with 72 youth are participating in the new Family-Centered faith formation program. At the last class of the year, the group made birthday kits that were donated to the Food Pantry. “St. Nicholas” also paid a visit, passed out candy canes, and answered questions. Among the questions, he replied that his favorite color is blue, and when asked how old he is, he answered, “very!”

Seven children celebrated First Reconciliation on December 2 and are looking forward to First Eucharist in May.

Middle School Faith Formation Update (Corinne Cathcart)

Corinne provided an update of the Middle School program as outlined in the handout. The current enrollment is 39 youth. The group baked pies for Thanksgiving baskets and volunteered as Salvation Army bell ringers. The joint (with Assumption Parish) Confirmation program will begin in January

High School Faith Formation Update (Corinne Cathcart)

Kathy Russell and Corinne Cathcart have been running the Sunday night small faith groups with an enrollment of 18 youth. The Outreach trip to Knoxville currently has 4 registered for the trip but 10 have been attending the program. Dave Pasek is overseeing the program and Melissa Kato will be going on the trip. A total of 12 youth are enrolled in the Youth 2 Youth Retreat that is run by Kathy and Kristyn Russell.

The Advent event (entire parish) had a good turnout. Twenty new wreaths were made and cookies, various crafts, and decorating Christmas cards for parish seniors rounded out the event.

Communications Update Report (Kristyn Russell)

Kristyn provided a comprehensive summary report of the metrics of the several communications approaches used by the parish. We primarily use 6 different communication channels: Facebook, Flickr, Flocknote, Instagram, the Parish Website, and YouTube. The statistical usage metrics provided in the slides for each of these are quite favorable relative to peer organizations.

Kristyn also provided a summary of the 2023 Synod update. Three listening sessions were held in March 2023 in response to the working document “Enlarge the space of your tent” Working Document for the Continental Stage. Participants were asked to reflect on the following questions: Where do you think the Church has been welcoming and hospitable? Where do you think the Church can improve being welcoming and hospitable? We had 44 participants ranging in age from 10-90.

Kristyn also reported that 9 youth who participate in the youth ministry program attended the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis November 16-19. They had an amazing time. One student shared his experience in a witness talk at XLT and adoration on December 4.

Parish Finance Report (Patrick Regier)

Net assets increased by $63,000 through the end of November despite lower weekend collections that are down $47,000 versus budget. However, expenses are lower than budget by $67,000 largely as a result of having two open job positions (High School Youth Ministry and Maintenance).

The combined Mass attendance (October count) for all three Masses was 1,017, up 26% versus October 2022 but still down 14% versus pre-COVID figures of 2019. Blessed Sacrament continues to have the highest Mass attendance in the Diocese. The total Diocese count was up 5.1% versus last year. Combined Mass attendance for the entire Midland Area Catholic Community (MACC) was 2,427, up 10% versus last year’s count of 2,208. Each sister parish experienced an increase except Assumption.

A walkthrough of the church and parish facilities by the assets team identified no major maintenance issues. Some minor improvements completed are installing shut off valves to the former school building at a cost of $8,000

The parish continues to work with the city regarding playground replacement. A property survey has been completed. We’re working with the city and the Diocese to prepare the appropriate legal documents and applications. They are planned to be completed in late January/early February of next year. We currently have received or have pledged a total of $22,000 in grants to help offset the costs associated with the playground project with a potential additional amount of ~$20,000 still pending.

Roundtable Updates

Patrick—We continue to look for a maintenance person as well as for someone to lead the youth ministry program. Please let us know if you have any recommendations.

Barb—expressed her appreciation and thanks to all involved in the education program.

Annette—summarized several Outreach activities

• They are still collecting coats for kids
• The team raked the large autumn leaf fall from 3 yards of people who needed assistance
• 87 turkey dinners were prepared and delivered to Cleveland Manor and the West Midland Family Center

Cathy—The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults—formerly RCIA) program is going well with a fairly large group of 7 (4 adults; 3 youth). There has been a request to keep the Kentwood access entrance open during funerals. It normally is but was inadvertently closed during a recent funeral.

Kristyn—announced that “Exam Snack Packs” of treats will again be made available to the youth of the parish about to embark on their final exams near the end of the year.

Corinne—reminded everyone to stop to view and appreciate the artwork displayed around the parish center that has been prepared by students in our programs.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:19.

The next meeting of the Pastoral Council is scheduled for March 6, 2024

Attendees: Corinne Cathcart, Annette Clark, Dick Dolinski, Kathy Fothergill, Judy Gross, Fr. Rob Howe, Pat Lautner, Jim Mahoney, Jim Marinik, Andy Pasztor, Jeff Paulus, Patrick Regier, Cathy Richard, Christine Sellnow, Barb Warczinsky

Minutes

• Meeting began at 8:02pm
• Annette Clark moved and Jim Mahoney seconded the approval of the minutes of the September 6, 2023 Pastoral Council meeting as corrected. The motion carried.

Updates (Fr. Rob)

• A meeting with the city regarding the playground transfer is scheduled for November 15. Up to approximately $40,000 in grants is pending to help offset the cost of replacing the playground in partnership with the City.
• The maintenance situation is in transition. An initial arrangement of a person working ~30 hours at Assumption and ~10 hours for Blessed Sacrament was terminated after 3 weeks when the incumbent preferred working solely at Assumption. We now have a person working part time who is expected to transition to full time in December.
• Our October parish Mass attendance count has increased from 807 in 2022 to 1,016 this year, a 26% improvement. However, this total still lags the 2019 pre-COVID amount of 1,182 by 14%. Attendance at the Sunday 11:00am Mass has increased sharply. Our family-involved faith formation program helped drive this increase.
• Bishop Ken Untener’s weekend homilies are being read by priests in the Diocese (beginning with Fr. Rob) each weekend and are available via podcast. The “Little Books” based on his writings will be available again for the parishioners beginning with the first Sunday of Advent on December 3, 2023.
• The video report on the “State of the Parish” is being recorded and edited. The final copy will be available for the parish soon.

High School Faith Formation Update (Corinne Cathcart)

Corinne provided an update of the High School program as outlined in the attachment (“Faith Formation”). Some highlights include the whole family program is being well received, we are still seeking candidate to lead the program, the outreach trip this year is to Knoxville, Tennessee. We exceeded our goal of 800 cereal boxes collected and provided to the food pantry.

Middle School Faith Formation Update (Christine Sellnow)

Christine provided an update of the Middle School program as outlined in the “Middle Schools YM” attachment. Christine explained the joint pilot of the new Confirmation program at Blessed Sacrament and Assumption beginning next year. She is working with Kathy Russell at Assumption on the project. This is a two-year program with 24 sessions plus a service project and a retreat. Five parishes in the Diocese are participating in the approach with the desired outcome to build a Catholic foundation and form life disciples for the church. Other highlights include the “Reach Out Program” that is providing a service project monthly with the first being to assist at Shelterhouse’s retail store, and an additional project to bake 25 pies for the Food Pantry.

Parish Christian Service Ministry Report (Pat Lautner)

Pat provided a very comprehensive report on the various components that make up Christian Services ministry, specifically “Emergency Assistance, Special Assistance, and Christian Service Funding.”

“Emergency Assistance” typically begins with a request through 2-1-1. Basic information such as name, address, income, number of children, etc. is collected and the need is identified. Typical needs are for rent to avoid eviction, paying a utility bill, and the like. Blessed Sacrament is in collaboration with a network of agencies, comprised of approximately 20 churches and several service organizations, who provide emergency assistance. Recipients are limited to one support payment per fiscal year and a maximum payment of $150. Blessed Sacrament provided $27,400 of assistance during our 2022-2023 fiscal year.

“Special Assistance” is for extraordinary help arising from more serious circumstances such as floods, storm damage, emergency shelter, etc. A network of 15 churches and 20 agencies come together to manage this endeavor.

“Christian Service Commission Funding” has provided $3.27 million in funds to area non-profit agencies since its inception in 1981. Applications for funding are submitted by October 1 of each year requesting information about the agency’s mission, service, budget, and related items along with the proposed use of the requested grant. Representatives of any agency that has not applied in the past are interviewed by the Commission members, the applications are reviewed, and the funding decisions are made. Last year, $125,000 of a total of $183,000 requested was dispersed in grants to 56 agencies. The Christian Service Commission reviewed requests from 53 agencies this year and has recommended $125,000 of funding to the agencies. Award letters will be sent to the selected agencies in early December with payments in February. An open house for recipient agencies is held after the Sunday Masses on a designated day in March of each year to allow the agencies to inform about and exhibit” their work as well as to network.

Finance Report and Update (Patrick Regier)

Weekend collections are down $30,700 versus budget through the end of October. However, our total year-to-date expenses were better than budget by $43,000 largely owing to lower employee-related expenses including a less than 100% staffing level with the open High School Youth Ministry position. Net assets increased by $46,000.

Roundtable Updates

• Corinne—encouraged all to view the pictures lining the hallway
• Barb—expressed her appreciation and gratitude to the staff for their exceptional work
• Jim Marinik—asked about the outcomes of the Synod meeting in Rome. Fr. Rob responded that this is a two-year process, only the first phase has been concluded, and more work will be done over the next year.
• Cathy Richard—indicated that she was proud to be a part of this group and its work
• Annette—updated the group on several initiatives including a planned Thanksgiving turkey drive, Coats for Kids campaign, greeting cards project at Washington Woods, Sharing Tree tags availability, and the Alternate Gifts fair in November

• The next meeting will be a Joint Pastoral & Finance Council on December 13, 2023 at 7:00pm.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:16pm