St. Mary Parish Council Meeting, Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Present: Fr. Dominic Nguyen, Lynn Cavanagh, Karen Schmidt, Sharon Mealey, Linda Ollinger, Sam Peiffer, Patti Cline, Grace Soriano, Michelle Otto, Kent Reed, Greg Willard and Darlene Doorenbos. Absent: John Dayton, Mark Godar, Lee McFee. Guests: Maxwell Deitrich and Patricia Thompson. Opening Prayer: Lynn Cavanagh.
Welcome: Three new council members were welcomed: Patti Cline, Grace Soriano and Michelle Otto.
Continuing Business: Minutes from the February meeting were approved.
Maxwell Deitrich presented two primary choices plus several other ideas as a new logo for St. Mary. One primary choice featured a silhouette of church and the other featured the rose window. The other ideas presented include one featuring St. Mary, the mother of Jesus, the other featuring the church building and the third featuring a cross among foliage to represent the prayer garden at the church. Discussion was held about the designs. A hard copy of the logos was handed out, and it was decided that the council members will send their feedback via email to Karen no later than Monday night. Karen will compile the information and meet with Max and then present the final 3 choices to Father Dominic. Once Fr. Domnic approves the choices Karen will send out the choices to the council members to vote on.
The parish council will be hosting the pancake breakfast on Sunday, June 7. This has been switched from the second Sunday to the first Sunday to coincide with a visit from Bishop Walsh. The meal may feature something other than pancakes and that is yet to be determined. Bishop Walsh will be saying mass at both the Saturday and Sunday services. After the 10:30 service there will be a Eucharistic Procession (north on Broad Street, east on 6th. Street, south on Park Street, west on 5th. Street and then back to the church). Meal will be served after the procession.
There have been no funeral luncheons since last report.
New Business: Karen and Fr. Dominic expressed gratitude to all who helped to make Holy Week a beautiful and successful event.
Linda reported that the last church directory was in 2018. While Linda did not talk to Cory Hall, it is possible he could do an update for us. It was suggested that we do it in 2027 to coincide with the 100 years of St. Mary Church. The first mass in the current building was said on 1/30/1927 and it was dedicated in February 1927. It was felt that a committee should be formed, and Karen will find others to serve on this committee. Sam Peiffer, Grace Soriano and Lynn Cavanagh volunteered to be on the committee.
Currently the Vice President position of the council is vacant. Karen asked if anyone would like to serve in that position. Karen will ask John Dayton and Mark Godar to see if they are interested in the position.
Commission, Committee, Finance Council and Knights of Columbus Reports
Worship & Spirituality Commission: The commission met on March 12 and April 9. Lent activities were reviewed. It is hoped changing Stations of the Cross to 5 p.m. allowed more people to attend. Holy Week and Easter liturgies were planned in March and reviewed in April. Things that went well and not so well were noted. A Eucharistic procession outside around the block is plan for Corpus Christi after mass on June 7.
Social Action Commission: On March 30, the social action commission and volunteers delivered 584.5 lbs. of food and $170 in cash and checks to the MICA food pantry in Grinnell. The Lenten Food drive lasted 4 weeks and our parishioners were very generous. We thank everyone who donated. We will have a summer food drive again in July. The commission last met March 5. We discussed our ongoing missions and ideas for new projects. We have also welcomed 3 new members. Our next meeting will be May 7.
Stewardship Commission: no report.
Grinnell College student Representative: no report.
Finance Council: Fr. Dominic shared a graph showing income and expenses from July 2025 to the present date in the fiscal year. The church is doing well financially. The financial council approved a $9,962 bid to repair broken tiles on the bell tower roof and on the Church roof. A donation was received to possibly cover the remaining balance of the ADA commitment once all pledges are received.
Building and Grounds: no report.
Knights of Columbus: Greg Willard presented a report. The Fish Fry suppers went very well this year. The Knights are in good shape financially and are looking for donation suggestions. Usually, this time of year is when the Knights donate to student scholarships. Sharon Mealey reported that they have 7 applicants for the scholarship.
The Knights are working with the Grinnell Fire Chief to possibly offer a CPR/first aid class. The Knights will be working with the Special Olympics on April 25 and are looking for volunteers to help with that event. Grace Soriano and daughter Gabrielle Lara were the Family of the Month in March. Dave and Francesca Cunningham are the April Family of the Month.
Staff Reports: no reports
Pastor’s Report: Linda Ollinger and Karen Frischmeyer are planning a Chicken and Waffle meal. This is a time to enjoy fellowship and good food. About 80 tickets have been handed out and they are planning on 100-120 people. This is a free will offering meal. Volunteers are welcome.
On Saturday, August 8, 2026, a representative from Mary’s Meals will be speaking at St. Mary. Mary’s Meals is a global charity that works with local communities and places of education to help provide at least one nutritious meal a day for children. This will be a night of worship, including Steve Angrisano providing music.
Adjournment: The next meeting is June 18, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the parish hall. Karen Schmidt will provide the opening prayer, and Sam Peiffer will provide the closing prayer in June. Lynn Cavanagh closed in prayer.