St. Mary Parish Council Meeting, Thursday, April 3, 2025, 6:30 p.m.
Present: Lynn Cavanagh, Judy Binegar, Scott Collings, Mark Godar, Linda Ollinger, Karen Schmidt, Scot Wilson, Sharon Mealey, Fr. Scott Foley, Lee McFee, Barb LaPlaunt and Darlene Doorenbos.
Absent: John Dayton, Sam Peiffer and Deacon John Osborne.
Opening Prayer: Scot Wilson
Welcome: Barb LaPlaunt attended the meeting to observe as she is interested in being on the council.
Continuing Business: Members were encouraged to continue to think of people to ask to be on the council. Lynn read a possible bulletin announcement written by Scot W. and Sharon, inviting parishioners to become members of the council. One correction was to change the statement concerning length of term “typically 3 years” to 1 year.
Saturday, April 12 is the Spring clean-up day, starting at 9:00 a.m. Fr. Scott and Jay will be working on a list of items to address on that day.
New Business: Lynn presented an example of the Time and Talent Survey presented to parishioners in 2021. There was discussion on what would be the best way to get the survey out. It was suggested that each commission look over their description and make any changes. The Social Action Committee has volunteered to help Jay tabulate the information gathered from the survey. It was also suggested that those who respond should be contacted within 30 days of filling out the survey. The council will revisit this at the August meeting.
The Parish Council will be in charge of the June 8 pancake breakfast. Various jobs were assigned.
Fr. Scott will be moving to Steubenville, Ohio to join The Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception. Fr. Dominic Nguyen will be taking over the duties at St. Mary and St. Patrick. Fr. Scott will soon be meeting with the Bishop to find out the exact timeline of his departure and Fr. Nguyen’s arrival.
In June, a Farewell Reception will be planned for Fr. Scott. Karen Schmidt, Lynn Cavanagh, Linda Ollinger and Darlene Doorenbos will be on that planning committee.
Finance Council Report: Lee McFee reported that the parish is short around $5900 to complete our ADA obligation. Any balance due will come out of the general operating fund on June 30. Lee will put together an announcement for the Easter Sunday bulletin concerning this matter.
Buildings and Grounds: No report.
Social Action: The Commission met Thursday, March 6 at 11 a.m. with 7 members present. Details for the Lenten Food Drive were confirmed for the first 3 weekends in April with delivery on April 21st to MICA. Visits to the Homebound continue. Discussion of the need for a Time and Talent Survey from parishioners took place. Social Action Commission agreed to help tabulate results to help with office duties.
Worship and Spirituality: The commission met on March 13th. Lenten activities are in full swing. Holy Week notes from 2024 were reviewed. A sign-up for volunteers will be used to fill liturgical roles for Holy week and Easter, parishioners are asked to consider signing up. John Landkamer is working with college students and others interested in restarting the schola. John also plans to offer an organ recital on the 2nd Sunday of the even numbered months. Our next meeting will be April 10th. Addendum: Sharon mentioned that oil bearers were needed for Holy Thursday. Karen mentioned that the Stations of the Cross were going well, with about 20 people attending. She felt that the 3:00 time was better than the 5:30 time from previous years.
Funeral lunch update: The funeral luncheon committee has served lunches for Caroline Hexter and Mike Kriegel since the last parish council meeting.
Knights of Columbus: Kent mailed invitations to the St. Pat’s Knights and spouses to our first Fish Fry (Scot W. mentioned that the fish fries have been well attended with 210 meals served at the March 28 meal).
Into the Breach – “Not your average men’s bible study,” all Catholic men are welcome and encouraged to join us Sundays at 7:00 in the church basement.
St. Mary apparel fundraiser – We are reviewing samples and preparing initial orders March 25, including T-shirts, polo shirts and caps.
Free Throw Championship State competition in Boone – March 30, 3 Edsen sisters all won 1st place at regionals, going to state!
Mass Field Trips – We are taking monthly Mass and dinner trips as a small group inviting the local GK and Priest to dinner. The last trip was to Pella.
Good of the Order Awards – March Knight of the month was Scot Wilson. March Family of the month was Monica and Brock Kellogg.
Staff Reports: none
Pastor’s Report: Registration deadline for the Blessed Breakaway Jubilee Journey is noon on Thursday, April 10. There are 16 open spots. Fr. Scott gave us a tour of the Prayer Garden and explained the statutes and purpose of the Garden.
Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 7:20. Sharon Mealey ended the meeting in prayer. The next meeting will be on Thursday, June 19 at 6:30 p.m. Karen Schmidt will do the opening prayer, and Linda Ollinger will do the closing prayer.
Submitted by Darlene Doorenbos