The Pastoral Council is meeting regularly again, generally on the first Thursday of the month. Important information will be included in the bulletin (usually as in insert) and on the website. Detailed meeting minutes are available on request.
Organization The Pastoral Council has a membership of twelve parishioners. Additionally, the two parish trustees (Al Tinger, Ray McGoldrick), the faith formation coordinator (Chrissy Blanck) and the pastor (Fr. Michael) serve as ex-officio members. Here are the current members:
Martha Harris (mmarhar10@hotmail.com) Alice Perkins, Chair (perkinsam62@gmail.com)
Austin Partridge (austinleepartridge@gmail.com) Mary Farmer (mj.farmer@yahoon.com)
Diane Butz, Secretary (dmbutz@twc.com) Walt Heinrich (westwall@peoplepc.com)
Diane Grigoli (dcgrigoli@yahoo.com) Marty Rosenthal (rcknrgby@aol.com)
Roger Davidson (davidsonrh@aol.com) Vince Solomon (solomonvs@gmail.com)
Owen Kennedy (thekennedyfamily8@gmail.com) Martha Wilhelm (mwilhelm414@gmail.com)
Please communicate with them or the ex-officio members regarding any concerns, questions or suggestions.
The pastor presides over and guides final decisions and their implementation. Formal guidelines for how the council functions are available upon request.
June 5, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Attendees: Father Michael, Alice Perkins, Diane Butz, Walt Heinrich, Diane Grigoli, Martha Harris, Martha Wilhelm, Chrissy Blanck, Vince Solomon, Owen Kennedy, Mary Farmer, Raymond McGoldrick, Roger Davidson
Absent: Austin Partridge, Marty Rosenthal, Al Tinger
Guest Attendees: Rita Fenstemacher, Sharon Oberriter
1. Alice Perkins opened the Meeting at 7:05 pm
2. Opening Prayer was led by Alice Perkins
Prayer discussion centered on our experiences of the power of the Holy Spirit.
3. The April minutes were approved.
Motion to approve by Father Michael; seconded by Diane Grigoli; all approved.
4. Ministry Annual Report
Feeding the Hungry and Food Insecure Ministry (Rita Fenstemacher, Sharon Oberriter)
– Sharon and Rita coordinate collection and distribution along with 8 members. Kitty Dykstra assists with setting dates and times for the two food drives, during Lent and at Thanksgiving. Seven food pantries are supported.
– 2024 Thanksgiving Food Drive yielded 1800 lbs of food and $2800
– 2025 Lenten Food Drive yielded 810 lbs of food and $5600
– The need for support continues to increase, notably among our rural population and among the elderly, while costs are rising. At the same time anticipated changes in federal policies will result in significant reductions in support. Our parish collections become even more critical in dealing with hunger and good nutrition.
– An additional food drive in summer is under consideration.
– Drives going forward may need to budget for the purchase of boxes.
5. Walk with One Pilot Discussion
Diane G, Alice, and Vince noted some positive experiences in reaching out to family members and in praying, while acknowledging that it is sometimes difficult to find appropriate opportunities and time to reach out.
6. Folk Mass (Vince)
Scheduled for July 20 Noon Mass. Hymns with guitar; organ and choir will perform Mass parts.
7. Paint the Church Update (Alice)
Troy Simmons of McPherson, Simmons Bros & Sons Architectural Design, visited the church with Ray Tiedemann at the end of May. An estimate for a comprehensive design package was received June 4th and will be reviewed by the committee. Perry Lorens, a local painter, plans to visit St Mary’s for a second time June 12th to gather specific data for use in determining a formal estimate for painting only. The committee will meet in June to review all estimates and make a recommendation to Pastoral Council.
There was also discussion regarding the appropriateness of potentially fundraising and spending to paint the church given the need communicated by the Feeding the Hungry and Food Insecure Ministry.
8. Council Member Terms Expiring
Council members whose terms are expiring this summer were identified (Walt Heinrich, Vince Solomon, Diane Grigoli, Alice Perkins). There was discussion regarding allowing a one-time term renewal to those willing to help continuity and reduce turnover disruption to the mission. Those with terms expiring were polled and Diane and Alice are willing serve another term. This is only a possibility at this point and will be contemplated further as we prepare for the August discernment of new members.
9. Round Robin
Owen – Thanks to Father and the St Mary’s community for support of the family as they experienced his father’s passing,
Martha W. – Can we make the parish aware of recent deaths and funeral arrangements, perhaps notice in the bulletin and/or announcement at Mass?
Diane B – pass
Mary – pass
Martha H. – pass
Alice – Many initiatives identified in last year’s brainstorm session were accomplished. We will brainstorm again at our next meeting for the coming year. Please come with your ideas in July.
Chrissy – Vacation Bible School scheduled for July 14–18 for K-6th with 7th + as helpers; Family Fun Nights planned for Thursdays through the summer; One Scholarship application has been received.
Diane G. – Respect for Life plans a table at the Morris Fair in late July/early August; looking for volunteers – adults and maybe some from the Confirmation class if they are accompanied by an adult.
Sharon and Rita (our guests) – Thanks to the parish for support.
Walt – pass
Vince – Thanks to the Food Ministry for all they do
Ray – pass
Roger – Thanks to the Food Ministry
Father Michael – A letter from Bishop Ed will be presented at Mass on Sunday June 8th. This letter communicates details of the ongoing effort to review and reorganize resources to better address the needs and obligations of the diocese as we move forward. PC members will assist with distribution of the letter after Mass.
10. July Prayer Leader – Martha Harris. Martha Wilhelm volunteered for September Prayer Leader.
11. Closing prayer by Fr. Michael
12. Meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm
Future PC meetings: Jul 3, Sep 4, Oct 2