NOTRE DAME PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES

November 11, 2010

            The November 11, 2010 meeting of the Notre Dame Parish Council was called to order by Darrel Andera.  Fr. Cahill led the group in prayer.  Present were:   Fr. Cahill, Darrel Andera, Jim Truka, Jim Ott, Elaine Kleve, Teresa McGee, Barb Johnson Joye Meyer, Marvin Lensing and Denise Sheehy.  

            The minutes of the October 21, 2010 meeting were reviewed.  Elaine Kleve made a motion to approve the minutes as presented, seconded by Joye Meyer.  Motion carried.

            The agenda was reviewed and accepted as presented.

            Elaine Kleve and Joye Meyer reported on the bequest recognition project.  They shared options and prices from Holstrom’s and from Leonard Zeller.  The council liked the idea of making an artistic grouping together with the names listing those who have left a bequest in their will to Notre Dame Parish since July, 1999.  Elaine and Joye will get sketches of the suggestions to review at the January meeting.

            Darrel Andera contacted Bishop Engineering regarding the needed repairs of the bell tower.  He questioned the engineer regarding the bell tower’s condition if we were to only strike the bells and the engineer did not recommend any vibrations without repairs.  The engineer will be forwarding information on the needed repairs and then we will get an estimate from a contractor.      

            No report on the Legacy Committee.

            Darrel Andera reported that the companies hired to install the fence around the playground after the demolition of the former UBC building will not be able to complete that job before winter but will install it in the spring and lock in the prices quoted to us this fall.  The uneven cement area will be marked in the near future.

            The landscaping of the playground area and around the buildings was discussed and will be decided and completed in the spring.

            The next Deanery meeting will be held Nov. 18.

            Marvin Lensing reported on the Spiritual Growth and Liturgy Committee meeting held on Nov. 4.  The sound system still needs some adjustments.  Darrel will contact the company regarding these adjustments and also the availability of a hand held mic.  The organ cleaning will be completed once the repair and painting is finished.  Environment for Advent was discussed.  The new missalettes will be put out on Friday, Nov. 26, 8:30 a.m.  Volunteers are needed to help with this project.  The tabernacle is in need of re-gilding.  A cabinet for the oils is needed as well as safer candle stands.  The choir requested a coat rack in the west entrance; however, the council felt the coat racks in the new addition or in the basement could be used at this time.  Notre Dame will host the Thanksgiving ecumenical service on Wed., Nov. 24, at 6:00 p.m.  Notre Dame parishioners are encouraged to attend.

            Teresa McGee reported the next Social Concerns Committee meeting will be held in Feb. 

            Elaine Kleve reported the next Circles of Faith meeting will be a potluck on Dec. 13.  Everyone is welcome.   

Denise Sheehy reported the next Faith Formation Commission meeting will be held on Nov. 17. 

            No report from the Long Range Planning Committee.

            Barb Johnson reported for the Stewardship Committee.  The Committee will meet on Nov. 15.  However, there have been two youth activities planning meetings.  The group has named themselves the “Faithful Followers” and are designing shirts with a logo on the front and 10 reasons why they are faithful followers listed on the back.  They will meet again on Nov. 17.  An anonymous donation of $25.00 has been received for the youth activities fund.

            The Capital Campaign pledges to date: $2,094,511.00 and amount paid $1,535,472.00. 

            Jim Ott reported on the Finance Council meeting held Nov. 9.  Brian McConnell, Jim Ott and Fr. Cahill are checking into different housing options for Fr. Cahill.  The front and side entrances of the parish office are being remodeled.  The first STO grant has been received in the amount of $25,408.00.  The parish taxa for this year is down from last year. 

            Fr. Cahill reported that the Archdiocese of Dubuque will celebrate its 175^th anniversary in 2011.  The Archdiocese is looking for an updated history of each parish.  Vision 2000 will be reviewed next year.

Council members volunteered to help with the parish appreciation party to be held on Dec. 3 in the church hall.

            The next Parish Council meeting will be held on January 20, 2011.  The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Connie Frana, Recording Secretary