February 10, 2009

Opened with prayer. Hand-outs given were Diamonds in a New Setting by Father and the New Church & Hall Financial Report from Deacon Mike Stover.

Discussion began of the goal of 1.4 million needed to begin construction. The report shows us as of December 31, 2008, we have $707,575.81 in CD's and $224,216.21 in checking. We have recently purchased a CD for $175,000 at 3% from the dollars in checking. Our expenses thus far are $72,794.63 which leaves us a balance of $931,792.02

Peter Goldsmith responded that we may not need all of the 1.4 million to start construction due to recession bringing down some of the costs. Would like to set a goal of ground breaking for spring of 2010 or not later than 2011 depending on monies collected or pledged in this year. John Blanco expressed concern of not over extending ourselves financially and putting the burden of paying such a large debt on our future generations. Peter assured us that figures show the debt could be paid off in a reasonable length of time, especially if we could get some properties or large pledges given to the parish.

Deacon Mike Stover expressed the total for the 3yr. pledges is at $1,027,500 or $342,500 per year and that we are on goal as a parish. There are 163 active pledges but 48 inactive and 23 at 0 giving. Was decided we should give these people a personal visit or a gentle reminder of their pledges. Ken Newquist stated many have lost jobs in the recent months because of the economy.

We still have a need to CELEBRATE-----we have reached over one million dollars and Father will make this announcement in church.

David Forbes suggested contacting new parishoners to get more pledges. Discussion to form committees for fund raising.....ideas for fundraisers were
1. To make available new church donation envelopes in the church---maybe getting donations from visitors, making others aware that we are in the process of collecting donations for this purpose
2.Contacting former parishoners who attended this church as a youngster or have moved their families but still think of Sacred Heart as home.
Asked Darlene Lansink if she could compile a listing of names and addresses.
3. Selling of a throw that would depict various aspects of our church---past, present, future
4.Photo book of church with history, former priests, inside photos, windows, altar, statues, etc.
5. Auction- items from present church that will not be used in new facility and other donations
Discussed the names of people who donated stained glass windows when present church was built--need to research and see if there are any relatives left.....Had many ideas about such names, what to do with names (plaques, etc.)
Father stated we need to prioritize for our next meeting to set goals and actively start "knocking off" each goal one at a time. Committees need formed for such ideas, projects and goals.
Father explained items that we will use in the new church, windows, stations of the cross, communion rail, high altar, tabernacle for example. Brad Mollet will be contacted to start meeting with the committee possibly in March. Father will be adding new prayers with the new church prayer and rotate these. Some discussion was made on exactly where the new church and hall should be placed and what the interior will be-- Also masses, weddings, funerals during our time of construction.
Father will announce meetings and also put our progress in the bulletin. We are going to try to set meetings at a regular schedule of 2nd & 4th Tuesdays with new church finance meeting at 5:15 with mass to follow and general new church meeting at 7:00 pm.
Next meeting is scheduled for March 10th. Meeting closed with prayer and adjourned at 8:25 pm.