Parish Council Members — 2008

Parish Council Meeting — April 22, 2008

Present: Father Vicente, Deacon Larry Yatch, Terry Napolitan, Joe Franta, Nancy Tracewell & Connie Ondrejka

Father Vicente opened the meeting with a prayer.

Minutes: None.

Open Forum: None.

Finance Committee: Nancy Tracewell gave an overview of the financial report. (Quoting from the copy of the "Our Common Purse" for April—Total income: $7,240.17; Total expenses: $10,345.41; Net Income: -$3,105.24.) We're good this month. YTD=$11,000. Each of us have a copy of the financial report. We need to put an extra tank in for the church & community center (500 gal.) In August. We will pre-buy propane in July/August.

Worship Committee: Connie Ondrejka We have two new Altar Servers (Natalie Wray & Shantell Lemons). They will start serving in May. Mike Franta will train at the summer Altar Server meeting. We also have one new LEM/Lector (Karen Gourley). She will serve as soon as she is able to get around again (broken foot). May Crowning/Ascension Sunday is May 4. Will Tori Mortenson have Confirmation on Pentecost? We proposed to Altar & Rosary that they clean just the Altar area. It was turned down. We need some better looking steps by the tabernacle. Library steps? Doug Gourley or Joe Franta will make something? Easter lilies to leave soon to be replaced by artificial ones. Sub-committee in Worship to do flowers. Worship meetings will be held on Monday so that Carmel will be able to attend. Will this interfere with Doug's cleaning on Monday? Will SHARE interfere with Doug's cleaning on Saturday? (Larry will handle the cleaning problem.)

Deacon Larry Yatch (Formation): We will have four First Communicants. Formation ends in mid-May. They need a meeting in August, November, January and May for Catechists. Formation Committee will be all Catechists. Cut down on formation budget. Planning Meeting on May 14 for the next year down at St. Benedict's at 11:00. Yellow building pipes froze. They are only about 2–3 1/2 feet down. The house was without water for quite some time. Sewer lines also froze. They are down only about 18-inches. They cracked. It will cost about $3,800 to repair.

Helping Hands: Deacon Larry Yatch Meeting with the Episcopals and Methodists today. They will help out monetarily. Still doing well financially.

Maintenance: Deacon Larry Yatch New insulated windows in the yellow building (upstairs). Yellow building needs to be repaired on the outside. Snow problems need to be taken care of. Lots of ice. We discussed curb being painted red. People are parking on the blacktop (alleyway) and shouldn't. People with trucks should park out on the street. Need to do some xeroscaping to save on lawn expenses.

Old Business:

New Business: Breakfast for Mother's Day. Kids to be servers, set up tables, clean‑up. Anniversary Dinner: Similar to last year. We should invite the Bishop to attend. Brandon Causey will do the dinner again. Can he get lamb? If not the church can get it at the sale.

The confessional is not sound proof. When it's quiet you can hear it.

Communion positions should be assigned before Mass so that everyone isn't tripping over everyone else.

Road Sign: Wrong phone numbers. Mary Kattnig supposed to contact Kastendieks about putting up third sign.

Remarks from Fr. Vicente: We got the baptismal font, which needs to be cleaned up and delivered.

Set next meeting date/time: May 27, 2008, 5:00 pm.

Father Vicente closed the meeting with a prayer.

Parish Council Meeting — March 25, 2008

The meeting was called to order by President Terry Napolitan and opened with a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Roll Call:

Present: Father Vicente, Terry Napolitan, Connie Ondrejka, Joan Kohler, & Nancy Tracewell

Absent: Deacon Larry Yatch & Joe Franta

Minutes: Minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted.

Open Forum: There is a problem developing with people parking in the access road/ fire lane. This road must be kept clear for public access. The curb will be painted red in order to identify the area as a “No Parking Zone”.

Another problem is the blocking of the door by the choir, LEMs, and Readers as they gather to pray, making it difficult for people coming in to have access to the door in order to enter the church area from the Narthex. Ushers Terry Napolitan and Jerry Dearborn will direct the group to a less inhibiting place in the Narthex.

Finance Committee: Please see attached summary.

            Additional Points:

1.     It was suggested that ceiling fans might direct the heat downwards and, therefore, would help to keep the cost of heating down.

2.     As Spring approaches the church is becoming very warm mid-day. The heating gauges will be checked.

3.     The flower donations covered the cost of the Easter flowers.

Worship Committee: We were successful through Holy Week and Easter. Halleluiah.

Religious Education: Confirmation is April 13. Five students will be receiving the sacrament from Our Lady of Assumption and ten from St. Benedicts in Florence. Hannah Dunlap and Tori Mortenson have attended a Search Retreat in Pueblo. Sam Wray and Nathaniel Ley will attend the retreat at Horn Creek with the students from St. Benedicts. Amy Schultz has been meeting with Joan Kohler each week for a time of reflection and deep conversation. Amy has helped to bring communion to Vali residents each Friday and is coming to understand how much she is loved by God.

Confirmation candidates will have their “feet washed” by Father on Holy Thursday.

Name tags need to be made for each candidate with their Saint’s name on them. All other paperwork has been completed for OLA confirmands.

We are planning a reception. There will be two cakes and baked goods provided by Altar and Rosary. One of the cakes will be in honor of Ray Koch who will be celebrating his 75^th birthday.

Our Lady of the Assumption and St. Benedict’s have purchased bibles for each of the candidates.

Jess Franta, Halie Lemons, Tanner Wray and Scott Freeburg will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation on April 20 and their First Communion on April 27. Communion certificates will be made up.

May crowning will be May 4 after the homily. The children will process to the Blessed Mother. The First Communion children will hold the crown, and Deacon Mike will crown the Blessed Mother.

Old Business:

New Business: Ushers will encourage families with children to bring up the gifts.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned with a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, May 26, 2008, at 5 pm.

Parish Council Meeting — January 22, 2008

The meeting was called to order by President Terry Napolitan and opened with a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Present: Father Vicente, Deacon Larry Yatch, Terry Napolitan, Joe Franta, Connie Ondrejka, Joan Kohler, & Nancy Tracewell

Minutes: Minutes were accepted as read.

Open Forum:

Finance:
  Cash Assets 12/31/07: Checking: $15,289.45, Savings & Money Mkt: $282.45, 3 CDs at Minnequa Wks: $50,188.54
  Total General Cash Reserves: $65,792.46
  Liabilities 10/31/07:

Collections Payable (Bangladesh & Priest retirement fund): $310.00; St. Benedict’s Loan: $189,131.83, Total General Liabilities: $189,441.83

We posted collections for Dec. that came very close to our budgeted amount, despite the fact that we designated all Christmas collections to the building fund instead of to general operations, ($2,230.00). The “Christmas Flower” collection brought in $520. Of that, we only spent $$288.60 for Christmas decorations, leaving us $231.40 for future use. At this point, we are approximately $7,000 above expectations. Our expenses for December were under projections (due mostly to the fact that we did not pay an electric bill as the cost came out of our electric credits, and propane came out of our pre-buy). We have made up some of our deficit due to the “economy” measures that were instituted, but we are not yet free and clear. There are still several very cold months ahead of us, and utility expenses will remain a problem.

Building Fund Balances 12/31/07:
   Checking $38,193.15; Uncollected Pledges: $42,188.50
   Liabilities: St. Patrick’s Loan $66,056.75

In December just before Christmas we sent an additional payment to the general contractor in the amount of $40,000. Of this payment, $30,000 came from the Building Fund and $10,000 came from the General Operations account. We also transferred $18,990.24 from the money market savings account at Minnequa to the Building Fund account. These numbers are reflected in the balances above. This leaves approximately $40,000 as a final balance due to the general contractor on the new church. It will be some time before we have to pay the final balance. We may almost have enough in the Building Fund account to cover it at that time.

Steering Committee: We need to keep in mind the difference between money pledged and what we have to pay out to St. Benedict’s. We need to fund raise approximately $25,000.

Religious Education: A letter has been sent to parents asking that students choose a sponsor and a saint’s name by February 5. Another letter will be sent informing parents and candidates of the retreat at Horn Creek, feet washing Holy Thursday and the date and time of the confirmation practice.

1.   Eight people will attend the Youth Festival in Pueblo on Sunday. There is a possibility that two more may attend.

2.   First reconciliation has been postponed due to the fact that their teacher is not sure the children are ready.

3.     First Communion will be April 27.

4.     Confirmation programs should be ordered by April 1.

5.     The confirmation retreat will be held at Horn Creek March 28 and 29. Mass will be celebrated at our Lady of the Assumption at 11 am March 30. Confirmation candidates will include St. Benedict’s and Our Lady students.

6.     Confirmation practice will be April 12.

7.     Confirmation will be at the 11 am Mass at Our Lady April 13.

8.     We will try to have Living Stations the Friday evening, March 7.

9.     Our high school students were instrumental in setting up the food for distribution the following day by Helping Hands for Christmas.

10.  Elementary children and teachers are doing well.

Worship Committee:

1.     Ash Wednesday is February 6. Mass will be at 5:30 pm.

2.     Soup and Super at 6 pm, followed by Stations of the Cross at 7 pm, will begin on Friday, February 15 and continue throughout Lent.

3.     Tuesday, March 11, the Chrism Mass will be held at the cathedral at 7 pm.

4.     The tentative date for the Seder Meal is Saturday, March 15, at 5 pm.

5.     Holy Thursday Mass will be at 7 pm, March 20. Confirmation and RCIA candidates will have their feet washed on this evening.

6.     Exposition of the Holy Sacrament will be held in the Center after Mass on Holy Thursday, March 20, and conclude at 10 pm.

7.     Good Friday services will include Stations of the Cross at 3 pm followed by Mass at 7 pm.

8.     Holy Saturday, Easter Vigil Mass will be at 7 pm followed by coffee, cake and punch.

9.     Easter Sunday Mass will be at 11 am. It will include the sprinkling rite and the renewal of Baptismal Promises.

Steering Committee: We need to keep in mind the difference between money pledged and what we have to pay out to St. Benedict’s. We need to fund raise approximately $25,000.

Maintenance:

1. We cannot do much more than we have done about the ice. We are doing our best.
2. Another propane tank will be put in as soon as the snow melts and the ground softens.
3. We have another icon coming honoring St. Kateri Tekakwitha. Father has asked the artist to send an explanation of his work.
4. The carpets will be installed this week. The roof will be done in the spring.
5. Also, in the spring, we will have an inspection to see that the heat is moved more equally throughout the church.

Helping Hands: Helping Hands has been working hard to help people with their heating concerns during this very cold winter. Money has been going out to see that people have heat and food. Besides the Christmas food baskets we are also providing food to about 20 families twice a month. The Episcopal and Methodist Churches have been assisting us financially as well as providing volunteers to get the boxes packed. We need to have people donate food on a regular basis in order to help people throughout the year.

Old Business:

New Business: The BDF has been changed to the DMF (Diocesan Minister’s Fund). Father will speak to the parish on February 6. We have covered the amount of money owed for this year. Next year we will need approximately $2,000. The diocese will send out pledge envelopes to everyone. Hopefully, everyone will contribute and we will be covered next year.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned with a prayer led by Fr. Vicente.

Next Meeting Tuesday, February 26, 2008, at 5 pm.

Respectfully submitted, Joan Kohler

Parish Council Meeting — December 18, 2007

The meeting was called to order by Deacon Larry Yatch and opened with a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Roll Call:
Present: Father Vicente, Deacon Larry Yatch, Joe Franta, Connie Ondrejka, Joan Kohler, & Nancy Tracewell; Art Ondrejka was also present.
Absent: Terry Napolitan

Minutes: Accepted with the following corrections: The thermostats are causing the heat to come on every day for the one day that an event occurs. These controls are in the process of being changed. Also, the electric company is charging us a $600 surcharge the first time we turn on the heat each month.

Open Forum:

Finance: Income was $1,200 above what had been anticipated; however, we were still $1,500 down from last month's deficit. The cost of utilities is still being worked out. Our cash assets and liabilities as of November 30, 2007 were as follows:

  Cash Assets: Checking: $21,515.91, Cash on deposit: $19,195.80 (Operating Reserves)
  Total Checking and Savings: $40,811.71; Certificates of Deposit: $49,634.32
  Total General Cash Reserves: $90,446.03
  Liabilities: Long Term Loan: $189,131.83 (St. Ben’s)
  Building Fund Checking Acct.: $38,152.58

It is important to know exactly what we are spending each month. A purchase order system has been set up, and we are being very careful to monitor expenses.

A decision was made during council to remind people of the parish that our debt has not yet been paid and that we need to continue to raise money to reduce and eliminate our debt.

Religious Education: The Jesse Tree was created thanks to Father finding a tree, Carol Franta who organized the materials and information, and the children who each painted at least one ornament Richard Kohler put the tree up and the children decorated. Connie and Art got a ladder and made sure that some of the ornaments got to the top of the tree.

The children and teachers are working diligently each week. The second grade glass is preparing for first reconciliation in January and the upperclassmen are working toward confirmation. The high school students again took the groceries out of the closet and set them up for distribution the following day.

Worship Committee: We are working to get through the Advent season. The schedule has been set. Next, we will begin working on Lent. The metal pole for the Advent Wreath has disappeared. Hopefully, it will be found soon as the wooden holder is not doing a good job in holding the wreath. Father will look for another.

Helping Hands: The Christmas food collection has gone very well. Baskets will be assembled Wednesday morning and delivered by the end of the week. We have had remarkable co-operation from everyone. Ladies from the Methodist Church will join the ladies from Altar and Rosary to pack the boxes of food. A wonderful donation has also been contributed by the Methodist people to cover the food certificates.

A new cement sidewalk was completed for the yellow house.

Maintenance: The snow is a big problem in the parking lot. A truck with a snow plow is what is needed to clear the parking lot. It costs $30 to hire a man and plow to do the necessary work. We will announce our need for volunteers with plows again.

Old Business:

New Business:

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned with a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, January 22, 2008, at 5 pm.

Respectfully submitted, Joan Kohler

Parish Council Meeting – November 27, 2007

The meeting was called to order by President Terry Napolitan and opened with a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Roll Call:

Present: Father Vicente, Deacon Larry Yatch, Terry Napolitan. Joe Franta, Connie Ondrejka, Joan Kohler, & Nancy Tracewell; Art Ondrejka was also present.

Absent: Connie Ondrejka (Art Ondrejka gave the Worship Committee’s report.)

Minutes: Minutes of the last meeting were accepted as read.

Open Forum:

Finance:
  Cash assets as of October 31 were as follows:
  Checking: $18,660.66, Savings and Money Market: $19,295.80, 3 CDs at Minnequa Works: $49,634.32
  Total General Cash Reserves: $87,590.78
  Liabilities: Collections Payable (World Missions): $285.00, St. Benedict’s loan: $189,307.35; Total General Liabilities: $189,592.35
  Building Fund: Checking: $38,564.65, Uncollected Pledge Balance: $ 48,570.50; Liabilities: St. Patrick’s loan: $71,765.65

We continue to operate in the negative (expenses exceed income); the deficit for October was $4,669.09. Collections were much lower than expected, and we are approximately $1,000 below projections for this fiscal year through October. Utility expenses remain our most pressing problem. We pre-purchased $3,000 worth of propane last month and had both tanks filled. The remaining breakdown of the utilities is: Electric/Church: $817.39; Electric/Hall: $39.10; Water: $47.60

A $700 a month propane charge and unusual electric costs are causing a good deal of the problem. The gages that were put in are coming on every evening, because of the one day that we do need heat for choir practice and in the morning because of the two days during the week we have services for one hour. These gages are in the process of being changed to give us more control and to reduce costs.

The electric company is charging us $600 each time we turn on the lights of the church and $17.50 per kilowatt instead of the regular 2.2 cents per kilowatt. We have begun to stagger the lights in order to keep the surge at a minimum. We are in the process of negotiating with Aquila to put us on a different rate structure.

A refund from property taxes on the “Office” was received in October that was paid in the previous fiscal year.

A refund in the amount of $2,000 was also received from Catholic Mutual Insurance Company.

Religious Education: Classes are going well. Most of the expected students do come regularly.

A teacher’s meeting was held for the purpose of coming together and to plan for future month’s activities. We discussed the following considerations:

1. Each teacher would contact parents and urge them to have students here at 9:30 am promptly and at the same time urge parents to make sure students are attending regularly.
2. We will make noodle rosary beads and pray the rosary together during Lent.
3. We will urge students to go to reconciliation before Christmas.
4. Plans were made to create a Jesse Tree as Father requested; however, obtaining a tree is still in question. (Side note: The tree was provided magically by Father after the Worship Meeting and before Parish Council.)
5. Begin classes as a total group and pray together.
6. High school students will attend the Youth Festival in Pueblo, Sunday, January 21st. The cost is $20 per person.

Worship Committee: Liturgical plans have been set through February. Times for Christmas Masses have been finalized. The paschal candle will be replaced with the Advent Wreath during the Christmas season. Roger Squire will be contacted regarding Christmas trees and decorating for Christmas. Calendars will be blessed and distributed at the 5:30 pm New Year’s Eve Mass. Throats will be blessed at the Sunday Mass January 27. February 3 is BDF sign-up. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 6 and Soup and Bread followed by Stations of the Cross will begin on Friday, February 8.

Helping Hands: A meeting was held with Steve Miller (Methodist Minister) , Cathy B. (Episcopal Minister), Father Vicente, Deacon Larry, and Jan to find ways to assist in supporting the work of Helping Hands. The Methodist Church donated $900 and the Episcopal Church donated a wonderful quantity of food for the Thanksgiving Food Baskets.

Maintenance: We need volunteers to help with snow removal.

Old Business: We are refraining from paying the retainer to the contractor until the floor is fixed and the carpet is laid. The roof is also still in need of redoing.

It was proposed that the Minnequa Reserve Account be closed and put in a CD Building Fund Account at Colorado Mountain Bank in order to gain more interest.

We will remove anything that is left in one of the two storage units and put it in the other. From now on we will have only one storage unit.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned with a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, December 18, 2007, at 5 pm.

Respectfully submitted, Joan Kohler

The meeting was called to order by President Terry Napolitan and opened with a prayer led by Deacon Larry Yatch.

Roll Call: Deacon Larry Yatch, Terry Napolitan, Nancy Tracewell, Joe Franta, Connie Ondrejka, and Joan Kohler

Absent: Father Vicente

Minutes: Minutes of the last meeting were accepted as read.

Finance: Although income is up, so are expenses. Utilities were incredibly high but are coming down. However, they are still higher than expected and more than they should be.

We did pre-buy 1500 gallons of propane. The electric bill came down to $850 for the month of September, but this is still drastically more than we anticipated. Insurance for the year has been paid in the amount of $3,873. However, the Church has not yet been appraised. After the appraisal it could be more.

We have $49,634.32 in CDs and $23,648.51 in the Checking Account. Savings and Money Market accounts total is $19,195.80. Total Cash Reserves equal $92,578.63.

$363 was paid for the World Mission Collection. Our long term liabilities total $189,481.92, the amount owed to St. Benedict’s which will come out of our general fund.

The second collection for the Building Fund is regularly two-thirds pledges and one-third donations. We are starting now to pay down our debt to St. Patrick's with pledge payments. In time it will all go to Saint Patrick’s. The amount owed to date is $74,061.04. Total money collected to date for the Building Fund is $59,159.19.

Although expenses have been high, they are coming in line and will even out in the future. In order to keep a closer eye on expenses and control spending, we have established a purchase order system. Contracts and charge accounts have been set up with local vendors. All other purchases will require a purchase order. In the immediate future, it is important that we work on conserving in all areas.

Once the contract with Prince is completely paid off, we will be financially where we should be.

Steering Committee: We have been withholding payments to the contractor in the amount of $79,000 because of the problems we are having with the floor. The contractor has now agreed to fix the cracks in the naïve by the door to the altar by routing them out and sealing them. They will carpet the whole church and complete the corner that wasn’t finished. The bathroom and narthex floor will be routed to give the floors a marbling effect.

Money will be given to the contractor to be split among the sub-contractors who were responsible for that part of the job. The $79,000 will not be released until all work is completed.

Forty-five new beige chairs will be arriving soon. They were paid for some time ago. Book backs will also be put in place.

There will be no further purchases for the new church.

Religious Education: our religious education program is moving ahead. Teachers and students are working together to understand their faith.

1. The elementary groups have made a "Giving Tree" on which the children record their good deeds.
2. The teachers are preparing to create a Jessie Tree for Advent.
3. Second graders have begun preparing to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation. A letter will go out to the parents inviting them to receive the sacrament with their children. The date is set for December 9^th after the 11 o’clock Mass.
4. Confirmation students are taking their classes seriously. They are a gift to the Church. Sixteen people gathered together for support after the death of Courtney Curtis. Four of our five students, three non catholic children, and eight adults came together for prayer, counsel, understanding, and counsel.
5. Students have been asked to come as saints to the All Saints Mass on Wednesday, October 31.
6. Some students are not coming regularly. Contact will be made with the parents.
7. Confirmation will be held at Our Lady of the Assumption Church on April 20 during the 11 am Mass. There will be seventeen students receiving their Confirmation with the participation of the entire parish. Five will be from OLA and twelve from St. Ben’s.

Worship: A number of issues were discussed.

1. Connie, Glenda and Laura are our only sacristans. We need to recruit more people to make the job a little lighter. One more would go a long way to relieve the situation.
2. The oil filled candles and the tapestry banner for the naïve have arrived.
3. The schedules for November and December were set.

1. An area has been set up in the entry way of the Church for the collection of food. Helping Hands is delivering food to fifteen families each month. We expect to create close to 40 baskets of food for Thanksgiving. We need to put down a mat or rug to protect the floor.
2. The property tax check came back this week. The yellow house has received an exemption.

Maintenance: Shovels have been purchased for snow removal. Caps for the heating gages have been purchased in order to control spending on heat. Sensors have been put in the bathroom to activate the lights when someone is in the bathroom. The lights go out after ten minutes. New windows and doors for the yellow house have been approved by Father Vicente to save on utility bills. Conservation of heat and lights are primary.

1. The rosary is now being said before Mass in Deacon Larry’s office before Mass.
2. We will pick up a permanent permit of occupancy this week.
3. Christmas flower donation envelopes have been secured and will be given to parishioners for the purchase of poinsettias for Christmas.

New Business: Parish Directory notices will be coming soon asking people to sign up to have their pictures taken.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned with a prayer led by Deacon Larry Yatch.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, November 27 at 5 p.m. ALL ARE WELCOME

Respectfully submitted, Joan Kohler

The meeting was called to order by President Terry Napolitan and opened with a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Members Present: Father Vicente, Deacon Larry Yatch, Deacon Mike Patterson, Terry Napolitan. Nancy Tracewell. Connie Ondrejka, Joan Kohler and Joe Franta

Also attending: Art Ondrejka and Diane Whelan

Minutes: Minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted with one exception.

Finance: Income for the months of July and August was very good. However, expenses were more than projected. Over time these expenses should begin to decrease as they are to some extent due to the costs of building a new church.

One major area of concern is our utility costs. We need to conserve as much as possible. It is important to ascertain regular usage of gas and electric over time. Small things like turning off the lights in the bathroom when the bathroom is not in use, turning down the heat as much as possible, and other responsible behaviors can make a difference.

We will be receiving our billing statements for the month of September in two weeks. We will know more by our next meeting.

A suggestion was made to pre-pay propane in order to save costs. Terry Napolitan will investigate what the lowest price possible might be.

CD’s will be used to pay the contractors. We have already paid $854,000 in building costs. It is expected that we will owe another $100,000. There is approximately $50,000 in the building fund checking account. The remainder will come from our operating account reserves currently in CDs.

From now on, we will be on a purchase order system similar to St. Ben's. The purchase orders will act as a request to spend before it is spent, thus helping us to keep control of money being spent, and make sure we stay within our budget. Lists will be given to vendors such as Ace and Westcliffe Market of people who are permitted to use the account for parish purposes with maximum charge amounts set.

Regarding insurance coverage, our new building is being covered by Catholic Mutual. A preliminary report has been sent in and an appraiser will be out to take pictures and appraise the property for insurance purposes. We will receive a final billing after this is complete.

Our property tax exemption is in place and the process has been started to refund back the property taxes paid. We will be receiving a refund in the amount of $2,000 in a few weeks.

Religious Education: The center has been re-established for pre-school and elementary religious education. Sandy Dunlap is teaching the pre-school ages three to five. Rita Piquette is teaching First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Janet has the fourth graders and Carol Franta is teaching fifth and sixth grade. Religious Ed is being taught three weeks in a row, Sunday mornings from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. with a break the fourth week. First Reconciliation will take place December 9 after Mass. Children and their parents are invited to receive the sacrament on that day. Deacon Larry is teaching seventh, eighth, and ninth graders, their parents and others every other week in the old "narthex". All adults are encouraged to attend. We have five confirmation students meeting on Sunday evening. They are in the process of choosing sponsors and saint’s names. We are encouraging them to research saint’s biographies and choose a quality rather than a name that sounds good.

Worship: Father Vicente picked out the fuel-filled candles to put in the new altar candle holders. Advent banners have also been picked out. The seating arrangement in the church has been changed to accommodate more people and looks great. The Rosary will be said at 10 am in Deacon Larry’s office on Sunday morning before Mass.

The calendar through January 1 was thoroughly covered and plans for Sundays, Holy Days, and weekday Masses were discussed.

The fifth Station is in the process of being repaired by Art Ondrejka. It was severely damaged while the sound system was being installed.

Father suggested that the young children create a Jesse Tree for the church.

We would like to fix and frame the semi-circle window of the nativitity and put it outside in a secure place during the Christmas holiday. Father would like a poinsettia tree if possible. Possible Christmas tree placements are in the Narthex or in the church. The Squire family usually donates real trees and decorates them.

Other discussions included:

1. Donation envelopes for Harvest Fund
2. Christmas poinsettia/flower fund
3. Where to put the old Christmas crèche.

Maintenance: The floor in the new church is being examined as to the cause of the cracking in the floor, the actual depth of the cracks, ways to see that it is stopped, and how to repair the cracks cosmetically. An engineering expert has come and determined that it is not a structural problem. The floor is still being tested to find how thick the floor is and the actual cause of the problem. When the reports come back, we will decide what can be done.

Payments have been stopped until the problem has been solved. We want them to tell us what is wrong and fix it. The punch list items have also been stopped. Among the most major are:

1. The roof was not done correctly and needs to be redone.
2. The grading is not yet finished.

We are waiting until all the problems are solved before obtaining our occupancy permit. As far as the city is concerned, we are in good shape.

Ushers are working on filling the pews. Forty-five new chairs have been purchased. They should arrive the beginning of October.

The yellow house is in need of painting and new windows. We are asking for volunteers. Maintenance will do the work on the windows and the rest in the spring. Doug will replace the post and broken board, and do the staining afterwards.

Helping Hands: Has received a $10,000 grant from West Central Mental Health that will help Helping Hands to feed people in need. We are becoming the center to come to for help. The Rotary has donated its van to deliver the food once a month.

Old Business:

New Business: Terry Napolitan and Jerry Dearborn have been asked to be usher coordinators. They will be at church on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. to help ushers, especially new volunteers, to know what they are to do. We have had seven new people volunteer to usher.

There being no further business, the meeting was closed with a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Respectfully submitted: Joan Kohler

Deacon Larry Yatch called the meeting to order and opened the meeting with a prayer.

Roll Call:

Members Present: Deacon Larry Yatch, Nancy Tracewell , Joe Franta, Connie Ondreijka and Joan Kohler

Members Absent: Father Vicente and Terry Napolitan

Minutes: Joe Franta made a motion to accept the minutes as read. Connie Ondreijka seconded the motion.

Religious Education: A tentative schedule has been made up for the coming year. Teachers are in the process of being contacted and students are being set in their classes for the coming year. Service projects are being created for all grade levels with an aim to include parents. It is important that the parents become involved in the adult education offered on Sunday mornings. A meeting will be held to discuss options and make firm plans for the coming year in August.

Worship Committee: Things are pretty well set for the rest of June and July. The most important project is the dedication that will be held on August 15. Connie’s brother-in-law will be coming to prepare a dinner after the dedication. The last Mass to be held in the center will be August 11. We will only have a few days to transfer the contents of the center into the church. A list will be posted requesting help from the parishioners in order to accomplish this incredible task.

Maintenance: Joe DiAngelo met with a parishioner who does maintenance work as his profession. We hope to hire him to work Tuesdays and Thursdays of each week. He is very knowledgeable and would be a great asset.

Helping Hands: Two very generous grants have been offered to Helping Hands because of the extraordinary work accomplished with and for the less fortunate of Custer County. The first is a Vail grant in the amount of $ for two portable radios, tri-folds explaining Helping Hands’ services and business cards. The second is from West Central Medical Help in the amount of $10,000 to be used to assist the people who come for help.

Finance: Our income has changed considerably in the last two months. Income was down in January, February, and March, however, it has increased considerably in April, May, and June. However, our costs are also high. Total assets are in the amount of $94,916.43. This amount includes checking and savings ($48,704.58) as well as Certificates of Deposit ($48,211.85).

As of May 31, 2007, our Building Fund has $114,466.93 in checking and $2,840.00 in funds that have not yet been deposited for a balance in the fund of $117,306.93. We have an outstanding liability to St. Benedict’s and St. Patrick’s in the amount of $80,000. To date, we have paid $600,000.00.

We did receive $100,000 from the diocese that was formally part of the grant given by the Extension Society. $18,500 was collected from the car raffle and $2,000 was given in the form of a donation.

Church Dedication Preparation: The dedication of the new church is coming quickly with a great deal to accomplish in a short amount of time. Besides moving the contents of the center into the church as stated above, the sacristy and offices need to be set up. Invitations need to be sent out and a reception arranged. Lists of possible guests besides our parishioners are being made up. We expect over two hundred, perhaps three hundred people.

Cleaning: The amount of cleaning required each month will be more than ever before. It is proposed that Erica Glover be hired by Helping Hands to clean the yellow house. Anna Marie O'Connor and Debbie Senderhauf will be hired to clean the church, and Altar and Rosary will be asked to keep the center.

New Church Tour: Members were taken on a tour of the new church and an explanation of how the church will be finished was given. We were very impressed. Although it will be some time before the church is fully completed, we are very blessed to have such a wonderful place of worship.

There being no further business, the meeting was closed with a prayer led by Deacon Larry.

Next Meeting: October 23, 2007

Respectfully submitted: Joan Kohler

Parish Council Meeting — Tuesday, April 3, 2007

The meeting was called to order by President Terry Napolitan and opened with a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Roll Call:

Members Present: Terry Napolitan, Father Vicente, Deacon Larry Yatch, Nancy Tracewell , Joe Franta, Connie Ondreijka, & Joan Kohler

Minutes: The minutes were accepted read.

Open Forum: Deacon Larry Yatch brought us up to date on the following:

1. Ushers should continue to help those who have a hard time getting from the road into the church.
2. Nathaniel Ley has decided to continue on with Confirmation preparation and receive the sacrament next year.
3. We have not heard back from the Extension Service with regard to money to pay for the asbestos removal.

Finance: Final numbers for February brought us back up to expected income amounts. Our expenses are running high but will even out in the coming months. We have $50,951.39 in our Savings/Checking Account. We have three Certificates of Deposits totaling $48,211.85. Total Assets and Reserves equal $99,163.24. A check in the amount of $205 was paid to the missions.

Regarding the Building Fund, we have $207,073.42 in Certificates of Deposit, $60,755.40 in Building Fund Checking/Savings giving us a total of $268,053.82. We have received a total of $590,000 in pledges. However, our pledge balance at this point is $89,000.

There has been conversation between St. Benedict’s Parish Council, the Bishop, and Father Vicente suggesting that we take out a loan from St. Benedict’s in the amount of $270,000 at a 3.1% average. This would be much less expensive than a bank loan. Both parishes would benefit. Permission is needed from the Bishop and the Diocese Finance Committee. The Finance Committee turned the request down but the Bishop over-ruled the committee. A letter must be submitted to the Bishop with the approval of both St. Ben’s and Our Lady of Assumption parish councils.

Deacon Larry read the letter from the Bishop. $190,000 would be borrowed from St. Ben’s in bonds on a thirty year mortgage and $80,000 at 5.5% on a three year mortgage with no prepayment penalties. Any money due after the three years would have a 6.5% interest charge.

Nancy advised that by the middle of May all the CD’s will be cashed out.

A vote was taken. All members agreed that the loan should go through and so voted.

Religious Education: It has been a very good year according to Joan Kohler. Next year an effort will be made to reach out more to parents and give teachers more assistance. The Echoes of Faith series seems very helpful. The Introduction to Scriptures brought the participant together in a very spiritual way. James Dunlap will attend the retreat at Horn Creek along with five young people from St. Benedict’s on April 13 — 15. Confirmation rehearsal will take place at St. Ben’s April 28th at 6:30. Confirmation students are asked to be at St. Ben’s on the 29th at 1 PM in order that the Bishop might talk to the confirmands before the ceremony that will begin at 2 o’clock. A request was made for letters of encouragement to be sent to James during the retreat.

First reconciliation will take place before the 11 o’clock mass on April 29th. The children receiving First Communion will be part of the procession at the beginning of Mass and help to crown the Blessed Mother on May 13th (May Crowning). Father will hold a meeting with the parents and children on Saturday, May 12th, at 6:30 PM in the Narthex. First Communion is scheduled for May 20th also at the 11 o’clock mass. There will be a special cake and reception for them after Mass. There are four little ones who will receive the sacrament of Eucharist for the first time.

Haylee Hutterer will be baptized at Mass on Sunday, May 13th and we look forward to the Confirmation of Scott Verden on May 21st, the Feast of Pentecost.

Art Ondreijka continues his bible study and a close study of the Eucharist. Those who come are being enriched by his presentations. Sunday, April 15th, will be the last class in this segment.

Steering Committee: Deacon Larry reported that although everyone is on board with borrowing we will still need to raise another $175,000. Most of the money raised has come from outside sources. We hope that those who have not made a pledge will do so in the future.

The Religious Ed trailer will be emptied and taken away at the end of May after classes for the year are completed. We will resume classes in the fall when the church is completed and the center is again setup for social gatherings and CCD.

The new church is becoming a reality. The front walls are in the process of being put up. The back walls will go up next Monday. The approximate date for completion is July 23, 2007. The Bishop’s Office will work on the dedication liturgy. We will send out invitations. We are hoping that Father Louis will be able to attend the ceremony and will help him in any way necessary.

A suggestion was made regarding a rummage sale in the fall.

1. A poster has been created to promote the rosary in the coming months. It was
2. sponsored by Altar and Rosary and created by the Ondreijkas. Included in the poster is a picture of a cowboy and his horse in the desert at dusk praying the rosary. It was very well received.
3. A prayer to the Holy Spirit will be added to the prayers of the faithful. Also people who are sick will be added to the intentions of the people who have died. A prayer will be added at the end of Mass recognizing the prayers made by parishioners and put in the basket brought up at the offertory.
4. The Divine Mercy picture glass will be replaced and hung on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 15th. There is no room on the altar for it to be put on an easel.
5. First communicants will be included in the procession at the beginning of Mass for May Crowning and help to crown the Blessed Virgin Mary on May 6th.
6. Flowers will be order for mom’s to be given out on Mother’s Day, May 13th. Haylee Hutterer will be baptized by her grandfather, Deacon Larry on this day.
7. First Communion will be on May 20th. Pews will be reserved for the communicants and their families. A cake will be ordered to celebrate with the parish.
8. Scott Verdin will be confirmed on the Feast of Pentecost, May 27th - Red Vestments.
9. Father Gelio
10. Father Tema

Old Business: Nick K has let Mary Kattnig know that we can put a sign on his property. We are still looking into yellow page adds. We also need to look at all the local telephone books and see that the phone numbers are correct.

There being no further business, the meeting was closed with a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Nest Meeting: Tuesday, April 24th at 5 PM ALL ARE WELCOME

Respectfully submitted: Joan Kohler

The meeting was called to order by President Terry Napolitan and opened with a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Members Present: Terry Napolitan, Nancy Tracewell, Joan Kohler, Fr. Vicente, Joe Franta, & Deacon Larry Yatch

Absent: Connie Ondreijka

Visitors: Mary Kattnig

Minutes: A motion to accept the minutes as read was made by Deacon Larry Yatch and seconded by Nancy Tracewell.

Open Forum: Concern was expressed regarding the new drop off site for the handicapped and/or the elderly. It was proposed that the confirmation students be present to help people who were being dropped off get from their car to the church while the cars were being parked.

Finance: January and February receipts are down. We received 78% of the expected donations. Expenses have been in line with the budget. The total in the General Checking Account is $34,367.12 and Cash on Deposit is $18,942.27. The total amount in Checking/Savings is $53,435.91. The Certificates of Deposit are in the amount of $47,618.81.

As CD’s from the Building Fund mature they are being moved over to three month or less accounts in order to pay bills as they are presented. At the end of March we will need to pay contractors approximately $58,000. for the work that is being done now. Total Certificates of Deposit in the Building Fund are in the amount of $207,062.20. The Building Fund Checking Account as of January 31, 2007, is in the amount of $134,833.74. Total assets in the Building Fund come to $341,955.94.

1. Good progress is being made with a suggested closing date of September 24th. All things considered and if all goes well, the date could still be in August.
2. It is important that people who have made pledges keep up to date in order to make payments promptly.
3. The final figure or cost for the new church seems to be $800,000. We need $520,000. in cash in order to borrow the rest.
4. A process has been set up to meet with the contractors on a regular basis.
5. The $65,000 asbestos’ bill is still a problem. Father Vicente has written to the Bishop asking him to authorize the Extension Service and the Diocese Foundation to help with this amount. Last year $35,000. was given to St. Paul’s in Pueblo West.
6. As costs were looked at, certain accessories were eliminated, but all are in line to be added back as we have the funds. The general contractor credited us with $5,000.

Religious Education: The Confirmation Retreat is scheduled for April 13th, 14th and will end at the 11:00 Mass on the 15th. Confirmation will be held on Saturday, April 29th at St. Ben’s. James Dunlap and Nathaniel Ley are candidates. Records are being obtained and sponsors are being chosen. Sue Cox will be interviewing Scott and thinks that he will be ready to receive Confirmation by Pentecost. Mark Hull and Slaide Kolvulhalme are catching up to the other students and will be ready to receive Communion and First Reconciliation in May. The Religious Education teachers will attend the Echoes of Faith, Introductory to Scriptures, class this Saturday. Sue Cox will be the instructor. Nancy Tracewell has requested a budget for next year to be submitted as soon as possible. Also, James Dunlap was able to go to Colorado Springs to see "Jesus Christ Superstar". It was a great evening.

Worship Committee: No Report

1. The lights in the church area have been repaired.
2. Handicapped parking signs have been installed as well as a temporary parking space to be used as a drop off, and a walkway to the Center that should make coming in to church somewhat easier for everyone.
3. Stones have been deposited by the stairs of the Religious Ed trailer to help eliminate some of the mud. It will be spread in the coming week.
4. The office is now accessible through the front entrance of the yellow house. Pat O’Connor has been asked to fix the door to the basement and to install a door to close off the conference room for privacy.
5. The bell tower lighting will be fixed to accommodate people coming to church in the evening.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

The meeting was closed with a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, March 27th at 5 PM Respectfully submitted, Joan Kohler

The meeting was called to order by President Terry Napolitan and opened with a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Members Present: Terry Napolitan, Connie Ondrejka, Joan Kohler, Father Vicente, Nancy Tracewell, Deacon Larry Yatch, & Joe Franta

Visitors: Art Ondreijka, Mary Kattnig, Marlou and Gil Costello

Minutes were accepted as read with one exception: Under the finance section, it should read: "Collections are about $1,200 more than budgeted for the first four months of the physical year."

Finance: November and December were very good months for collections. Collections for November were approximately $1,800 more than expected and December Collections were approximately $3,900 over the norm. Together with the $1,200 that we were already ahead from July through October, we are now approximately $7,000 ahead of where we thought we would be half way through this fiscal year. However, collections in January have been much lower than expected probably due to the weather and the fact that so many people were not able to come to church for several weeks in a row. Expenses are over projections mainly due to rent for the classroom trailer and the storage unit. These items were not in the original budget but are necessary due to current space constraints. Overall, we are still doing better than expected. The total in checking and savings is $49,227.56. We currently have $47,577.17 in Certificates of Deposit for budget reserves. The total amount in the Building Fund checking account is $136,017.23. The Building Fund CD’s are in the amount of $207,023.16. We have already paid $8,432 for architect fees in November and December. The final numbers for January have not yet been obtained. Several of the Building Fund CD’s will be coming up for renewal soon. They will be turned over but only for a three month periods or less since construction has already started. The Building Fund total collected through December 31st is $359,651.59. We also have a grant from Catholic Extension Service for $100,000 plus outstanding pledges totaling $101,914.50. This brings the total for the Building Fund to $561,566.09 through December 31, 2006.

We notified Catholic Mutual to remove the old church building and rectory from the liability insurance and will be receiving a refund for premiums already paid. Builder’s risk insurance will cover the project while construction is in process. We will then resume full liability coverage when the new church becomes occupied.

We are also working on a property tax exemption for the lots we currently use for parking and the yellow house that now serves as the church offices. All the remaining property is already exempt from property tax..

In order to access what our BDF for 2007 will be, it is necessary to ascertain our income for the past three years and obtain the average income. It is this number that will be used by the diocese to determine the required BDF amount.

Steering Committee: The church has been raised. Deacon Larry will meet with the contractor tomorrow morning to speak about the budget and building. He will meet with the people from the Well’s Fargo Bank in the afternoon about putting the construction loans in place to insure that payments can be made as required.

1. The new church has been downsized by one foot all the way around the perimeter.
2. Printz has the building permits.
3. The backfill will be coming soon and will be compacted.
4. Cement footers will be laid followed by the steel beams.
5. The builder thinks we can still meet the August 15th date.

Religious Education: The trip to Pueblo for the Youth Festival featuring Steve Agrisano was very beneficial and fun for everyone. Ten people from Our Lady of Assumption were able to go. Patti Schultz, Kathleen Schultz, and Joan Kohler were the drivers and chaperones. Attending students were Monica Crouch, Nathaniel Ley, Sam Wray, James Dunlap, Hannah Dunlap, Amy Schultz and Cassie (a friend of Monica’s who is not Catholic but enjoyed the entire day). She was asked up on the stage to participate. Comments afterwards from the students were very positive.

Mass with the Bishop was prayerful, happy, serious, and lighthearted. Beach balls were bouncing everywhere at the end of Mass.

The day was not called a retreat day, but it could have been. It was one of the best I have attended. The messages were:

1. God loves you.

2. He chose you and bought you here for a purpose.

3. You are called to "Go Make a Difference".

Religious Ed classed are going well. It is a pleasure to watch the teachers in the trailer work to bring the children together to pray at the end of the lessons. The level of kindness is wonderful to see. Mark Hull is again coming for instruction. I am going over the Reconciliation Book with him before he begins class and instruction for Eucharist with Ginger.

Michael Andrew Flynn will be baptized on February 18th. A special cake will be served after Mass.

There will be another Echoes of Faith class on "Introduction to the Scriptures" presented by Sue Cox March 3rd.

There are two Confirmation candidates: James Dunlap and Nathaniel Ley. There will be a retreat weekend for them, St. Ben’s confirmans and those from St. Michael’s in Cañon beginning in the evening on April 13th and continuing through Mass at 11 am on Sunday, April 15th. Confirmation will be held at St. Benedict’s on Sunday, April 28th at 2 p.m.

There may be two adult candidates for confirmation. Investigation is being made into their status.

The idea of a car wash to raise money for Social Justice is being considered by the students. A bake sale may be easier considering the weather.

Deacon Larry brought up the idea of taking students to see "Jesus Christ Superstar" during Lent in Pueblo.

There will be a mission held in June for both St. Benedict’s and Our Lady of Assumption. It will be given by Father Gielow. He will say Masses on Saturday and Sunday at both churches and will say Mass on Monday and Tuesday evening at Our Lady and Wednesday and Thursday evenings at St. Benedict’s. He will speak at each of the Masses.

Connie and Art Ondreijka have begun a series, given every other Sunday, at Our Lady on the Eucharist and what it means to us as Catholics.

Worship Committee: The last meeting of the Worship Committee took place on Tuesday, January 23rd. Connie Ondrejka discussed the results of that meeting.

1. Sunday, February 4th, we will have the Blessing of the Throats after Mass.
2. Wednesday, February 21st is Ash Wednesday. Father will say Mass at 5:30 p.m.
3. The Feast of St. Joseph will be celebrated on March 20th at the 10 am Mass.
4. The Tridium Masses (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil) will each be held at 7 p.m.
5. James Dunlap and Nathaniel Ley (our Confirmation candidates) will represent the parish by getting their feet washed on Holy Thursday.
6. The O’Connor’s will go to Chrism Mass at the cathedral in Pueblo Holy Thursday to get the oil and bring it back to us.
7. A notice will be put in the bulletin inviting people to go to the Chrism Mass if they wish.
8. Soup and Bread will be served at 6 PM with the Stations of the Cross immediately following at 7 p.m. each Friday of Lent. Mary Kattnig will play the piano. The choir will sing.
9. April 8th is Easter. Mass will be at the regular time.
10. April 15th is Divine Mercy Sunday.
11. May 6th will be the day of May Crowning
12. May 13th is Mother’s Day and First Communion. Roses will be given to the mothers of the Parish and we will have a cake to celebrate First Communion.

Maintenance: Wayne is keeping up very well. He is working to see that the fence is permanently set. There were some dead lights in the church area. Ken Goertz is seeing to their repair.

Helping Hands: Helping Hands is growing and extending itself out into the community in very positive ways. It is working together with the Lighthouse Pregnancy Center, the Clinic, the Share Closet at the Lutheran Church, Manna House in Cannon and others to see to the needs of the poor in Custer County. An award was received recently from Catholic Charities for its outstanding work. The Sheriff’s Department made an extraordinary gift to Helping Hands for which it is very grateful. After giving $50 gift certificates to each basket at Christmas, $1,800 remains to help others in the coming year. The Sheriff’s Department also delivered many of the baskets to people who could not come to town because of the snow or other problems. Deputy Sheriff Jason also arranged that all useable road kill be cut up, frozen and donated to Helping Hands for people in need.

1. Glenda Lesser-Wyles has been put in charge of Parish Life. She will see to it that

people have the proper papers in order to receive requested sacraments. Also, she will publish important dates in the bulletin covering birthdays, anniversaries and other important accomplishments.

2. We welcome Joe Franta as our new at large member of Parish Council. We thank you for joining us and the service you will do.
3. Parking because of the construction and the snow and ice is a real problem especially for our older population. A suggestion was made to have people pull up and let their car be parked by others. This would reduce the possibility of injuries and make it possible for anyone to be left off near a door to avoid accidents. An alternative would be to have people stationed outside to assist people as they come across the parking lot. There will be no permanent parking on the building side of the property during construction.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

The meeting was closed with a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, February 27th at 5 PM

Respectfully submitted, Joan Kohler

The meeting was called to order with a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Roll Call: Father Vicente, Larry Yatch, Connie Ondrejka , Nancy Tracewell, Terry Napolitan, & Joan Kohler

Visitor: Art Ondrejka

Finance: The total collected to date for the Building Fund and pledges is $554,218.51. Collections are about $1200 more than budgeted. Expenses are about what we expected, some a little more some less. The electric bill will go up because of the trailer use. Also, some money not budgeted will be spent on the storage sheds.

Religious Education: The religious education is in full swing. Classes are meeting regularly. Teachers and students are very pleased with the trailer. They are able to meet separately and come together to pray. Middle school students are meeting in the evening on Sunday with Margarita Reilly. They are enjoying their time and learning. The high school is also working toward understanding how God’s presence in their lives makes a difference in their decision making process. We would like to see more parents involved. Also, several children in the grammar school have not been attending regularly. We are doing what we can to reincorporate them.

Teachers will be meeting with Barb Straight on December 1st for another "Echoes of Faith" experience. Several teachers traveled to Pueblo for the "Initiation Sacraments Workshop" in October. I was also able to attend the Friday Congress sessions in Pueblo A trip is being planned to the "2007 Pueblo Deanery Youth Festival" on January 28th featuring Steve Agrisano of NCYC fame.

Worship Committee: The Worship Committee has been working hard to have everything in place for the Advent and Christmas season. A schedule has been worked out beginning with the First Sunday of Advent on December 3rd through Christmas and ending with the "Baptism of the Lord ", normally celebrated on January 8th. Instead, it will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 9th at 10 am.

Other topics:

1. It is hoped that participation in the Rosary on Sunday morning will increase.
2. Arrangements were made for students to go to confession on Sunday mornings during Advent.

Steering Committee: A meeting of the Steering Committee will be held on Sunday after Mass to discuss options and the problem of abatement. The rectory is safe to be demolished; however, there is a problem with asbestos in the church. We must abide by city, state, and diocese requirements.

All utilities and the water have been reconnected.

Old Business: Gil and Marlou Costello have transferred to Ennex and, therefore, a $25 credit has been given to the church. Putting an announcement in the bulletin was considered.

New Business: Art Ondrejka was asked to draw two names of people to be on Pastoral Council. Joe Franta was chosen with Mary Smolczyk as the alternate.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

The meeting was closed with a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, January 30th at 5 PM

Respectfully submitted, Joan Kohler

The meeting was opened by a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Roll Call: Father Vicente, Pat Armand, Lou Costello, Nancy Tracewell, Deacon Larry Yatch, Connie Ondrejka, Mary Kattnig, Joan Kohler, & Terry Napolitan

A motion was made by Pat Armand and seconded by Connie Ondrejka to nominate Terry Napolitan for president of the Pastoral Council. This motion was unanimously accepted.

Gil Costello and Pat Armand’s term of service will come to an end in October. One person will fill the empty spot. There will also be another person elected to step up if needed.

The following people have asked to be considered for the position.

Pat Armand

Gil Costello

Bill Tschumber

Mary Smalzic

Mary Kattnig

A committee will meet and review the candidates for council. Names will be drawn at the next meeting.

Finance: Nancy Tracewell reported that collections were slightly more than expected this month. Education and supplies were a little more than expected. $60,000 has been put aside in a CD at 5%. This CD matures in six months. Collections for the building fund are very close to reaching our goal.

Worship Committee: Connie Ondrejka is now committee chairperson of the Worship Committee. She presented a list to be reviewed of dates and activities to be considered for the next few months:

1. Respect for Life Sunday: We will celebrate later in the year.
2. Feast of St. Francis of Assisi — Blessing of the Animals: Not this year.
3. Our Lady of the Rosary: This will be celebrated in Pueblo.
4. World Mission Sunday: This has been done already this year.
5. All Saints Day: There will be a Mass at 5:30 PM October 31. A Litany of Saints will be said at the time of the Prayers of the Faithful. Children may dress up as saints. They should know something about the saints they represent.
6. All Souls Day (Thursday, November 2): There will be a Mass at 10 am. A scroll will be made containing a list of those who have died in the past year. A basket will be available for people to place the name of loved ones who have died in years past. A prayer will be given to people who would like to go to the gravesite to pray.
7. Blessing of All Servicemen & Veterans (November 12): Richard Kohler will raise the American flag on the flagpole outside before Mass. Mary Kattnig and Joan Kohler will buy a wreath and attach red poppies. This wreath will be laid at the Altar and later at the foot of the flagpole. Military veterans of Our Lady will be contacted and asked to carry and lay the wreath at the foot of the flag pole after the wreath is blessed. (Terri Salter, Jim Christoff, Chris Work)
8. Thanksgiving (November 23): Mass will be said at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, November 22. A dry goods collections and/or money to be put toward the Christmas Food Collection will be made.
9. First Sunday of Advent (November 26): An advent wreath will be made of individual candles and put on the altar during advent.

Additional Discussion: The closet needs to be cleaned out, a window put in, lighting improved, closets added for robes, and proper flooring. Also, the shelves need to be taken down and the walls painted. It was agreed that these things will be done. Also, the room will be arranged so that Father can hear confessions. The lock will be reinstalled on the door leading from the Narthex into the new sacristy.

Christmas masses will be Sunday, December 24, at 11 am and at 7 PM Christmas Eve. There will be an 11 am Mass on December 25.

The next Worship Committee Meeting will be Tuesday, November 28 at 2 PM.

Religious Education: Joan Kohler has been asked to be the Religious Education Co-ordinator. She reported that supplies and books have been purchased. The elementary children will be using the Call to Faith program purchased from Harcourt Publishing. The middle school children will be using the Breakout Program from St. Mary’s Press in co-ordination with Al Cordova at St. Benedict’s. The high school students will also be using a variety of material from St. Mary’s Press. The Catholic Faith Handbook for youth and prayer will by the main focus.

The teachers are as follows:

Grade K-1: Sandy Dunlap

Grade 2 (Reconciliation and Eucharist): Ginger Koudsi

Grades 3 & 4: Carol Franta

Grade 5: Phyllis Dearborn and Donna Squire

Grades 6,7&8: Brian and Margarita Riley

Grades 9-12: Joan Kohler

Barb Straight came to Our Lady on September l6 to present the first of the modules of Echoes of Faith required by the diocese for certification. Ginger, Carol, Phyllis, Donna, Connie, Art, and Joan attended the class. Books I and III were reviewed. Barb will come again to present Book II. Everyone appreciated her efforts and was enthusiastic about beginning class the following day.

Religious Education classes began Sunday, September 17, at 9:30 am for grades K—5th grade. Classes for 6th—8th as well as the high school were held in the evening. The next class will be Sunday, October 1. Each month students will come the first three weeks of the month and most months will have one week off. Considerations were made for vacations, and holidays.

Joan will be attending the Ministry Congress workshop in Pueblo on Friday. Arrangements are being made for the teachers to attend the class on Reconciliation and Initiation Sacraments. Students will be going on a Friends On the Rise retreat sometime during the school year. Several are offered. On January 28 the high school students will to go the Pueblo to hear Steve Angrastino. He was the MC and singer for World Youth Day in Texas. We have one confirmation candidate who will join the confirmans at St. Benedicts and St. Michaels.

Connie and Art Ondrejka have donated videos for the younger children. They cover subjects from creation to the resurrection and beyond. Coloring books, that co-ordinate with the videos, have also been donated. Donna Squire donated a box of Gospel music. A library of those recordings has also been made.

A trailer has been contracted to be used when the church and rectory come down to be used for religious education classes. It will be about 60 square feet. At this time, we are not sure where it will be placed.

Old Business: Plans to build the new church were unanimously approved by the city trustees. We will be meeting with the diocesan Finance Department on October 10. Final approval is expected.

Of the six contractors invited to bid, four responded. Two were considered:

Houston Construction Company and T. L. Prince in Pueblo. T. L. Prince was chosen because they had the lowest bid and did not seem to be spread so thin with other contracts. The Diocese Finance committee must give the final okay.

Pat Armand asked about the brochure. Deacon Larry assured her that it would be completed and invited Pat to come in and put the finishing touches on the brochure.

New Business: Terry Napolitan announced that Enxx Propane has made a proposal to all the churches in town inviting them to participate in a credit program whereby anyone switching to Enxx this fall will have the ability upon request to donate a $25 credit to the church of their choice. An announcement of this proposal will be in our bulletin in two weeks when Glenda returns from her trip to Germany.

Oktoberfest: Mary Kattnig of Altar and Rosary announced that there will be an Oktoberfest Dinner and Dance on October 21 at the Saddle Club. Brats, sauerkraut, German Potato Salad and an apple dessert are featured. Beer has been donated by a thankful parent of a previous graduate.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

The meeting was closed with a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 24 at 5 PM

Respectfully submitted, Joan Kohler

Parish Council Minutes — Wednesday, April 26, 2006

The meeting was opened with a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Roll Call: Father Vicente, Mary Kattnig, Kathy Patterson, Pat Armand, Deacon Larry Yatch , Gil Costello, Mike Patterson, John Cox, Terry Napolitan, Patti Schultz, Nancy Tracewell, and Joan Kohler

Absent: Glenda Lesser-Wyles

Open Form: Joan Kohler addressed the council regarding the responsibilities and attitudes of members of a Parish Council vs. a Pastoral Council as suggested by the diocese.

Finance Committee: Nancy Tracewell reported collections for March were down, however, the overall for the year collections are up by 107%. $151,145.15 has been earmarked as building fund money. Beginning in June there will be a finance report for the entire parish placed in the bulletin each month.

Religious Education: Patti Schultz shared that four children will receive their First Communion at Sunday Mass on May 7. Classes are winding down. The high school classes have come to a close. The other classes will finish in May. Patti then announced with great sorrow that she was resigning from her job as DRE for Our Lady after serving in that capacity for the last seventeen years. We are truly sorry to accept her resignation.

Worship Committee: Father will be on vacation from May 24 through June 16. Deacon Larry Yatch also be on vacation from May 21 through June 3. The Worship Committee will meet again in June. Kathy reports that the Easter season went well.

Altar and Rosary Society: Soup and Bread, Seder Meal, Easter Food Baskets, and gifts for the people in Vali Assisted Living all happened in April. Joan Kohler read a piece from the "Denver Post", written by Rabbi Brackman, who came from Denver to attend our Seder Meal, and was first printed in "Judaism in the Foothills" as a tribute to the Christian community in Westcliffe.

Steering Committee: A letter was sent out to all parishioners to keep them abreast of the Steering Committee’s progress. A separate account in CDs has been made for the building fund. There will be a fund raising wine and hors d'oeuvre gathering at the home of Diane and Mike Whalen. The objective is to meet and match a donation from a couple who wishes to remain anonymous.

Sixty-three parking spaces including three handicapped spaces are required by the City. Our parking lot can fit approximately 30 spaces. We will have to get a variance for the additional spaces. There are currently 33 additional parking spaces around the property that we use each week. The surface of the parking lot will be paid for with funds set aside for the BDF that are not needed.

There was a meeting with architect Tom Duke who recommended to Father to put our first cut drawings out to General Contractors who can look at them and give us a bid on what it would cost to do this…not including the cost of material. The bid would be based on their percentage of the profit. During the time frame between design, and actual building we can use the contractor selected by the Diocese for advice on how to proceed thus tapping into the contractor's expertise.

Mr. Tim O'Conner of the Catholic Extension was called about the Catholic Extension Grant. Mr. O'Conner will do an on site visit on June 25, the day of our picnic. This grant does not advance any monies until the roof is on. However, they do give a commitment of monies awarded prior to this time.

Paperwork for a second grant from the Oregon Catholic Press for up to $10,000 is also being investigated. In this grant you must state specifically what you are requesting such as: Stations of the Cross, Baptismal Font, main altar, ambo, Pascal candle, holy water, president's chair, etc. There is also a possibility of a grant from the Benedictine's.

Sacred soil is being collected by parishioners from all over the world to be used when we break ground for the new church.

Old Business:

Picnic - There will be a picnic for the parish on June 25 to celebrate Father Vicente's fortieth anniversary as a priest. There will also be a major report on fundraising given by Diane Whalen.

Signs — Two signs have been put up. The first is on the Senderhauf property on Route 69. The second is also on Route 69 in the other direction on Jeff Rollins property by Valley Ace Hardware. Because of a legal complication the telephone number had to be taken off the signs. We are still looking for a third piece of property to put the last sign. It will be put on Route 96 coming into town.

Brochure - A brochure will be drawn up to put in various places around town to advertise to tourists and possible future parishioners. The brochure will contain the time of Mass and other activities of the church.

The meeting was closed with a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Next meeting: Tuesday, June 27, 2006 at 5 pm. ALL ARE WELCOME

Respectfully submitted: Joan R. Kohler

Roll Call: Members Present: Father Vicente,Mary Kattnig, Gil Costello, Joan Kohler, Deacon Larry Yatch, Terry Napolitan, Nancy Tracewell, and Glenda Lesser-Wyles

Members Absent: John Cox, Patti Schultz, Mike Patterson, Kathy Patterson, and Pat Armand

Open Forum:

Finance Committee: Nancy Tracewell reported that relative to the budget, we are ahead in almost every area. Our collections are up and spending is "well less than was budgeted". A gift of $5,000 was recently added to the Building Fund account, raising the amount to $152,449.30. Regarding the BDF, we have 15% higher participation rate this year.

Religious Education: Patti Schultz was not present to give a report.

Worship Committee: See attached notes.

Altar and Rosary Society: The Altar and Rosary is preparing for a combined Seder Meal with the Methodist Church and the Jewish community of Westcliffe on April 6. Meetings are being held to finalize the plans and organization of the event. The Custer County School multi-purpose room has been rented for the occasion. Phyllis Bishop of the Methodist Church and Lou Kravitz of the Jewish community are heading the project along with Joan Kohler from OLOA.

Food baskets will be prepared with $20 gift certificates on Tuesday, April 11 at 9:30 a.m. Eight baskets will be sent out.

There will be an Easter Bake Sale on Saturday, April 15, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the Community Room next to the Custer County Public Library. This is an annual event.

Scholarship information has been distributed. We believe there will be three scholarships given (possibly four) in the amount of $500 each.

Soup and Bread Nights followed by Stations of the Cross on Friday nights have been well attended and very enjoyable.

Also, gifts will be purchased for the people at Vali Assisted Living to be given at Easter.

Maintenance: The fence in the back has been repaired and the lot has been cleared for parking. Wayne Guilmette is now working for the parish and is taking care of snowplowing and general maintenance.

Helping Hands: Deacon Larry reported that Helping Hands is finding its place in the community. There is a balance of $19,000 in reserve to be used to help those in need.

New Business: Henceforth, meetings will be held every fourth Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. Father will be at the parish for most of the day on Tuesdays. This will enable him to get home earlier.

The meeting was closed with a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 25 at 6 p.m. ALL ARE WELCOME.

Respectfully submitted: Joan Kohler

Parish Council Minutes — February 22, 2006

The meeting was opened with a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Roll Call:

Members Present: Father Vicente, Mary Kattnig, Gil Costello, Patti Schultz, Deacon Larry Yatch, Terry Napolitan, Nancy Tracewell, Joan Kohler, & Glenda Lesser-Wyles

Members Absent: John Cox, Mike Patterson, Kathy Patterson, and Pat Armand

Open Forum

Finance Committee: Nancy Tracewell explained that the budget versus actual expenses shows collections down a bit in January. However, it seems to be the norm looking back at past years. $13,550.02 was collected for the building fund in Jan/06. After expenditures for chairs, storage shed and having the Narthex remodeled, the total in the building fund was $146,121.32. This money is in various CDs. There is a balance of $46,327.09 in cash reserves the parish keeps on hand. This money is also in various CDs. We have a BDF Reserve net shortfall in the amount of $18,413.73. This money is in a savings account at Minnequa Works CU. A balance of $36,092 is in the operations checking account at Colorado Mountain Bank. $242,866.96 is the total cash on hand.

Religious Education: Patti Schultz reported that $105 was collected from the parents whose children decided at the last minute not to attend the Youth Conference in Pueblo.

Phyllis Dearborn's class will combine with the senior class to do the Living Stations of the Cross on Good Friday.

Worship Committee: Glenda Lesser-Wyles shared that Donna Squires will represent the Liturgy Committee for the Building Committee led by Terri Napolitan. An announcement will be made after the end of this month, when the BDF fund raising is completed, in order to garner support for raising money for the new church.

Deacon Larry told us the following:

1. Reverend Miller of the Methodist Church has extended his hand and will encourage his parishioners to attend our Friday evening Stations of the Cross and would be happy to share the Seder Meal with the people of Our Lady of the Assumption.
2. There will be communion services on Tuesday and Friday each week beginning March 7. These will be led by Deacon Larry Yatch. There will be exposition on both days. Richard Hrpcha, Phyllis Dearborn or Mike Patterson will take Deacon Larry's place if he is not able to preside.
3. After the prayers of the faithful we will begin saying the prayer for the church. Copies of the prayer have been inserted into the Mass and song book covers.
4. A new family has moved into our parish. The Traceys have three children ages thirteen, fourteen and nineteen. They have been baptized but have not received any other sacraments. Immediately after Easter, a team will be formed to prepare them for the sacraments appropriate to their age group. After that they will join appropriate classes to complete the reception of sacraments.
5. Sue Cox will give a presentation on Spiritual Direction at each of the three parishes. Dates have not been established.
6. John Cox will return to do Share the Word. Share the Word and Bible Study led by Art Ondrejka will alternate Sundays.

Altar and Rosary: During the month of February, the ladies of Altar and Rosary held a very successful "Valentine Bake Sale" that netted a little over $600. They are grateful for the cooperation of the parish. The "Ladies Night Out — Chicken Foote" was not as well attended as hoped. However, the parishioners that did come had a great evening. Also, there was a luncheon held in honor of Sue Cox who has completed her theology degree and has come back to us. There were thirty or more people who came to express thanks for the work she has done in the past and congratulate her on her achievements. It was a fun afternoon with lots of good food provided by the participants.

Mary Kattnig announced that there will be a rosary said on Friday evening at 7 p.m. for Myrtle Christoff. All parishioners are welcome. There will be a funeral Mass for family only, on Saturday at 10 p.m., with food provided by the women of Altar and Rosary. We will encourage parishioners to bring a dinner dish to Jim during the next week.

Altar and Rosary will provide Soup and Bread each Friday during Lent at 6 p.m. Stations of the Cross will follow at 7 p.m. This year the Seder will be held on April 6. The details are yet to be worked out. We will also have our annual Easter Bake Sale on April 15 in the Community Room next to the library.

Steering Committee: The next meeting of the Steering Committee will be held next month. Brian Riley has volunteered to head the Finance Committee. This committee has had its first meeting. Ray Koch is in contact with the architect for the purpose of ascertaining true cost. Mike Whalen and Brian are in the process of recruiting people back on to the committee. When the actual cost is ascertained, forms will be filled out and sent to the Bishop for his approval.

Helping Hands/Maintenance: More and more people are coming to Helping Hands for assistance. It is gratifying to be able to help the people in need in our community.

The wood fence between Helping Hands and the next house has been blown down. Deacon Larry tried to put it back up; however, the wind blew it down again. T-posts will be used to hold it up until Spring. At that time, a more permanent solution will be found.

Old Business:

• Pictures: Father would like pictures taken of each of the Parish Council members. Saint Benedicts has ordered a plaque that would contain the pictures of Father, Larry, and all the Parish council members. He would like us to do the same. The picture of the Bishop has been ordered. We are waiting for its arrival.

• Signs: The city has approved our signs and given us the go ahead. The county has waived fees and given its approval. Now we have to go to the State.

New Business:

• Mary Kattnig and Joan Kohler will represent Our Lady of the Assumption Church at the annual Diocesan Pastoral Council meeting in Pueblo at Our Lady of the Meadows Parish on Saturday, March 11 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The meeting was closed with a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, March 22 at 7 p.m. ALL ARE WELCOME

Respectfully submitted: Joan Kohler

Parish Council Minutes — January 25, 2006

Roll Call:
Members Present: Father Vicente, Mary Kattnig, Gil Costello, Patti Schultz, Deacon Larry Yatch, Terry Napolitan, Joan Kohler, Pat Armand, Nancy Tracewell, and Glenda Lesser-Wyles

Members Absent: John Cox, Mike Patterson, and Kathy Patterson

Also Present: Sam Proctor and Darwin Armand

Open Forum:
Finance Committee: Nancy Tracewell explained that she had reorganized our accounting structure according to diocesan guidelines. The numbers show that we are 22% over the budgeted collection amount expected as money received. There was a substantial amount of money under miscellaneous that had been used for normal operating expenses. New accounts have been set up to re-categorize and reflect spending more clearly. Also, $140,851 had been put in the Building Fund account. Recently, $10,000 has been donated and added to the fund. Signs, carpet, blinds, chairs, and remodeling, of the narthex, were expenditures taken from this fund in the amount of $23,000.

A proposal was made to buy a new but inexpensive computer that would handle the accounting programs to do the appropriate work for the parish. A monitor will be donated by Nancy Tracewell. Deacon Larry moved that we purchase the tower. The motion was seconded by Terri Napolitan and passed by the council.

Religious Education: Patti Schultz noted that fifteen students were scheduled to go to Pueblo to attend the diocesan Youth Conference hosted by Jessie Masbuessen. However, several students dropped out at the last minute. Nine people did enjoy and appreciate the very important messages given for students and adults alike. The parents of students who decided at the last minute not to attend will be contacted and asked to refund monies spent on their behalf.

Mr. Tupy donates $500 every November through the Vanguard Charitable Endorsement Program. This money will be saved for the next World Youth Day.

Altar and Rosary Society: Altar and Rosary has not met since the middle of December. A request was made by Joan Kohler to thank the parish personally for their support and generosity during the Christmas season. People are needed to sign up to volunteer to clean the church and set up donuts each Sunday. On the agenda for February are the following events: A "Valentine’s Bake" sale February 12, a "Chicken Foote Ladies' Night Out" Thursday, February 16, and a surprise thank you and congratulations luncheon for Sue Cox on February 20.

Worship Committee: Sam Proctor reported that we do have candles for the Blessing of the Throats on February 5. Ashes have been acquired in conjunction with St. Benedict's for Ash Wednesday. Soup and Bread will continue. Readers for Stations of the Cross will be requested. There will be Living Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. Also, we need more altar servers. Pat and Phyllis need to be contacted. Communion services will be on Friday with a possibility of expansion to Tuesday morning as well.

Building Committee: From this point forward the Building Committee will become the Steering Committee with an emphasis on raising money in order to begin building. There was an option of employing a professional group to oversee fund raising. It was decided after thorough discussion that it would not be necessary. The following individuals were proposed to lead the Steering Committee:

• Chairperson: Diane Whalen
• Building: Terry Napolitan
• Finance: To be elected
• Communications: Dona Re Shute
• Church Finance: Nancy Tracewell
• Parish Council: Joan Kohler

Dona Re Shute was to be contacted to head the communications segment of this committee as she has had valuable experience in this area.

We need 65% of $600,000 to begin building. Authorization was requested by the new Steering Committee to proceed with fundraising. The motion was accepted by Joan Kohler and seconded by Terry Napolitan.

Helping Hands: Many people are coming to Helping Hands for assistance with problems of abuse, lack of heating, food, and other necessities. Jan and Kathy have been taking care of victims of abuse. Laura and Glenda are taking care of church business for Our Lady of Assumption. We have recently received a grant from the Community Foundation in the amount of $425 that matched community donations of $326.83 bringing the total to $751.83.

Maintenance: We still have a heating problem. The heating units have not been cleaned in many years. The parking lot needs to be leveled and stone put down. We are waiting for vents in the narthex.

Old Business:

New Business: The BDF drive begins in February. We are hoping for 100% participation no matter how small the donation.

The meeting was closed with a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, February 22 at 7 p.m. ALL ARE WELCOME.

Respectfully submitted: Joan Kohler

Parish Council Minutes — December 28, 2005

The meeting was opened with a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Roll Call: Members Present: Father Vicente, Glenda Lesser-Wyles, Nancy Tracewell, Deacon Larry Yatch, Joan Kohler
Absent: John Cox, Gil Costello, Mary Kattnig, Patti Schultz, Cathy Patterson, Mike Patterson, Pat Armand, & Lou Costello

Open Forum:

Finance: Our new finance chairwoman, Nancy Tracewell, reported that we are now 38% above expectations in collections and doing well.

Religious Education: No Report.

Altar and Rosary Society: Certificates and baskets of food, angel tree gifts for small children, and senior gifts were distributed for the Christmas holiday. Donuts, Coffee, and juice are being served after Mass each Sunday, and a calendar for 2006 church cleaning is being created.

Liturgy/Worship Committee: No Report

Maintenance: Father and Deacon Larry send their appreciation to Ed and Jacquie Stewart for their work in making the changes in the Reservation Chapel requested by Father Vicente. The statutes of the Blessed Mother and Joseph have been moved to reside on either side of the altar. The smaller statutes of Mary and Joseph have been placed in the Center church. The large picture of the Blessed Mother and Jesus is now in the Reservation Chapel. Other pictures have been taken down and will be placed in the new narthex. St. Benedict's has loaned us the beautiful new crucifix that has been placed behind the altar.

Helping Hands: Deacon Larry reported that Helping Hands was given a grant through the Sheriff's Department from the Colorado Victims Advocate. Money received will pay most of the telephone expense for people who are victims of violent crimes or violent emergency situations. Colorado Share is again distributing food through Catholic Charities each Saturday morning in the narthex. Through the generosity of the parish and with the help of Altar and Rosary, Helping Hands was able to distribute food baskets to those in the community who were in need of assistance during the Christmas holiday.

Old Business:

• Church Building: Deacon Larry shared that he had been contacted by Barbara Duff of the Diocesan Finance Committee that the work done by Tom Duke & Associates (architect) and A. & G Engineering was excellent and has been approved. They are both local firms. We have been given permission to begin fund raising in the coming year.
• Parish Secretary: Glenda Lesser-Wyles has been hired, at the request of Fr. Vicente and Deacon Larry, by the diocese, to work as a part-time secretary for Our Lady of Assumption. She will work in the rectory/Helping Hands office four days a week, three hours a day, on parish related matters in an effort to meet the needs of the parish office. There is much to do to bring records up to date, co-ordinate activities, and take care of parish business.
• Signs: The signs are finished. One sign has been donated by Terri Napolitan and will be placed on Route 69 S just passed Valley Ace Hardware as you are coming into town. A second sign will be placed on the property of Bob and Debbie Senderhauf on Route 69 coming in from the North. The third sign is yet to be designated. It will be placed somewhere on Route 96 westbound coming in to Westcliffe. We need to pay $200 for a sign permit.
• Gift Certificate: A gift certificate for two in the amount of $50 to the Letter Drop Inn, along with a letter of appreciation, was sent to Richard Hrpcha for his work as Finance Chairman.

New Business: none

The meeting was closed with a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, January 25 at 7:00 p.m. ALL ARE WELCOME.

Respectfully submitted, Joan Kohler

Roll Call: Members Present: Terry Napolitan, Cathy Patterson Mike Patterson, Richard Hrpcha, Glenda Lesser-Wyles, Patti Schultz, Pat Armand, Gil Costello, Deacon Larry Yatch , and Mary Kattnig

Open Forum:

Finance: Richard Hrpcha reported that our financial situation was stable. Our income was $8,000 over the expected amount. Money in the amount of $7,400 was allotted for NCYC. However, since the group went to Germany in August, they will not be going to the National Catholic Youth Conference this year.

We received a $1,200 credit in propane from Enyx in exchange for the old tanks and a solid price of $1.59 per gallon (a non-profit price). We also received $3,000 back from Northrup.

Upon completing his report, Richard announced that, after many years of service, he will be retiring as our finance chairman. He has been a good and faithful servant who will be missed.

Religious Education: Things are going well according to Patti Schultz. Instead of going to NCYC this year, students, grade eight to seniors as well as college age, will be encouraged to attend the Youth Festival in Pueblo, Sunday, January 22. Registration is required by December 16. Jessie Manabussen will be the featured speaker. The cost is $15 per person. Our Lady of Assumption will pay the admission.

Jena Schultz and Sara Senderhauf are teaching the kindergarten CCD class. They are enjoying it very much.

There is a good touch/bad touch seminar being offered in Pueblo. All staff and religious education teachers are required to attend.

"Veggi Tale" tapes have been ordered for the elementary grades.

Joan and Richard Kohler will attend a marriage prep course January 29 in Pueblo. An "Echoes of Faith" course will be offered in the coming months. All CCD teachers are required to attend in order to become fully certified. Deacon Larry is seeing two people every other week as RCIA candidates.

Liturgy/Worship Committee: Kathy Patterson relayed that the newly formed Worship Committee had its first meeting today, November 30. They will meet every other month at 6:00 before the scheduled parish council meeting.

Members present were: Father Vicente, Deacon Larry, Cathy Patterson, Mary Kattnig, Jan Yatch, Art and Connie Ondrejka, Pat and Darwin Armand, and Carmel Mortenson. Joan Kohler was also present.

Points of discussion were:

• Training of altar servers.
• Getting youth involved
• High school students teaching religion
• Youth choir
• Ushers for Christmas
• Christmas decorations
• Altar platform — It was decided that it was dangerous because of the lack of space and should be tabled.
• The mid-night Mass liturgy will be used at the 6:00 p.m. Mass Christmas Eve. The Christmas Day Mass will be used at the 11:00 Mass, Sunday, December 25.
• There will be a Christmas tree and nativity scene outside by the bell tower. A blessing and Christmas carols will take place at 5:30 pm before the 6:00 p.m. Mass.

Altar and Rosary Society: Joan Kohler reported that Altar and Rosary, with the help and marvelous co-operation of the entire parish, was able to amply fill fourteen baskets and supply at least forty-seven people with food for the Thanksgiving Day holiday.

An Angel Tree was put up in the back of the church. Hopefully, gifts will be returned by December 15 in order to get the toys and clothes to the children before Christmas.

Gifts for senior citizens have been purchased and will also be distributed on December 15.

The ladies have begun again to collect food for Christmas and will be putting those baskets together on December 19. A notice will be put in the bulletin asking for used toys. This will be given to children whose family comes to Helping Hands for assistance.

Helping Hands: Deacon Larry Yatch said that he was astonished by people's generosity. Money seems to appear as it is needed to give to those who are in need.

Cathy Patterson and Jan Yatch as well as a woman from the sheriff's office have completed the Victims Advocate course. Presently, four people in the area have completed this course.

People are sent by the sheriff's office to Helping Hands for counseling and help in matters of violent crimes, suicides, and other stressful situations. It also covers help with classes, dental work, rent, meals and housing. This help extends to those in Park, Chaffee, Custer and Fremont counties. Because Larry, Jan, and Cathy are now familiar with what is required and have all been instructed as to how to deal with these circumstances, the work at Helping Hands will be easier and more complete.

Maintenance: Deacon Larry reported the following:

• There are gaps underneath the front door of the Reservation Chapel. Heating strips are needed.
• Doors and windows have been installed in the new meeting room or narthex. The cost is approximately $800. The room should be completed in two weeks.

• Pictures: Sarah Senderhauf has been contacted regarding pictures to be taken of Father Vicente, Deacon Larry, and the parish council. She has generously offered to donate her work. The pictures will be taken after Christmas toward the end of January.
• Signs: Bids have been requested for three signs. The cost is expected to be $450. Specifications are:

Church Building: Plans have been seen by the Bishop's staff. They see no problem. By Christmas we should have the okay to move forward. Fundraising will begin in January. The Catholic Extension Society offers grants:

1. It concentrates on rural communities.
2. Has helped churches all over the country.
3. Offers help to well run non profit organizations.
4. We will apply.
5. They may give a grant or contact a donor who will give a matching gift.

Building contractor requirements:

1. Planners should not be bidders.
2. No bonding but insured.

The meeting was closed with a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, December 28 at 7:00 p.m. ALL ARE WELCOME.

Respectfully submitted, Joan R. Kohler

Parish Council Minutes--September 29, 2005

Richard Herpcha was absent. (no report). However, Father Vicente did suggest that from now on formal Finance Committee meetings take place at least four times a year if not every two months and that the committee consist of three members. Father asked for volunteers. Lora Cartner, Lad Cazedessus, and Richard Herpcha will be the committee members.

Once a month, a new statement should be submitted for review. Father suggested that it should also be published in the bulletin. Anyone in the parish is welcome to have a detailed copy of the monthly statement.

Religious Education:
Patti Schultz stated that the year is off to a great start.
1) Elementary and middle school classes are meeting each week on Sunday morning. Each class has its own room; two classes meet in the yellow house three in the rectory and one at the O’Connors.
2) The trip to Germany was great. College students will be home this weekend. Patti requested that they be given time to say thank you and say a few words at Mass. Sarah Senderhauf has made an 11 x 17 collage of the trip along with a photo album. Matt Senderhauf was hospitalized with a bacterial disease just before going to the airport to come home. There were huge crowds in Cologne. Things got pretty close and very uncomfortable. Germany was not prepared for so many people.
3) Patti asked for a mentoring prayer partner for each of the CCD students. The names would be put in a hat and people of the parish who so desire could draw a name with the promise to pray for that individual each day during the coming year. There are thirty seven to forty students. She would also like to post pictures of the students in order that the mentor may know the child for whom he/she is praying.
4) Two students who received their confirmation last May are teaching classes this year. Kelly Goertz is teaching in Florence and Jenna Schultz is co-teaching with Sarah Senderhauf here in Westclifffe.
5)Three new wet/dry boards have been purchased for use by the teachers.
6) We have switched religious education books to Harcourt Press through the tenth grade. The seniors and juniors are using St. Mary’s Press.

Liturgy:
Kathy Patterson shared that the Liturgy Committee will now be called the Worship Committee according to the wishes of the diocese. Kathy and Glenda McClanahan are working together to get new as well as old members involved. There will be an article in the bulletin calling for new members as well as telephone calls made to invite past members back.

DCCW:
DCCW has been dissolved. A meeting was held September 12th, the pros and cons were discussed, a vote taken, and a decision was made to join Altar and Rosary. People joining Altar and Rosary will continue on with the projects they have been doing in the past. Reasons for their decision are as follows:
1) The diocese is asking for more money than they could afford.
2) Sue is moving and there is no one willing to volunteer to take her place.
3) Without someone to work with, Flo would rather not take on the entire responsibility.
4) It is easier to go to one meeting a month rather than two. Mostly, the same people from both groups are doing the work.

Altar and Rosary:
1) Donuts every Sunday will begin when the garage is finished. Signup sheets will be posted for the church members to take a weekend.
2) We would like to have a fall bake sale the weekend before Thanksgiving.
3) We will have a box by the door for people to contribute can goods beginning this Sunday.
4) Thanksgiving baskets will be put together as in the past. We do not know how many baskets we will fill as yet, however, we appreciate having permission to get the certificates as needed when the time comes.
5) We will also have grocery bags in accordance with the number of baskets we will deliver. These will be in the back of the church for members to take home. There will be a list of items needed for a Thanksgiving dinner on the bag. The idea is for parishioners to take the bag home, fill it with the items listed, and bring it back to us.
6) Lucy is already working on creating the annual Angel Tree for Christmas.
7) We would like to do a fall activity such as a November Potluck/Thanksgiving dinner/music night. The place to have it is the question. The Lutheran Church does have a room with a kitchen. They have offered it for such events.
8) Two or three ladies will clean the church each week. A signup sheet has been created. A request was made to ask Mrs. Erica Glover to again help us clean. Since she is already in the year’s budget and arrangements have been made, this will not be a problem. However, instead of cleaning the center, she will take care of the rectory, reservation chapel, and the upper room.

Helping Hands:
Deacon Larry reported that Helping Hands is doing very well. He has taken the Victims Advocate Course and Jan, Kathy, and Christie from the Sheriff’s office are in the process of getting certified. There is no money to take care of this charity in the city budget. Between the parish and other churches within Westcliffe, money is accumulated to give to the people who come for assistance.

Maintenance:
Deacon Larry also reported the following:
1) No fans will be ordered since we will have no need of them at least until spring. There is discussion as to whether or not we should install an air conditioner or swamp cooler. A recommendation was made to install attic fans that would pull up the hot air and remove it through the roof. This will be taken under consideration.
2) The new chairs have arrived and have been placed in the center/church. Some of the chairs have been placed in the reservation chapel making it easier for people to pray. There has been a positive response from the people. These chairs will be used in the new church as well as the pews, thus eliminating the need for including these in the cost of the new church.
3) Jerry Dearborn has turned off the water to the sprinkler system. The plumbing will not allow an automatic watering system. The water line that was broken has been fixed. There was also a problem with the pilot light and the heating system was not working, however, both have been repaired. Three filters were changed. Things should be okay, but it was recommended that it would be good to put a lock box on the thermostat.
4) Steve Schultz will go ahead with the work on the garage. This will make space for classrooms in the future and a gathering space more immediately.
5) We are in the process of purchasing a shed. It will be large enough to accommodate our needs and good looking enough as to blend in with other buildings on the campus.
6) Thanks to Wayne for keeping the property. It looks much better, and he is doing a great job. Ed & Jacquie Stewart have done some necessary painting. The next job is to paint the sofit and facia of the yellow house. The fencing has been cleared out. Next we would like to remove the concrete and lay some road base in order to make more parking. Wayne will build a fence to in order to close the road to Rt. 69. The propane tank will be moved to within ten feet of the yellow house.
7) Another project we would like to accomplish is raising the altar up about four inches to give a better line of sight to the parishioners.

Old Business:
1) Lora Cartner asked for permission to pay the propane bills as they come. Father instructed that this was already in the budget and that there should be no problem. We do receive credit from the supplier as a non profit group. Lora has been shopping for the best deal. Enyx has been approved as the company to go with at this time.

2) Pat and Darwin Armand have agreed to be greeters October 9 and 16. Mike and Kathy will fill in when they can. Joan Kohler said she would also greet people during the coming month.

New Business:
1) It was decided that the church should be in the phone book under Our Lady of Assumption and that it should also be recognized in the yellow pages. This should be done in conjunction with St. Benedict’s and St. Patrick’s. Also, Darwin Armand said he would look into the possibility of highway signs in and out of town.

New Church Agenda: We will be submitting our agenda on November 8 to the diocese at a meeting beginning at 3:00 p.m.. This will begin the process. The diocese must have a plan that they can accept in order for us to proceed.

Three architects were considered. The Steering Committee recommended that Tom Duke be accepted as the architect. He has drawn plans that will be shown to the parish on Sunday and were shown to the council at the meeting. Of the $17,500 initial amount a balance of approximately $12,000 remains for services yet to be performed.

The diocese requires that we submit something before we begin raising money. Before we can begin, we must raise 65% of the projected cost of the plan we submit.

Questions Asked:
What can we afford? In order to find out what we can afford, we have to receive authority from the diocese. At that time, we can begin to ask the parish what they are willing to do.

The steps are as follows:
a) Show the plans to the council.
b) Show the plans to the parish.
c) Listen to suggestions from the parish.
d) Submit plans to the diocese with a hoped for approval by Thanksgiving.
e) There is no finite time to raise money, however, it is hoped that groundbreaking would begin in 2007 with the possibility of having Mass in the new church the following Christmas. The timing of construction will depend upon our fund raising efforts.

The meeting was closed with a prayer led by Father Vicente.

Next meeting: Wednesday, October 26 at 7:00 p.m. ALL ARE WELCOME