Finance Council Minutes - March 23, 2023

Mary, Mother of God Parish  
Finance Council  
Meeting Minutes for 03/23/2023
St. Ita Jubilee Hall – 7pm

Attendance 

• Members present: Father Robert Cook, John Kryl, Jim Muss, Carol Hanson, Andrew Welling, Joe Jacobs, Don Haider, and Magali Duvivier
• Members Absent: John McCarthy
• Ex Officio Members Present: Ed Stranc
• Ex Officio Members Absent: Christine Boyd
• Staff Present: Stuart Boldry and Yasmin Hernandez
• Staff Absent: Mark Franzen and Dorothy Julian

 
Council members received the minutes of the December meeting and the financial statements and reports earlier via email the agenda.  
 
The meeting began at 7:05pm with Father Bob leading us in prayer. 
 
Meeting Minutes
Andrew Welling made a motion to approve the minutes which was seconded by Carol Hanson. The minutes were unanimously approved.
 
Updates from Father Bob
The directors are continuing to meet regularly to ensure a smooth transition to new pastor. A solution for the 4:30pm Mass at St. Gregory has been reached. The Ordinariate should hear from the Cardinal this month to see if they can use St. Gregory Church. If it is a go, we would consider adding a second Mass on Sunday at 12:30pm. St. Gregory’s Hall is thinking of developing a catholic culture experience supplement for the Catholic schools. This will enable SGH to be of service to a larger community. SGH is exploring starting a program this summer (5 days to start) to take place during the day. The focus will be more cultural, less sacramental, and it will help build relationships with schools. We will also be taking in an intern to help with SGH & parish communications. Fr. Alejandro first official day will be May 8th.
 
Financial Report July 1, 2022, through February 28, 2023

• Operating Revenue and Expense Results

• Net Operating loss totaled $157,000 versus a previous-period loss of $11,644, an increase of $145,972
  • Revenues declined by $37,436 or 2.69%. Impacted by lower Sunday & Holiday Collections-$12,777, Interest & Investment Income-$85,828 loss, Miscellaneous Income, and lower Sacramental Fees and Net Fundraising Income. Declines were partially offset by higher Tuition-$11,522, Christmas -$14,546 and Lease & Rental Income-$61,565.
  • Expenses increased by $108,536 or 7.73%. Impacted by higher compensation related expenses (influenced by raises, staffing configuration, comparison period differences, timing for hires and terminations, and Food Rescue Ministry-reimbursed by benefactor as a grant), Transportation expenses (reimbursed by benefactor as a grant), and Heating Fuel (higher prices).

• Operating and Extraordinary Revenue and Expense Results-Net Loss for the period totaled $119,112.
• Cash and Investments on Hand-$4,625,973.
• Long-Term Debt-None.
• Key Issues/Projects/Updates

• Give Central checking account consolidation is in process

 
Buildings and Grounds Report
There have been heating-related issues at all our campuses.

• The boilers are not doing well.
• One of the STC school boilers was repaired, unsure of how long the repairs will last. Ms. Boyd asked for estimates for replacing both school boilers. The anticipated cost exceeds $500,000. She is looking into donor funding.

 
At Saint Ita:

• The architect is still working on the Jubilee Hall renovations.
• Awaiting on parts for the sound system.
• Lighting projects have been completed and the lanterns have been installed in the front of the church.

 
At St. Gregory:

• In one of the lots, a light pole fell and was fixed.
• One of our tenants damaged a pipe in the gym.
• The 1625 house is still being worked on from a pipe burst damage, working with the insurance company.

 
At St. Thomas:

• The new stoves were installed for the Soup Kitchen.
• The architect is working on a plan for accessibility.
• The sacristy was painted.

 
For the 2023/2024 projects, the rectory/sacristy window project will be more than we anticipated.
 
Cultural Center Update

• The use of SGG Church by the Ordinariate is in process.
• Fr. Sprott has finished his T.S. Elliott & Agustine class and is looking forward to starting a class on Shakespeare.
• Scott Moringiello will begin teaching the encyclicals of current and past popes in April.
• Canterbury House is beginning its solidarity gardens program growing vegetables for the Soup Kitchen.
• Events: March 25 retreat from 9am-2:30pm, April 16 Divine Mercy Mass, June 17 Anthony of Padua Mass, and August 15 the Assumption Mass.

Stewardship Report
The fundraising committee met. Our fundraising events are not significant fundraisers. They are pursuing other ideas such as holding one large fundraiser to celebrate the top 10 givers with a catered dinner in the rectory. Another idea is to do an annual giving appeal.

Old Business
None.

New Business
None.

​The meeting ended at 8:05 pm with Father Bob leading the council in prayer.

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