Minutes 2017/1

Divine Mercy Women's Guild 

January 9, 2017 

Opening Prayer: Father Mike led the opening prayer, he reminded us how important and special our ministry is as Guild Members within Divine Mercy Parish.

Father Mike Thanked the Guild Members for his Christmas Gift and continued to explain the 10-week Symbolon that he is conducting with the Catholic Community beginning January 10^th at 6:30pm, and repeated on Wednesday January 11^th at 9:30am.  The program explains the Catholic Faith featuring 20 video and discussion sessions bringing together some of the most trusted Catholic teachers for guidance in the breadth and richness of the Catholic faith. The sessions will last approximately 1½ hrs; the presenters will be Father Mike, Deacon Dennis and Joy Davis.

Sue mentioned that there was a request from Father Mike for light refreshments during the Symbolon.  She asked the Guild Members for their opinions and feedback and who might be available to help. Cheryl Riley and Kathi Wasserloos volunteered to assist with the first two Tuesday evening meetings but Guild Members thought that ultimately others, possibly those attending the meetings, should be responsible for refreshments.

Secretary’s Report: The November Report was accepted. Sue reminded members again that the minutes are posted on our blog and not read at the meeting, to save time.  Guild Members previously approved this procedure at the October meeting.

Corresponding Secretary’s Report: Kathi Wasserloos mailed Christmas Cards to Father Mike and Deacon Dennis and received Thank You cards for Guild Christmas gifts from both Father Mike and Deacon Dennis.

Treasurer’s Report: Beth McGurty distributed copies of a detailed report, which had the Treasurer Report on one side of the paper and the financial results from the Holiday Stroll on the other.

The Treasurer’s Report: Checkbook balance of $12,053.60  November Deposits/Int: $8,657.63

Checks written indicated Amounts, Payee, and Descriptions listed for November and December 2016.

The Holiday Stroll Report described earnings and expenses for all the Fair Committees and compared receipts for the individual Committees over the last seven years of the Guild’s participation. 2016 was our most successful years with a total of $8267.75

Beth reminded Guild Members that Sue, Deacon Dennis, and Father Mike can only sign checks and that two signatures are required for check amounts over $200. She mentioned a future need to replace the refrigerator in the kitchen and that we might use some of our account balance to pay for it and welcomed any suggestions from Guild Members regarding cost or access to a possible merchant discount.

Old Business:

Holiday Stroll Post Mortem: Kathy Sullivan explained to the Guild Members that she had met with several of the Committee Chairs to discuss the Holiday Stroll, asking for suggestions, reviewing what we did right, and noting what we might do differently next year.

Suggestions and or Questions:

A “greeter” at the door of the Fair, welcoming visitors

Possibly limiting publicity expense for next year

Moving the raffle ticket table from the entrance of the Parish Hall closer to the raffle baskets and using a different method of selling raffle tickets.

Adding some kind of breakfast item for the Café, maybe muffins

Designated Craft Tables: knitted items, ornaments, maybe a pet table

Possibly an ornament of the year (2017)

Reevaluating our craft pricing, having some higher priced items, but keeping most items moderately priced

Definitely keeping the Mini Fair after Mass (especially the Sunday Masses) was very successful

Baked Goods: pies and cookie trays were both successful

More Signage is needed, possibly hanging from the ceiling to identify different areas (Bake Table, Café Cashier)

Do we want the Bell Ringers Next Year? (problems with placement and acoustic issues)

Divine Mercy Children’s Choir in lieu of Bell Ringers?

More space for tables to sit and fill out raffle tickets

More Café space?

Children Space to buy and wrap presents?

Pictures with Santa?

Floor plan map needs to be provided to Custodian for table set up ahead of time

Reserve Hall space for Thursday and Friday for set up and decorating

Lauren commented how much the other churches appreciated the cookie trays they were given.  She also mentioned that our Fair had the nicest merchandise and presentation.

New Business

Hancock Community Supper February 23^rd: Helen Limina needs help and baked items for the supper, which is held in Hancock, at the First Congregational Church on Main St. A sign up sheet was distributed; 6 people are needed to prepare and set-up for the dinner and for cleanup afterwards. There is also a need for (8)breads and (8)apple crisps.  For more info call Helen 924-5088

Mystery Ride: Claire Juengst & Janet Reilly: End of April, after Lent.

No date yet

Refreshments: Provided by Linda Caracappa, Cheryl Lastrina, & Janice McKenzie, yummy and delicious: Thank You Ladies.

Program: Mission in Jamaica: Adela de Vera spoke to the Guild about her trip to Jamaica last summer. She described a typical day for her as a pediatrician working within the Jamaican Diocese of Mandeville. She detailed the high rate of poverty prevalent in that region and the need for medical and dental care. Adela has been traveling to this region for the last 5 years and this past August she was accompanied by Guild Members, Linda Caracappa, Beth McGurty, and Jean Frechette. Last year the DMWG contributed $1000 toward this Jamaican Program which provides free health exams, that are required for school children. The children are also given school bags filled with school supplies. Adela’s dedication and love for this project and her enthusiasm seemed to transcend among all of us in attendance. She shared photos as we listened intently, knowing that in a small way, we were able to contribute to this worthwhile project.

Closing Prayer: Sue led the closing prayer.

THERE IS NO MEETING IN FEBRUARY

Lauren announced that in March we will have a short business meeting followed by a discussion about Saints. We can share a story about a Saint we love.

68 Hours/Food Pantry Collection $149

Meeting Attendance: Twenty-Six Members

Meeting ended at 8:35

Respectfully submitted by,

Gracie Hartman, Secretary