Minutes 2014/09

The 2014-15 year of the Divine Mercy Women’s Guild began on September 8 at 6:00 with a Mass offered by Msgr. Gerry followed by the annual Potluck Dinner and Business Meeting.  Dues were collected by Kathy Sullivan acting for Treasurer, Karen Bannister, who could not attend. President Michelle Urban welcomed everyone and introduced this year’s officers.  Lauren Martin led an icebreaker called Speed Talking.  This involved finding someone whom you did not know and talking for a brief time about a topic Lauren put on the board. There were several topics and everyone rotated with each one. A great way to meet people.  Elaine Giacomo said grace and 27 members, 1 guest, and Msgr. Gerry sat down to an enjoyable dinner.

 

Following dinner, Michelle called a short business meeting to order. She announced that several chairmen were needed for our regular events, although the chairmen for the Christmas Fair will remain essentially the same. She will check with Karen Bannister about being overall Holiday Stroll chairman again. Hostess Chairman, Janice McKenzie, requested that people sign up with her to be hostesses for the monthly meetings.

 

The date for the Christmas Potluck was announced as December 1^st which is the first Monday of the month. This schedule change is because the regular meeting day, December 8^th, is a Holy Day of Obligation and there will be a Mass upstairs. The need for a snow date was brought up, and Michelle will check with Gail Caron about scheduling it on the following evening, Tuesday, December 2^nd, if we are snowed out on the 1^st.

 

Karen Ayers explained the Craft Group meetings and invited anyone interested to join the group on the first and third Monday evenings of the month at 6:30.

 

The need for more aprons was brought up with no response.  Sue Koziell will order more if contacted. Connie Lebel will embroider owner’s names on the aprons if they are given to her with the member’s name clearly written out on paper and put in the pocket.

 

Secret Angels for last year were revealed, and the opportunity to sign up for this year was given.

 

To award the table centerpieces – decoupaged vases of flowers crafted by Cheryl Lastrina – Lauren gave a 10 question Divine Mercy Parish Quiz, with the flowers going to the person who got the most questions correct.

 

The meeting was closed with a prayer said by Elaine Giacamo.

 

Respectfully submitted.

 

 
Sue Koziell, Recording Secretary                      

Minutes 2014/04

Divine Mercy Women’s Guild
Business Meeting
April 14, 2014

6:54pm Opening prayer by Elaine G.

President: Please pay $25 to Karen B. for the May 18, 2014 banquet.
Thank You to Connie and Rebecca for organizing a spectacular and interesting Mystery Ride.
 Ethel Cavanaugh ballots are available to fill out to nominate a member for this award.
Recording Secretary: It was moved and seconded to accept the February minutes as posted on the blog.
Corresponding Secretary:  Yvonne read a Thank You card sent from the Monadnock Food Pantry.
Helping Hands: Joyce reported one request for funeral support this past month.
Treasures Report: Karen reported a balance of $8,990.27 this includes a CD worth $6,188.02 The Knights of Columbus are currently working on the TD Bank project.
Old Business:
May Banquet is scheduled for Monday May 19, 2014. Doors open at 6:00pm. The banquet will be held at the Monadnock Center for History and Culture at the Peterborough Historical Society in Bass Hall. Dinner starts at 6:30pm with appetizers, fish or chicken entree, salad, roasted potatoes and a vegetable. Lemon cake is for dessert. Cost is $25.  A set-up and clean up crew was requested.
Community Supper:  Scheduled for April 24, 2014 at the Hancock Congregational Church. Please meet at noon if you can help. The K of C offered to help with set-up and clean up.
First Communion: Denise L (chair) announced there would be 18 children making their First Holy Communion on Sunday, May 4^th at 1pm. A sign up sheet was passed around for helpers and food support for the reception.
Confirmation: 8 children will be confirmed this year. Confirmation will take place on Thursday May 8^th, 2014. Karen Ayers is chair.

New Business:

Allocation of funds: It was moved and seconded to earmark our annual Plant sale profit to purchase a used spinet piano for $1200 to go to the new church.  Also, $500 for the Outreach program and $500 in memory of Fr. Goggins to the Peterson House.
Nomination Committee: Joyce S announced the committee nomination for 2014 – 2015 Officers. Sue K - Recording Secretary, Denise L - Vice President.  The members moved and seconded this nomination.  
Plant Sale: Will be held on May 24^th from 7am – 12 noon   Chairs Jean F and Cheryl L will email location. The sale possibly will be held at the Community Center. Rain date will be May 31^st.
Commencement event:  Jean will send an email to all members. Members not at this meeting will have an opportunity to help. Date: June 7^th or 8^th

Connie L suggested a “Guideline Booklet” or a handbook for members to reference who take on a committee chair position. It’s difficult to volunteer to help when at times we don’t know where to start. The booklet could contain a copy of the Guild by-laws, list of officers name and phone number, calendar, name of person/s who have chaired the committee in the past, special guests to remember to invite, and proper utilization of the treasurer. Guild members all seemed to agree this was a good idea. Jean suggested this discussion be continued at a future meeting.

A reminder was made to invite Deacon Dennis and his wife Pauline to our May banquet.

Thank You to Helen L and Jackie C for tonight’s refreshments.
Closing prayer:  Elaine G
Meeting adjourned at 8:40pm

 Respectfully submitted,

Janice McKenzie,  Recording Secretary

Minutes 2014/02

Divine Mercy Women’s Guild
Business Meeting
February 10, 2014

 6:36pm Thank you to our hosts Rebecca, Connie and Grace. Members were asked to get some treats and enjoy them during the meeting.

6:47pm Opening prayer by Elaine G.

Recording Secretary: It was moved and seconded to accept the January minutes as written and posted on the blog.

Corresponding Secretary:  No recent correspondence was received or sent. Yvonne M thanked the members for all their support in the recent death of her brother.

Treasures report: Karen B reported a preliminary amount of $5056.96 from the Holiday Stroll. Please submit any receipts to Karen. Our current bank balance is $9797.54

The membership email/phone #/address list was passed around for review. Members were asked to make corrections or additions.

Helping Hands: No funeral support requested.

Mystery Ride: March 10, 2014  - Rebecca reminded Guild members the $25 cost for dinner was due today.  The sign up list was passed around to members to check if they paid. Rebecca and Connie will call and remind the members who were not at the meeting that their money is needed to pay the restaurant. All members who are driving to the Mystery Ride should to be at the Church by 5pm. We will car pool and getting into cars by 5:15pm. Please be prompt.

Old Business:

Discussion took place regarding the Women’s Guild participating in the TD Bank “Fund Raising” program. TD bank will donate a % of a participant’s year-end balance to a designated fund. Fr. Gerry is aware the Knight’s of Columbus are interested in this fund raising program. The K of C has a tax ID number. Our DM Women’s Guild does not have its own ID.  It was moved and seconded not to pursue the TD bank program as long as the K of C is involved and willing to pursue this project.

Building fund: We currently have $6,181.92 in a mature CD. Last year we set aside $3,000 for the building fund and at our last meeting dedicated the funds go toward a stove for the new church kitchen. It was moved and seconded to set aside an additional $1000 (from the Holiday Stroll profit) to increase our donation to $10,000.

Community supper: Will be held on Thursday, April 24^th in Hancock. Helen L. and Sue K will co-chair this project. Volunteers were asked to help.

Empty Bowl Project: Will be held on March 26^th, 6pm at Merrimack HS. There was discussion about the craft group glazing some of the soup bowls.  Karen A will look into it.

New Business:

It was discussed and decided to continue collecting the $5 dues at the September meeting. Annual dues can be placed in the Sunday collection basket. Please be sure the outside envelope is labeled Women’s Guild Dues.  Name and money inside.

 

Committee Chair:

The following members volunteered to chair the upcoming events:

Denise L – First Communion, May 4, 2014

Karen A and Yvonne M – Confirmation, May 8, 2014

Vice President Michele U – May Banquet, Date to be determined May 12^th?

Chairs for the Plant Sale and Commencement event will be discussed at our April meeting.

Free will collection: $100 was collected for the food pantry.

Guild member Farmer Kim G supplied fresh eggs for sale.  Please call her if you are interested in purchasing eggs from Oxbow Farms.

 Linda C invited all members to the Peterborough Women’s Club March presentation of “Women in History”. They are scheduled for March 5^th, 12^th and 19^th. This is a free event held in Bass Hall.

 Closing prayer: Elaine G. Prayers for all involved or related to the NHBB explosion.

 

8:13pm Meeting adjourned

 Respectfully submitted,

Janice McKenzie
Recording Secretary
Our next Business Meeting will be held on April 14, 2014 at 6:30pm in the Parish Hall.

Minutes 2014/01

Divine Mercy Women’s Guild
Business Meeting
January 13, 2014

 

6:44pm Opening prayer by Elaine G.

Recording Secretary:  It was moved and seconded to accept the November minutes as written and posted on the blog.

Corresponding Secretary: Jean F reported sending sympathy cards to members Yvonne and Cindy in the recent loss of their family members.  Thank you notes were received from Summerhill and Pheasant Wood.

Treasurer’s Report: Jean F reported for treasurer Karen B who was unfortunately ill and unable to present the budget.  The members viewed a 9/30/13 balance sheet.  Additional preliminary Holiday Stroll figures were reviewed. All members are encouraged to submit any receipts to Karen.

Helping Hands: Joyce expressed a gracious “THANK YOU for being you!” The parish had 3 funerals in one week and Joyce said before she had an opportunity to call members they were calling her asking if she needed help.

Old Business:

Christmas Fair Recap:

Linda and Cheryl said all went well with the raffle.

Beth reported the Café sold out of food and felt that was a “good thing” and the members agreed.

Janice said the Bake Table sold 22 cookie trays in addition to 6 small cookie trays given to the other churches in the Stroll. All leftover goodies were frozen and then used at the Peace Light reception.

The craft group did very well in sales. It was suggested the crafts should to be displayed in a more inviting way for sales. The umbrella works well for hanging ornaments. Rhea offered to teach us how to make her beautiful pinecone wreath for next year’s sales.

Blood Drive: 79 pints were collected during the December drive! Thank you to all who participated in this annual event.

Mystery Ride: Chairs Connie and Rebecca reminded members the buffet style Mystery dinner is on March 10^th, snow date on March 11^th.  27 members signed up. Cost is $25. The sign up list was passed around for review and money was collected.

Community Supper:  Helen L is chairing this event. It will be held in Hancock on April 24, 2014

New Business:

Empty Bowl Project: Janice reported for Helen on the Empty Bowl Project. This is an international project to fight hunger.  Crafters and potter create handcrafted bowls and guests are invited to a meal of soup. In exchange for a donation ($13) the guest is asked to keep the empty bowl as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the world. Marcy P. is a parishioner who is also the art teacher at Merrimack High School. This year the Empty Bowl project is on March 26th at 6pm at the school.  Helen suggests we car pool or caravan to the school to support Marcy and this worthy cause.

Make up Christmas Party:  Discussion took place regarding the cancellation of the 2013 annual Christmas potluck party due to inclement weather. All agreed it was important we remain safe and that there would be no make up party.  Next year a “snow date” will be scheduled.

Program for February:  It was suggested Sister Kathleen speaks at a one of our meetings.

Nominating Committee: Chair Joyce asked for volunteers to join the committee. Denise, Beth and Linda volunteered. The positions of VP and Recording Secretary need to be filled. If you are interested please give Joyce a call.

Building Fund:  Beth and Linda shared information about the progress of the new church.  At this time there are no architectural drawings to share with the guild. The question was what do we want to do with the money set aside by the Women’s Guild? We currently have $6 thousand dollars in a mature CD and last year we set aside $3 thousand dollars. After much discussion it was moved and seconded to dedicate the funds to go toward a stove for the kitchen.

TD Bank: Connie met a TD bank rep while selling Guild holiday items at the St Patrick breakfast. Connie had positive comments about the breakfast and the bank reps information. It was suggested the representative be contacted and speak at our February meeting. Jean will look into this as a possibility.

An envelope was passed for a free will cash collection for the food bank.

Sue K is requesting any used holiday greeting cards to be saved for her. She will repurpose them into gift tags to be used for this years Christmas Giving Tree.

Thank You to Cheryl L., Linda C., and Lauren M for tonight’s refreshments.

 

The Our Father was said for all of those who have passed and for those who are in need.

 

8:15pm Meeting adjourned

 Respectfully submitted,

Janice McKenzie
Recording Secretary

Our next meeting will be February 10, 2014 at 6:30pm in the Parish Hall

 

Minutes 2013/11

Divine Mercy Women’s Guild
Business Meeting
November 11, 2013

6:45pm  Opening prayer by Elaine G. (Mother Theresa’s daily prayer)

 Recording Secretary  Karen B. requested the minutes reflect she was absent at the October meeting. The minutes will be amended as follows: Karen B was absent and will present the budget report, for our review, at the next meeting.

It was moved and seconded to accept the minutes as amended, and the motion was passed.

Treasurer  Karen B. presented the proposed budget 7/1/2013 – 6/30/2014.  The members reviewed the budget. A change was made to remove $250 set aside for golf tournament donations.  It was moved and seconded to accept a budget of $5375, and the motion was passed.

It was suggested to add the prior year on the budget review to make it easier for members to follow any proposed change.

Helping Hands Joyce S. reported all was “blessingly quiet” this past month.

Old Business

Holiday Stroll
*Committee chairs passed around volunteer sign up sheets.
*Parking for the Stroll will be at Dr Hedstrom’s office (next to The Peterborough Historical Society), the Guernsey Building at 70 Main St and at 45 Main Street.
*Village Bell Ringers will play from 11am -12noon
*Set up will be on Friday, Nov. 22^nd, from 10am-4pm
*Crafts can be brought to the hall at 10:30am
*Beth M will be at the parish hall at 9:30am. Card tables (on loan for the fair) can be left upstairs outside the church and Beth will take them to Bass Hall or card tables can be brought directly to Bass Hall.
*Piano players are scheduled to play from 9am-11am and from 12pm – 2pm.
*Anyone baking cookies for the cookie trays should bring the 3-4 dozen cookies to the parish hall on Friday morning, no later than 8:30am. Sample cookie trays will be delivered to the other groups participating in the Holiday Stroll.

Linda C informed the guild that St. Patrick in Jaffrey will have a Breakfast/Boutique on Dec 8^th from 8am-12pm. She invited the craft group to sell items left from the Stroll at no charge for the table. It was moved and seconded to pay the $25 table fee, and the motion was passed. Connie L and Joan B volunteered to coordinate this event.

 The Knights of Columbus requested a small table and space at the Fair to sell license plate brackets. 

A request was made to update our email, phone and address list and provide this info to our members. Any member can request not to have their info available to Guild members.

 Community Supper

Helen L. will chair the supper scheduled in Hancock on Thursday, April 24, 2014.

 New Business:

Joyce S informed us a kitchen responsibility and procedure list was written. It was given to Fr. Gerry for review.

Jean shared some thoughts and ideas generated from the Activity Survey that were filled out at the last meeting. More surveys were passed out and all info will be compiled for review.

 Mystery Ride

Connie L and Rebecca M are the chairs of the March 10^th dinner. Snow date is scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, 2014. A sign up sheet was passed around to get an idea of how many members are planning to attend.

 Blood Drive

The DMWG will sponsor its annual blood drive this year on Dec 6^th at 12 noon. It will be held at the Congregational Church on Concord St.  Kathy S and Gail C are coordinating this event. A sign-up sheet was passed around for volunteers to help the Red Cross and for “finger foods” to be provided for the donors. Food can be dropped off before 11:00am to Kathy S at South Meadow School or to Gail C at the Church Rectory.

 Our annual Women’s Guild Christmas Party will be held on Monday, December 9, 2013 after 6pm Mass celebrated by Fr. Gerry. Yvonne M and Karen A are chairing this event. A food and attendance sign-up sheet was passed around.

Email rymurray37@myfairpoint.net for questions and/or contributions.

Sue K has aprons for those who requested them. Connie L will embroider a name on the apron if you provide the apron and your name (placed inside the pocket of the apron) to her.

Ecumenical Service

 Will take place on Dec 15^th at 6pm in St Peter Church. Lauren M explained the “Peace Light” is from the Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem. More information about this event will be in the Church bulletin. Lauren encouraged all members to attend.

 Jean F invited members to the Peterborough Garden Club meeting on Monday November 18^th from 10am – 12noon for seasonal wreath demonstrations.

 Thank You

Sue K., Joyce S., and Mary Ann B., for tonight’s refreshments.

Closing prayer by Elaine G.

8:12pm Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Janice McKenzie
Recording Secretary

Minutes 2013/10

Divine Mercy Women’s Guild
Business Meeting
October 14, 2013

 

6:39pm: Welcome given by Jean to new members

Stephanie A., Claire L., Beth D.

 

6:41pm: Opening prayer by Yvonne M.

 

Treasurer: Karen B will present the budget report, for our review, at the next meeting.

 

Recording Secretary: Minutes were accepted as written. Janice proposed posting the minutes on the blog earlier than a few days before the next meeting. This would give the members the opportunity to use the minutes as a reference to dates and times of upcoming events. The guild members supported this proposal. Beth said she would post the minutes on the blog as soon as they were sent to her.

 

Corresponding Secretary: Please contact Yvonne at rymurray37@myfairpoint.net if any member would like a card sent from the Guild.

 

Old Business:

The Holiday Stroll is scheduled for Saturday, November 23, 2013 from 9am – 2pm at The Monadnock Center for History and Culture at the Peterborough Historical Society, formally known as Bass Hall.

The hall will be opened for set-up on Friday at 10am and on Saturday at 7:30am.

The Holiday Stroll flyer (that will be posted in the community) was sent around the room. It was suggested the name Bass Hall be included on the flyer since not all of us were aware of the new name change.

A motion was passed to have the Bell Ringers play from 11-12noon for a cost of $125.

At our next meeting, the committee chairs will pass around sign up sheets for members help during the fair. We will need an initial crew to set up at Bass Hall, piano players, card tables for the café, bake sale table helpers, cookie bakers for the cookie trays, craft sellers and a clean up crew. Karen B spoke with Leo Smith and asked for help from the Youth Ministry.  The guild members suggested the youth help with carrying boxes up and down the parish hall stairs.

Chair: Karen B

Crafts: Karen A

Café: Jackie C

Cashier: Jean F and Connie L

Bake sale: Janice M

Raffle: Cheryl L and Linda C

Set up: Beth M and Jean F

Music: Jean F

If any member is donating a craft to the Holiday Stroll, please contact Yvonne. The items need to be inventoried. We would appreciate a suggested sale price although it might be changed to be consistent with the sale price of similar items. The craft group meets the 1^st and 3^rd Monday of the month in the parish hall at 6:30pm.

 

The raffle committee is requesting donations for their Gift Card tree as well as canned items for a raffle basket. They can be brought to the next meeting. Any questions should be directed to Cheryl L at lastrina7@msn.com

 

Helping Hands

Joyce S reviewed how our Helping Hands ministry is used. Joyce is notified if there is a funeral (with an anticipated attendance of 75 or less), that a family would like help with the reception. Calls are then placed to members who have offered to help with set-up, cleanup and baking. Families often donate money to defray the cost although it isn’t always the case.

 

Community Supper

Helen L has volunteered to organize the community supper in Hancock. For 2 years this has been a successful community outreach effort from our Guild. Helen would like to plan the supper for April and will be looking for volunteers to help her.

 

New Business

Joyce spoke about the organization and cleanliness of our parish kitchen. The Guild is aware there are many groups who use the kitchen and often it has been left in a mess.  Idalina T and the DMWG members try to keep the kitchen clean and organized but this has not always been the case with other groups using the kitchen. It was recommended a “Kitchen Committee” be formed with representation from each group who use the kitchen. Beth M volunteered to bring the issue before the Pastoral Council.

 

An activity survey was given to the members to fill out. The survey was returned to Jean, it will be reviewed and reported on at another meeting. There will be a Mystery Ride this coming March. Connie and Rebecca are chairing this fun event.

 

Karen A reported the Sisters of Mercy appreciated all the support the Guild gave to them.  They raised over $13K .

 

Ladies Night will be held at St Patrick in Jaffrey on Saturday night (10/19) from 4-8. There will be multiple vendors. Please use the gym parking lot.

 

Connie has offered to embroider our names on our aprons.  If this is something you would like Connie to do for you please put your name on a piece of paper, put the paper in the pocket of the apron and give your apron to Connie.

 

Sue K will order 6 more aprons for purchase. They cost $10 each. The aprons are worn during the Holiday Stroll, Helping Hands, Parish picnic, Plant sale and, anytime we want the public to be aware of our mission.

 

Thank you to Cathy B and Kim G for providing delicious refreshments at the end of our meeting.

 

Next meeting will be at 6:30pm on November 11, 2013

 

Closing prayer: Elaine G.

 

7:53pm Meeting adjourned

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Janice McKenzie

Recording Secretary

 

Minutes 2013/9

Divine Mercy Women’s Guild
Pot Luck Business Meeting

 

September 9, 2013
6:00pm   Mass celebrated by Msgr Gerry Belanger

After Mass Treasurer Karen B collected the annual dues.
6:47pm   Welcome given by President Jean F.

We have a new microphone but are in need of an amplifier. If any member has one we can borrow for the year please contact Janice M by email (jmckenzie588@gmail.com)  or call (588-2356).

 All members played a game of Getting to Know You Bingo.

Cheryl L installed Elaine Giacomo as our new Prayer Advisor.

7:04pm Opening prayer by Elaine G.

All were invited to feast at a wonderful potluck dinner provided by the Women’s Guild members.

7:53pm   Sign up forms for “Secret Angels” were passed out. Jean explained to the group what it meant to be a secret angel.

Jean introduced the Officers and Board.

               Jean F.  -  President

               Michele U.  -  Vice-President

               Karen B.  -  Treasurer

               Janice M.  -  Recording Secretary

               Yvonne M  - Corresponding Secretary

               Sue K.  -  Director

               Cathy B.  –  Director

               Cheryl L.  -  Advisor

Please remember to pay your $5 annual dues to Karen B.

Contact Yvonne M (rymurray37@myfairpoint.net) if any member would like a card sent to someone from the Guild.

Notify Jean (frechette7@myfairpoint.net) if you would like to be on an up-coming agenda.

A big thank you to Sue K for all her help with the Parish Picnic.

November 23^rd is our annual Holiday Stroll and the craft group is looking for member donations. Yvonne M asked if there are any members who would like to contribute to the Fair realizing many of you have great skills but are not able to attend our craft meetings. Please contact Yvonne with your contributions.

Jean discussed the possibility of sponsoring another Community Supper.  Fourteen members agreed the Community Supper was a good idea. Helen L will coordinate this project unless someone else volunteers.

Generations Together, an activity for grandchildren and their grandparents to make Advent wreaths, will be held after the Saturday night Mass on Nov 30^th.  Beth M requested funding for this project. The Guild passed the motion to fund up to $150.

Prayer Chain requests are sent out by Beth M by email.  Please notify Beth (dmprayerchain@gmail.com) if you would like to add a name to the prayer chair or if you would like to request a paper copy.

Linda C. spoke about the Sisters of Mercy fundraiser. Raffle tickets and breakfast tickets were sold at the meeting. The Women’s Guild sponsored a $100 movie night theme basket designed by Linda. Six themed baskets will be raffled off on Columbus Day weekend. The Sisters are hoping to raise $10K.

Thank you to Denise L. and Cheryl L. who were the coordinators of the potluck dinner.

Thank you to all who contributed the many wonderful culinary delights we had for dinner. It was suggested we match this effort at our annual Christmas dinner!

Secret Angels were revealed and new names were selected.

 Denise read a “Right – Left” story and the wining prize was the beautiful flower centerpiece at each table.

 Next meeting will be at 6:30pm on October 14, 2013

 8:49pm   Meeting adjourned

 Respectfully submitted,

 Janice McKenzie

Recording Secretary