Minutes 2012/4

Divine Mercy Parish Women’s Guild

Monday, April 9, 2012

6:30 PM

1.     Opening Prayer: Yvonne Murray

2.     Recording Secretary: Kim Graham, please check the blog for February’s minutes as Kim did not have minutes ready for this meeting. We will revisit them at the May Banquet

3.     Corresponding Secretary: Simone Legace, Thank you card from Edna regarding her daughter’s health and our thoughts, cards and prayers.

4.     Treasurer’s Report: Karen Bannister , opening balance 2/1/12 was $6243.81 ending balance 2/29/12 was $5999.37. Simone made a request for a book of stamps. Motion to accept the Yvonne, second by Joyce S.

5.     Helping Hands Report: Joyce Schmidt, There were no funerals since the last meeting.

6.     Parish Outreach Report: City Reach, Helen Limina Linda, brown bag Sunday met again and the new name is Food For Friends designed by a CCD student. Beth reported that 45 Easter baskets were distributed to those in need in the area, 24 fruit bags to Greenfield Commons 2 adults and 6 youth helped with those baskets.

7.     Ethel Cavanaugh Award Nomination: Jean Frechette This award started 22 years ago to honor a member of the Guild who gives outstanding service to the Church and inspiration through the Guild. She inspires other women to give. She was the founder of the Women’s Guild as we know in this Parish in 1939. It is given to the woman who has given outstanding service to the community. The membership nominates someone and gives their reasons. Past recipients here tonight choose the winner.

Old Business

1.     Mystery Ride: Yvonne Murray, general feedback was that the food was very good and the restaurant was very accommodating. 23 people were in attendance. Thank you to Yvonne for coordinating.

New Business

1.     Aprons: Sue Kozell wanted to know if we should order more Guild aprons. Joyce asked to have a few extra in the kitchen. Jean made a motion to have 6 aprons made to have on hand. Seconded by Beth. Approved.

2.     Confirmation 4/19. Linda is all set with helpers and bakers. She will send a reminder email to all who will help.

3.     First Communion 5/6. A sign up sheet will be passed around during the meeting. We still need lots of helpers.

4.     May Banquet 5/14 Chairs, Joyce Schmidt, Joan Buck & Beth McGurty: The caterer will be the same as last year, Carol Cleary and the menu will be the same as well. It will be $20 a person including drinks. Further information will be available on the Blog and in the bulletin. A sign up sheet was passed around for menu choices.

5.     Plant Sale: Helen Limina has chaired it in the past but she was absent so we could not ask her at this meeting if she would be interested in chairing again this year.

6.     Holiday Fair: The Monday craft group will discuss who will be the coordinator and the craft table

a.      Holiday Fair Coordinator

b.     Craft table

c.      Bake table: Janice McKenzie

d.     Café: Denise and Beth

e.      Raffle table: Linda & Cheryl

7.     Committee Chairs for 2012-2013

a.      Hostess coordinator: Janice McKenzie. (she encourages members who haven’t yet brought food to please do so. Also if you can help set up that would be great too.) Ladies volunteered at the meeting so the list is set.

b.     Parish picnic: Sue Kozell the date is tentatively Sept. 9

c.      Membership dinner: Denise and Cheryl. There was discussion on the date. The date will be Sept. 10 motion by Linda to have the dinner on the second Monday in September (even though it is the day after the Church Picnic). Seconded by Michelle. Approved.

d.     Blood Drive: Kathy Sullivan and Gail Carron

e.      Christmas potluck: Karen Ayers (will she do it again?)

f.       Mystery ride: Yvonne Murray

g.      May banquet: Joyce, Joan Buck and Beth

h.     Receptions for Sacraments: Linda C. & Cheryl

i.       Commencement Reception 2013: Linda C. and Denise

j.       Plant sale 2013

8.     Report from Nominating Committee

a.      Co-President: Karen Ayers

b.     Co-President: Cathy Buffum

c.      Treasurer: Karen Bannister

d.     Recording Secretary: Jean Frechette

e.      Corresponding Secretary: Simone Legace

f.       Prayer Advisor: Yvonne Murray

9.     Parish Outreach Fair:

a.      June 2& 3

10.  The board will send out an email in August to set the meeting date for October as the second Monday falls on Columbus Day.

11.  There was some discussion for this year’s commencement ceremony. Jean will talk to the Knights to see if they would like to coordinate it this year. We can help where they need it. We can also donate the funds allotted in our budget ($150) for the ceremony. Jean will also talk to the Knights about the yard sale and see if they want our plant sale at the same time.   

12.  The total amount for the Food Pantry collected tonight was $65

13.  Disburse Funds:

a.      Karen Bannister asked Cheryl how much we allot for the new church. Cheryl said, over the course of 4 years we have saved $6000 for the new church. Yvonne says that since we are having service in this church, we should put our money towards this. If we save for a new church, the new church may take a while to attain. We have allotted to a lot of different things in the past. These are things that that Guild decided upon.

b.      Jean updated us on the new processional crucifix. She spoke with Fr. Gerry and told him that the Guild is uncertain of this purchase because of the price. Jean suggests that we give a portion of the cost.  She reminds us that it is in the mission that the Guild supports the Parish Priest on items wanted or needed.

c.      Simone would like to see the guild purchase a papal flag for the alter. Denise said that we may have to check with Fr. Gerry to make sure that it is what he wants. Simone will check with Fr. if he would like one. We cannot have an American Flag until we have a Papal flag. Beth suggests that we take the time to get some pricing and offer it after the fair itself.

d.     Sue Kozell: if we have made approx $1000 for the church, why don’t we decide to donate that much.

e.      Linda Caracappa: Sr. Cecile would like to purchase new Bibles for the students to use. They stay at the school. K-9 90 students x $10. Or she could do grades 4-8. Beth suggests proceeds from the plant sale go towards the purchase of these Bibles. 

f.       Linda Caracappa mentioned that Barb Martin always asks for a sponsorship for the St. Pat’s Golf Tournament, which is $100. It is already in the budget.

g.      Beth made a motion that the proceeds of the plant sale go towards the purchase of new Bibles for St. Pat’s. second by Vye. Approved.

h.     Sue Kozell makes a motion to donate $1500 towards the purchase of a new crucifix. Karen B. says that if you are going to donate that much, why not just pay for the whole thing.  Sue Kozell revised her motion so that she moves as we will purchase the processional crucifix up to a amount $2000. Seconded by Beth. Approved.

i.       Beth doesn’t have an amount in mind but she would like to suggest a donation to Catholic Charities. The year before last we gave $250. Beth made a motion that we disbursed $200 to Catholic Charities. Seconded by Karen Bannister. Approved.

14.  Other business

a.      Thank you to our hosts for this meeting, Long Denise and Beth

b.     The next meeting will be the May banquet 5/14

c.      Linda suggested we created a Chick Flick night for the Food Bank when we show a girls movie. We all agreed that it would be a great event.

15.  Closing prayer: Yvonne Murray

Minutes 2012/2

Divine Mercy Parish Women’s Guild

Monday February 13, 2012

6:30 PM

Minutes

1.     Opening Prayer led by Yvonne Murray

2.     Recording Secretary – Kim Graham. No questions were asked on the previous minutes. Minutes were approved.

3.     Corresponding Secretary – Simone Lagace: Jean Frechette read thank you notes. Alice McKenna, Helen Breselle and Pheasant Wood for the Poinsettas, Fr. Goggin for Christmas gift and the United Methodist Church for the plate of cookies for the Holiday Stroll.

4.     Treasurer’s Report – Karen Bannister. Balance as of 1/1/12 was $7029.66. Income was $148.59, expenses were $934.44. Balance as of 1/31/12 was $6,243.81

5.     Helping Hands Report – Joyce Schmidt: There were three funeral receptions the first part of January. She is looking for an electric kettle. The question was raised and discussed if we would purchased one. Yvonne made a motion to approve the purchase of an electric kettle. Seconded by Jane M. Approved.

6.     Parish Outreach Report – Helen Limina: City Reach was a big success! Helen said it was sad not to see some of the usual people they see but it great that they were able to help some new kids. 13 kids helped with this event. She will ask Gail to put a notice in the bulletin for new white socks and underwear. Thank you to Denise for helping with this event.  The Community Supper in Bennington was postponed from January and held on February 9. It served approximately 60 people. There were elders and families with young children in attendance.

7.     Blessed Virgin Statue: Jean Frechette: We had previously voted to split the cost of the storage of this statue with the Knight. The total was $790 so that means we will pay $395

8.     New Crucifix- There was discussion on the purchase of a new crucifix since the current one is very heavy. The price range of a new Crucifix is between $1000-$3000. We will table the discussion of this purchase until the April meeting.

9.     Parish Visitors: There was a discussion of how we can visit members of Summerhill the Meadows I and II. The questions asked were: what is the difference between the two?, what can we do during our visits? How can we incorporate those who are living at home into these visits?

10.  Mystery Ride: Yvonne is organizing the event. It will take place on Tuesday, March 13. It will cost $22 a person. We will meet at the church at 6 in order carpool and be there at 6:30.

11.  Fr. Gerry and Fr. Goggin’s birthdays are both in April and we will be giving them a monetary gift. It is already in the budget. Cathy Buffman will take care of sending the cards

12.  Confirmation will take place on Thursday April 19. There are 24 candidates. Linda will have a sign up sheet for the items needed as we will have a reception afterwards. Set up will begin at 5.

13. Helen Limina encourages all to attend a fundraiser with her at the Merrimack High School. It is the Empty Bowl Project on April 4. Please contact her for information.

14. Food Pantry: Linda Caracappa is working with CCD students to come up with a new name and logo for Brown Bag Sunday. They are trying to figure out how to make this form of giving more successful. She will keep up posted.

15. Chris Falcone talked at length about the opportunities for our own spiritual growth during Lent.

16. Thank you to our hosts Helen, Linda and Jean and thank you to Connie for the desserts.

17. Closing Prayer - Yvonne Murray

Spring Banquet 2012

Divine Mercy Parish Spring Banquet 2012

When:  Monday 5/14 @ 6:30
Where: DMP Church Hall
Cost: $20.00 paid the night of the banquet to Karen B.  Cash or check made out to DMP Women's Guild.
Choices

• Chicken Piccata - caper and lemon in a light white wine lemon sauce
• Baked Haddock Ala Suisse-mushrooms, spinach and Swiss cheese
• Roast Eye of Round-with mushroom Au Jus

  Includes choice of one of the above, salad, vegetables, dessert, coffee, tea or water.  There also will be red and white wine available.

Details:

RSVP to Joyce S 924-1980 or Beth Mc 588-2076 bgurt@mcttelecom.com and indicate your choice of the main dish.  Please feel free to call with any questions.

Mystery Ride Information 2012

2012 Mystery Ride

The details…
• When - Tuesday, March 13th
• Where …nice try…it’s a mystery! Meet at the DMP parking lot @6PM. We will carpool from there.
• Cost - $22.00 and you will enjoy a fresh fruit cup appetizer, an entrée, vegetable, salad, starch, bread/butter, one nonalcoholic beverage and a dessert of warm peach/apple crisp a la mode. There will be “refreshments” available for purchase but do remember to bring your ID if you intend to purchase one as I’m sure any of us could be carded.
• Choices:
  o Apple brandy walnut chicken-lightly breaded chicken sautéed and topped w/apple brandy sauce and   walnuts
  o Baked Scrod with herbs, butter and crumbs
  o Roast sirloin with gravy
• Contact person – Yvonne Murray 563-8677 or rymurray37@myfairpoint.net Please indicate your choice of chicken, fish or beef.
• A few more details – Please let Yvonne know by 3/6. The dinner is paid for the evening of the Mystery Ride and you can bring a check made out to DMP Women’s Guild or cash (please bring correct amount). Karen Bannister and Yvonne will check you in and handle the payments.

Minutes 2012/1

Divine Mercy Parish Women's Guild

Monday, January 9, 2012
6:30 PM
Minutes

1. Opening Prayer led by Yvonne Murray

2. Recording Secretary -Jean Frechette for Kim Graham. No questions regarding previous minutes. Minutes approved.

3. Corresponding Secretary -Karen Ayers for Simone Legace. There was a thank you note from Fr. Gerry for his Christmas gift and for our prayers and support. There was a thank you note from a poinsettia recipient.

4. Treasurer's Report -Karen Bannister. A financial report with hand out was given for November and December 2011. The report detailed income from dues, the Fair, and a donation for Helping
Hands. Expenses paid included the Fair, the December Blood Drive and Helping Hands.
11/2011 Income: $810.26 Expenses: $806.78
12/2011 Income: $4,330.19 Expenses: $277.99
Motion to accept Financial Report by Barbara Garland, 2nd by Connie Lebel. Motion passed.

5. Helping Hands Report- Joyce Schmidt. One funeral in November for Robin Kellner,
one funeral on January 7 for Daniel Geoffrey.

6. Parish Outreach Report: See New Business for Food Bank info.

7. Old Business-
a. Christmas Fair: Helen Limina reported that she is sill gathering feedback from Fair committees about what worked and what needs to be addressed for next year's Fair. She shared that many people have told her that our's is the “best”. Noted a problem about the door for the Bell Ringers to get in to set-up was not unlocked until just before their performance.
She is making notes for future Fair chairs to use.
Karen Bannister informed us about a holiday fair in Milton, MA on a weekend following the Holiday Stroll that only charges $20 per table where we possibly could have a table to sell left over items. It will be considered for this coming fall.

Karen Bannister gave a financial report for the Fair, noting that income was down from the 2010 fair. Discussion about possible reason was the difficult economy this year.

To date: Gross Income: $4,574.75 Expenses: $780.70 Profit: $3,794.50

2010 Profit: $4,341.17

b.Members asked for a report on the Blood Drive. It was noted that Kathy Sullivan and Gail Caron reported on that at the Christmas Party in December. It was recalled that over 80 pints were collected, which exceeded the Red Cross' goal for that drive. Several members noted that some potential donors left due to the long wait to donate. Guild members were upset with the Red Cross' management of appointments.

c. Community Supper: Bennington. Scheduled for Thursday, January 12, 5:30-6:30PM at the Pierce School. Set up at 4:30. Clean-up after dinner until about 6:45-7:45. Food preparation on Wednesday at Helen's. Cooking Turkey Devine. Asked for a volunteer to prepare a vegetarian entree. All sundry supplies supplied, we do not need to supply paper products. Connie Lebel will make some centerpieces. Contact Helen if you would like to help.

Helen L. also shared that there is a group trying to organize suppers in Hancock again. They are asking if the Guild would like to provide a supper there in some other month. The question was tabled until the February meeting.

d. City Reach: Helen reminded the members that she is collecting men's clothes for the trip to Boston at the end of the month. Boots, coats, hats, gloves, and other clothing may be brought to the church no later than January 21st, or you can call her to pick up items.

8. New Business:
a. Food Bank-Questions about how the Parish is helping the Monadnock Area Food Bank were asked. Jean Frechette recalled the insert with information about the food bank had been in a recent bulletin, and that there are envelopes for monetary donations provided near the exit. The insert detailed how the Food Bank can obtain more food when they are given money as many stores give them large discounts. Joyce Schmidt related that the parish committee for this purpose is making plans to involve CCD classes in further food collection efforts, and that this is an ongoing Parish project.

Members discussion included: the idea to bring a particular type of food item to each meeting : the thought that a variety of items may be better for the Food Bank; that the items needed most are protein sources, i.e. meats.

It was agreed that we continue to bring items to donate at every meeting and to pass an envelope around at the meetings for a free will offering of cash. $66 were collected on the spot and turned over to the treasurer who will send a check in the same amount to the Food Bank in the name of the Guild.

b. Blessed Virgin Statue- Discussion whether to donate money to the Knights of Columbus to defray the cost of crating and moving the statue so that it is able to be used in the future.

Jean Frechette explained that the Knights asked if we would like to help, and related why the project cost over $800. General discussion was in favor of helping with a donation. Gail Laviolette made a motion that the Guild donate $300. Marie Adler seconded the motion.

Barbara Garland motioned to amend the motion to a donation of half the cost, which was seconded by Karen Bannister. The amendment was passed, and the motion to donate half the
cost passed unanimously. Jean Frechette is to get the correct amount from the Knights, and relay that to the treasurer so that a check can be sent to the Knights.

c. Crucifix- Jean Frechette related that Fr. Gerry would like to purchase a new processional
crucifix because the one we have is very heavy and cannot safely be carried by many of the
altar servers. He is putting this request out to parish service groups. The subject is tabled until
after all the Fair financials have been closed out.

9. Misc.:

a. Prayer Chain- Beth McGurty reported that the prayer chain was updated today via
e-mail, and she distributed paper copies to any who wanted one.
b. Parish Visitors- Jane Meneghini introduced a new ministry group being chaired by herself and Brenda Wesoly. The mission is to create a group of parishoners who would visit sick and homebound parishoners, and nursing home and assisted living residents. Sr. Kathleen of NH
Catholic Charities will come to provide initial training. Jane is asking that this ministry be under the umbrella of the Women's Guild. Discussion was very positive. Having Sr. Kathleen as guest speaker in the future was suggested.
c. Guest speaker for February-Karen Ayers introduced the idea of inviting Chris Falcone to speak about spiritual enrichment before Lent. Favorable response, Karen will follow up.
d. Respect Life Ministry- Gail Laviolette. As the date of the Roe v.Wade decision approaches,
Gail requested that we each think about what we can do to help promote respect of life.
Together, we prayed a Hail Mary for the unborn.
e. Thanks to our hostesses for the refreshments: Beth McGurty, Denise Long, Marie Adler, Cheryl Lastrina.

Minutes 2011/10

Divine Mercy Parish Women’s Guild
Monday November 7, 2011
6:30 PM

Minutes
1. Opening Prayer led by Yvonne Murray
2. Recording Secretary – Kim Graham. No questions were asked on the previous minutes. Minutes were approved.
3. Corresponding Secretary – Simone Lagace: A thank you card was sent to Rich Frechette. There was a Thank You card from the family of Dorothy Crowley. Simone will continue to work as Corresponding secretary while she is in Florida for the next few months.
4. Treasurer’s Report – Karen Bannister. A financial report with handout was given from July 1, to October 31.
5. Helping Hands Report – Joyce Schmidt: There was one funeral this past month for Dr. Shuburt. Sign up for helping hands with Joyce after the meeting or let her know your availability.
6. Parish Outreach Report – Food Drive Below
7. Priest Appreciation Sunday- Lauren Martin: It is always the last Sunday in October. The Pastoral Council planned an event this past Oct. 6.
8. Holiday Stroll – November 19 Helen Limina, Chair
a. Denise and Helen and met with other parish coordinators. Fair hours 9:00-2:00
b. Hall available from 10-4 for set up. Saturday we can get in at 7:30.
c. We will need 7 or 8 card tables.
d. Bell ringers will perform from 11-12
e. Parking, Karen has left messages with Hedstrom about parking but no word yet.
f. Potential viewing of other fairs later on in the day on Friday. Helen will follow up with emails if that is a go.
g. Reminder** we need to set up tables before we set up any craft it you have any.
h. We need music. Dorothy Smith will play piano from 10-11. Helen will follow up with. Diane, Chris Falcone and Pat Cloutier
i. Sign ups for working that day for an hour and sign ups for bake table were sent around.
j. Beth is working on the café and so if she needs help she will let us know. We can use fudge, pies, diabetic cookies and GF. Label nuts or not.
k. If you cannot print off a poster from your computer, please take one from Helen. If you can, please print off some and put some up around town and where you work.
9– Kathy Sullivan and Gail Caron, Chairs
a. Friday December. 2 at Union Congregational Church 12-5PM
b. Sandwiches to be made in stages in two hours shifts 12-2, 2-4, 4-6.
c. They will need 2 people in the morning and 2 in the afternoon for registration
d. Escorts to be split, we don’t need you before 12:15. Three people for the earlier and 3 for the late shift.
e. Gail had a sign up sheet. Everyone is welcome but we would love to have people in the donor room.
f. Kathy had a sign up sheet for sandwiches, breads and finger food, cheese & crackers.
g. Twelve Pine will provide the soup.
h. Posters should be put up around Thanksgiving as it is the next week.
i. Reminder to supply coffee and tea and all the fixings.
j. Donors are getting a coupon for a regular 6 inch sub from Subway.
10. Karen has membership cards if anyone does not have one and has paid their dues. The picture of the front of the card was drawn by Kathy Sullivan’s daughter Emily West.
11. Community Supper in Bennington - Helen Limina: The second Thursday of the month, January 12. It will be held at the school. The last couple of years we did Turkey Divan. After a discussion if we wanted to make this again, it was decided that we would. Helen will talk to Jackie about getting the confirmation kids to make sweets. We are not sure of how many we will be serving. We can guess 6 or 8 tables of 8 to 10 people.
12. Thanksgiving Baskets - Jean Frechette: List of what we need up at the back of the church. Food needs to be donated after the masses on Nov. 12 & 13. There will also be envelopes for monetary donations. Checks should be made out to Diving Mercy. Last year they created 51 baskets. Money donated covered almost all of the costs for food for the baskets. Food gets picked up and they get delivered on the 22nd, in the afternoon. Packing baskets at St. Patrick’s in Bennington at 3:00 and delivery at 4:30. Fruit baskets will go to Greenfield Commons. Anyone that can help pick up groceries please contact Jean. Boxes to be packed can be brought down to the basement. Jean will send out an email for details about volunteers.
13. Mass/Christmas party – Karen Ayers: Monday, December 12 6:00 Mass with pot-luck to follow. She will send out an email for how many are coming and what you are bringing. Main dish, salad or dessert. Barabara will help out Karen with this event. We have too many people of our own to invite the Knights.
14. Request from Knights - Jean Frechette: They arranged for and have had the statue from the grotto at St. Patrick’s packed and moved into storage to use when the new parish is built. John Kauffel prepared her for storage. $800 was the cost and the Knights are asking if we can help with that cost. We are not talking expenditures until the New Year but she just wants to put it on the radar.
15. Food Drive - There will be an outreach meeting open to all parishioners of all ages on Monday Nov. 28th at 7pm in the Parish Hall to talk about the food pantry and the needs. This meeting will discuss how to best to meet the needs of our food shortage in our community. A motion was put on the floor that Guild members bring food for the food pantry at each meeting. The motion was passed.
16. Christmas Eve Decorating - Father asked if 4 people would be willing to help decorate
the Armory at around 10AM for the Children’s Mass that evening. Mass we be held there at around 4:15 or 4:30. He hopes on doing a couple of trees, a few wreathes and some roping.
17. Poinsettias for Harborside and for shut-ins. We will order from the House By The Side
of the Road. Cathy Buffman had a note that last year Sue, Edna and Beth like to deliver them to Harborside and the ministers will pick up and deliver to shut-ins. This will continue this year.
18. Channel of Peace at Summerhill-Mary Armstrong: She suggested that this might be a nice project for the Guild to do, as far as community involvement. Maybe 4 times a year we could pick four different facilities and plan an event. Bingo, cards, game night for example whatever. We will discuss this topic further at the next meeting.
19. Anyone wanting to help with comfort food please talk to Jean Frechette.
20. Thank you to our hosts Denise Long and Jackie Colaneri.
21. Closing Prayer - Yvonne Murray

Reminders
Blood Drive, December 2
Christmas Party, December 12, pot-luck Mass at 6:00PM
The next regular business meeting will be January 9th at 6:30.

Calendar 2011/12

DIVINE MERCY PARISH WOMEN’S GUILD

CALENDAR 2011-2012
All meetings start at 6:30 unless otherwise noted
2011
September 11 Church Picnic
September 19 6PM Membership Pot Luck
September 24-25 After all Masses Parish Outreach & Activities Fair
October 3 Business Meeting
November 7 Business Meeting
November 19 Fair
December 2 (Tentative) Blood Drive
December 12 Mass-Christmas Party


2012
January 9 Business Meeting
February 13 Business Meeting
March 12 (Tentative) Mystery Dinner
April 9 Business Meeting
April 19 7 PM Confirmation
May 6 2 PM 1st Communion
May 13 Crowning of Mary
May 14 (Tentative) May Banquet
TBA Plant Sale
TBA Commencement Event