Most Blessed Sacrament
Human Concerns Committee
Minutes 10/26/2010

Present: Pat Hilmer, Mary Gibbons, Kelly Butzlaff, Sue Bongert, Jan Cleaver, Sara Pritzl, Diana Streblow, Carolynn Cada, Jenny Thorn, John Morelli, Erica Wolfe, Fr. Jim

Absent: Belinda Kuester

The meeting was called to order by Mary Gibbons and led in prayer by Sara Pritzl

September meeting minutes were approved.

Habitat for Humanity

John Morelli and Erica Wolfe spoke to the committee about volunteer opportunities with Habitat for Humanity at the Habitat Restore on 1640 S. Koeller Street (230-3535). John is looking for volunteers to fill 4 hour shifts at the store. As a first step, the committee agreed to help find volunteers through the bulletin by printing a request to be drafted by John and submitted by Kelly. Jenny suggested having a sign-up after Masses, which the committee will look into further once the article is submitted. Kelly suggested holding a Community Service Sunday to invite a variety of organizations to offer volunteer opportunities and sign-ups. It was suggested that this might be tied in with the health fair at St. Jude's at a later date. Erica also informed the committee that Habitat is searching for applicants for the four homes they hope to build/renovate in 2011 in Oshkosh.

Care Ministry

The next step for the creation of the Care Ministry is to find 10 -12 interested volunteers at upcoming informational meetings. Mary and Jan will be meeting discuss the best time to offer these 45 minute to 1 hour gatherings. Kelly offered to help in some way, whether to act as a greeter or provide refreshments. Other committee members also joined in to offer assistance. Mary asked members to assist in the search for parishioners with good communication and listening skills to be a part of the initial group whose volunteer duties will be to assist with hospital visitations.

Veteran's Day Plans

Activities for this year's Veteran's Day Masses (9:00 a.m. at St. Peter's site and 10:45 a.m. at St. Mary's site on November 14) will follow last year's lead which was well-received. Mary hopes to have an Honor Guard at Masses and is actively searching for Veteran's who are willing to participate in the Honor Guard ceremony which begin and end both of the Masses. Kelly noted that the prayer cards are being printed. Children will be recruited to hand out prayer cards at each of the weekend masses. The shadow boxes will be displayed and Mary needs more pictures of serviceman. Jenny will submit a request for pictures to the parish bulletin.

Fair Trade Sale

Space is reserved for the committee to hold its Fair Trade Sale at the craft fair at Lourdes High School on November 20. The Fair Trade Sale will also take place after Masses on November 27 and 28. Jenny will be ordering the sale goods. Fair Trade coffee, tea, and possibly chocolates may also be sold.

Fair Trade Coffee

It was suggested that we discontinue selling Fair Trade coffee and tea on the honor system in the back of both sites due to theft of product. Rather, the coffee and tea could be made available for purchase in the parish office.

Respect Life

Father Jim spoke to the committee about the need for an individual to take a leadership role concerning Respect Life activities.

Giving Tree

Work is underway on the gift tags for this year's Giving Trees at both sites. Diana and Jenny will be setting up the trees. This year, parishioners will be asked to hold on to gifts rather than placing them under the tree, in order that they may personally bring their gifts up during the offertory. This will be indicated in an announcement in the parish bulletin, as well as additional details about the drive. Father Jim is willing to make an announcement at the Masses concerning the gift drive, but will need at least one week's notice. The announcement should be given to Laurie at the Parish office (a second copy may be given to Father Jim as well). A schedule will be developed for gift pick-ups by committee members.

Mary closed the meeting with the Our Father, prayed by all committee members.

Respectfully Submitted, Pat Hilmer