Minutes from August 5th, 2017 Commitee Mtg.
Those present: Mary Jo Mugavin, David Zorn, Patty Trippe, Angela Schmelz, Faustin Ndagijimana, Gary Keibler, Bob Glaser and Carla Rauen
We opened with a prayer at 9:04
The minutes were approved from our July 14th meeting.
Gary presented the treasurer’s report, which I will send with these minutes. Gary stated that there has been a change in the staff and he wanted to be sure that they are carrying over our funds from the last fiscal year.
We took in $7,574 during Father Bernadin’s visit which was collected after all the masses. It was noted that our parish definitely steps up in an emergency situation to help those less fortunate.
Gary stated that we have taken in approximately $10,000 in the last 6 months. He would hope that we can take in $20,000 yearly. Bob told us that several people have contacted him about donating.
We agreed to increase what we are giving the teachers by $300 a month, so that Fr. Bernadin can hire better quality teachers. $3000 will be funded by our committee collections and added to the current $8000 from the parish budget that is used for St.Louis De Gonzague Church and St Veronica school expenses. David will have a check cut for $3000 this quarter along with $6825 to cover what is owed on replacing the church roof. Mary Jo made a motion that we pay down the rest of what is owed on the roof and Gary seconded that motion. All were in favor. We will continue to send $3000 each quarter for this fiscal year, which will total $11,000 for parish expenses and teacher’s salaries. $2000 was already given to Fr. Bernadin for the first quarter. Beginning with the next fiscal year, we will be sending $2750 each quarter.
Faustin favors micro lending to help the villagers of BonBon to begin earning money for themselves. A gentleman from Kenya, whose community raised chickens through a micro lending program, has recently talked with Faustin. We would like to meet with him in the future. Bob also knows people in Jeremie that are presently raising chickens. Bob said that Fonkoze is a micro lending institution who could administer a program for BonBon. Our parish could make the loan, but Bob said that we need a business plan first. He will discuss this with Fr. Bernadin on his visit this fall.
Faustin told us about his experience in a refugee camp and his close call with death because of the lack of medicine. Fortunately a medical team came to his rescue. He stressed the need for some medical assistance in BonBon. He also feels we can learn from other parishes and their experiences.
Gary stated that he feels we should focus on the school needs and a micro lending program. Bob agreed that education and a business should be our first priorities. Gary also said that we should look into a medical mission trip to BonBon. The team could be made up from our community with individuals that have medical backgrounds.
Patty said that we need to look at the whole picture and then prioritize.
At this point, Bob told us that Fr. Bernadin will ask for money from any source that is willing to listen. An organization from Germany has agreed to supply him with a truck, if he can come up with $4000. He has borrowed that amount from his bishop. Mary Jo explained that the Bishop has a fleet of vehicles and how that system works. Another organization, “From here to Haiti”, helped pay for the roof, after the structure was repaired and the roof rafters were secured.
Gary stressed that we are not responsible for loans that Fr. Bernadin has procured. We discussed paying on the loan for Fr. Bernadin’s truck, but decided against such. Bob was asked to explain all that we discussed at this meeting with Fr. Bernadin in an email.
Mike could not attend this meeting but said that he could possibly help us with communications, which he’ll discuss at our next meeting.
Gary asked Bob for photos for the next newsletter.
It was suggested, that we ask those who gave money to Fr. Bernadin during his visit, if they would be interested in receiving the newsletter. There is a list available of those who gave a check or filled out an envelope.
We ended the meeting by praying the “Our Father” at 10:05.
Respectively submitted
Carla Rauen