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Sacred Heart Parish Council Meeting Minutes
Thursday, September 17, 2026
Present
Sheila Laing, Jaynane Hardie, Brian Hoffman, Melissa Burbridge, Father Remi, and Kris Bengtson
Visitor: Pat Thompson
Approval of Previous Minutes
The previous meeting minutes were read and approved. Melissa Burbridge made the motion to approve, and Brian Hoffman seconded the motion.
Women of Sacred Heart
Pat Thompson shared information about the Women of Sacred Heart (WOSH) Rummage Sale, held September 10–12, 2026. The sale raised $1,729.37, which will be donated to the church.
It was decided that this would be the last fall rummage sale. Going forward, WOSH plans to hold one rummage sale each year in the spring, likely in mid-June.
Over the past 18 years, the Women of Sacred Heart have donated nearly $25,000 to Sacred Heart Church. They would like to continue using the Parish Center for future rummage sales because it is handicap accessible, easily accommodates parents with strollers, provides parishioners with an opportunity to donate unwanted items, and is enjoyed by members of the community.
The Parish Council approved this updated plan. Thank you to Pat Thompson for sharing this information and to everyone who has supported and helped with the rummage sales over the years.
Building, Grounds, and Safety
The following projects and quotes were discussed:
McGee Concrete: Sidewalk and step repairs — $2,700
GM Builders: Gutter drainage improvements and dirt work — $4,485
Additional fall projects include:
Interior church repairs: Repairs to interior church walls, the loft stairway, basement, side altar, and confessional. LAS Plastering provided a quote of $3,300. The repaired areas will then be repainted.
Parish Center interior painting: Volunteers will paint the interior walls at an estimated cost of $535–$650 for materials.
Roger Bingham has provided Sheila Laing with the necessary information regarding an additional matter. Sheila has not yet heard back from Jim Mc. and will follow up with him or his supervisor. [Further clarification is needed regarding this item.]
The radon check has not yet been completed.
Brian Hoffman and Kelly Travis repaired the Sacred Heart Mass Time board located in front of the church.
John Laing will adjust the settings on the security cameras. The cameras are now all working.
The Council also discussed the use of the Sacred Heart parking lot and concerns regarding the crosswalk painted on the street leading from the Head Start preschool building to the church parking lot. The Mayor of Chariton was contacted for clarification.
Finance
The parish financial report was distributed at the beginning of September and is also distributed quarterly. Copies are available upon request.
The following items were approved or discussed:
Enclosed bulletin boards for the church entryway to display informational flyers. One may also be placed on a basement wall.
A digital parish announcement board, estimated at $3,000, to be installed outside the Parish Center near the kitchen door. Grant funding will be pursued for this project.
Once the water issues in the church basement have been resolved, grant opportunities will also be explored for a Youth Lounge and furnishings in the basement for older students. The room would also need to be painted. The estimated cost is $10,000–$14,500.
Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus will host a bike ride and potluck following Mass on October 4.
Interchurch Council
Sacred Heart will host the Interchurch Council Thanksgiving Service in October 2027.
The Council also shared the following community outreach information:
Approximately 140 meals are served every second Tuesday evening at the Methodist Church.
The Baptist Church fills backpacks for children on Fridays and is requesting food donations.
Religious Education and Youth Ministry
The Youth Mission Trip was a success. Sacred Heart youth hosted a thank-you breakfast for the parish in August.
A $6,000 check was written to cover the expenses of those who attended the mission trip, with $2,000 remaining in reserve.
On October 25, Annie and Brian Hoffman will host a dinner fundraiser, with all proceeds benefiting the 2027 Sacred Heart Youth Mission Trip.
Additional youth activities include:
October 3: Four students will attend a Confirmation Retreat in Norwalk.
March 2027: Additional youth will travel to Conception Abbey.
Activities Committee
The Activities Committee will host Cookies with Santa in November.
Father Remi's Report
Father Remi will attend the Priest Fall Workshop in Iowa City from September 27 through October 1.
Father Remi also attended a meeting in Afton and serves as secretary for the Deanery Zone. Bishop Joensen was also present.
Deanery Office Managers and Directors of Religious Education met and ordered 100 copies of the Little Yellow Book for Lent.
Diocese and Parish Renewal
The Diocese will host the Divine Renovation Conference on March 2–3, 2027, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Ankeny. Parish leaders are encouraged to attend. The cost is $190 per person, with discounts available for larger groups.
Other diocesan updates included:
October 1, 2026: Review and evaluation of the ADA program, including risk management and potential rewards for participating churches.
Information regarding Midwest on Mission – Parish Renewal Summit, including a business office forum and diocesan opportunities.
Next Meeting
The next Sacred Heart Parish Council meeting will be held on:
Thursday, November 19, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
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