Blog
Stewardship Council Minutes, August 26, 2025
Stewardship Council Meeting: Tuesday, August 26, 2025, 4:30 pm
Council Members: Gay Ann Christy, Jay Bukalski, Linda Bukalski, Brandy Hutzler, Jennifer Otto, Susan Ziegler, Msgr. Higley; Stewardship Conference Attendee: Joan Woods
Opening Prayer: Stewardship Prayer
1. Introductions: Each attendee gave a personal introduction
2. Open discussion “Get Fired Up” Stewardship Conference: Those who attended the conference discussed what they learned and key takeaways from the conference. Discussions will continue regarding bringing a speaker from Great Catholic Parishes to do a conference for parishioners at OLL in the spring of 2026.
3. General Updates:
• Stewardship Charter: The Stewardship Charter, Rev. June 2025 has been given to Deacon Jim to present for further discussion with Msgr. Higley.
• 2025 Stewardship Budget: has been approved by the Finance Commission
• Fellowship Hall Updates: Current Events Center is being launched. We are waiting for technology improvements to expand electronic messaging in additional locations throughout the church.
• Thank You Notes – Will be distributed to commissions, ministries, and Knight/Ladies Aux. for their active participation in the Queenship Novena Event.
• Review of Roles and Responsibilities: in preparation for position hand-offs in January, this will be discussed in our November Stewardship meeting along with our CSR Wrap-up.
✓ Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Pastoral Council Rep, Stewardship Partners, Stewardship Communication Developer
• Stewardship Partner Updates:
o Pastoral Council: Jay Bukalski and Brandy Hutzler
o Knights and Ladies Auxiliary: Gay Ann Christy
o Education: Linda Bukalski and Brandy Hutzler
o Social Concerns: Susan Ziegler
o Worship and Spirituality: Jennifer Otto
✓ Jennifer discussed that our Worship Commission is in need of leadership disciples to coordinate areas like Eucharistic Ministers and Ushers. Msgr. Higley asked Jennifer to work with the office to get a list of ministry members so this can be discussed further at the next Worship Commission meeting.
o Hispanic Community: Msgr. Higley will discuss with Luis and Rosa what the next steps for Stewardship in the Hispanic Community should be.
o Stewardship Communication: Gay Ann Christy
2. 2025 Catholic Stewardship Renewal: preparation action items were outlined and completion dates assigned. See attached schedule below for details.
3. Set Next Meeting Date: September 23, 4:30 pm
Closing Prayer: Requesting God’s Presence, Blessing, and Guidance
2025 Catholic Stewardship Renewal: This Year’s Theme is Hope does not disappoint (Romans 5:5)
Date:Action:
September1) Finalize CSR Materials: Printed material complete on or before September 22
• Susan to coordinate Paper Forms Printing and Distribution: Print 450 English and 50 Spanish forms. Place 2 English forms at both ends of each pew (352 forms) and fill the Welcome Wall with both English and Spanish forms. More will be printed as needed. Once printed, Susan will setup time for our council to fold and distribute.
• Linda to coordinate: Linda and Brandy will provide laminators and the office has an additional one we can use. Need to laminate 200 sheets which will give us 400 pew cards. 352 pew cards required to fill pews.
• Gay Ann will send an email to Msgr. Higley so that the staff can discuss management of the Online Giving dropdown options.
2) Gratitude Gathering and CSR Kick Off – Training:
• Gay Ann Christy and Marilee Poulter will be conducting CSR Training for the leaders of commissions, Knights, Lady Knights, Office Staff, Pastoral Council members, and the Stewardship Council. The training will review the CSR process/schedule, provide clarity on the CSR expectations, and ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. Each commission/service organization will be encouraged to invite one additional person to the training. For the convenience of the attendees, multiple training times will be available. Attendees can choose one of four training options.
o Thursday, September 18th 6:00 pm, fellowship hall
o Monday, September 22nd 11 am or 7 pm, via ZOOM
o Tuesday, September 23rd 3:00 pm, fellowship hall
3) Stewardship Reps: please work with your Commission Chairs to prepare for their announcement before Masses, at the Welcome Event, and at the New Parishioner Dinner in October.
2025 CSR Calendar
September27-28: Stewardship Awareness
• Mass Announcement from Stewardship Council
• Stewardship Homily
October4-5Education Commission Weekend
• Mass Announcement from Education Commission
• Note: there is also a Knights breakfast on Sunday
11-12 Worship Commission Weekend
• Mass Announcement from Worship Commission
• Note: The New Parishioner Dinner follow Saturday Evening Mass and all commissions/service organization will participate.
18-19Social Concerns Weekend
• Mass Announcement from Social Concerns
• Note: Welcome Retreat will be asking
`25-26Knights and Ladies Auxiliary Mass Announcement
• Mass Announcement from Knights and Lady Nights
• Catholic Stewardship Renewal Closing
o Personal Message from Msgr. Higley at Mass;
o Stewardship Bulletin Thank You