Education and Faith Formation Committee

Secretary: Ann Mauss
Present: Marilyn Olk, Mark Bodensteiner, Sr. Marilyn Breen, Betsy Birk, Fr. Mark Ressler, Eric Munshower, and Del Uhlik.

1. Prayer: Del Uhlik
2. Minutes approved as written
3. Discussion of Families and Faith, Chapter 9 -

- Incorporating service in perspective of our Catholic faith
- Families oriented to doing service together
- How do we incorporate a reflective part into the service?

4. Reports (15 min)
" YM report - Mark Bodensteiner
i. Confirmation finished, except for one student who will make it tomorrow
ii. Wonderful liturgy
iii. Process of planning Middle School service trip to Minneapolis, June 15 - 18.
1. Goal is 15 to keep costs down. $30 more if under 15.
2. Parents are welcome to attend, as well.
3. $25 deposit due by May 23rd
iv. Looking to develop a Middle School program over the summer.
1. Mark is looking to work with a student from Loras.
2. A few activities for service during the summer.
v. High school contact has not produced many results.
1. Looking to build off of the Confirmation classes
2. No parent participation in Youth ministry, may seek ways of increasing this.
3. High school kids express interest in lock-in and canoe trip, but not much else.

" DRE Report - Sr. Marilyn
i. RE classes finished last Wednesday
ii. Shalom retreat for catechists this week
iii. All First Communions have been completed
iv. Registration for next year's RE program will start next fall
v. Carol Welu is retiring - need someone for 20 hrs/week
vi. Adult formation committee is planning three 4 week session on scripture - Oct. Jan. & Apr.
vii. 19 baptisms - 7 more than this time last year.
viii. Whole community event - not as many as the Advent event.
1. Evaluations were good.
2. Plan to do two times a year.
3. Re-evaluate this time next year, perhaps have it during the Lenten season instead of the Easter season.
4. Middle school, high school, and young adults were not well represented during either event.
" Pastoral Council - Marilyn Olk
i. In the process of writing six goals for the year, broad in scope but related to the mission statement.
ii. The objectives and strategies will be accessed every year
iii. Goals accessed every three years.
iv. Using the model developed by Jackie Witter

" Holy Family Catholic Schools
i. Enrollment - Middle School has exceeded goals, High School is down by 30, Kindergarten is registration is at 169
ii. Teacher contracts have been issued, but all will be hired back.
" Finance Report

5. Reviewed the Archdiocesan evaluation information

6. Board gram - work on the current part of the goal planning grid for next month.

7. Reviewed survey on Education and Faith Formation - Archdiocese

8. Sunday morning child care/preschool - Mark and Eric

Met briefly this week, and will involve Diane Freiberger keep it CLOW or pre-school - Setup for 2 and 3 year olds
9. Endowment Subcommittee - Nothing to report

10. Two new members -Joyce Harris and Ellen Markham- will join us at the June meeting

Secretary: Ann Mauss
Present: Marilyn Olk, Julie Neebel, Mark Bodensteiner, Sr. Marilyn Breen, Betsy Birk, Fr. Mark Ressler, and Monty Scheckles.

1. Prayer: Fr. Mark
2. Minutes approved as written
3. Faith and Families discussion

• Families and worship
• How Parish prays? How families pray?
• Resources

4. Reports (15 min) YM report - Mark Bodensteiner

• Confirmation retreat - positive experience, but need to revise some things for next year. 35 out of 40 participated, but still were in their groups. Rehearsal then confirmation on April 25th.
• Middle school - has another event grace, trust and acceptance on the April 20 2 - 5
• High school - not having luck recruiting, going to look at restructuring.
• Looking at next fall for an after school program.
• Mission trip meeting is set for Thursday, April 3, 2008.

5. DRE Report - Sr. Marilyn

• Eucharist retreat went well.
• Baptized five on Holy Saturday and will meet a few more times.
• RE program will end at the end of April with a Mass. A thank you for catechist will be on the first Wednesday in May at Shalom.

6. Pastoral Council - Marilyn Olk

• Revised Mission and Vision statements - Mission statement shortened to a more concise statement. Vision statement personalized more for St. Joseph the Worker.

7. Holy Family Catholic Schools - Julie Neebel

• Kindergarten registration is at 150.
• 6th grade at Mazzechelli is gaining more students.
• All teachers were sent contracts
• Approved calendar - the same as Public school. Graduation will be the weekend after Memorial Day.
• Rewriting the substance abuse policy to include a service component.
• Dress code change
• Discussed making the Board smaller - looking into making it a future goal.

8. Finance Report - Budget passed by the Pastoral Council.

9. Whole community event - Registration has not been great - Still in need of volunteers. - 50 registered for Sunday, compared to 80 at the Advent evening

10. Recruitment
i. Marilyn asked Joyce Harris and she said yes to be a member of the committee.
ii. Could put in the bulletin, but have not had much luck with it in the past.

Secretary: Ann Mauss
Present: Marilyn Olk, Julie Neebel, Mark Bodensteiner, Eric Munshower, Sr. Marilyn Breen, Betsy Birk, and Monty Sheckles

1. Prayer: Sr. Marilyn
2. Minutes approved as written
3. Reports (15 min)
" YM report - Mark Bodensteiner
i. Middle school youth group having a program this week.
ii. Confirmation program is winding up.
1. Retreat is March 29 - 30 and then the rehearsal
2. There are 40 people in the program
3. Archdiocese is sending out a survey looking at the components of the programs and perceptions of them.
" DRE Report - Sr. Marilyn
i. Reviewed the results of the Religious Needs assessment
ii. Areas that are strong are: challenging students to grow in faith and the catechetical program are doing well.
iii. Finishing up the parent meetings for parents with Eucharist
iv. Five baptisms and three receptions into the church at the Vigil.
" Pastoral Council - Marilyn Olk
i. Vision and Mission statements
1. Some comments expressed were that it was too wordy, but that is the point of a vision statement
2. Mission statement - might be too long, might be revised for letter head and other documents.
3. Jackie Witter will be back on the 28th and 29th of March to help set goals and objectives for committees.
ii. Questionnaires were filled out as feedback to the vision and mission statements with discussion about them. These questionnaires will be brought back to the pastoral council to analyze.
" Holy Family Catholic Schools - Julie Neebel
i. ITBS test scores generally the scores are staying high
ii. Registration numbers - the kindergarten numbers are encouraging, but with the snow days there is still more registration dates to come
iii. Looking at new tuition models.
1. Tuition for 2008-2009 went up to the max as they said they would
2. The parish assessment went down as planned.
3. Anticipating no staff reductions - so all teachers should be awarded contracts.
iv. Laptops will not happen next school year - they want to have a good strategic plan in place before the decision is made.
" Finance Report

i. Status of Budget for 2008-2009 - Finance committee will finalize on March 14, 2008. Contracts need to be offered by April 15, 2008.

4. Committee Direction
" Are there areas that you would like to see developed in new ways?
i. Sunday morning child care/preschool
ii. Whole community event - April 6 and 9, 2008

5. Endowment Subcommittee - Education of the community

6. Recruitment of new members - The Pastoral Council will be taking up the issue of the election of new members at its March 22 meeting. A possible date for elections would be May 17/18. The Council could begin the process of nomination as early as April 5/6.

" Need to replace Betsy because she is moving, Ron Dubord's due to resignation

Present: Olk, Ressler, Flynn, Neebel, Schaefer, Bodensteiner, Colpitts, Munshower, Breen

Call to order by the President at 7:03 PM

Prayer leader: Marg Schaefer - 1st Sunday of Lent - gospel reading reflection

Approval of January minutes - no changes - approved

1. Inservice: Book: "Discussion of Families and Faith"

Where are families in terms of educating their children in the faith?
General problem in the USA of passing on all forms of education to others - day care, schools, churches, etc.
The need for formative experiences in the home - this was questioned by the group.

2. Reports

YM Report - Bodensteiner
a. Confirmation meetings - positive responses
b. Souper Bowl of Caring - good success
c. Super Bowl Party - 13 middle school - 2 high school students & 2 adults
d. Weak turnout for HS

Series of gatherings for 9th and 10th graders planned
No youth board members are showing up for meetings

e. Middle School - Going well
f. Question: Neebel - Will confirmation class continue to be involved?
Bodensteiner - many of them work; 75% go to Wahlert

DRE Report - Sr. Marilyn
a. Rite of Election this past Sunday Adults - 3 to be baptized, 3 to be confirmed - 2 children will be baptized.
b. Reconciliation completed.
c. First Eucharist preparation is underway.
d. Communication is a problem.
Munshower - make envelopes distinctive?
Ressler - perhaps put some information online or make phone calls?
e. Munshower Suggestion - childcare during mass - 3 - 5 years old

Pastoral Council - Olk
a. Vision and Mission statements published this weekend in the bulletin with a presentation/survey the following weekend. Dr. Witter back at the end of March.
b. Holy Family
Registration is underway. Used for staffing numbers.
c. STO is fully funded.

Finance Report (RE, Youth, Adult)
a.For the year thus far expenses are greater than income by $58,437.08
b. Stipends and Tuition for the parishes in the deanery passed out.
c.Budget for 2008-09
d. $375.00 highest cost no matter how many children are registered. (Per student at $150.00) OK for increase in fees.
e. $18.00 per week for catechists. (in service, preparation for class and teaching)

Youth Ministry
*Increase in food
*Fund raising for trips this summer.
* Chaperone for every five kids.

Committee Direction (Sr. Marilyn)
*Elections for the committee - two open places
*Pre-school during mass times

Whole Community Event (April 6 and 9 Theme: Easter and the Resurrection
High School kids will not be in the same group as the adults.

Endowment - Still needs to be worked on.


Coming events
Confirmation program for adults going on now - 1 person from the parish.
Parish retreat here on the 23rd - 11:30 AM start time - end with mass.

Next meeting March 4th
Agenda
Endowment
Recruitment of new members
Preschool program during mass - report
Meeting ended at 8:50 PM

Respectfully submitted by
Mark A. Ressler

Secretary: Ann Mauss

The January meeting was called to order by Suellen Flynn. In attendance were Sr. Marilyn Breen, Betsy Birk, Suellen Flynn, Ann Mauss, David Tschiggfrie, and Mark Bodensteiner.

1. Prayer: S Marilyn
2. The November minutes were approved as written.

3. Adult Faith and called and gifted - David Tschiggfrie came on behalf of the Adult Faith Formation to inform us of the different opportunities that were coming up in the next few months, and to speak about the Discerning Charisms: Living the Mission workshop. This is an initiative of the Archdiocese to help people discern their personal charisms. This workshop is for all members of the parish, and it helps people to identify how their charisms impact their families, parishes, communities, etc. It is designed to help people find where they can best use their charisms. The workshop will be held in two sessions: Wednesday, January 30 7:00 - 9:00 PM and Saturday, February 2 from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

4. Reports
" YM report - Mark Bodensteiner
i. January will have something for the high school students every week: This week city-wide is the teen mass. This will be rotating among parishes each month, and this month St. Joseph the Worker will be hosting it. There will be an open gym with hot dogs & chile following it
ii. On January 21,MLK day, there will be a retreat for the middle school students focusing on social justice. Also on that weekend, an overight retreat is scheduled for the high school students, also focusing on social justice.
iii. The next week the youth group will be sponsoring a "Bring your own banana" night for the high school group. The purpose of the meeting is to help the students discuss relationships using the ingredients of a banana split as examples of types of relationships.
iv. Super Bowl Sunday -He will be sponsoring the Souper Bowl of caring -High School & Middle School students will be hosting a food drive for the Parish food pantry. Afterwards the high school student will watch the Super Bowl game
v. February 10 - the youth mass will be at Christ the King chapel on the Loras campus.
vi. Confirmation is going well. The 40 students are doing well. Confirmation will be April 25th @ 7PM. They are still in need of service projects.
vii. Reviewed Budget for 2008 - 2009
" DRE Report - Sr. Marilyn reviewed the January 2008 RE report. Budget for 2008- 2009 is not yet complete but Sister Marilyn brought up a couple of items that may need to be considered
i. Cindy is up to 15 hours per week in Adult Faith formation and can't complete all the work needed. Sister stresses that we recommend an increase in the hours to 20. She also recommended to continue the inter-generational programming for next year. She also noted that the direction of the Pastoral planning may impact the budget as well.

" Pastoral Council - No report
" Holy Family Catholic Schools - No report
" Finance Report

5. Catholic Schools Week - Sister heard that schools in Cedar Rapids had students thanking the parish for continuing support and thought it would be a good idea for our parish. More research will go into it.

6. Completed the Religious Education Program Assessment which the archdiocese asks us to do.

7. Pastoral Planning with Jackie Witter - not enough information for review

8. Endowment Subcommittee - No report

9. Upcoming Events

" Parenting committee - February 4, 11,18, 25
" Confirmation for adults - Thursdays beginning March 14, 2008
" Called and Gifted workshop for parish
" Planning for retreat in Lent

Respectfully submitted,

Ann Mauss

Secretary: Ann Mauss

The November meeting was called to order by Sue Ellen Flynn. In attendance were Fr. Mark Ressler, Sr. Marilyn Breen, Julie Neebel, Del Uhlik, Betsy Birk, Sue Ellen Flynn, Marilyn Olk, Ann Mauss, Mark Bodensteiner, and Margaret Schaeffer.

1. Prayer: Ann Mauss
2. The October minutes were approved as written.
3. Reports
a. YM report - Mark Bodensteiner presented his report. Approximately, one-half of the Confirmation small groups have met. The rest will be meeting in the next two weeks. Service projects were a positive experience. Some of the jobs completed were washing windows and raking leaves. They are currently half-way through the Confirmation interviews, and he is experiencing very positive feedback about them. The high schools students had an over-nighter, which enabled them to paint most of the youth room. Middle school students held two events. He said a small fee will be charged for the students to help defray costs and to make the students more committed. He is thinking $20 for high school students, and a dollar for each grade for the middle school.
b. Approximately ten students attended each event. The Middle school rally will be held in Waterloo on December 8th . He is in the process of organizing mission trips for both the high school and middle school students. The deadline to apply is December 31. They will be utilizing Catholic Heart and would prefer to do them separately. The middle school trips are more city based - not urban or rural. Parents meeting on this will be held after Thanksgiving.
c. DRE Report - Sr. Marilyn stated that the forms for the Advent intergeneration event are not due until November 7, so not many returned yet. Therefore, the number to attend is not known at this time. There is a slow start with RCIA program. Currently, five people are enrolled and sponsors are being sought for them. We will be working with Clarke and St Mary's/St. Pat's. A copy of the BoardGram was handed out for informational items.
d. Pastoral Council - Marilyn Olk, pastoral council representative stated that the council is still working on the Jackie Witter data..
e. Holy Family Catholic Schools - Fr. Mark reported that the initiative for a laptop environment at Wahlert didn't pass at the last board meeting. Partly due to the fact that there isn't much evidence to support that it increases academic performance. Financial issues - the board is working on a new tuition model,and a new parish assessment model. The Budget should be brought to the board to the November meeting for approval.
f. Finance Report for October was given to members.
4. Adult formation - MOMS group is working well. 8 week official session over, but they have agreed to continue to meet once a month. Currently, nine mothers are in the group

5. Young Adult Ministry - A discussion of information from the two experiences of Fr. Cusick, and the premise of Theology on Tap - meet people where they are. A shift on who participates may need to change to bring groups into the needs for the parish

6. Religious Ed- Sister presented the list for those who were attended Holy Family last year, but not this year and are not in Religious Ed this year.

7. Committee
a. Goals for the year - What would you like to see accomplished by this group this year? The committee should be proactive in the Pastoral planning process- a supportive role to set parish goals for faith formation. The committee should evaluate the gatherings and look at the 2007 - 2008 goals at the beginning of each meeting to see if we are meeting them.

b. Calendar for EFFC activity - a review of what needs to be done in the next month

8. Catechetical Planning
a. Pastoral Planning with Jackie Witter - October 12 and 13, 2007 parish visioning survey evaluation and planning a set of questions handed out to members to respond to. Gather feedback - ideas

9. Endowment Subcommittee - Nothing to add this month

Secretary: Sr. Marilyn

The October meeting of the EFFC was called to order by Julie Neebel. Present: Julie Neebel, Monty Sheckles, Margaret Schaefer, Betsy Birk, Eric Munshower, Fr. Mark Ressler, Marilyn Olk, Mark Bodensteiner, Sr. Marilyn Breen

1. Prayer: Sr. Marilyn
2. The September minutes were approved as written.
3. Reports (15 min)

a. Mark Bodensteiner presented the youth ministry report. There are 40 candidates for the sacrament of Confirmation. The large group service project will be done on October 28. Host families and facilitators are being recruited right now. Mark is working with the youth leadership team and also beginning middle school youth ministry.
b. Sr. Marilyn presented a written report on the activity in religious education. We discussed the fact that some families are no longer attending Holy Family and have not registered in religious education, and several families have not registered for religious education this year. A form was presented which was used at Resurrection and committee members said they would be willing to call families who are active in the parish and have not registered. Sr. Marilyn will follow up on this.
c. Marilyn Olk who represents the pastoral council talked about the pastoral planning process. They are in the information seeking stage and are using several methods to answer the question - "Who are we?"
d. Julie Neebel reported on Holy Family Catholic schools. She gave statistics which show that 79% of the students from SJW School remained in the Holy Family system. The board continues to explore ways to assist families financially.
e. Finance Report for September was given to members.

4. Staff Goals
a. Youth Ministry
i. To meet with middle school 10 times
ii. To develop a relationship with high school
iii. To implement Confirmation program
b. Adult Formation
c. Religious Education
i. To participate in pastoral planning and to make connections with parish goals and work of effc.
ii. To direct the planning and implementing of the First Reconciliation and First Eucharist programs with a family focus. Encouraging participation in the life of the parish and celebrating this as a parish event.
iii. To work with a team of parishioners the program for Infant Baptism. To continue to develop this as a ministry which recognizes the importance of the sacrament of baptism.
iv. To celebrate two intergenerational evenings for all parish families.

5. Committee
a. Goals for the year - Next month we will state some short range goals for the year.
b. In-service planning - We will read Families and Faith chapter 7 for the next meeting. (If you need a copy of this book, please contact Sr. Marilyn.)
c. A committee calendar was presented with some of the duties which will need to be attended to during the year.

6. Catechetical Planning
a. Pastoral Planning with Jackie Witter - October 12 and 13, 2007
b. Intergenerational Gatherings - November 14 and 18, 2007
c. Area Youth Rally - October 23, 2007
d. TOT and talk by John Cusick on October 30 at Loras College.

7. Endowment Subcommittee - Del and Eric will be continuing with the work of this subcommittee. The forms have been developed and the next step will be education of the parish regarding this fund.

Minutes - Education and Faith Formation Committee
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
St. Joseph the Worker
7 - 9 PM - Martin Hall Conference

1. Deb Tschiggfrie led the committee on the reflection on Sunday's scripture readings.
2. The August minutes were approved
3. Reports (15 min)

a. Mark Bodensteiner, youth coordinator, reviewed his meetings held in August with Middle School and High School parents. There was great enthusiasm shown with ideas of creating parents groups for both Middle School and High School that will meet once a month. The groups are forming now. The Youth group has moved to the lower level of parish offices (old pre-school). It still needs some painting before the Open House, which will be soon. Confirmation is getting started.
b. Sr. Marilyn, director of Religious Education, e-mailed her report. The Religious Education program will begin September 12. The Pre-school is not using all of the school building. So RE is using four rooms at the end of the top level, the former primary classrooms, and the Music and Art rooms.. Painting of the music and art rooms is scheduled for next weekend. Registration is slow, but it is expected to meet last year's numbers. Children's Liturgy of the Word is adding another Sunday for each month. It will now be offered the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sundays of the month.
c. Pete Bellaver , pastoral council representative, clarified what types of information the committee would need. Eric Munshower asked for clarification on the Pastoral council's intentions for the Education Endowment, and asked for their input on needs of the parish.
d. Julie Neebel, Holy Family Schools parish representative, stated that HFS met the enrollment goal set for this year. It was, however, 100 students less than the previous years. As of August 21 there were 1,978 students enrolled from K - 12. Kindergarten is set at125, hoped for 150. The middle school was the strongest with 432 students, and the high school enrollment is at 580.; Retainment to the 9th grade was discussed. Last year saw 139 students in 8th grade last year. Currently, there are 131 students in 9th grade. However, there are possibly 12 new students to the district, so retainment was not easily discerned. The committee asked Julie about where the SJTW students are enrolled now. She said that Holy Family is working on that, and she could get the information for us soon. She stated that Holy Family ended the fiscal year in the black, and that the school moves were completed on schedule.
e. The committee reviewed the Finance report presented by Sr. Marilyn. The basic format was agreed upon, but there were some questions about how certain percentages were calculated.

4. Adult Faith Formation
a. Scripture study - MOMs has been established and the first 8 wk session will begin in September . It is a reflection on Christianity, and how it effects faith formation. It is open to women of all ages. This first group, however, consists of women with young children. Cindy has started a women's scripture study group as well.
b. Wisdom and wine
c. Theology on Tap - established scheduled for the next six weeks.

5. Committee Information
a. Looked at job descriptions for each of the staff who report to EFFC, an overview of responsibilities of different staff members.
b. In October staff members will present specific goals for 07-08.

6. Catechetical Planning
a. Pastoral Planning with Jackie Witter - August 24-25, 2007; more background information instead of working on a plan. Next meeting will concern status of parish; Sr. Marilyn will post summary notes on website.
b. Intergenerational Gatherings for 2007 - 2008 are set. The first one is the 14th & 18th of November. It will focus on Advent and will encourage parishioners to look at Advent differently. They will have a meal, and then will divide into groups.
c. Catechetical Sunday - September 16 - Encountering the Living Christ. There will be a commissioning of all who work in this area of ministry including EFFC members.

7. Endowment Subcommittee
a. Review of forms- Continuing Education and Religious Education leave on two forms, two colors one side; agreement on content was reached.
b. Deb Tschiggfrie - presented completed expense data including projected amounts for 2007-2008; requested that this to be the last meeting she attended. The committee reviewed report handed out in August meeting. Eric Munshower accepted to take Deb's position on the sub-committee

8. Octoberfest Information and basket - Margaret gathered information and money for the Committee's basket

Respectfully submitted by Ann Mauss

1. Prayer: Suellen Flynn led the committee in a reflection on the Sunday scriptures.

2. After introductions, the June minutes were approved as written.

3. Reports

a. Mark Bodensteiner, new youth ministry coordinator was introduced and he presented some of his plans for the coming month. He will be having parent meetings this week and will finalize plans after those are completed.
b. Sr. Marilyn presented the calendar for RE for 2007-08 including plans for changes in the high school program and an addition of intergenerational meetings.
c. Marilyn Olk and Pete Bellaver will be representing the Pastoral Council on the EFFC.
d. Finance Report - no report this month. Will be included with next month's information.
e. Holy Family - Fr. Mark reported that Holy Family is still looking for ways to deal with tuition. They are still working on a project which has been in consideration for some time and involves purchase of insurance policies which have HFCS as beneficiaries.

4. Adult Faith Formation
a. Wisdom and Wine, the program planned by adult formation group, has been received quite well in the city. The last of these meetings is this week. The committee who has been planning will be working on a long range plan.
b. Theology on Tap - Ron DuBord reported that committee has scheduled a series of meetings which will be held on 6 Tuesday evenings beginning on September 4 and ending on October 9. Parishes are being asked for mailing labels so that information can be sent to members from 23 to 39. Fr. Cusack will also be speaking in Dubuque after his presentation on Waterloo in October.

5. Catechetical Planning
a. Pastoral Planning with Jackie Witter - August 24-25, 2007 - We would like to have some participation from the EFFC at the planning meetings. Let the office know if you are able to attend all or part of these meetings.
b. Intergenerational Gatherings for 2007 - 2008 These gatherings of all members of the parish are scheduled for November 14 and 18, 2007 and April 6 and 9, 2008. We will be advertising these and needing assistance with some of the planning.

6. Endowment Subcommittee - Deb Tschiggfrie led a discussion regarding the disbursement of the endowment funds. Three tasks were assigned to committee members: 1) to review all of the forms which are now being used and to make suggestions for new forms. It was suggested that the tuition request forms be different than the requests for continuing education and formation. Deb and Del will be looking at this.
2) To develop a brochure or education piece so that parishioners can continue to learn about the endowment. Ann and Sr. Marilyn will be starting this project.
3) To assign Fr. Mark, Sr. Marilyn, and Suellen to review requests made to the Endowment Fund through the forms which are being developed.

It was also decided that any informational pieces that we send out include a footer saying that funds are available through the endowment for parishioner education. Other means of educating the parish were discussed and will be considered later.

7. Octoberfest request - Suellen presented a request from Tim Thill on behalf of the Octoberfest committee that our committee prepare a basket with materials which speak of our committee to be sold for $25 at the festival. Margaret Schaefer will prepare this and collect $2.00 from each committee member to cover costs. Sr .Marilyn will look for pictures to update the poster from last year.

8. Committee Organization
a. Prayer leaders - Attached document identifies prayer leaders for the year.

b. Secretary - Ann Mauss agreed to be the secretary for the group. Thank you Ann!
Respectfully submitted by Sr. Marilyn

Tuesday, June 5, 2007
St. Joseph the Worker
7-9 PM - Martin Hall Conference

Present: Suellen Flynn, Rick Colpitts, Del Uhlik, Betsy Birk, Ron DuBord, Deb Tschiggfrie, Margaret Schaefer, Julie Neebel, Sr. Marilyn Breen, Fr. Mark Ressler
Absent: Eric Munshower, Ann Mauss, Monty Sheckles, Lynn DuBord

1. Prayer: Sr. Marilyn led the prayer reflecting on the scripture from Trinity Sunday.

2. May minutes were approved as written.

Welcome to new members and sharing of Vision of EFFC.
An orientation meeting will be held during the summer. Sr. Marilyn will send some dates and coordinate to find a time to gather. This may be done on a Sunday morning between Masses.

4. Reports (15 min)
YM Report - Report will be e-mailed to committee
DRE Report/AFF report - Sr. Marilyn is working on scheduling and planning for 2007-2008. High school classes may be scheduled in blocks of 3-4 weeks in order to be more consistent and to improve the program.
Pastoral Council - New officers were elected Bryan Pechous will be the chairperson. Finance report was presented.

5. Thank you to members of committee who have completed their terms: Dean Manternach, Deb Tschiggfrie, Kerry Doepke

6. Election of Officers for 2007 - 2008
Suellen Flynn - Chair
Vice chair - Ron DuBord
Secretary - Duties will be rotated monthly.
Pastoral Council Rep will be Del Uhlik

7. Youth Ministry Position has been filled by Mark Bodensteiner who will begin on July 2.

8. Endowment Subcommittee Deb Tschiggfrie presented information regarding the work of the subcommittee on the endowment. Committee members are asked to study the materials and to be ready to make decisions on this at the next meeting.

9. Adult Faith Formation will be discussed at the next meeting

10. Planning - Committee members were asked to consider attending the pastoral planning meetings which will be held in the Fall.

Submitted by Sr. Marilyn Breen

Minutes - Education and Faith Formation Committee
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
St. Joseph the Worker
7-9 PM - Martin Hall Conference

Present for the meeting: Fr. Mark Ressler, Lynn DuBord, Suellen Flynn, Eric Munshower, Dean Manternach, Sr. Marilyn Breen, Deb Tschiggfrie, Rick Colpitts Absent: Del Uhlik, Margaret Schaefer

1. Prayer: Deb Tschiggfrie led the prayer reflecting on the gospel of John from last Sunday.

2. Minutes of the April meeting were approved as written.

3. In service - The group discussed Chapter 5 of Families and Faith which presented a process for connecting faith and life in family.

4. Reports
YM Report - Lynn DuBord reported on upcoming events which she is working on right now.
DRE Report - Sr. Marilyn is now working on evaluating and scheduling for next year.

5. Adult Faith Formation proposal - Kathy Keuter presented a proposal from the Adult Faith Formation Committee which included a plan to present adult catechesis in a systematic way in the parish. This presentation led to a discussion which included:
a. How does this fit into our overall plan for catechesis?
b. Do we have people who are interested in this program and are we asking the same people to do too many things?
c. How does this fit into intergenerational catechesis?
d. What about doing this in the city rather than in parish?
e. Are there ways that we can make this a part of our ongoing catechetical programs? For example, could those preparing children for sacraments be part of this program?
f. Could we schedule so that intergenerational catechesis would be one of the sessions?
g. What about the budget for this?
6. Suggestions included:
a. Look to what we are actually doing right now for adult catechesis in all areas.
b. Look to develop a broader plan which includes other efforts like sacramental prep., training for liturgical ministries, intergenerational catechesis.
c. Consider this as a city wide effort.
d. Consider how this will be marketed in the parish.

7. Catechetical Planning
a. Pastoral Planning with Jackie Witter - August 24-25, 2007 All committees are asked to be part of the catechetical planning sessions. This is a part of adult formation.
b. Intergenerational Gatherings for 2007 - 2008 We are planning to have two intergenerational gatherings which would be repeated at least one time. The first will probably be in November and the second in April. Deb Tschiggfrie will be on the committee to plan these. Dean Manternach will also assist with planning. There is a concern that this also be part of a developing plan for catechesis for the parish.

7. Endowment Subcommittee - Deb T. would like to have 30 minutes on the June agenda for this discussion. Deb will also remain on EFFC until this project is complete.
8. Recruitment of new members
1. Reports from committee - The committee has recruited Ann Mauss, Ron DuBord, and Monty Sheckles. This work needs to be completed by the end of this week. There are several who said they would do this at a later date: Sue Pfohl, Art Gilloon, Dan and Julie Neebel, Paul Schomberg
2. Holy Family Catholic School representative - Jeff Weber and Julie Neebel are possible candidates.

9. Executive Session
1. Youth Ministry Position - The committee has recommended that Mark Bodensteiner be offered a contract as Youth Ministry Coordinator. The committee approved this recommendation.
2. Celebration for Lynn DuBord will be on May 31, 2007 in the youth center from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Invitations and advertising need to be completed soon.

Education and Faith Formation Committee Minutes
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
7-9 PM - Martin Hall Conference

Secretary: Sr. Marilyn Breen

1. Prayer: Del Uhlik
Present: Del Uhlik, Lynn DuBord, Kerry Doepke, Fr Mark Ressler, Eric Munshower, Margaret Schaefer, Deb Tschiggfrie, Sr. Marilyn Breen
Absent: Rick Colpitts, Suellen Flynn

2. March minutes were approved as written.

3. No inservice this month.

4. Reports
YM Report - Lynn was happy to report that many youth have been doing service which is not required for any programs. Confirmation interviews are being conducted as we prepare for the celebration of Confirmation.
DRE Report - In addition to the written report Sr. Marilyn presented two other items.
" Approval of a grant application for our parish to provide The Witness as a part of catechist formation for the coming year. As we look forward we would like to know what the plans are for this program. Is the parish expected to take over the funding at some time and will there be funds for speakers or other opportunities at another time?
" A request for $500.00 from a Wahlert student for a program in the summer was considered and approved.

Pastoral Council - Fr. Mark reported that the Pastoral Council has approved the hiring of Jackie Witter to do 4 workshops on pastoral planning. The group has collected some information about the parish and the demographics of the area which will be used as a starting point for this committee. All committee members will be invited to attend the workshops.

Deanery is looking at ways that they can cooperate more.
Finance report was presented for March 2007.

5. Internal committee issues
The budget for 2007-2008 approved as presented. This means that there is funding for 5 additional hours for adult formation coordinator, intergenerational gatherings, and the purchase of new textbooks.

6. Youth Ministry - We have received four applications for the position of Youth Ministry Coordinator. Three of these have been sent to the Office of Youth Formation for preliminary interviews. When we have received this approval, we will continue schedule interviews.

7. Catechetical Planning
a. Building information - We have met with HFCS two times as we look forward to the changes in our building for the next school year. We will continue to discuss the space and equipment needs of our parish.
b. We are considering the purchase of Harcourt Religion Publishers program, Call to Faith.

8. Endowment Subcommittee - A subcommittee made up of Deb Tschiggrie, Del Uhlik, and Eric Munshower will be completing the following goals suggested by Deb and approved by the committee:
" To make a statement of intent of use of funds.
" Propose distribution of earnings.
" To establish procedures for applications.
" To educate the parish about this endowment
9. Recruitment of new members The committee surfaced the following names as possible new committee members. Each member is asked to make some contacts in order to find new members to serve on the important committee.
We will contact people regarding this by April 23.

10. Holy Family Catholic school representative - We will be electing a new HFCS rep from our parish. This person is elected for a three year term and will be asked to be part of the parish EFFC. It is important that is person be a communication link between our parish and HFCS. (Parish subsidy to HF requires accountability.) One of the necessary skills is to be a community builder for families who are part of HF and parish. Assist SJW to develop good relationship with HFCS. Person must embrace the total education of the parish.

11. Date for May meeting will be May 8. This is rescheduled because of the dedication of the statue of St. Joseph the Worker which will be done on May 1 Please join us for the prayer and meal on May 1.

March 6, 2007
Youth Ministry Report to EFFC
Confirmation
The candidates met in their small groups for the February Meeting: Living Justice, Proclaiming Peace. This year, the families have received a mailing for every month the small groups have met. These mailings include information about the lesson as well as sample questions and activities the family can discuss and participate in to continue the lesson. Also included in the mailing were upcoming service opportunities, update on paperwork due, website resources, and pictures.

Stewardship
A couple teens served on the Quest retreat team. We had a large group assemble at St. Patrick to prepare and serve dinner. A student is continuing their work with the youth congress action plan by participating in the planning of the City Wide Teen Mass. Several students helped put together the spring paper bag youth ministry mailing. A couple students helped at the potluck with Sr. Alie and Lorenzo.
Youth Leadership Team
The Youth Leadership Team met for extra meetings in order to prepare for the Confirmation Retreat. Several students are preparing talks to share with the candidates. I shared the news of my resignation with the Youth Leadership Team on Wednesday, February 7. The Youth Ministry Leadership Team consists of committed youth who provide the vision, direction, planning, and implementation of the youth ministry program at St. Joseph the Worker using the guidelines outlined by the USCCB in Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry. The Youth Leadership Team is comprised of 15 high school seniors and juniors. This group is vested in youth ministry. They have gone above and beyond in leading, organizing, and serving in the community. They have expressed interest and enthusiasm in participating in the discussion about the future of youth ministry. They would like to give input, provide insight, and share ideas about any changes that may occur in the youth ministry coordinator job description and ministry programming.

Other Activities
Several students participated in the youth mass and some of them attended Bibles & Bagels. Several students got together for the Mardi Gras Celebration. This celebration included traditional Mardi Gras food, games, and quiet time for reflection about preparing for Lent.

Fundraisers
Youth Ministry will be selling beautiful imported hand-made Italian, Czech and Mexican rosaries, and also Catholic medals, crucifixes and other Christian jewelry. There are beautiful, time-tested and traditional articles, as well as contemporary pieces that are very popular all across the country. An assortment of First Communion, Confirmation and RCIA gift items are included. These items will be for sale after all masses March 24-25 and March 31-April 1. Youth Ministry will continue to collect and recycle used inkjet cartridges.

March 2007 DRE Report to EFFC

1. Sacraments
a. There is a meeting scheduled for parents of children preparing for Eucharist on March 13, 2007 or March 20.
b. I will be meeting with parents who volunteered to assist with the retreat for families preparing for First Communion. The retreat will be held on April 14, 2007
.
2. Lenten Plans
a. A mailing about Lenten activities has been sent to parishioners.
b. All of the small faith sharing offerings have started. Groups are not large.

3. RCIA We are happy to be walking with 3 new members during this season. The Rite of Election at the Cathedral was cancelled because of the weather, so we were given permission to celebrate it at the parish.

4. Religious Education

a. Classes were cancelled again because of the weather.
b. Taize prayer will be offered on March 21. All are invited to participate. 9th grade youth will do the planning with Mr. Beaves.
c. We will not have class on March 28 because of school conferences.
d. RE catechists will be presenting curriculum materials sent by the Office for the Protection of Children in March. Letters were sent home regarding this information.

5. Adult Faith Formation - A committee is planning to invite older adults to a series of meetings similar to Theology on Tap during the summer. This will be a city wide effort.

6. Young adult ministry - Theology on Tap is once again being offered during Lent. Response has been good.

7. Intergenerational events - As we begin to plan for next year, we are committed to at least one intergenerational event for our parish. When do you think would be the best time to offer these events?

Minutes from February 6, 2007

Present: Father Mark Ressler, Lynn DuBord, Kerry Doepke, Suellen Flynn, Rick Colpitts, Deb Tschiggfrie, Sister Marilyn Breen and Dean Manternach

1. Fr. Mark led us in prayer.

2. Reviewed and approved the minutes of the last meeting - no changes were made.

3. Discussed Chapter 3, Families and Faith. The main points made included: the need to catechize the adults so they can continue to educate their children, the family structure is changing, and opportunities for adults already offered in the community and parish.

4. Reports

a. Youth Minister
i. Passed out letter of resignation.
ii. Members expressed gratitude for service to St. Joseph the Worker.
b. DRE
i. No questions were asked.
ii. More baptisms are being celebrated at mass.
c. Pastoral Council
i. Group discussed and decided to continue with preparing a Pastoral Plan.
ii. Would like to complete within 1-2 years utilizing weekly meetings.
iii. Pastoral Council brainstormed people who may serve in this group.
iv. Each Pastoral Council member will be a part of the preparation of the Pastoral Plan.
v. Would like 1 representative from all parish committees.
vi. Called and Gifted program is not an attachment but a part of the Pastoral Plan.
d. Finance Report
i. No questions.
ii. Lynn reported that YM received a $2000 donation from an individual. YM purchased bibles for every confirmation candidate. EFFC suggested a recognition/awareness paragraph be included in the bulletin. Lynn will put it together and submit.

5. Final draft of Bylaws were distributed to committee members.

6. ICCLC pamphlet about 2007 Legislative Concerns and Priorities was passed out.

7. Discussion was held about how to educate our parishioners. Ideas included: a Witness to every home, answer questions or give information in the bulletin with a brief paragraph, and publish websites of interest.

8. EFFC discussed the need to be more proactive about our parish environment decisions. Lynn shared that the current theme for Catholics In Action, a Dubuque service immersion experience for high school teenagers, will have an environmental focus. Group would like to revisit environmental stewardship at another time.

9. 2007-08 Budget was discussed. EFFC discussed and approved that St. Joseph the Worker will not have a fee for those preparing for a Sacrament. We may charge for components involved in the preparation for example: youth rally (Confirmation), blessing cups (Eucharist), and retreats.

10. Boardgram - everyone received through email. No discussion was held due to time constraints.

11. Lynn asked if Middle School Ministry should be reflected in the Youth Ministry budget. No decision was made.

12. No update from the Endowment Subcommittee.

13. We are encouraged to begin thinking about prospective members for EFFC. We need to begin encouraging parishioners to consider participation in EFFC.

14. EFFC went into an executive planning session.

15. Next Meeting will be March 6, 2007.

Minutes of the Education and Faith Formation Committee
January 9, 2007

Present: Father Mark Ressler, Lynn DuBord, Kerry Doepke, Marg Schaefer, Rick Colpitts, Deb Tschiggfrie, Sister Marilyn Breen and Dean Manternach

1. Deb led us in prayer.

2. Reviewed and approved the minutes of the last meeting - no changes were made.

3. Discussed Chapter 2, Families Through the Life Cycle. The main points made included: Rituals and they ease the pain at various transition times in our lives. How would we go about getting at the rituals to celebrate within the parish? The healing rituals - how very powerful they are. Look into offering a question at the beginning of church to get people thinking rather than just ask they to take a moment to pause and focus. Relationships will bring people to church - we need to invite people to come to church.

4. Reports

a. Youth Minister
i. Confirmation was well attended - Four groups traveled to four different presenters - it went well.
ii. We will be going to Catholic Heart Camp every other year and alternate with Catholics in Action which is less costly.
b. DRE
i. The Epiphany Celebration will be January 10
ii. Currently looking at Lenten Activities
iii. Family Material was sent home
iv. Reminder about the upcoming CEW
v. Theology on Tap - During Lent
c. Pastoral Council - No Report

5. Budget - everything is in order, Sister distributed a copy of the budget.

6. Bylaws were discussed. The committee list has been dropped - there are too many changes to keep updated. The language was fairly clear. Motion to approve the bylaws. Approved.

7. 2007-08 Budget was discussed. Lynn noted that the travel amount is up. Sister stated that Cindy is doing more at church each month. It is proposed that her hours be increased by five each week. This increase will result in a budget increase in this area and will need to be brought to the attention of the Finance Committee. We are looking at new textbooks for next year, which will result in a $1000 increase in supplies. We would also like to do one intergenerational activity next year at a cost of about $1500.

8. Vision for adult faith formation. As we look at programs we can look at doing things city wide (with other churches) to save money. We should continue to look at working with groups that are near by (UD etc.). We need to get a copy of the data we collected and the work we did this summer to the Pastoral Council.

9. Boardgram - Dean will forward this to the group through email.

10. Keep the EFFC materials in order. Next Meeting will be February 6, 2007.

Dec. 5, 2006

Summary of Meetings on Faith Formation

Subgroup Members: Rick Colpitts, Suellen Flynn, Sr. Marilyn, Dean,

Prayer: Suellen Flynn

MISSION: Saint Joseph the Worker parish is a Catholic community that invites and encourages all its members to live the faith-filled journey with Jesus Christ.

Catechesis and faith formation is a moment in the process of evangelization. It assumes that a community of faith is strong and persons within it desire to grow more in faith. We recognize that SJW is a welcoming parish, but strengthening and maintaining a strong experience of community is a prerequisite and vital to the success of all parish formation efforts.

VISION FOR ADULT FAITH FORMATION

Despite the fact that the listening data did not give central attention to adult formation, it is important for the life of our parish that we make a commitment to this process. The bishops have highly encouraged it and can be a vital source of renewal for persons and families in the parish. Related to adult formation things heard that we want to keep in mind include:

" CEW is an important and foundational experience of faith renewal in the parish; the parish is challenged to build upon this and grow the life of this community through other formation and community events.
" The parish must work collaboratively to provide ongoing retreat and adult formation opportunities that help us grow in our call to holiness.
" There is growing consciousness that service to the church and to others in the wider community is vital to faith formation for all members of SJW. Apart from contact with parish social concerns, youth ministry sponsored service, and those efforts recently initiated by adult faith formation, it is increasingly important to commit ourselves and be more intentional about service in the wider local community. This can be a source of faith renewal and a witness to lived faith. Parish groups and committees are challenged to work more collaboratively and not see their ministries within the parish in a parochial way. It gets us nowhere.
" Intergenerational experiences have been appreciated and should be inclusive and/or extended to invite all members of the parish. This may be of importance for our families in light of the changes that have taken place in Holy Family School system and not having a K-5 school site here any longer.

VISION FOR YOUTH AND FAMILY: Let's commit ourselves to resources that enrich and deeply develop the faith of adults of all ages to ensure that faith witness in parish, family, and community life will be strong.

" It may be surprising to many at SJW that the largest number of parish members belong to the age 10-20 bracket. Youth are important to us. They are involved at Holy Family, parish religious education, high school youth ministry, and children's liturgy.
" Because of the new middle school configuration in the city, there is a perceived gap at the middle school level for youth and their families. As a parish we need to continue to address how youth and their families are supported in faith, included in the life of the parish in a comprehensive way, and support families with initiating a middle school youth outreach. It is evident that the parish history of youth ministry and commitment of resources in this area must be maintained for the life and viability of this parish.

VISION FOR YOUNG ADULTS
" Viable parish communities not only know their parish well but both recognize and reach out to those within their neighborhood. While this is a community life issue, we recognize that a young adult ministry and faith formation to Catholics at the University of Dubuque should be explored. This requires a comprehensive approach by the parish across committees.

********************************************************************
CREATION OF SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE 2007-2008 FISCAL YEAR
" Discuss and adjust job description for DRE related to intergenerational family experiences.
" Discuss and adjust job description for YM for middle school youth ministry needs.
" Discuss and adjust job description of Adult Faith Coordinator in conjunction with DRE related to adult faith formation needs.

St. Joseph the Worker
Education and Faith Formation Committee
7 November 2006

Present: Ulik, Manternach, Breen, Tschiggfrie, Doepke, Ressler
Excused: Flynn, Colpitts, Munshower, Cunningham

Prayer: Schaefer

Approval of October minutes:

1. In service -Families and Faith:
   A general discussion was held on family and holiness - especially focusing on the daily rhythm of family life.
   Suggestion: use the bulletin and parish website as places for members of the parish to go for resources for families, including websites resources.
   Grace before meals - variety of prayers
   Diocore is preparing a place mat of prayers.
   Suggestion: attach a prayer to loaves given out at Thanksgiving Day liturgy.
   Suggestion: attach a prayer to meals sent out by Social Concerns.
   Suggestion - use the text for ideas that we can use for the parish.
   Suggestion: have a bookstore come with some books, resources, etc. at some family gathering.
   Prepare chapter two for next month.
2. Reports
   - YM report - see attachment
   Uhlik - one of his sons was "blown away" by the Youth Rally
   Youth Camp - yearly or every other year? This question is presently under discussion.
   - DRE report/AFF - report -
   Reconciliation families - new meeting will be held that includes parents and children. The children will also be recognized at a Sunday liturgy.
   German Christmas Traditions will be offered by Dave Tschiggfrie (part will be a video) during Advent.
   Parish Life is sponsoring Steve MacDonald for Advent with focus on children.
   December 20th - communal celebration of reconciliation
   Taize and Evening Prayer will also be offered during Advent.
   17 & 18 November program in Waterloo one day and Cedar Rapids the next day being sponsored by the Archdiocese (Dr. Margaret Ralph).
3. Stewardship - Uhlik and Tschiggfrie
   A format for committees was offered at the October 19th meeting for members from all the parish committees: prayer, education, organization (e.g., agenda)
4. Pastoral Council - Uhlik
   A stewardship was report given by Linda Manternach
   Evaluation instrument (Stewardship: A Way of Life - Is Your Parish Moving Toward a Stewardship Conversion Process? filled out by parish leadership was discussed.
   A fuller discussion of stewardship based on an article by Linda (Parish: The First Model of Stewardship) and "Signs of Success" (i.e., "benchmarks" for a parish to evaluate itself)
   A decision was made by the Pastoral Council to use the present Youth space if SJTW school becomes a three section school. (In light of the decision made on November 7 by the HFCS Board, the SJTW school building will become a day-care center.)
5. A chart showing the number of parish members in different age groups was presented.
   Finance report - see attachment
6. Internal committee issues
   Bylaws - Draft provided
   Titles of Parish Council and Board of Education changed to Pastoral Council and EFFC
   Page 6 - section on committees
   Changes made to section 1.
   Suggestion: just speak of subcommittees rather than list the names of the present subcommittees since they change.
   Do we want to include youth on the committee?
   Drop references to SJTW School.
   Need to change vacancy language to make it clearer?
   Change: the committee can appoint members when there is a vacancy.
   Suggestions will be implemented
7. Catechetical Planning
   Suggestion by Manternach to slow down EFFC planning to compliment better the pastoral planning. What are the major concerns so that they don't get lost in the larger planning?
8. Pastoral Planning suggestions for the Archdiocese
   - Adult formation
   - Formation of ministers (laity)
   - Stewardship
   - Evangelization
   - Appreciation that family life is holy

   Adjournment at 8:55 AM

   Submitted by Mark A. Ressler

   MINUTES of the Education and Faith Formation Committee meeting
   October 3, 2006

   Present: Dean Manternach, Suellen Flynn, Kerry Doepke, Deb Tschiggfrie, Del Uhlik, Rick Colpitts, Marg Schaefer, Fr. Mark Ressler, Sr. Marilyn Breen, Lynn DuBord Absent: Eric Munshower

   1. Lynn led opening prayer, which included the covenant prayer, reading Sunday's gospel, and discussing the question of the week.

   2. Minutes of September meeting approved. It was suggested that DRE and Youth reports be attached to minutes each month.

   3. Inservice:
   a) Cindy Pfiffner updated the committee on the focus of Adult Faith Formation for the current year (see attachment).
   b) Suellen spoke on the committee's past and present commitment to study and prayer at each meeting.
   c) Dean gave a reading assignment for November meeting: chapter 1 of Families & Faith.

   4. Youth Ministry report given by Lynn (see attachment). She noted that the Youth Leadership Team is still trying to find out how they can interface with parish committees effectively.

   5. DRE report given by Sr. Marilyn - Copies of the combined RE/YM budget report for September were also distributed.

   6. Pastoral Council report given by Del. He noted that the council may be changing the parish mission statement in the near future.

   7. Internal committee issues:
   a) Suellen agreed to serve as vice-president for the 2006-07 year.
   b) Pastoral Council representative will rotate, with Del attending October, November, and December meetings. Others will need to volunteer for subsequent meetings.
   c) Copies of revised EFFC constitution were distributed. The constitution's articles were changed only to reflect "parish council" being changed to "pastoral council," as we have no authority to change the articles (archdiocesan-driven). The bylaws, however, reflect parish flexibility and need to be revised. These revisions will be discussed further at our November meeting.

   8. Sr. Marilyn handed out copies of the sacramental preparation program schedule.

   9. Evaluation of Catechetical Sunday activities:
   a) All involved with education/formation in parish were acknowledged on front cover of bulletin and blessed at weekend Masses. This should be continued next year.
   b) Suggestion was made that possibly next year, Catechetical Sunday could be used to recruit more members for various parish needs, e.g., EFFC members, catechists, confirmation team, etc.

   10. Dean handed out copies of the Catechetical Planning Committee 2006-07 description.
   a) Objective: to develop a 5-year plan eventually, but first to concentrate on 1-year goals.
   b) Additional names are being considered as possible team members for this job.
   c) Dean will be looking into adding a page (possibly an interactive one) to the parish website to help with ongoing communication/assessment of the plan with the rest of the parish.

   11. No report from Endowment Subcommittee.

   Meeting adjourned on time.

   Assignments for November meeting:
   ¢ Read chapter 1 of Families & Faith
   ¢ Ideas/concerns for deanery meeting should be given to Fr. Mark
   ¢ Study EFFC bylaws and bring suggestions for revision

   Respectfully submitted,
   Deb Tschiggfrie

Education and Faith Formation Committee

Agenda - Education and Faith Formation Committee
Tuesday, September 5, 2006
St. Joseph the Worker
7:00-9:00 PM - Martin Hall

Secretary: Sr. Marilyn Breen

1. Prayer: Led by Lynn Cunningham
2. Present: Dean Manternach, Margaret Schaefer, Kerry Doepke, Del Uhlik, Fr. Mark Ressler, Lynn Cunningham, Sr. Marilyn Breen Absent: Rick Colpitts, Deb Tschiggfrie, and Suellen Flynn
3. Approval of August minutes - August minutes approved as written. We need to check with Suellen Flynn about being the Vice-chair for this year.
4. Inservice - Since new members were not present, it was decided to change the agenda and move to goals of DRE and YM.
5. Sharing of goals - Job descriptions were in the EFFC packets.
a. Youth Ministry (see end of document)

b. Director of Religious Education (see end of document)

c. Adult Faith Coordinator - Cindy Pfiffner will come to the October meeting to update the committee on her focus for the year.
d. Update on Membership & Bylaws - Dean and Sr. Marilyn will bring a revised document to the next meeting.

6. Administrative Staff
a. YM Report - Lynn presented her report and discussion followed regarding the request from youth to come to assist with the youth report at EFFC..
i. Is there another place where youth could report with their voice to the parish? How can we advocate for youth? Suggestion about a report in October from youth to show what their goals are and then a follow-up report in March.
ii. Who do the youth want to be heard by? How could we make a plan for communication?
b. DRE Report - Presented by Sr Marilyn

7. Octoberfest - Committees are asked to prepare a basket which contains $25 worth of materials and also speaks about the goals of the committee. Dean will collect $5 from each committee member and a gift certificate for the Sinsinawa bookstore will be purchased. Additionally we will include a candle and some items for youth and children.

8. Committee Issue
a. Program evaluation and CATECHETICAL PLAN (Please bring your copy of evaluation information; Can also be accessed on parish website if you do not have a copy.)
i. Review calendar of events (Planning Subcommittee)
ii. Read over the data and evaluate the summary that was placed in the bulletin
iii. Offer your own evaluation and comments upon listening session data
iv. Discuss
b. There is a need for all to communicate and cooperate in order for this plan to work.

9. Endowment Committee Update - No report
10. Future Inservice planning - on agenda for October
11. A Thank you to those who served on the committee will be included in next week's bulletin.
12. Mark reported that the Archdiocese will be doing some planning in the near future and asked members of the committee to consider the needs of the Archdiocese. What is one thing that we think should be a goal for the next 10 years?

As Youth Ministry Coordinator for St. Joseph the Worker, my goals are to:
" Advocate for a comprehensive vision and practice of youth ministry, based on the1997 USCCB document, "Renewing the Vision: A Framework for Catholic Youth Ministry."
" When appropriate, utilize communication efforts (at large or individually) to minister to the teens of the parish.
" Provide web links to reading reflections or meditations
" Make personal faith reflections or prayers a part of email and letters
" Provide materials to support teen and adult efforts in evangelizing
" Equip youth center with resource materials for pastoral ministry
" Be proactive pastorally: send cards or email for birthdays, death in family, conversation thank you, etc.
" Encourage adult involvement and leadership in youth ministry.
" Develop an active well-represented Adult Youth Ministry Leadership Team
" Train and provide materials for adults to organize and facilitate activities or programs
" Continually support and encourage adult participation in adult faith formation opportunities
" Provide opportunities for parent and teen interaction.
" Encourage youth and parents to participate in faith discussion & social activity
" Promote city efforts

Goals DRE 06-07
One of my main goals will be to work with the committee to develop a 5 year catechetical plan for the parish.

Sacramental
1. To direct the planning and implementing of the First Reconciliation and First Eucharist programs with a family focus. Encouraging participation in the life of the parish. To encourage families to participate more fully in the activities of the parish.
* Parish recognition at the beginning of the process
* Information to parish throughout the process
2. To coordinate the Christian Initiation process, RCIA, for adults and for children; to work collaboratively with other parishes in the initiation process.
3. To work with a team of parishioners the program for Infant Baptism. To continue to develop this as a ministry of the parish through invitation of sponsor couples.

Religious Education sessions for children and teens
4. To direct the RE program for grades 1-10. Direct the selection, evaluation, and planning for the appropriate teaching materials used in parish Religious Education programs.
5. To continue the development of intergenerational evenings for families in the RE program.

Adult Faith Formation
6.. To work with the Adult Core Committee to set and implement goals for adult faith formation in the parish.

St. Joseph the Worker
Education and Faith Formation Committee
Tuesday, August 1, 2006

Present: Suellen Flynn, Deb Tschiggfrie, Dean Manternach, S Marilyn Breen, Fr. Mark Ressler, Margaret Schaefer, Lynn Cunningham, Kerry Doepke, Rick Colpitts, Del Uhlik Excused: Eric Munshower

Agenda:
1. Prayer - Suellen Flynn

2. Review of June minutes - approved

3. Administrative Staff Reports (attached)
" Religious Education (Sr. Marilyn)
" Youth Ministry (Lynn Cunningham)

4. Committee Issues
" The committee is asked to meet on August 13 after the 8:30 am mass for orientation of new members.
" Members updated contact information.
" Distribution of Archdiocesan handbooks to new members
" Leadership Issues
o Prayer Sign-up list
o Secretarial sign-up list
o Pastoral Council representative/communication needs - Del will represent this committee in Aug, Sept, and Oct. 24. Dean will attend the Nov. meeting. We will discuss the remainder of the meetings later. (agenda item)
o Stewardship Committee - The framework of how we go about the process of building a stewardship parish is becoming clearer. As the result of these meetings we have information to share with each committee. In order to facilitate communication in the most effective way, we are asking that you attend a meeting on Thursday, October 19th at 7:00 p.m. in Martin Hall. Del will attend for EFFC.
o Chair Dean Manternach
o Vice-Chair - Suellen Flynn
" Commissioning of new members - Mark will check to find a date to commission new members of both EFFC and Pastoral Council.

5. Old Business
" Status of administrator evaluations - Dean will be meeting with Lynn Cunningham and Sr. Marilyn to review evaluations.
" Update on Catechetical Evaluation Process - Summer 2006 Group will make some statements which will be given to effc.
" Endowment Sub Committee Plans - Deb Tschiggfrie will lead this committee which will be looking at the endowment and how money can be requested.

6. New Business

" Plan for study of evaluation data by EFFC and others
" Brainstorm subcommittee for creating total parish catechetical plan
" Rick Colpitts, Kerry Doepke, Dean Manternach, Tim Thill, Heather Jungblut,
Doug and Marilyn Olk, Erin Kennedy, Laura Knabel, Liz Heiar,
Tom White and Brian Kallback

7. A decision was made to purchase Families and Faith edited by Leif Kehrwald. This will be used for study by the committee.

8. A question was asked about timeline for plan. It is the hope of the committee that it will be developed within this year.

9. A decision was made to put compiled information from meetings on the website and put some copies in the back of the church. Summary of information will be in the bulletin and a timeline will be shared with the parish regarding the plan.

Submitted by S. Marilyn Breen

Education and Faith Formation Committee
Wednesday, June 7, 2006
St. Joseph the Worker 7 PM - Martin Hall

Present: Del Uhlik, Deb Tschiggfrie, Dawn Brosius, Dean Manternach, Sr. Marilyn Breen,
Suellen Flynn, Kerry Doepke, Mark Johanns,
Excused: Lynn Cunningham,

Secretary: Sr. Marilyn

1. Prayer - Sunday's gospel was used for prayer and reflection.

2. May minutes were accepted as presented,

3. Reflections (In-service)
" Insights from Intergenerational Catechesis principles
" Insights from the Parish Renewal with Brennan
o Ministry training
o Gifts of each person
There will be a meeting of those who attended the Brennan evening on Tuesday, June 13 from 7 - 8 pm in Martin Hall. The purpose of this meeting will be to surface some of the main points heard by the community and to move forward with this information. Members of the EFFC will send questions to Sr. Marilyn by Friday.

4. Administrative Staff

" YM Report - Lynn's report was submitted
" DRE Report - Registration for RE and Confirmation will be on August 19 and 20.
o Betty Seiler has resigned her position as religious education secretary.

5. Committee Issues

a. Membership & Bylaws - Committee discussed the need to revise bylaws to make them more consistent with what actually happens. S. Marilyn will bring copies will start the process of revision and will bring information to August meeting. A question about the number of members was discussed. A subcommittee will be asked to complete this work.
New members may be Rick Colpitts, Margaret Schaffer, and Eric Munshower.
There will be an orientation for new members. We think this a very important part of assisting new members. Dean will lead this meeting and asks that all attend. We may look to develop a booklet for members which would assist them in being oriented to the committee.

Mark Johanns suggests that members who have been on the committee stay on the e-mail list so that they may assist in some areas of interest. Information will be available on the web and through the list serve.

Commissioning of those who are new members in August - possible the 19th and 20th.

b. DRE & YM Evaluations (Dean) - Committee members are reminded to return these forms to Dean. Dean will send the e-mail out again.

c. Program Evaluation Process Update
Purpose - evaluation and planning
-- Meetings will be held on Sunday, July 23 - Adult and committees
Monday, July 24 - youth
Tuesday, July 26 - Catechists and others
-- Process Dean, Lynn and Marilyn will work on the process for these meetings which will be facilitated by Dean.

-- Volunteers We are still looking for some people to assist with this process. Training for this group will be Sunday, June 25 at 7:00 pm in the parish office building.

Lists have been generated and labels are ready. A postcard will be prepared inviting a group to the meeting and then some will be called so that we can have 20 - 30 people at each meeting.

d. Endowment Committee Update (Deb) - no report

Education and Faith Formation Committee
Tuesday, May 3, 206
St. Joseph the Worker

Present: Deb Tschiggfrie, Fr Mark Ressler, Dean Manternach, Dawn Brosius, Lynn Cunningham, Sr. Marilyn Breen, Suellen Flynn,
Excused: Del Uhlik, Mark Johanns, Kerry Doepke
Secretary: Sr. Marilyn Breen
1. Gathering Prayer Fr. Mark
2. Minutes of the April meeting were approved.
3. Intergenerational Catechesis In-Service (30 minutes)
The group discussed Principles 6 and 7. After the discussion, Dean suggested that we summarize what we have learned by making a statement about what we have learned so far. A possible question would be: What have you learned and what would you like parishioners to know regarding intergenerational catechesis?

4. Administrative staff - Reports and Conversation
a. YM Report - Lynn reported on the Confirmation process and the candidates. E-mail information is being read by students. Fundraising has gone well.
b. DRE Report - Sacramental celebrations are going well and Re year is now completed. We are beginning planning for 06-07
5. Committee Issues
a. Program Evaluation
" Youth Ministry - Evaluation instruments for Confirmation are completed. Other groups will also be given evaluation instruments.
" Religious Education - Evaluation instruments have been given to
catechists and parents of RE students and those preparing for sacraments.
b. Outcomes
" To do formal parish catechetical assessment for all areas
" To evaluate and collect data on select programs/areas on rotation basis
" To use data to inform programmatic changes and create a catechetical plan
" To increase awareness and ownership by parish members in all EFFC formation activities

6. Timeline Progress
May 2006
" Update on progress of instrument development
" Create short job description for evaluation support team
" Development of support team to conduct and oversee evaluation process with EFFC: Dean & Kerry
" Prepare evaluation instruments
June 2006
" Finalize process for systematic evaluation
" Provide direction for the support team
" Begin collection of data from parish at large and select groups
July 2006
" Study and assess the data from participant groups and parish at large
" Prepare report of strengths and areas of growth
" Write initial recommendations for EFFC
August 2006
" Discuss recommendations from evaluation process
" Report summary of evaluation information and recommendations to the parish
" Begin creation of catechetical plan
7. Administrative Evaluation Process
" Committee Online submissions
" Chair will create a summary document with comments
" Meet with Sr. Marilyn - Seek additional input from #4 RE Program Evaluation Comments
" Submit to the Archdiocesan Catechetical Office
8. Update from Endowment Subcommittee Deb will work on this in the summer

9. Recruitment of New EFFC Members
" Update on Recruitment process (Del Uhlik)
" Members of the committee are asking others to be part of the committee names taken and information given by next Tuesday.

Next meeting will be held on June 7 at 7 pm in Martin Hall - Note the change of the meeting due to the Patrick Brennan renewal days.

Education and Faith Formation Committee
Tuesday, April 4, 2006
St. Joseph the Worker

1. Gathering Prayer - Deb led the prayer reflecting on Lent and slowing down.
Present: Mark Johanns, Deb Tschiggfrie, Lynn Cunningham, Fr. Mark Ressler, Sr. Marilyn Breen, Dean Manternach, Kerry Doepke, Dawn Brosius, Del Uhlik
Absent: Suellen Flynn

2. March minutes approved as written

3. Intergenerational Catechesis In-Service
Principle 4 - Connections of the Sunday assembly used the video by Huebsch
Principle 5 - Forming households of faith

4. Administrative staff - Reports and Conversation (10 min)
a. YM Report - Quest and Confirmation retreats have been held and evaluations have been good. Lynn sees the 24 hour retreats as very good.
Prime rib dinner tickets are available for CHWC.
b. DRE Report - Family retreat experience on Saturday.

5. Committee Issues
a. Program Evaluation
1. Subgroup Meeting - Sr. Marilyn, Lynn, and Dean (March 2006)
" utilize current evaluation timeframes with specific groups (e.g., parents & catechists)
" review various parish & Archdiocesan Resource Center materials
" craft initial plans/timeframes
" Outcomes:
" To do formal parish catechetical assessment for all areas
" To evaluate and collect data on select programs/areas on rotation basis
" To use data to inform programmatic changes and create a catechetical plan
" To increase awareness and ownership by parish members in all EFFC formation activities
2. Dean Manternach proposed the following timeline

April 2006
Highlight select programs for evaluation - Areas of catechesis include: Adults, Elderly, Young Adults, Adolescents, Children of Catechetical Age, Catholic schools, Early Childhood, Family, Persons with Disabilities, Marginalized, Sacramental Catechesis/Programs
Recognize that evaluation instruments should help identify strengths as well as areas for growth

Begin development of support team to conduct and oversee evaluation process for overall evaluation as well as select areas - Subgroup of Staff, EFFC, parents, etc... The committee listed the following possible members for the subcommittee: Rich Colpitts, Angie Brietbach, Linda Zillig, Linda Ronek, Eunice Bamrick, Jeff Tebbe, Kerry Doepke, Pete Bellaver, S. Marilyn, Dean Manternach
This group will meet soon to determine the direction of this evaluation.

May 2006
" Finalize process for systematic evaluation
" Prepare evaluation instruments (over the next month and a half)
" Conduct training for evaluation support team
" Initiate evaluation process and follow-up on select participant groups

June 2006
" Finish collection of data from parish at large and select groups

July 2006
" Study and assess the data from participant groups and parish at large
" Prepare report of strengths and areas of growth
" Make initial recommendations to EFFC

August 2006
" Discuss recommendations from evaluation process
" Report summary of evaluation information and recommendations to the parish
" Begin creation of catechetical plan

b. Contracts- have been offered and signed. Pastoral council approved the budget with a $210,000 deficit.

c. Update from Endowment Subcommittee - Deb reported that meetings have not been held at this time, however she will be working on this.

d. EFFC Phone Calling - could this be part of the evaluation process
Dawn and Kerry reported on their conversations.

e. Recruitment of New Members -
" Flyers/Weekend Witness (April 1 & 2)
" Work with pastoral council subgroup
" Committee includes: Mike McClain, Paul Duster, Fr Mark. Del Uhlik will join them.

Respectfully submitt