Saint Gerard Catholic Church
Meeting of Finance Council
January 16, 2020
Location: Offices of Saint Gerard Catholic Church
809 Orange Avenue, NW
Roanoke, Virginia
Attendance: Finance Council Members: Present: Karen Wray, Chair, Abraham Ngemdahimana, Armando Jerez, Myriam Jerez, Cleo Sims, Victoria Brown, and Dan Callaghan, Secretary
Absent: None
Other Attendees: Fr. Ken Shuping (Pastor)
Jim Allen, Business Manager
Paul English
Jean Karambizi
Call to Order: The meeting began at 6:05 pm with a prayer offered by Fr. Shuping
Roll Call: Ms. Wray, Chair, declared a quorum of the Finance Council was present.
Agenda: Ms. Wray distributed the agenda for the meeting. Members and Fr. Shuping had no additions.
Minutes: The minutes of the November 21, 2019 meeting were received and filed, without amendment.
Financial Reports: Ms. Wray reviewed the Parish checking account and credit card reconciliation statements.
Mr. Allen presented the financial reports for the Parish for period ended November 30, 2019. Mr. Allen noted that collections remain strong and the Parish maintains a positive balance sheet and cash flow. A significant contributor to the financial position is the fundraising efforts of the Hispanic community following Sunday Mass.
The Finance Council discussed the need to prioritize capital improvements for the Parish. These improvements include the bathrooms in the common area, roof at Kebeho House, and the parking lots. The Finance Council will finalize these priorities at its February 2020 meeting.
Other Business: Fr. Shuping advised that the Finance Council will need to make an additional appeal for completion of commitment cards for collections.
The Finance Council discussed succession plans for the chair of the Finance Council. Ms Wray agreed to continue as chair until June 30, 2020. After discussion, Armando Jerez expressed his willingness to serve as chair commencing July 1, 2021, for a term of one year ending June 30, 2022. Cleo Sims moved that Karen Wray serve as chair through June 30, 2021 and Armando Jerez serve as chair commencing July 1, 2021. Dan Callaghan seconded this motion and the motion was adopted unanimously.
The Council discussed the 2020 Bishop’s Appeal and members agreed to promote the appeal at the weekend Masses. Myriam Jerez agreed to serve as chair for the Appeal.
Adjournment: Fr. Arce offered a closing prayer and the meeting adjourned at 7:47pm.
Next Meeting: Offices of Saint Gerard Parish
809 Orange Avenue, NW
Roanoke, VA
Thursday, February 27, 2020, at 6:00pm
Respectfully submitted,
February 25, 2020
Daniel J. Callaghan
Secretary, Finance Council
Saint Gerard Catholic Church
Roanoke, Virginia