I wish to thank the following for their willingness to serve on the Good Shepherd Catholic Parish Council. I appreciate their generous gift of time and talent in serving in this very important role of support and discernment for Good Shepherd Catholic Parish, involving the previous merger of Good Shepherd and St. Theresa Parishes in Evansville.
Very Rev. Zachary J. Etienne (Pastor)
Deacon Dan DeCastra (Deacon and Religious Ed Coordinator)
The following parishioners have agreed to serve as follows:
(3 year term - July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2024) Al Bragin (1st 3 year term)
(3 year term - July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2024) Maren Smith (2nd 3 year term)
(3 year term - July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2024) Mykeal Wigger (1st 3 year term)
(3 year term - July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2025) Eric Henderson (2nd 3 year term)
(3 year term - July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2025) Cheryl Shafer (1st 3 year term)
(3 year term - July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2025) David Ubelhor (1st 3 year term)
(3 year term - July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2026) Greg Freyberger (1st 3 year term)
(3 year term - July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2026) Natalie Kropfl (1st 3 year term)
(3 year term - July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2026) Diane Norman (1st 3 year term)
(Non-Voting Members)
Dr. Anne Marie Williams, Secretary
Ruth Becker, Business Manager
Parish Council Minutes - March 20, 2024
parish council Feb 2024- Parish Council Finance report
Parish Council Minutes - January 17, 2024
Parish Council Minutes - November, 2023
GS Parish Council 11.15.23.Minutes.Rev1.docx (1)
Parish Council Minutes - July, 2023
GS PC.7.19.23.Minutes.Approved
Parish Council Minutes - May, 2023
GS Parish Council 5.17.2023.Rev
Parish Council Minutes - January, 2023
2023-01-10 GSCP Parish Council Minutes.Rev.1
Parish Council Minutes - November, 2022
GS.PC.Minutes.11.16.2022.draft
Parish Council Minutes - September, 2022
Parish Council Minutes - May, 2022
Parish Council Minutes - February, 2022
Parish Council Minutes - November, 2021
GS Parish Council 11.17.21 (1)
Parish Council Minutes - August, 2021
Parish Council Minutes - July, 2021
Parish Council Minutes - April, 2021
Parish Council Minutes - March, 2021
Parish Council Minutes - February, 2021
Parish Council Minutes - January 20, 2021
Council Minutes 01-20-2021 (Updated)
Parish Council Minutes - October 21, 2020
Parish Council Minutes - August 19, 2020
Parish Council Minutes - July 15, 2020
Parish Council Minutes - February 19, 2020
Parish Council Minutes - January 15, 2020
Parish Council Minutes - November 20, 2019
Parish Council Minutes - October 16, 2019
Parish Council Minutes - September 18, 2019
Parish Council Minutes - August 21, 2019
Parish Council Minutes - July 17, 2019
Parish Council Minutes - June 19, 2019
Parish Council Minutes - May 15, 2019
Parish Council Minutes - March 20, 2019
Parish Council Minutes - February 20, 2019
The regular meeting of the Good Shepherd Parish Council was held on Wednesday, February 20th, at
6:05 p.m. The meeting was opened with a prayer.
ROLL CALL:
2019 2020 2021
Father Zach Etienne Shari Hirsch Jessica Fehrenbacher Rita DeWeese
Deacon Dan DeCastra Chad Schnarr Chad Groves Donald Patton
Sarah Gahagen Brad Will Chris Maynard Maren Smith
Sue Ballard
Chad Groves motioned to approve the minutes from last month’s meeting. Chris Maynard stated a
second. The minutes were approved.
COMMISSION REPORTS:
FINANCE--report from Sarah Gahagen:
Sarah distributed a financial report for January 2019:
o The Bingo is doing well, revenue has increased.
o School families will receive the new tuition agreements on 2/21. The tuition amount
has been frozen. Some may have a minimal increase. The gap between families of 2
students and 3 students has been closed. The fee for non-Catholic students has
decreased.
o Families were asked to become involved in some of the GS ministries and Bingo. A
member suggested sending e-mails to school families. Sarah thinks a school outreach
would be better.
o Families must sign and return the forms acknowledging receipt of the information. A
member suggested putting the information on Facebook, but not including the numbers
–just that the tuition amount is frozen for the first time in 6 years. A member suggested
adding that the work done by volunteers has allowed the tuition amount to be frozen.
A member stated reminders of the tuition freeze should be done periodically.
o There was a discussion regarding determining a way to thank all the volunteers for their
work for GS. The Church subsidy for the school will be more than it has been for the last
5 years.
HAITI COMMISSION--report available on the Good Shepherd website:
Fr. Zach stated the U.S. State Dept. has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Haiti due to the
recent civil unrest there.
Fr. Franztdy has advised the situation is very serious. He is unable to drive or use a generator
for power due to lack of fuel.
Volunteers have been advised not to do any mission trips at this time.
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT—report available on the Good Shepherd website.
YOUTH MINISTRY—report from Jessica Fehrenbacher:
A game night will be held soon.
Vacation Bible School will be 6/10 thru 6/14. Natalie Neisen is working on preparation of the
program.
WORSHIP—the report is available on the Good Shepherd website.
PASTOR’S REMARKS:
Fr. Zach is working on the GS website to update it and make it more user friendly. He is setting
up categories
The Cry Room is almost completed. The new windows will be shatter proof and sound proof.
The area will be used as a cry room during the 4:30 and 10:30 Masses. The RICA group will need
the room during the 8:00 a.m. Mass.
The expansion of the Little Rams has been approved. The committee is looking at units to be
sure to obtain the needed fit. The unit will be on the back lot. Eventually there will be a need to
build an addition onto the school.
There is a currently 30 Pre-school applications on a waiting list. The number of teachers needed
is based on the number of students per class. Little Rams is expanding to two classes each for
Pre-school and Pre-K.
Stewards of God’s Grace Campaign
o GS has received a 4 th payment in the amount of $72,000. There should be 2 more
payments. The current loan should be paid in May 2020.
o The roof will need to be re-done on the front section of the school this year as it is leaking.
Sarah advised there is over $46,000 in an account that could be used for the new roof. It has
accrued because $11,500 is being transferred into the account monthly as previous loan
payments are no longer needed.
Lent:
o Lenten activities are listed on the website.
o Stations of the Cross will be on Fridays, followed by a soup supper provided by the
Fellowship Commission. The will not be a Seder Supper this year.
o The Robert Barron program will be presented.
o The Reconciliations times have been scheduled.
The Parish Priests met at St. Meinard. A strategic plan was previously issued in 2016. The plan
was reviewed and condensed during the meeting. The Priests suggested implementing one
goal per year.
Bishop Siegel has not yet formed a Pastoral Council. The Priests discussed proceeding with
forming the Council.
The House of Discernment at Sacred Heart has had 51 interested visitors.
OLD BUSINESS:
New tables for the cafeteria:
o Shari reported George and Scott have not yet decided on the type of table to be
purchased.
Bingo Commission:
o This is still in the beginning stages of the process. The members are analyzing data to
establish a baseline.
NEW BUSINESS:
A member stated there is a need for new bleachers in the gym.
Fr. Zach is looking at developing a strategic plan for Good Shepherd. The direction of the Parish
needs to be established.
Chad Schnarr asked about updating and changing the current lighting. This may be done during
spring break.
Chad also suggested placing GS signs in the yards of the families of new students.
ACTION ITEMS:
Additional discussion regarding new tables for the cafeteria.
Additional discussion on blinds and mirror for the Cry Room area.
ADJOURNMENT – Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
NEXT MEETING –March 20, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Sue Ballard
Parish Council Minutes - January 23, 2019
The regular meeting of the Good Shepherd Parish Council was held on Tuesday, January 23rd at
6:00 p.m. The meeting was opened with a prayer.
ROLL CALL:
2019 2020 2021
Father Zach Etienne Shari Hirsch Jessica Fehrenbacher Rita DeWeese
Deacon Dan DeCastra Chad Schnarr Chad Groves Donald Patton
Sarah Gahagen Brad Will Chris Maynard Maren Smith
Sue Ballard
Tim McGuire and Michael Schaefer were present for portions of the meeting.
Don Patton motioned to approve the minutes from last month’s meeting. Chad Schnarr stated a
second. The minutes were approved.
Tim McGuire, COO of the Diocese, presented some updated information on the St. Theresa campus:
The St. Theresa Church building is being converted to a non-church and was alienated to
Catholic Charities. Part of the Stewards of God’s Grace Campaign was to obtain a better area
for Catholic Charities. The Diocese has been paying for upkeep at St. Theresa since 2017.
The Diocese intended to keep the property intact, but so much work was needed the cost was
prohibitive. It was estimated to be over one million dollars.
The plan was to demolish the west wing of the school, then build a space for Catholic Charities.
The estimated costs to repair the existing building were more than demolishing and building a
new facility. The costs to keep part of the school were continually increasing.
The plan now is to tear down all but the Rectory. The Church building and school will be torn
down starting Feb. 11 th .
The Catholic Charities area may have a prayer garden named for St. Theresa. All the plans are
in the early stages and nothing definite has been decided.
A buyer could not be found for the school area, so the Diocese approached Habitat for
Humanity. Habitat for Humanity plans to build 14 homes on the property. At first it will be
primarily a Catholic build. St. Theresa Parishioners were always strong supporters of the Habit
for Humanity mission.
Parish Council members think this information should be put in the bulletin so Parishioners will
be informed of the plans. Tim Lilly will prepare a notice for the bulletin and The Message.
COMMISSION REPORTS:
FINANCE--report from Sarah Gahagen:
Sarah distributed a financial report:
o She stated collections fluctuate. Some Parishioners pay at the end for the year.
o The grant money for installation of the FOB system has not been received.
o School income—the projected amount in the budget was not correct, it was overstated.
HAITI COMMISSION--report available on the Good Shepherd website.
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT—report available on the Good Shepherd website.
YOUTH MINISTRY—report from Jessica Fehrenbacher:
Morgan Lamberton is not able to be the coordinator for Vacation Bible School due to her work
commitments. Jessica advised Natalie Neisen will be in charge of the VBS.
WORSHIP—the report is available on the Good Shepherd website.
PASTOR’S REMARKS:
New Parishioners—Fr. Zach is putting the information on the GS website and Facebook. He is
positing pictures of the new Parishioners when available.
The Knights of Columbus have proposed having the Rosary before all 3 Masses one weekend
each month. The members discussed the proposal. One member suggested putting the
information in the bulletin. Members would like to have the Rosary done on the same weekend
each month to be consistent. It will start 30 minutes before Mass and last 20 minutes. The
members all agreed and were in favor of this proposal.
Part of the school roof is leaking. Repairs will need to be done next year. The estimated cost is
approximately $150,000.
The new windows for the Cry Room area will be delivered and installed in Feb. Members of the
Parish Council think blinds should be installed for privacy during use by bridal parties.
Discussion was tabled until the next meeting due to time limitations.
OLD BUSINESS:
Security at Mass:
o All Church doors are now locked during school Masses. Ruth is watching the main door
and will open for Parishioners wanting to attend Mass. An emergency exit plan is in
place.
New tables for the school cafeteria:
o Shari is waiting for a final decision on choice of tables and price.
New Director of Worship:
o Melanie Baker has been hired to be the new Director of Worship. She will start full time
after her graduation.
o A member of the hiring committee stated Melanie was well prepared and her interview
was excellent. The choir members responded well to her.
NEW BUSINESS:
Expansion of pre-school:
o Mike Shaefer, representing the GS School Council, presented information on a proposal
regarding expansion of the pre-school area and plans to increase the number of children
enrolled in the program. He stated this would be an opportunity to grow the pre-school
and help increase school enrollment.
o Mike stated Catholic School enrollment is decreasing. Current enrollment at GS is 306.
School expenses are increasing, but families are not able or willing to pay increasing
tuition fees.
o The current enrollment for pre-school is 24, with a waiting list. The Kindergarten has a
capacity for 50 students, but currently only has 33 students. The Strategic Plan for GS
School includes eventually expanding the pre-school. By expanding the capacity for the
pre-school enrollment, the students could then move directly into Kindergarten.
o The GS Pre-K program is chosen by parents as it is accredited and has a defined
curriculum.
o Mike advised the committee is researching having modular class rooms to increase the
pre-school capacity to 50.
o The committee is working on reviewing costs and a financial analysis. The modular
classrooms will be leased and could be built to specifications as needed.
o The committee is working to confirm demand for the expansion and researching
regulations regarding use of modular classrooms.
o The Diocese has no policy against having modular classrooms but advised considering
the long term need.
o Plans will have to be definite and estimated costs confirmed before beginning the
project. The goal is to have a decision made by the next meeting.
Use of facilities:
o A member of the Parish Council requested to rent the Parish Hall for an event being held
by a community service organization. The members discussed if this should be allowed
as normally the facilities are not used by outside organizations. Some members were in
favor of making this exception, but others felt it was not appropriate.
o Chad Schnarr made a motion to allow the member to rent the Parish Hall for this event.
There was continued discussion by the members. Fr. Zach pulled the official written
rental policy and reviewed the rules with the members. The policy specifically states the
facilities are not to be rented for use of outside groups for fundraising. The Parish
Council members came to a consensus to not allow the community service organization
to use the Parish Hall as it is forbidden in the rental policy. No vote on the motion was
needed.
ACTION ITEMS:
Additional discussion regarding new tables for the cafeteria.
Additional discussion on blinds and mirror for the Cry Room area.
Updates on the pre-school expansion plans.
ADJOURNMENT – Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
NEXT MEETING – Feb. 20, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Sue Ballard
Parish Council Minutes - December 05, 2018
The regular meeting of the Good Shepherd Parish Council was held on Tuesday, December 5th at
6:05 p.m. The meeting was opened with a prayer.
ROLL CALL:
2019 2020 2021
Father Zach Etienne Shari Hirsch Jessica Fehrenbacher Rita DeWeese
Deacon Dan DeCastra Chad Schnarr Chad Groves Donald Patton
Sarah Gahagen Brad Will Chris Maynard Maren Smith
Sue Ballard
ABSENT: Shari Hirsch and Chris Maynard
Don Patton motioned to approve the minutes from last month’s meeting. Chad Schnarr stated a
second. The minutes were approved with corrections as needed.
COMMISSION REPORTS:
FINANCE--report from Sarah Gahagen:
The budget is in a favorable position.
Church expenses have increased due to earned salary paid to Mark Schmitt when he resigned,
some needed equipment repair and the shortage for the CPC because of the change of dates for
starting the CPC in 2018.
School income is favorable due to receiving the IN Choice payment. This is a timing issue.
The Little Rams program is doing well.
Some questions were asked concerning the close out of the Capital Campaign. GS will receive 2
more payments. There should be enough received from the Campaign to cover the debt to the
Diocese. A member asked if the percentage of paid pledges is available and if all pledged
amounts are expected to be received.
HAITI COMMISSION: report available on the Good Shepherd website:
A Spaghetti dinner has been suggested. A final decision has not been made. The Event form
must be completed and processed.
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT--emailed report from Kristen Girten is attached.
YOUTH MINISTRY—report from Jessica Fehrenbacher:
Morgan Lamberton will be the coordinator for Vacation Bible School. She will officially assume
the position of Youth Ministry Coordinator after Jan. 1 st .
The Youth Group activity went great. There were some teachers as well as parents in
attendance. There were 16 attendees from the 6 th grade, 26 attendees from the 7 th grade and 5
attendees from the 8 th grade. The group went shopping for gifts for the Christian Life Center and
some Senior Citizens; then went out for dinner. The required permission slips and medical
forms were signed and completed.
Jessica advised the students in the group are very focused on serving others.
WORSHIP—the report is available on the Good Shepherd website.
PASTOR’S REMARKS:
Several events for the Diocese will be held at Good Shepherd:
o Jan. 29—the Catholic Schools Week Mass
o Mar. 09—Faith Day
o May 17—Memorial Baccalaureate
o Aug. 02—Back to School event
Kristen advised Fr. Zach the Catholic Schools Week Mass may have 800 students attending.
Fr. Zach advised the servers from the 4 th grade class have been doing a great job.
The Seminarians visits have been completed.
The Class Masses have been very successful.
When Fr. Zach receives notification and information for new Parishioners, he posts on Facebook
and the GS website.
The season of Advent has started. The first Cluster Reconciliation was on Dec. 2 nd at GS and the
2 nd is on Dec. 9 th at St. John’s Daylight.
The next Parish Council meeting will be on Jan. 23 rd , followed immediately by the Finance
Council meeting. Starting on Feb. 20 th , the Parish Council meeting will be on the 3 rd Wednesday
of the month.
The required forms for any fundraising event are now on the GS website.
The Finance Council will be discussing the bid for $15,000 from Deig Brothers to install glass in
the conference room so it can be utilized as a cry room.
Fr. Zach will be away on vacation from Jan. 12 thru Jan. 20.
Deacon Cy and Mike Mosbey are visiting Parishioners who are in nursing homes. They have
helped some of these Parishioners download the “FORMED” APP.
The members discussed updating the GS APP or discontinuing usage of the APP.
OLD BUSINESS:
Security at Mass:
o Kristen talked to Officer Friendly. It was suggested to lock side doors only, leaving the
front door open. Possibly someone could monitor the front door. A member advised
some other schools are locking all entrances. Locking all doors will also affect the FOB
system as it is set for specific times. Fr. Zach said he will discuss with Kristen.
o There was additional discussion regarding the security issues. A member stated all
doors should be locked during school Masses.
o Chad Groves made a motion to have all doors locked during school Masses. Jessica
stated a second. All members voted in favor, the motion was unanimously approved.
o A member suggested sending the information to families to notify them of the changes.
New tables for the school cafeteria:
o This has been discussed with the Maintenance crew. Shari is researching price and
types of tables needed.
New Music Director:
o The Hiring Committee has reviewed the applications. There were several submitted.
The Committee reached out to the applicants by phone to explain the work hours, job
requirements and salary requirements.
o Once calls are completed, the Committee will narrow down to the ones they want to
interview. The Committee intends to have the applicants direct the choir to view the
interaction between the applicant and the choir members.
NEW BUSINESS:
Bingo Commission--the members of the Commission are reviewing the issues and have sent
some questions to Ron Pohl and Sarah.
ACTION ITEMS:
Additional discussion regarding new tables for the cafeteria.
Additional discussion on Good Shepherd campus security.
ADJOURNMENT – Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
NEXT MEETING – Jan. 23, 2019 at 6:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Sue Ballard
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