Minutes of Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption
Catholic Women’s Club Meeting
January 3, 2024

  • The meeting was called to order by President Debbie Lazorik, followed by an
    opening prayer and the pledge of allegiance.
  • Members in attendance introduced themselves.
  • No secretary’s report from the last meeting was given.
  • A final treasurer’s report from Melanie Fouss, dated to December 6, 2023,
    showed a balance of $3450.80, with a balance of $43.76 in the outreach fund.
    The new treasurer, Barb Ritchie, submitted December’s report which showed a
    balance of $3776.92, with $181.47 in the outreach fund.
  • Cookie walk – numbers were down from last year. $810 received. 80 blankets
    from Gabes and donations were given to the Gospel Mission and to the Homeless
    shelter.
  • The bill for the Womens’ Religious lunch is still outstanding. We need to clarify
    whether the church or the diocese is responsible for this payment.
  • Sunshine Report – a request was made to send a card to Penny Rose due to her
    mother’s recent fall. Names for cards should be submitted directly to Carol Antill,
    phone 740-525-2421. Thank you cards were received from the families of Leona
    Arnold and Nancy Hathway for the funeral lunches we provided. Also, Tami
    Bradley sent a thank you for the Teacher’s in-service lunch. There was a
    question about a card sent to Linda Baumgard, whether it was meant for her.
  • Book Club – The next book is “Your Most Powerful Question” by John
    Olesnavage. The next meeting will be January 17. It will be a celebration of 3
    years meeting. Debbie has a list of all the books the club has read over the last
    3 years. Melanie Fouss made a motion to approve $500 for next year’s books,
    as needed. Linda McMichael seconded. It was approved. Past books can be
    given away, keeping 1 or 2 in the library. Possibly any excess books can be
    given to the public library.
  • Outreach committee – No plans for over the winter. Perhaps a paper
    products/laundry detergent drive in the spring. If anyone wants to join the
    Outreach committee, they should contact Janet Steinel, phone 740-350-0019.
  • Thank you to Melanie Fouss for purchasing a pre-lit Christmas tree, prior
    approval given from the officers. Also, thank you for the beautiful restoration she
    made to the wreaths. There were concerns about where the wreaths could be
    stored. It was suggested they be hung in the storage room off the library.
  • Father Mike discussed the fact that changes will affect the churches if we merge
    with the Columbus diocese.
  • Funeral lunches – Debbie will be the point person for contact with the rectory for
    funeral lunch requests. She has an e-mail list for requesting volunteers. She
    suggested that several people be in charge of shopping for paper products and
    food. Also, she suggested that people be encouraged to volunteer for part of the
    funeral lunch if they can’t be there the entire time.
  • 12 cans of green beans were donated to the Daily Bread Kitchen since they are
    no longer used for funeral lunches.
  • Linda McMichael suggested we put a a note in the bulletin asking for volunteers
    and supplies. Debbie will put one in as a weekly announcement.
  • Menu options – Do we want to offer a non-cooking option; sandwiches, soup,
    salad. Debbie will check around for pricing on sandwiches. Melanie mentioned that
    many have been appreciative of the lunches as something other than the meat and
    cheese trays often offered during funerals.
  • A motion was made by Sue Lambert, seconded by Janet Schilling, that if asked
    how much of a donation a family should make for the lunches that we would suggest
    $5/person. But it was emphasized that we do not ask for donations. The motion
    passed.
  • Sue Lambert suggested we purchase 2 new large drink containers as our current
    ones are getting cloudy and cracked.
  • Debbie suggested we add a tagline to our Catholic Women’s Club name. Two
    names suggested were “Catholic Women Working Together” or “Catholic Women
    in Action”. Nothing was decided.
  • Debbie will meet with Father Mike to update our calendar of events. The vicepresident will maintain the calendar.
  • Sue brought up the need for copy paper in the kitchen. She will purchase.
  • Janet Schilling mentioned that the Science Fair at St. Mary’s School will be held
    on February 1. They are looking for judges if anyone wants to volunteer.
    The meeting was adjourned. Next meeting will be February 7.
    Respectfully submitted,
    Nancy Funk
    Secretary
    Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Women’s Club