St. Theresa Parish

Women’s Group

Minutes

August 15, 2007

Attendees: Dolores Aucoin, Lorraine Aucoin, Rachel Paul, Mary Corsetti, Pat Robillard, Marie DeRosia, Eileen Murray, Wendy Solomon, Karen Dufault.

Opening: Marie opened the meeting at 8:00 p.m. with a prayer.

Secretary’s Report: June minutes were approved

Treasurer’s Report: Pat Robillard reported a balance of $1,974.64

"FULL O GRACE" SPIRITUAL WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN

A group of facilitators met with Nicole Gage to discuss plans for the workshop. Eileen Murray reported on behalf of the group. After much discussion, the consensus was that the length of time to do the reading, homework in the workbook and attend the weekly spiritual session may be around 4 – 5 hours per week for 10 weeks. The group of facilitators felt this was too much time for each participant for an initial project and that many would not be able to complete the program.

An alternative book, "Courageous Love" by Stacy Mitch was suggested. This program is more of a bible study program and felt to be feasible in terms of time commitments. Further discussion by the facilitators is needed before a decision will be made.

The party was arranged by Marie DeRosia and Lorraine Patusky. Eight servers and some parents attended the pool and pizza party at Lorraine’s house. Expenses for the event will be submitted to the Women’s Group

CCD APPRECIATION GROUP

Mary Corsetti reported that the event is usually held in May after the end of the CCD program. It has been postponed to Fall this year. Possible dates are Sept 23 or Sept 30 or Oct 14 after the 10:30 a.m. Mass. There would be approximately 22-24 CCD teachers, Winton & Marie and Fr. Mark attending. Wendy Solomon offered to develop an invitation.

The phone tree would be used to solicit menu items and volunteers for the set-up and clean-up committees. The suggested menu is spiral ham, egg strata, muffins, fruit and beverages. Last year, as a thank you gift, the teachers were presented with a mug containing a coleus plant. A candle on a small plate was suggested as a gift this year. Plans will be finalized at the next women’s group meeting.

It has been the custom to tithe 10% of the profits from the yard sale to the Church. Fr. Mark suggested that a tree be donated to the landscape project instead. The Women’s group approved the idea. Pat Robillard will contact Jean Campbell, a Master Gardener, who is handling the landscape plan. Also, Jean has been granted $300 from the UNH Master Gardener program to benefit St. Theresa’s Landscape project.

Karen Dufault reported on a local program that is seeking sponsors for refugees from the country of Burundi. Approximately 60-80 refugees are expected to relocate in the Concord area. The refugees have been living in a refugee camp for 32 years in Tanzania. They will need a variety of social and educational services. Kim Harris, a local business owner and Lutheran Services have been trying to assist this group. The families will need household goods, clothing, books, etc. It was suggested that the information be provided to the parish about their needs and also to have someone, who has been working with the refugees come speak to the parish to lean more about how best we can help. Karen with check with Fr. Mark about placing information in the bulletin.

Marlene Freyler will provide instruction on how to make an Advent wreath of greens and candles. Marlene could provide materials. The cost for materials has not yet been determined.

The Women’s group is seeking volunteers to assist the Social Committee with the annual Craft Fair to be held 12/1/07. The event is being organized by Marlene Freyler. As in past year, the women’s group will also help with donations of baked goods (cookies and bars) for the cookie walk.

The meeting closed at 9:15 p.m.

Wendy Solomon,

Secretary