Finance Council-December 9, 2025

Holy Childhood Church Finance Council Meeting Summary

Date:    December 9, 2025   (7pm in Rectory Conference Rm)                                          

Council Members Present: Fr. Mark Stec, Paula Proffitt, Kent Hoerchler, Matt Athy, Mike Brennan, Margie Berry, and Margaret Wienstroer

1. Opening Prayer – Fr. Mark led opening prayer.

2. Approval of Minutes – November minutes approved without revisions.

3. Review of Finances

Financial reports and accounts were reviewed.  School finances were discussed. The current cost of tuition for parishioners is $5250 for a child to attend; the amount decreases with subsequent children enrolled. The actual cost of educating a child is approx. $7800.  Financial investments that help finance school operations are subject to market fluctuations.  Parish subsidies also help with school operations; however, Cathedraticum (Diocesan tax) increases when we subsidize over 40% of school.  It was noted that some scholarships had been transferred from parish accounts so not showing as income to the school, impacting our Cathedraticum assessment.  As costs continue to rise, an increase in tuition will be necessary as a strategy to maintain operations. Currently, $100,000 will be transferred from the Education Endowment Fund to the school to assist with operational expenses.

4. Review of any Proposal

   1. No new proposals at this time

5. Old Business

   1. Window Contract

Mike provided an update on the school window replacement project.  Reviewed proposals from WIL-BOND, LLC for window replacement and from CENPRO Services, Inc. for asbestos window glazing removal work. Total cost estimated at $350,000.  The cost includes work needed to provide an unimpeded access to the work area for asbestos removal (i.e., remove drop ceilings for full access to window, manlift, etc). Mike, Tim Keefe, and Fr. Mark will also meet with local company, Wilke Window & Doors, to review project requirements for potential bid.

March 1, 2026, is the target date for a final contract so that work can be scheduled to minimize interruptions to school operations.

6. New Business

   1. Raise in Cemetery Lot fees

Fr. Mark reported that the Cemetery Committee discussed increasing the fee for burial lots.  HCC fees are substantially lower than fees charged by other cemeteries. Mascoutah City and Lebanon have both raised their fees to $800/lot.  The current fee for parishioners is $400/lot and will increase to $500/lot. The fee for non-parishioners has increased to $1000/lot. 

7. Closing Prayer – Fr. Mark led the closing prayer. Meeting adjourned at 8:30pm.

       NEXT MEETING:  TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2026  @  7PM IN RECTORY CONFERENCE RM