March 2026 Finance Council

Holy Childhood Church Finance Council Meeting Summary

Date: March 10, 2026 (7pm in the Rectory Hospitality Rm)

Council Members Present: Fr. Mark Stec, Paula Proffitt, Kent Hoerchler, Matt Athy, Margie Berry,

and Margaret Wienstroer. Absent: Mike Brennan. Guest: Chris Berry

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

B. Approval of Minutes – February minutes approved as submitted.

C. Review of Finances – February financial reports were reviewed.

D. Review of any Proposals

· No new proposals at this time.

E. Old Business

· School Window Contract

· Resolution has been sent to Diocese.

· Contract with Wilke Window has been signed.

· Project start date set for June 10, 2026.

· Cemetery Mowing Contracts

· Real American Lawn Care submitted bids. The bid for St. Liborius and St. Pancratius cemeteries. Was $2125 per cut. Their bid for HC Campus was $1150 per cut.

· Determined need for additional bids. Mowing jobs will be advertised for 2 weeks.

F. New Business

· Ramps (Rectory/Church)

· Steps are required to access the rectory, the altar, and the church from the breezeway. This presents an obstacle/hazard for anyone with difficulty negotiating steps (i.e., knee/hip issues, needs a walker or wheelchair, etc.).

· It was determined that adding a ramp to access the rectory back door is not possible due to limited space for the amount of slope required, which would call for major alterations of the existing door, floor, and exterior brick. The Council discussed the option of a chair lift or Flexstep. It was noted that there are a limited number of companies that do this type of work in non-residential buildings. Two companies that were able to provide quotes were ‘Next Day Access’ in St. Louis, MO, and ‘Options HME’ in Highland, IL. The Council recommended installing chairlifts from ‘Options HME’ for both the rectory back door and for the breezeway/east side door of the church. Cost is estimated at $6000 each.

· A ramp for the front door of the rectory will improve public access. The Council discussed possible ramp options. A metal ramp will be installed and 2 reserved parking spaces in front/west side of the rectory will be requested from the City of Mascoutah.

· To improve sanctuary access, a wooden ramp with a carpet surface will be constructed on the west side, near the ambo. A simple handrail will be installed on each side. This will require removal of the first pew and kneeling rail. The cost was quoted not to exceed $6370.

· Bathroom (Sacristy)

· The addition of a bathroom in the sacristy was discussed. The work would be extensive. Estimate of cost to be determined.

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

NEXT MEETING: TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026 @ 7PM IN THE RECTORY