A Council of Catholic Women St. Francis of Assisi Parish (CCW) May meeting was held May 6 in St. Mary’s church hall.

Prior to the start of the meeting, ladies met outside with Lois Polt leading members in the Litany of Blessing of St. Mary and 34 ladies were present. A welcome was given by Polt.

Due to COVID, the group had not met since September 2020 when an outdoor meeting was held. Secretary minutes and the treasurer report were read. The group agreed to purchase 13 new robes and 10 cords for altar servers.

A bake sale held after masses the first weekend of May was very successful. Polt thanked all who furnished items for the sale or worked it. CCW has had a mass aid for each of the 21 parish ladies who passed away last year. Ruth Jacobson continues to send sympathy cards on behalf of CCW to those from the parish when a family member has passed away, as well as birthday cards to parish ladies in the nursing homes. Contact Jacobson for list updates or to donate cards.

Marge Higgins sent Easter cards to parish members living in nursing homes and 64 CCW bulletin questionnaires were returned. Polt has compiled the information on a flow sheet to help with member’s volunteer interests regarding CCW activities, as well as updating contact info.

Jean Miller discussed a garage sale this summer. It will be held at the St. Francis School gym in July. No electronics or furniture will be at the sale and there will likely only be one.

Father Michael’s last mass at St. Francis will be July 11 before his new assignment.

Funeral dinners at the church were put on hold at the start of the COVID pandemic. The officers have discussed when and how to resume these meals with modifications being mindful of COVID precautions. Parish members can request to have a funeral and lunch at either church. A task force was formed to review the funeral dinner process and changes that may be needed.

A committee will review bylaws and standard operating procedures and present them at the October meeting.

A slate of candidates will be presented at the September meeting for the 2021-22 election. No other business was brought forward. Polt closed the meeting with the Prayer of Saint Francis. The next meeting will be Sept. 2.