St. Boniface – Elgin

St. Boniface Altar Society President
Betty Getzfred 402-843-8274

St. Boniface Altar Society
Minutes from August 5, 2026

The St. Boniface Altar Society meeting was held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 with 11 members present. The meeting opened with prayer.                                                                                           Money for Penny and a Prayer was collected.

Minutes from the last meeting were read. One correction was noted regarding membership in the Altar Society. All women 18 years and older are eligible for membership but are required to register and pay dues each year.  Anna Meis made a motion to approve the corrected minutes and Julie Borer seconded the motion.  Motion passed.

Sam Stoltz gave the treasurer’s report.

Treasurer’s Report:   4/15/2026 to 8/5/2026

Beginning Ckbk Balance…………. $14,346.76

Receipts ………………………. $4,971.32

Expenses ……………………… $ 2,407.98

Ending Ckbk Balance………$ 16,913.66

Archdiocese CD 12/31/2025…….…$44,736.75

Nicole Starman made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report; Emily Borer seconded the motion. Motion passed. Per request, Anna Meis reported rectory donations were $5725 through July. There are 2-3 bookings made for August with September and October bookings also scheduled.

President Getzfred read thank you notes from the Marcella Schiltmeyer family and from two First Communicants.

Old Business:

1. President Getzfred summarized the results from the solicitation forms noting that several forms were returned indicating interest in volunteering for various committees in the parish, as well as Prayer Warriors and Non-Participating Members summaries.
2. Circles 5 and 6 will be cleaning the convent in August for their Charity. For their Charity, Circles 3 and 4 were responsible for the setting up and serving for the Parish Work Night and supplying bars respectively.
3. A thank you was read from those who attended Steubenville Youth Conference. There were 39 students and sponsors in attendance.
4. The farewell for Fr. John Norman was well-attended. Approximately 200 people were served. The eight parishes shared the expenses with St. Boniface share being $00. Jodine Meis generously donated the potato salad.
5. Attendance at the Altar Society Wine and Cheese gathering was a bit disappointing. Discussion centered on how to boost attendance and ways to mix and mingle with those outside your circle of friends.
6. Discussion has taken place on the possibility of spending time and sharing cookies at The Willows in Neligh. Betty is waiting to hear back from Deb Rice on this matter.
7. President Getzfred noted that the last funeral at St. Boniface Church was for Linda Buelt. The funeral committee planned the funeral luncheon for 125 and served approximately 80.
8. President Getzfred distributed a copy of the by-laws for the St. Boniface Altar Society/Christian Mothers of St. Boniface Parish which were adopted on March 29, 2005. Betty has made revisions as to what we could change or no longer do. Members in attendance are asked to review the proposed changes, add our ideas, and bring these to the next meeting.

New Business:

1. Emily Borer and Anna Meis, representing the Thanksgiving Bazaar Food Committee, distributed a list of notes from the 2025 Thanksgiving Bazaar regarding the number served, food prepared, food that was short or leftover, suggestions for improvement, etc. There will be a St. Boniface Thanksgiving Bazaar in 2026 noting the 2025 Bazaar brought in approximately $60,000. There will not be a Turkey Trot in 2026. Julie Borer is in need of help with the work list. Takeouts will be filled as in the past. Discussion turned to the price of the meals. Is the price too high for a family? Should the price for in-house kids’ meals be prorated. As to the raffle, do we need more than 15 prizes?
2. A motion was made by Emily Borer and seconded by Anna Meis to donate $500 to the Tintern Retreat Center. Motion passed.
3. Sam Stoltz brought up the fact the parish insurance donation is due in October. The Altar Society contributed $4500 last year.  Verona Henn made a motion to once again donate $4500.  Nicole Starman seconded the motion and the motion passed.
4. Anna Meis raised the question of a possible donation to the reseeding and the sprinkler system for the church grounds. Anna Meis made a motion to donate $500 for this project. After discussion, it was decided that our organization would wait to see what donations were brought in and make a decision then.
5. President Getzfred distributed information regarding the Box of Joy guidelines for preparing gift boxes or making cash donations. This project benefits families, particularly children, in Mexico and Central America.
6. A section in our by-laws deals with Spiritual Supports. President Getzfred asked members if they would be interested in retreats, prayer groups, and/or Bible study.
7. Anna Meis indicated that there are empty shelves and wall spaces in the Rectory which could use more decorations. She requested $300 to purchase them. Emily Borer made a motion to donate the $300, and Mary Alice Dwyer seconded it. The motion passed.

Work List:

Church Cleaning: Cleaning Committee                                                                                                  Funeral: Funeral Committee with Circle 5 providing salads and desserts                                               Charity: Circles 5 & 6 to clean the convent

Next meeting:  Monday, September 14, 2026    7:00 p.m.   St. Boniface Convent Meeting Room