Daughters of Isabella Jasper Circle #140 May meeting minutes
Daughters of Isabella Jasper Circle #140 held their Mother’s Day Dinner on Monday, May 11, at Kundeck Hall at St. Joseph Parish Center in Jasper. Regent Marge Beckman welcomed the members. Father John Brosmer, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Jasper, led the meal blessing. A catered meal was prepared by Happy Hour Restaurant and enjoyed.
Following the meal, Regent Beckman proceeded with the planned evening. Due to the absence of Secretary Pam Schneider, Beckman called the Roll of Officers. Present at the meeting were officers Marge Beckman-Regent, Sharon Gramelspacher-Vice regent, Kathy Schneider-Past Regent, Rose Rasche-Treasurer, Betty Mehringer-Financial secretary, Chris Schuetter-Assistant Financial secretary, Pam Howard, and Tracy Merkel-Auditors, Kathy Bachman-Scribe, Bev Himsel-Chancellor and Martha Mathews and Dianne Klein – Guides. Pam Schneider-Secretary and Lynne Bohnert-Auditor were excused. Correspondence was received from D of I Ave Maria Circle #598 in Washington, IN. They will be celebrating their 90th Anniversary on May 31.
Regent Beckman asked for a motion to dispense with the reading of the April minutes and the Treasurer’s report until the June meeting. The motion was made by Tracy Merkel and seconded by Virgie Evans.
Regent Beckman gave an update on the recent activity of the Jasper Circle. The Memorial Mass was held on April 23 at St. Joseph Church in Jasper. A total of eleven members have passed away in the past year. Mary Sue Boeglin led the singing and Melaine Baker, Music Director at St. Joseph Parish, accompanied her on piano. A reception was held in the Parish Center lobby for the family members and their guests.
The next Moose Bingo that the D of I will assist with will be May 19. This is a profitable fundraiser for the circle and any D of I member, that is also a Moose member, can volunteer to help sell pull tabs. Please contact Kathy Schneider for more details.
The Spring Fling State Convention was held April 25 and 26 at Lindenwood Retreat Center in Plymouth, IN and hosted by the DePaul Circle #434, St. Charles Circle #273 and St. Edward Circle #1166. Vice Regent Sharon Gramelspacher and Past Regent Kathy Schneider attended. Gramelspacher spoke on her overview of the weekend. She spoke of enjoying the company of other D of I members from around the state and the beauty of the area.
Regent Beckman pointed out the special D of I brochure placed on the tables. Beckman stated that our Jasper Circle #140 is celebrating 105 years, as it was chartered in 1921. It is the largest Circle in the state of Indiana, as well as, in the International Organization. Members are asked to share this information with other Catholic ladies and invite them to join our Circle. Back in 1921 there were no other Catholic parishes in Jasper, so St. Joseph became the leading parish. Today the Jasper Circle #140 serves St. Joseph, Holy Family and Precious Blood in Jasper, St. Mary’s in Ireland, St. Isidore in Celestine and Dubois, Divine Mercy in St. Anthony and Schnellville and St. Mary’s in Huntingburg. Daughters of Isabella is open to all Catholic women, age 16 and over. Regent Beckman shared that a member suggested a D of I membership be given as a graduation gift. Contact Regent Marge Beckman or Vice-Regent Sharon Gramelspacher for more information on becoming a member.
Also a Wish List paper for the state altruistic project, St. Elizabeth Coleman Center, was on the tables outlining items they need for their Counseling Room, Community Donations and Support Group.
The 2026 Biennial International Convention will be held August 8-12, 2026, at Ontario, Canada. Regent Beckman and Vice regent Gramelspacher will be attending to represent Jasper Circle #140.
For the Good of the Order Vice Regent Gramelspacher read a Mother’s Day Prayer called, “Thank God for a Mother’s Love”.
Regent Beckman recognized 50 year member Jane Bell who were present. Past Regent Schneider read a list of members who have longevity within the Circle. Members can inquire when they joined the Circle with Schneider or Rose Rasche.
Report of Standing Committees followed.
Vice Regent Gramelspacher reported that there are now twenty members in the Nursing Homes. Visiting for May will be Pam Howard, Lynne Bohnert and Cindy Jones. She thanked the April committee of Amy Ruxer, Laurel Seger, Sara Hopf and Anne Brosmer. The Circle also assists with Mass at the Timbers at 1:30 p.m. on 4th Wednesdays, Mass at Serenity Springs on 2nd Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. (with Kathy Schneider, Dana Hoffman, Brenda Heeke, Mary Tucker and Alene Ploetner assisting), Bingo at Cathedral at 2:30 p.m. on 3rd Thursday (with Diane Verkamp, Kathy Bachman and Martha Keusch and St. Charles Health Campus at 2:00 p.m. with games on the 2nd Wednesday of the month (with Pam Howard, Barb Schmitt and Ann Rasche). More volunteers are always welcome.
A Free Will Offering was collected for Dove Recovery House.
Those in attendance celebrating birthdays in May were Betty Mehringer and Donna Mehringer. Betty was drawn for the birthday prize. Attendance prizes and game prizes were awarded.
Regent Beckman reminded the Board that they will meet on May 14.
The next monthly meeting of the D of I will be June 8, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., in Room 301 at the St. Joseph Parish Center. The meetings are held the second Monday of the month, except for July. The Circle does not meet in July.
Regent Beckman thanked those who helped serve the drinks, set up the room, and decorated. The assorted flowers decorations/prizes were from the local Produce Patch.
Regent Beckman wished all a Happy Mother’s Day and safe travels back home.
