Daughters of Isabella September meeting minutes
Regent Marge Beckman called the monthly meeting to order of the Daughters of Isabella Jasper Circle #140 on Monday, September 14, at the St. Joseph Parish Center in Jasper. Ann Rasche led the prayer, and everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The draping of the Chapter was held for deceased members who died in August. Those being remembered were Mary Merkley, Rose Rasche and Nancy Larkin. A rosary was then said by the members for Nancy Larkin who did not have a rosary said at the funeral home. At the October meeting a rosary will be said for Marlene Schmitt who also did not have a rosary said at the funeral home.
A brief ceremony was held for new members Yvonne Lueken and Ann Hardin. They were welcomed into the Circle. Please contact Regent Beckman or any member if interested in joining the Daughters of Isabella Jasper Circle. You must be at least 16 years of age to join. Catholic women from the parishes of St. Joseph, Precious Blood and Holy Family of Jasper, St. Mary’s Parish of Ireland, St. Isadore Parish of Celestine and Dubois, Divine Mercy Parish of St. Anthony and Schnellville, and St. Mary’s Parish of Huntingburg are welcome to join the Jasper Circle.
Vice Regent Sharon Gramelspacher read from the Spiritual Reflection Guide. The subject was centered on attending Mass and its benefits. Regent Beckman then invited members to express special prayer intentions. Prayers were offered for those intentions.
Secretary Pam Schneider called the roll of officers. Regent Beckman asked officers to call her by Sunday afternoon if they cannot attend the meeting so it can be added to the agenda.
Secretary Schneider then read the minutes from the August meeting, and they were accepted as read.
Correspondence was received and read. Our State Regent, Julie Bowling, invites all to attend the Fall Meeting on October 25, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Greensburg, IN. At this meeting, baby items and monetary donations will be collected for the St. Elizabeth Coleman Center, our state Altruistic project.
Secretary Pam Schneider read a thank-you note from Southwest Indiana Junior Achievement for our recent donation. A birthday card was passed to celebrate the 102nd birthday of Oldenburg member Bernadette Meyer. A thank you note was received and read from Mary Ann Huls and a note about attending Bible Studies at St. Joseph Parish from John Ackerman was read.
Past Vice Regent Kathy Schneider gave the financial report. Regent Beckman reminded all that the position of Treasurer is open in the Circle due to the untimely death last month of our Treasurer Rose Rasche. If there is a member who could step into that position, please let her know.
The next Board Meeting will be November 9 at 5:00 p.m. in Room 301.
Scribe Kathy Bachman read the resolutions on the deaths of Mary Merkley, Rose Rasche and Nancy Larkin. A copy of the Resolutions will be sent to the families.
Vice regent Gramelspacher announced that those visiting the sick in August were Carol Sanders, Sharon Sermersheim and Sue Brahm. Mary Sue Boeglin and Sarah Kasprzak will visit in September. Sarah is looking for a sub. Donna Dean stepped up to take her place this September. A dozen D of I members visit the nursing homes. They look forward to the visits.
The Membership, Respect for Life and Youth Prayers were said.
Under Publicity, Scribe Kathy Bachman will update and send out information to the media and on
Facebook concerning the D of I dressing fundraiser. Dressing will be made November 4, 5 and 6 in the parish center and other places. Pick up will be November 6 from 12-4 p.m. at the south door of the St. Joseph Parish Center. Cost is $20 per gallon and $12 per one-half gallon. Call Kathy Schneider at 812-309-9108 or Betty Mehringer at 812-482-3661 by October 26. Dressing is raw and has no sage added. You do not need to be a D of I member to order. Orders are open to the public.
The Jasper Circle will assist the Moose Lodge with their Bingo on September 22.
Masses will be said at St. Joseph Church for the D of I on Tuesday, March 30 at 8:00 a.m. (for Shut-ins), Thursday, April 22 at 6:30 p.m. (Memorial Mass) and Sunday, May 9 at 9:00 a.m. (for Living and Deceased D of I members).
Regent Beckman and Vice Regent Gramelspacher spoke on the International Convention they attended August 8-13 in Ottawa, Canada. They spoke about being with 300-400 members and sharing the organization with them. They were impressed with Ottawa, Canada’s capital. Meetings were held in French and English. Jasper Circle was awarded the Cross and Crown Award for achieving the objectives of the International Awards and Recognition Program.
Under New Business, Vice Regent Gramelspacher presented ideas for the Christmas tree the Circle will decorate at the Dubois County Museum this year. In Tribute to Rose Rasche, the tree will be decorated with white lights and red roses.
Members from St. Joseph Parish invited all to attend the Mass of Creation on September 28 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Church. You should bring fruits, vegetables from the garden or seeds. It will be held outside. Also, there will be a Living Rosary said at St. Joseph Church on October 7 at 7:15 pm. They need at least 60 people to help.
Vice regent Gramelspacher read about the Internal Rules and Constitution Changes voted on at the International Convention.
Financial Secretary Betty Mehringer presented the meeting receipts.
Regent Beckman closed the meeting at 7:50 p.m. The next meeting will be October 12, 2026, in Room 301, at 6:30 p.m. in the St. Joseph Parish Center, Jasper.
All read the Closing Prayer and sang the Closing Ode.
Ann Hardin was the September birthday winner, and Betty Mehringer won the meeting prize.
