Tax Exemption On Its Way! -- John Wheeler
CTA-NM First Annual State Conference Update
"All Are Welcome At The Table"June 10, 2000
-- Sharon Pikula
Last Supper Project Report -- Sharon Pikula
Do This in Memory of Me
Board Meeting Minutes -- for review
Uranium Mining in NM -- Is this a call for CTA NM?
Yippee!! Thanks to the prompt work of CPA Paul Mitchell (Genevieve Chavez's spouse), on 12/16/99, I was able to review and mail in CTA NM's application to the IRS for recognition of our tax exempt status. Thanks Paul and Genevieve!
The key word here is 'recognition'. An organization which meets the statutory requirements for tax exemption is not actually required to file an application for recognition of tax-exempt status, as a general. Most non profit organizations file the exemption application to avoid another statute which requires the filing of tax returns in the absence of a written recognition by the IRS that the organization is indeed tax exempt. In other words, it is the exemption statute, not the exemption application, which confers tax-exempt status upon our category of exempt organizations. The application serves merely to confirm the exempt status of the organization, at least when acknowledged by the IRS through a "determination letter".
For those of you wishing to make tax deductible contributions to CTA New Mexico, be of good cheer! Not only may you do so in the future, you can be confident that the contributions you have made since the time of our formation are tax deductible because (in my view) we met the statutory requirements at that time. If in doubt, consult your tax advisor.
We need some money. We have adopted a $6,000 budget for the period ending 6/10/2000, most of which is needed for our conference. So far, we have collected (or have pledges for) $2,000 for conference purposes. As treasurer, I am maintaining 3 accounts within my office trust account: Conference Fund; General Fund; and Last Supper Project Fund. We have about $500 in the General Fund. The Last Supper Fund is shy about $40 (disbursements for the art work have exceeded payments received). If you should choose to make a contribution,. please specify which fund it is intended for. If no specification is made, I will credit it to our General Fund.
You might receive this in time to make a tax deductible contribution for 1999! Please make your checks payable to CTA New Mexico. Mail to 615 West First, Truth or Consequences, NM 87901.
The conference is beginning to take shape and there is great potention for spirit and life. Our keynote speakers will be Fr. Michael Crosby, OFMCap, and Sr. Christine Schenk, SJS. Fr. Mike has expertise in the areas of theology and economics. He will share his insight of "All are Welcome at the Table" through the lens of sacred scripture. Sr. Christine will look at the theme based on current pastoral and ministerial situations present throughout our country today. She has Master's degrees in midwifery and theology, and wide experience in community organizing.
Our conference falls on the Vigil of Pentecost which is truly fitting. We are a People of God who are journeying to discern and act in Spirit-filled ways that will bring about an inclusive table.
Additional details:
The conference will be held at University of New Mexico
Continuing Education Center in Albuquerque. The cost of
the conference is $15 per person for registration prior to 4/15
and $20 per person after that date. Brochures will be coming
out in February so please share this information with as many
people as possible. More details in the upcoming months.
SO, MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!
No Conference is possible without a great deal of help. So here is our Christmas Wish List of volunteers that will make this conference is a success:
Committee to develop Opening and Closing Worship: Based on some basic direction from the Board, we need folks who are willing to come together and pray, design all the aspects involving the opening and closing liturgy (music/ prayer/ movement/ environment/ worship aids /copyrights/ etc.) Time commitment will be from roughly now through the conference.
Guest room available for out-of-town folks: Can we (Albuquerque folks) provide any space for folks who cannot afford a hotel room? Would like to advertise this if possible.
Conference Day Materials: We plan on having a folder of material for each person and a name tag. Need someone to put that information together once we figure out what's going in the packet.
Coordinator for Setup & Serve Continental Breakfast/ break refreshments: Person to help coordinate volunteers in helping setting up/ clean up for continental breakfast, snacks, desserts for the day, and contact volunteers with information.
Hospitality/Registration: Folks are needed to greet, welcome, and assist with registration packets.
Volunteers Set up/ Take down: Volunteers are needed to help set up and take down continental breakfast, break refreshment, and other general help.
If you can help, please contact: Mark & Rachel Sutton, 345-3677; Sr. Marie Jacobs, 797-0908; Sharon Pikula, 896-2726; or in Las Cruces, Mary Phillips, 526-5922.
Congratulations to all of the CTA-NM members who have answered the call and either contributed or have distributed cards and prints of the Last Supper. Over 400 postcards have been distributed to date, and 18 prints. The folks who commissioned the picture (B.A.S.I.C., Brothers And Sisters In Christ), are just thrilled. They send their thanks for helping in this important ministry. It's an excellent start. Cards have been sent all across New Mexico from Silver City to Santa Fe and a few have been sent out of state. Three retreat centers now have the print in their facilities.
So with the giving season upon us, please consider a tax-deductible contribution to the Last Supper Project Fund. We do need the funds up front -- and it takes time to get the prints and cards from Dublin. Again there are a variety of ways that these postcards can be used -- so be creative.
Speaking of Creativity:
One of our members, Andy Andrews of Belen, has started putting a
simple pine frame around the postcards so they too can be put on a
wall or desk. I have seen the frame, and it adds a simple elegance to
the picture. So if a large print doesn't work for you, we have a really
good deal. Andy is selling the framed postcards for $4..00. If you are
interested, he can be reached at 505-864-7906, or email
judyandrews@bigfoot.com.
Reminder -- Ordering/ Contributions/ Stories
John Wheeler is the keeper of the $$$. Please send him $$, and
indicate "Last Supper Fund", to 615 West First, T or C, NM 87901.
Sharon Pikula orders prints and postcards and makes sure everyone receives their order. Please send her a note or email: 6098 Cottontail Rd. NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124; SpikulaNM@AOL.com
If there is a story or comment to share on how this print or postcard has impacted someone, we would like to know about it. One of the best comments so far has been "A Seder meal with women and children and married couples changes the whole idea of 'Do This in Memory of Me!'." Please, we would like to hear from you. Again, drop me a note or send me an email.
Those attending were John Wheeler, Genevieve Chavez, Kate Pelly, Mary Phillips, Kitty Phillips-Schaefer, Pat Duttle, Sharon Pikula, Sr. Marie Jacobs, Octavia Fellin, Catharine Stewart-Roache, Mary Jo Kochak, Rachel Sutton, Mark Sutton, Faye Gibson.
The meeting was facilitated by John Wheeler. It was opened with a prayer (Faye Gibson) and brief introductions. The minutes of the last meeting were read, amended, and approved.
John Wheeler gave a Treasurer's Report to the effect that there are three operating accounts for CTA New Mexico: the General Fund has a balance of $684.39; the Conference Fund ha $400, and the Last Supper Fund has $166. All undesignated donations are put in the General Fund account. The organization's expenses last period were to cover the newsletter and fees associated with incorporation. He stated that there has been a very good response to the Last Supper Project. He has completed the proper paperwork requesting a grant of $5000 (of a total projected budget for the year 2000) from the Grand Rapids Dominicans. The proper signatures were obtained at this meeting and the request has been submitted.
Genevieve reported for the Organizational Committee that Paul Mitchell will submit paperwork before January 1 for CTA non--profit status. This status will be retroactive to the beginning of CTA NM, not just the date of filing. John reported that CTA New Mexico is now officially incorporated by the state.
The Communication Committee report was given by Rachel Sutton. She has been in charge of the newsletter. She stated that an editor who will serve as chair of the committee is needed. Catharine Stewart-Roache volunteered to do this if she has backup when she is out of town; John Wheeler agreed to do this. Deadlines for the newsletter were established as the 8th of the month following a board meeting, and the 22nd ... as a mailing deadline. All articles will be submitted to Rachel for formatting; they will then go to Catharine for editing. All agreed that a directory is in order which will include names of members from the national organization and Milwaukee meeting. A policy of replying to all communications by email, mail, or voice was established. Genevieve requested that she be removed from the committee.
Sharon Pikula reported for the CTA 2000 Committee. Mary Phillips has been added to this committee. The place for the conference will be the UNM Conference Center (two rooms are being secured). A meal of enchiladas will be catered for $8 per person. The total budget for the conference is now estimated at $6700. The schedule of the conference was presented. Sharon has discussed content with the speakers, Sr. Chris and Fr. Mike. Other items were presented in a written report but all were not discussed due to time limitations. Most of the discussion focused on the need for publicity of the conference (newspaper articles??, ads, or organizations, parishes, groups, Council of Churches, etc.) and the necessity of having a person in charge of publicity contacts and procedures. S/he will be given local information by identified contacts in the south (Chavez) and in the north (none was identified at this time). A report of specifics from the volunteer for this position will be given at the January meeting.
Pat Duttle gave the report from the Las Cruces Group which is interested in repealing the death penalty in New Mexico; this issue will not come up in the next legislative session but work needs to be done in preparation for 2001. All are invited to the Dec. 4 meeting of the coalition dealing with this, which will meet at 10 AM at 1503 University in Albuquerque.
Sharon reported on the Last Supper Project which has had very good response.
Other items considered at the board meeting were the following:
1. The date for the 2001 Conference was set for Saturday,
June 17. Genevieve will contact Dr. Diane Hayes as a possible
speaker.
2. Reports of the recent National CTA Conference were
given by Sharon and Sr. Marie; both were impressed with the
inspiring speakers and liturgies.
3. Genevieve reported on the new WOC Director from
Arkansas, Debra Halter.
4. Catharine showed concern about the recent vote of the NCCB
limiting the academic freedom of Catholic universities in choosing
faculty for theology departments. CTA action may be taken in the
future.
5. John reported that two Cardinals (Milan and Belgium) are calling
for a reconfiguring of the College of Cardinals.
The next meeting of the board is scheduled for January 16th in the same location and time. Mary Phillips will facilitate. It is important to give agenda items to the facilitator two weeks in advance.
minutes submitted by CSR