1. Mission Statement. The Mission Statement of Holy Trinity Parish, Winsted, MN (hereafter "Parish") reads as follows:

We celebrate the continual presence of Jesus Christ through the education of our youth and members; service to our community; and the spreading of the Gospel by living, loving, and serving God in the Catholic tradition.

2. Bylaws. The primary purpose of the Parish Bylaws shall be to establish the operating guidelines and procedures that support the Diocese of New Ulm Policies, Holy Trinity’s Pastor-Superintendent (hereafter "Pastor"), and the Holy Trinity Mission Statement through a defined organizational structure.
3. Structure. The Parish Organizational Chart is attached hereto as Exhibit A. It provides an overview of the relationship and shared responsibility between the Pastor, Parish employees, and the various representative bodies of the Parish.

1. Parish Council.

1. Name. The name of this Executive Organization shall be the Holy Trinity Parish Council (hereafter "Parish Council").

2. Purpose. The primary purpose of the Parish Council, in a shared relationship with the Pastor, shall be to establish and administer the Parish By-laws and actively promote the Parish Mission Statement to the Parish members and organizations.

3. Authority. The Parish Council has specific authority to establish and enforce Parish policies and procedures, monitor the performance of the Parish Standing Organizations, and work in close collaboration with Holy Trinity’s Pastor advising in matters of pastoral ministry.

4. Objectives. As an executive body of the Parish reporting directly to the Pastor the Parish Council is responsible to establish and implement both short and long term parish goals and objectives within the following framework:

1. The Parish Council shall share and emulate the same pastoral concerns and ministry as the Pastor.
2. The Parish Council shall provide a medium whereby all members of the Parish may express their views on all spiritual and temporal matters of the Parish.
3. The Parish Council shall engage its members and Parish Organizations to initiate and evaluate programs and activities, develop and revise policies that promote the general well-being of all the people of the Parish, and proclaim the Good News of God’s kingdom present among us.
4. The Parish Council shall operate within the broader framework and policies of the Diocese of New Ulm.

5. Members. The Parish Council shall comprise of seven (7) voting members. Six (6) of the members shall be elected at large from the Parish as set forth in Section II.G.2. One (1) member shall be appointed by the Pastor to reflect the diversity of the Parish.

6. Term and Term Limits. Each member of the Parish Council shall serve for a term of three (3) consecutive years, and may serve a maximum of two (2) consecutive terms. Each year of a term starts on July 1st and ends on June 30th of the following year.

7. Regular Meetings. The Parish Council shall hold regular monthly meetings. The time and place of each meeting shall be determined at the previous month’s meeting.

8. Quorum. Five (5) Parish Council members must be present at a meeting to constitute a quorum and transact official business.

9. Forum. Parish Council meetings are held in a closed forum. Non- Parish Council members may attend the meetings if they have asked to be added to the agenda and have been invited to attend the meeting for a specific purpose and/or presentation. Any such invitation must be specifically included in the meeting agenda.

1. Name. The name of this Executive Organization shall be the Holy Trinity Finance Council (hereafter "Finance Council").
2. Purpose. The primary purpose of the Finance Council, in a shared relationship with the Pastor, shall be to establish policies and procedures for preparing and reviewing a comprehensive annual Parish budget, review and monitor Parish operating revenues and expenditures, and evaluate and approve the Parish’s financial structure/relationships including but not limited to Parish banking, borrowing, capital expenditures, fundraising, and debt retirement.
3. Authority. The Finance Council is a consultative organization that works in close collaboration with Holy Trinity’s Pastor advising on matters of Parish finances. The Finance Council has specific authority to establish policies and procedures for preparing and reviewing the Parish Budget, and to monitor the performance of the Cemetery, Building Sub-Committees, or other committees formed by the Pastor.
4. Objectives. As an executive body of the Parish reporting directly to the Pastor, the Finance Council is responsible to operate within the following framework:

1. The Finance Council is directly accountable to the Pastor, and is responsible for making final recommendations in fiscal matters of the Parish.
2. The Finance Council shall communicate and work harmoniously with the Parish Council in determining funding requirements for different programs/projects of the Parish.
3. The Finance Council shall engage its members and committees to initiate and evaluate fiscal policies and procedures, develop and recommend policies that promote the general well-being of the Parish, and proactively support fundraising and stewardship programs.
4. The Finance Council shall operate within the broader framework and policies of the Diocese of New Ulm.

5. Members. The Finance Council shall comprise of five (5) voting members. One member of the Finance Council shall be a current Parish Council member, and the other four (4) members shall be appointed by the Pastor.

6. Term and Term Limits. Each of the four (4) appointed members of the Finance Council shall serve for a term of two (2) consecutive years, and may serve a maximum of three (3) consecutive terms. Each year of a term starts on July 1st and ends on June 30th of the following year.

7. Regular Meetings. The Finance Council shall hold a minimum of six (6) meetings per year. The date, time, and place of each meeting shall be determined at the previous meeting.

8. Quorum. Four (4) Finance Council members must be present at a meeting to constitute a quorum and transact official business.

9. Forum. Finance Council meetings are held in a closed forum. Non- Finance Council members may attend the meetings if they have asked to be added to the agenda and have been invited to attend the meeting for a specific purpose and/or presentation. Any such invitation must be specifically included in the meeting agenda.

1. Name. The name of this Standing Organization shall be the Holy Trinity Education Committee (hereafter "Education Committee").
2. Education Mission. In addition to supporting the Parish Mission Statement, the Education Committee shall operate under the commitment to the following Holy Trinity School Mission Statement:

Holy Trinity School provides a faith-centered spiritual community, which guides and educates our children in faith and academics in preparation for the challenges of today’s world.

3. Purpose. The primary purpose of the Education Committee, in a shared relationship with the Pastor and Holy Trinity School’s Principal (hereafter "Principal"), shall be to develop, implement, and govern policies, methods, and activities as it specifically relates to Holy Trinity School, Religious Education Programs, Adult Education, and the general education of all members and ages in the Parish, and shall review, adjust, and recommend to the Finance Council the annual Holy Trinity School’s Budget.
4. Authority. The Education Committee works through the Parish Council to establish policies and procedures. The Education Committee has specific authority to develop, implement, and govern approved policies and activities as it relates to Holy Trinity School, Religious Education Program, Adult Education and the general education of all members and ages in the Parish; and to monitor the performance of the Principal, Religious Education Coordinator, and Service Coordinator.
5. Objectives. The Education Committee is a consultative organization working with the Pastor and Principal in developing and implementing both short and long term education and enrichment goals and objectives within the following framework:

1. The Education Committee shall create an awareness of the responsibility of the faithful for the Education Mission of the Parish.
2. The Education Committee shall promote, coordinate, and evaluate total Christian education, including catechesis, evangelism, and instruction of children, youth, and adults.

c) The Education Committee shall develop the policies as it relates to the recruitment and selection of qualified personnel to teach in Holy Trinity School and the Religious Education Program.

d) The Education Committee shall assist in the formation and implementation of a Christian based curriculum that supports the long-term growth of Holy Trinity School Education Programs. As well as assist in the formation and implementation of a solid and strong academic curriculum at Holy Trinity School.

6. Members. The Education Committee shall comprise of nine (9) voting members. Six (6) of the voting members shall be elected at large from the Parish as set forth in Section II.G.2.; two (2) of the Education Committee’s voting members shall be Parish Council members; and one (1) member shall be appointed by the Pastor to reflect the diversity of the Parish. There shall be two (2) ex officio members: Principal and Religious Education Coordinator.

7. Term and Term Limits. Each member of the Education Committee shall serve for a term of three (3) consecutive years, and may serve a maximum of two (2) consecutive terms. Each year of a term starts on July 1st and ends on June 30th of the following year.

8. Regular Meetings. The Education Committee shall hold regular monthly meetings. The time and place of each meeting shall be determined at the previous month’s meeting, but must be held at least (7) days prior to the regular monthly Parish Council meeting.

9. Quorum. Seven (7) Education Committee members must be present at a meeting to constitute a quorum and transact official business.

10. Forum. Education Committee meetings are held in a closed forum. Non-Education Committee members, students, or parents of students may attend the meetings if they have asked to be added to the agenda and have been invited to attend the meeting for a specific purpose and/or presentation. Any such invitation must be specifically included in the meeting agenda.

1. Name. The name of this Standing Organization shall be the Holy Trinity Worship and Outreach Committee (hereafter "Worship & Outreach Committee").

2. Purpose. The primary purpose of the Worship & Outreach Committee is to develop and implement strategic and creative programs that effectively encourage the overall spiritual growth within the Parish and Winsted community including planning liturgical functions, encouraging the Parish community to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and actively working for justice while serving all who are in need in the Parish and community.

3. Authority. The Worship & Outreach Committee reports to the Parish Council. It shall establish and review its own organizational guidelines, goals, and objectives; and develop an annual liturgical and social event calendar by October 1st of each year. The Parish Council shall approve, disapprove, or approve with changes to the calendar during the Parish Council’s regular October meeting. The Worship & Outreach Committee has the authority to recommend the annual Parish Worship & Outreach budget for the Finance Council’s review and Parish Council’s approval

4. Objectives. The Worship & Outreach Committee is a consultative organization, which works with the Parish Council to enhance the worship and spiritual life of the Parish within the following framework:

a) The Worship & Outreach Committee shall share and emulate the same pastoral concerns and ministry as Parish Council and the Pastor.

b) The Worship & Outreach Committee shall provide a medium whereby any and all members of the Parish may express their views on all spiritual matters of the Parish.

c) The Worship & Outreach Committee shall plan and provide for spiritual development of each member of the Parish through liturgical celebration of the sacraments, prayer, and spiritual growth programs.

d) The Worship & Outreach Committee shall identify the needs of the people in the Parish and the wider community and respond to those needs in developing and implementing programs to support such people.

e) The Worship & Outreach Committee shall raise the Parish’s awareness of issues relating to justice and peace on local, national, and international levels.

5. Members. The Worship & Outreach Committee shall be comprised of seven (7) voting members. Five (5) of the voting members shall be appointed by the Pastor at large from the Parish, and two (2) of the Worship & Outreach Committee voting members shall be Parish Council members.

6. Term and Term Limits. Each appointed member of the Worship & Outreach Committee shall serve for a term of two (2) consecutive years, and may serve a maximum of three (3) consecutive terms. Each year of a term starts on July 1st and ends on June 30th of the following year.

7. Regular Meetings. The Worship & Outreach Committee shall hold regular monthly meetings. The time and place of each meeting shall be determined at the previous month’s meeting, but must be held at least (7) days prior to the regular monthly Parish Council meeting.

8. Quorum. Five (5) Worship & Outreach Committee members must be present at a meeting to constitute a quorum and transact official business.

9. Forum. All Worship & Outreach Committee meetings shall be held in an open forum.

1. Name. The name of this Standing Organization shall be the Holy Trinity Communication and Development Committee (hereafter "Communication & Development Committee").

2. Purpose. The primary purpose of the Communication & Development Committee is to develop and implement strategic and creative marketing and fundraising programs that effectively encourage and engage parishioners in active stewardship, creates a viable need and encouragement for Holy Trinity School’s fundraising efforts, and delivers a positive message to non-members and community businesses that encourages the support of the Parish Mission and efforts. This committee oversees all Parish fund- raising efforts including but not limited to Holy Trinity School development programs, Winstock, and Parish stewardship.

3. Authority. The Communications & Development Committee reports to the Parish Council. It shall establish and review its own organizational guidelines, goals, and objectives. The Communications & Development Committee shall develop and submit an event and fundraising calendar to Parish Council by May 1st of each year. The Parish Council shall approve, disapprove, or approve with changes during the Parish Council’s regular May meeting. The Communications & Development Committee has the authority to recommend the annual Communications & Development budget for the Finance Council’s review and Parish Council’s approval.

4. Objectives. The Communications & Development Committee is a consultative organization, which works with the Parish Council to enhance the total life of the Parish within the following framework:

a) The Communications & Development Committee shall draw upon the wisdom and resources of the Parish and community as it develops and implements fundraising and stewardship programs.

b) The Communications & Development Committee shall develop and recommend policies and procedures as it relates to the distribution of information to the Parish and community.

c) The Communications & Development Committee shall harmoniously work with the Education Committee in the distribution of Holy Trinity School and Religious Education Program information, calendars, and programs to its students, parents, alumni, and the wider community.

d) The Communications & Development Committee shall harmoniously work with the Worship & Outreach Committee to identify, track, and communicate with the wider community in an attempt to help and reach all people in need.

5. Members. The Communications & Development Committee shall comprise of seven (7) voting members. Five (5) of the voting members shall be appointed by the Pastor at large from the Parish or School, and two (2) of the Communications & Development Committee voting members shall be Parish Council members. There shall be one (1) ex officio member: Development Coordinator.

6. Term and Term Limits. Each appointed member of the Communications & Development Committee shall serve for a term of two (2) consecutive years, and may serve a maximum of three (3) consecutive terms. Each year of a term starts on July 1st and ends on June 30th of the following year.

7. Regular Meetings. The Communications & Development Committee shall hold regular monthly meetings. The time and place of each meeting shall be determined at the previous month’s meeting, but must be held at least (7) days prior to the regular monthly Parish Council meeting.

8. Quorum. Five (5) Communications & Development Committee members must be present at a meeting to constitute a quorum and transact official business.

9. Forum. All Communications & Development Committee meetings shall be held in an open forum.

1. Names. The names of all Sub or Ad Hoc Committees shall be determined by the Parish Council, except for the following Sub-Committees that report to a specific Executive or Standing Organization as set forth and attached hereto as Exhibit A:

1. Cemetery Committee.
2. Building Committee.
3. Liturgy Committee.
4. Community Outreach Committee.
5. Social Concerns Committee.
6. Stewardship Committee.
7. Fundraising Committee(s).
8. Technology Committee.

2. Purpose. In addition to the Sub-Committees set forth above, each of the Executive or Standing Organizations shall have the power to establish Ad Hoc Committees for the purpose of addressing specific issues or developing specific programs within their authority.

3. Authority. The Sub-Committees shall report to a specific Executive or Standing Organization as set forth in Exhibit A. Any Executive or Standing Organization may establish an Ad Hoc Committees upon approval of both the Parish Council and Pastor. The respective Executive or Standing Organization shall establish and review each Sub-Committee or Ad Hoc Committee’s organizational guidelines, goals, objectives, and authority. All Ad Hoc committees must have a written agenda and prepare minutes for review by the respective Executive or Standing Organization they report to. The Parish Council and Pastor reserve the right to terminate without notice any Ad Hoc Committee that does not reflect the Holy Trinity Parish Mission Statement.

4. Members. Sub or Ad Hoc Committees may be comprised of three (3) to seven (7) members selected from the general Parish or community at large. A Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Secretary shall be selected by the Executive or Standing Organization they report to and conduct the meetings as set forth in Section II.G.3 herein. At least one member of all Sub and Ad Hoc Committees shall be an active member of the Executive or Standing Organization they report to.

5. Term and Term Limits. Each member of any Sub and Ad Hoc Committee shall serve for a term of one (1) year. Each year of a term starts on July 1st and ends on June 30th of the following year.

6. Regular Meetings. All Sub and Ad Hoc Committees shall schedule and conduct meetings as needed. All meetings shall be scheduled with the Parish Office with at least seven (7) days notice. The date, time, and place of each meeting shall be determined at the previous meeting and shall not conflict with the Executive or Standing Organization’s regular meeting the respective Sub or Ad Hoc Committee reports to.

7. Quorum. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the members must be present at a meeting Sub or Ad Hoc Committee to constitute a quorum and transact official business.

8. Forum. All Sub and Ad Hoc Committee meetings shall be held in an open forum.

1. Qualifications. All members of the Parish Council, Finance Council, Education Committee, Worship & Outreach Committee, and Communications & Development Committee must meet the following minimum qualifications:

1. Members must be 18 years of age.
2. Members must be baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church.
3. Members must be registered members of the Parish.
4. Members shall have an interest in all areas of Parish life.
5. Members shall have an understanding and commitment to the Parish Mission Statement.

2. Election Procedure. The Parish shall elect the members of any Organization that are comprised of elected members as set forth in these Bylaws. The Parish Council shall facilitate the election process as follows:

a) Candidates. Any parish member desirous of running as a candidate for the Parish Council shall file his or her intention of candidacy with the Secretary of the Parish Council or at the Parish Office by completing and submitting a Prospective Candidate Application. The Parish Council shall review the Prospective Candidate Applications and nominate all qualified candidates at the Parish Council’s April meeting. Nominated candidates shall have their names published and distributed to the eligible Parish voters at least one week prior to the election.

b) Election. The Parish shall hold an annual election the first weekend of May each calendar year as follows:

i) Voting Eligibility. Each registered member of the parish who has been confirmed, or who has attained eighteen (18) years of age on the date of the election, shall be entitled to vote.

ii) Ballots. Paper ballots will be distributed to all eligible voters at the Saturday and Sunday Masses. The Parish Council shall directly supervise the counting of the ballots and subsequent tabulating of the election results.

iii) Absentee Balloting. In the event an eligible voter is unable to vote on the election dates, an eligible voter may secure an absentee ballot from the Parish Office. All absentee ballots must be submitted and received by the Parish Office prior to first date of the election.

iv) Election Results. The election results will be certified by the Pastor and Chairperson of the Parish Council as soon as reasonably possible, but not later than seventy-two (72) hours following the election. Candidates shall be informed of the results immediately following the certification. Election results shall be published the first weekend following the certification.

v) Tie Vote. In the event of a tie vote, there shall be a second election on the Saturday and Sunday immediately following the dates of the original annual election. Tie vote elections shall follow the same election guidelines, as set forth in this Section, with the exception that only the candidates who specifically had a tie vote in the election shall be displayed on the ballot.

vi) Installation. Newly elected and appointed members of any organization shall be installed at the respective organization’s first regularly scheduled council or committee meeting after June 30th of each calendar year. Terms for all Parish organizations run from July 1st to June 30th of the following year.

c) Vacancies. Should a seat in any organization open before his or her term is completed, the Pastor shall appoint a replacement to fill the vacancy. The successor member shall serve the remainder of the term.

3. Meetings.

a) Notice of Meeting. Each organization shall establish a regular meeting schedule. Regular meetings of all Parish organizations shall be published one week in advance in the Parish Bulletin (hereinafter "Bulletin"). Each meeting’s time and place shall be determined at the previous month’s regular meeting.

b) Quorum. If not specifically stated to the contrary above, seventy-five percent (75%) of an organization’s members must be present at a meeting to constitute a quorum and transact official business.

c) Format. Each Organization’s Chairperson (or Vice-Chairperson in the Chairperson’s absence) shall call the meeting to order and follow an agenda as set forth in this Section. All Parish meetings shall be conducted in free and open atmosphere encouraging all members to participate. The intent is to reach an informal consensus prior to voting on any matter, however if consensus is lacking, the matter should be tabled for further development and discussion. The Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, or Secretary may invoke Robert's Rules of Order at any time a meeting is being disrupted or losing its focus.

d) Agenda. Each Organization’s Chairperson shall submit to the Parish office and to all members of that Organization each meeting’s agenda at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to any scheduled meeting. Any member may submit items for the agenda to the Chairperson of their Organization not less than seven (7) days prior to each scheduled meeting. The agenda for all Parish meetings shall include the following:

i) Opening Prayer.

ii) Enrichment Period.

iii) Review and approval of minutes from previous meeting.

iv) Committee Reports (as required per Organizational Chart).

v) Itemized Old Business.

vi) Itemized New Business.

vii) Closing Prayer.

e) Minutes. The Secretary or Vice-Chairperson of each organization must take minutes of any Organization meeting. A one page summary of the minutes shall be prepared and submitted to Parish Office or other designated party(s) within five (5) days of any organization meeting:

i) Content. The minutes shall contain who are present, date, time, and place of Organization’s meeting and a summary of the main issues discussed and/or voted on, and results of such vote. Any drafted and recommended policy or proposed amendment to these Bylaws shall be attached to the minutes as set forth in Section III below.

ii) Distribution. The minutes shall be collected and disbursed through the Parish Office except a summary of the minutes of the Worship & Outreach Committee, Education Committee, and Communications & Development Committee shall submit a copy of their respective minutes directly to the Secretary of the Parish Council in addition to the Parish Office. A summary of the Parish Council’s minutes shall be submitted to the Parish Office within forty-eight (48) hours and published in the Bulletin immediately following each Parish Council’s regularly scheduled meeting.

f) Special Meetings. Special meetings for any organization may be called for any purpose at any reasonable time, by the Pastor, Chairperson, or by more than fifty-percent (50%) of the members of any Organization. The Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary of the respective Organization, shall notify all members of that Organization and the Parish Office of the time, place, and date of any special meeting. If possible the meeting shall be published in the Bulletin prior to the special meeting date. All special meetings shall be conducted in the same format as the regular meetings.

g) Member Conduct. At all meetings members should listen and be open to the Holy Spirit and to each other. Each and every member shall harmoniously support the decisions and policies approved or disapproved by their Organization.

h) Confidential Information. Information not generally known by the public or Parish members is considered confidential. As a member of any Parish Organization, there is an inherent and judicious obligation not to disclose confidential information presented and discussed at meetings. It is the Pastor’s sole decision to release such information to all Parish members and general public.

i) Forum. With the exception of the Parish Council, Finance Council, and Education Committee as specifically stated in these Bylaws, meetings are open to all members of the Parish. However, comments and questions from non-Organization members may be restricted to New Business discussion at the discretion of the Chairperson.

j) Attendance. Members of any Organization are required to attend all regular and special meetings of their respective Organization. A vacancy shall automatically occur on any Organization whenever any member is absent from two consecutive meetings without a valid excuse presented to either the Chairperson or Pastor prior to the scheduled meetings. The respective Chairperson shall notify in writing the respective member of the effective date of his or her removal from his or her Organization. Any such vacancy shall be filled as set forth in Section II.G.2.c above.

4. Officers of Each Organization.

a) Chairperson. The Chairperson shall be nominated and elected at the first regular meeting following the installation of the new members, but the Chairperson must be elected prior to September 1st of each calendar year. The Chairperson’s duties shall include:

i) Set the agenda for all Organization meetings.

ii) Preside over all Organization meetings.

iii) Address member performance and attendance issues.

b) Vice-Chairperson. The Vice-Chairperson shall be nominated and elected at the first regular meeting following the installation of the new members, but the Vice Chairperson must be elected prior to September 1st of each calendar year. The Vice Chairperson’s duties shall include:

i) Preside over Organization meetings in absence of the Chairperson.

ii) Responsible for Organization minutes in absence of the Secretary.

c) Secretary. The Secretary shall be nominated and elected at the first regular meeting following the installation of the new members, but the Secretary must be elected prior to September 1st of each calendar year. The Secretary’s duties shall include:

i) Responsible for the Organization meeting minutes as set forth in Section II.G.3.e above.

ii) Responsible for the delivery of all correspondence to the Parish Office and other members on a timely basis.

d) Vacancies. The vacancy of any officer because of death, resignation, extended illness, or otherwise shall be filled at the next regular meeting from one of the remaining organization members.

A. Process. Any proposed Parish policies or changes, amendments, or additions to these Bylaws shall follow a formal approval process. They may be proposed and drafted by any Parish organization, but must be first approved by the Finance Council, Worship & Outreach Committee, Education Committee, and/or Communications & Development Committee prior to submission to the Parish Council and Pastor for their final mutual approval.

B. Form. All newly recommended Parish Policies and/or Bylaw Amendments must be drafted in the format attached hereto as Exhibit B. No policy will be effective until signed and dated by the Parish Council Chairperson and the Pastor specifically indicating the effective date of such Policy or Bylaw Amendment.