Since my last report to you in November, 2004, very few additional projects have been undertaken, a direct result of our difficult financial situation. Perhaps most significant was the replacement of the computerized control system for the Church's heating and air conditioning system, which had to be done following the original system's breakdown in December. Another improvement to the Church was the addition of new vertical blinds for the exterior windows in the Brides' Room and in the Ushers' Room.Improvements completed in the School included the installation of replacement insulated windows in the School Office, the construction in the PAC of new, larger cabinets for storage of band instruments, and the replacement of old carpet and asbestos tile in the upstairs Computer Lab with new vinyl floor tile. Replacement of some valves and steam traps in the steam heat system (servicing the K/3 School building) was also necessary.
You will also see this year the continuation of the program to remove dead trees, mostly of the ash variety, around the grounds. Trees located on City property will be removed by the City at no additional cost to us, but those on our grounds are our responsibility. We will be better able to identify problem trees once the leaves re-appear this spring.
Potential projects which remain on hold include the replacement of our back-up hot water boiler (servicing the Church and the 4/8 School building), and the replacement of remaining non-insulated glass and doors in the Fishbowl, 6th grade, K/1, and 2/3 entry areas of the School. At some point, the parking lots and the Bell Tower will also need remedial work, as will the large roofs covering the PAC, the Middle School, and the Gym.
You recently received a letter from Fr. Jim and Dave O'Brien, Chairman of our Parish Finance Council, requesting increased financial support from parishioners. Perhaps an explanation of our needs is in order. Through the end of April (as this is written), Sunday collections are running about $64,000 behind the amount budgeted. This is on top of an even larger shortfall in school tuition revenues, which was the result of lower enrollment than had been anticipated. At the same time, we have experienced significant increases in expenses out of our control, beyond levels that were budgeted. Examples of these types of costs would be the severe winter's snow removal expense, including all the overtime hours payable to maintenance workers to clear snow, the cost of natural gas used for heating, and the cost of repairs and maintenance of our aging buildings.
We are like most Catholic parishes, and very much unlike many Protestant congregations, in that we have no funds to be speak of set aside in savings. When funds are received, they are immediately utilized to support the many ministries and programs offered by the Parish, including our School and Religious Education programs, and what is left is frequently used for facility improvements or other necessities. Dealing with emergency financial needs is often stressful and difficult.
We hope that you agree that we have been good stewards of your financial resources in the past, and that the expenses incurred, whether visible or behind-the-scenes, have been necessary, and handled in an appropriate, cost-effective manner. In order to continue to support the ministries that serve so many of us in the Parish, we again appeal to you to prayerfully consider increasing your support of the Parish. Unless there is an improvement in our revenues, we shall likely be forced to eliminate some of our programs, and reduce support of others, in order to be able to cover the many expenses over which we have no control. Please join me in increasing your support of our Parish in 2005 and the years to come.
As always, please feel free to contact me should you have any questions or comments.
Dave Barera, Parish Business Manager
821-2111 or dsbarera@catholicWeb.com