Dear friends in life and in ministry,
Last week, I concluded my remarks about pat and my joint (kind of) venture
as "House Managers" of The Catholic House at The Chautauqua Institute with
a hurried "Gotta run. The guests are arriving." Well they did arrive, and
all were kind, caring and altogether remarkable people.
The Catholic House has accommodations for twelve guests (six rooms with two
twin beds), two chaplains or "priests in residence" (two single rooms) and
a room for the House Managers (Pat and I). Because I can only be present
two or three days a week, the Chautauqua Catholic Community whose vision
and great generosity made the Catholic House possible, has also purchased a
gate pass for Deanna Bliss of nearby Mayville, NY. Deanna assists Pat in
her role of sacristan at two daily and three weekend Masses and host of two
lecture programs offered by the Chaplains.
Our first Chaplains in Residence were Fr. Joseph Brennan, an Oblate of St.
Francis De Sales who has been ordained only seven years. He has just
concluded a stint as a high school chaplain and will soon become part of a
parish team in Wilmington, NC. Joe proved to be a very good preacher -
whose humility and earnestness in discussing "A Practical Spirituality for
Lay People" was very well received.
Our other Chaplain was Fr. Donald Cozzens, whose book "The Changing Face of
the Priesthood" ruffled many feathers with its honest look at the realities
of the priesthood of today. The book was I'm sure shocking to those who
would place priests on the shaky pedestal of perfection but critically
important information for those who truly wish to reside in the
collaborative model of church and parish.
Fr. Cozzens presentation was on his new book, "Faith that Dares to Speak"
which explains the feudal operating system that is still a reality in the
Church - and challenges both lay and clergy to "dare to speak up, in love
and faith, when the system turns to secrecy, threats, and intimidation to
silence the voice of the faithful. Over 250 people attended his
presentation which was a breath of fresh air in this often arrogant and
thought-repressive period of Church History.
Entertainment has included a wonderful concert by the very talented singer
songwriter Neil Sedaka and last night's soul-fest with Four Kings of R & B
- Lloyd Price, Jerry Butler, Gene Chandler and Ben E. King. A great
evening.
Today (Saturday), I returned to Bath for the 4 p.m. Mass but will make a
quick July 4 return to celebrate with Pat our 38th wedding anniversary.
How time flies.
In this week's Sent to Serve Column I update my parishioners on the Capital
improvements to our facilities made over the past year. While not exactly
inspirational, the list is impressive.
Blessings to all . . .
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My Sent to Serve column this week can be accessed by clicking the image to the right.
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Click the image to the right for our
printable column
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July 3, 2005
Last weekend I shared with you my concerns as I have worked with the staff
to put together our 2005-2006 parish budget. I mentioned that the staff
and I have reviewed the areas where we might cut or reduce our spending.
Part of that conversation required a review of some basic budgeting
principals including our need to resources for both "Capital" (bricks and
mortar, renovations, equipment, etc.) expenditures and "Operational"
expenditures. Examples of money set aside for "capital" expenditures
include donations to The Cross Campaign and Partners in Faith, and
designated gifts such as the Minichello Bequest.
These monies are usually placed in CDs or other interest bearing accounts
and used exclusively to pay for "capital" improvements. Over the past year
or so we have made significant capital improvements to our facilities
including:
New Handicapped accessible Church Rest Room
Cost: $5000 Income Source: Partners in Faith
New Church Doors
Cost: $30,000 Income Source: Minichello Bequest
O'Malley Hall Acoustical Improvements
Cost: $2,500 Income Source: Partners in Faith
O'Malley Hall Kitchen, New Zimmer Center Rest Room, Zimmer Center Rest Room
Renovations,
Electrical Upgrade
Cost: $130,000 Income Source: Partners in Faith
and Minichello Bequest
We also had to purchase the following replacement equipment:
O'Malley Hall Kitchen Equipment
(Dishwasher, freezer, sinks, prep tables, ice machine, etc.)
Cost: $11,000 Income Source: NYS Grant to
Bath Community Day Care and Minichello Bequest
O'Malley Hall Round Tables (12)
Cost: $1,200 Income Source: Savings and Gifts
Office Computer
Cost: $900 Income Source: Savings
Washer and Dryer - Rectory
Cost: $900 Income Source: Savings
Garden Tractor
Cost: $1,000 Income Source: Cemetery Fund
During 2004-2005 we also received bequests from the Estates of Dorothy
Gabrielli ($10,000) and Andy Hopiak ($5000). Because they were not
designated for a specific purpose, we were free to use this money to
offset operational expenses such as salaries, heating, cooling and
electricity, and ministry expenses.
Over the next few weeks, I'll review in further detail the "Operational"
expenditures that pay for the day to day running of our parish ministries -
and ways that we are attempting to balance these expenditures with the
revenues we receive from your weekly donations.
I'll do this:
. In this weekly "Sent to Serve" Column
. At Mass: A future homily will include information
concerning our 2004-2005 Fiscal year.
. At a "Town Meeting" at which I'll present a full "State of the Parish"
Report.
. Through personal letters and home visits encouraging your assistance in
increasing sacrificial giving so that our revenues will balance our
expenses.
. Through prayer - my own and hopefully yours. Please begin today to pray
for a generous spirit that reflects God's promise to provide all we
need.
Have a good week. Serve one another well.
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