The Future of St. John's/St. Ann's Parish

This past weekend, a written report on the Parish’s current finances was included as an insert in the bulletin. Bruce Doud presented a review of the issues involved at the weekend Masses. I hope that everyone studies the report carefully. I know that Bruce would welcome any questions or comments on it. 

We should thank Father Kirwin for the proactive approach in making this information available to parishioners. Unfortunately, this is not the normal practice in most of the other institutions that make up the Catholic Church.

The report clearly shows that the parish will be in a deficit situation unless there is a significant increase in the support it receives from parishioners. No institution can survive if it cannot meet its financial obligations. If we expect St. John’s/St. Ann’s to be here in the future, we must support it. This support must be realistic in terms of the cost of operating in today’s economy when it costs $18.00 per hour to have the Church cleaned and over $100 to have a plumber come and fix a leak. In view of these prices, putting a few dollars a week in the collection basket is not sufficient.

Another method of assuring the Parish will continue to exist is to become active in its management. Again, to Father Kirwin’s credit, he has over the past several years turned over much of the governance of the parish to its various lay ministries. For example, the Facilities Committee has directed the major changes that are taking place with the physical plan of the Parish. This process can only work if you, the parishioners of St. John’s/St. Ann’s, are willing to participate in the Parish Ministries and become active, dedicated volunteers in implementing recommended programs. If you see something that needs to be done, do not say “they” should change this or fix that, but take the leadership needed to see that it gets done. The Parish ministries are self selecting and all you have to do is show up at a meeting to become a member and participate in Parish’s decision making and volunteer to do something that will benefit the Parish. The more volunteers involved, the less the cost to the parish for getting things done.

Leo Hetling

 

Comments

[john d. kirwin]

It is my sad task to report that one of my favorite Sunday morning parishioners departed this wonderful world early this morning from his home, Richard 'Bud' Bailey, will now be a 'greeter' right next to St. Peter - hooray for our side, we've got another one pulling for the rest of us. Our condolences and the promise of prayer to his wonderful wife Helen and all of his family. We will send Bud off in style this Saturday at 10:00 a.m.