SACRED HEART & ST. BRIGID PARISHES

Transcription

1 LEXINGTON CATHOLIC COMMUNITY SACRED HEART & ST. BRIGID PARISHES ANNUAL REPORT, SEPTEMBER 2013 DEAR PARISHIONERS, Pastors always want more, more worshipers, more workers and more money. This desire is not for personal pride or satisfaction but for the sake of the parish mission and vision. We know what we must do to be faithful to Christ. Our fundamental unity in these two parishes comes from the fact we believe that God spoke to us and became one of us. To bear witness to this living God is our common task at the present time. The seriousness of our faith is shown especially when it inspires people to put themselves totally at the disposal of God and thus other persons. Great acts of charity become concrete only when, on the ground, we find persons totally at the service of others; they make the love of God credible. People of this sort are an important sign of the truth of our faith (Pope Benedict XVI). This annual report shows to each of us the mission being brought to reality by so many volunteers and by the great generosity of our parishioners. But, if we are to be faithful to our mission and our vision, I need we need more people to share their gifts of time, talent and treasure. All these are to be seen as gifts from God to individuals for the growth of the Church of Christ here, in this place and in this time. It is the Lord we are serving. God Bless, Fr. Arnold Colletti A SUMMER OF CHANGE After three years of unwavering service, Fr. Le departed in June for a position at St. Mary s Parish in Franklin. Fr. Gerard Petringa arrived in June from a pastorate at St. Luke s in Belmont. Megan Ambrogio-Chenaille, Coordinator of Youth Ministry and Confirmation, began a new adventure in June. Discerning a vocational call to ministry with the elderly, Megan left the Lexington Catholic Community to find a job in this ministerial field. Sr. Janice Rooney assumed Megan s responsibilities as Confirmation Coordinator bringing the confirmation program under the Director of Religious Education. Stephanie Kelliher was hired to Coordinate Youth Ministry and Communications for the Lexington Catholic Community. VISITORS TO THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND MET IN LENT The Eucharistic ministers from both Sacred Heart and St. Brigid who visit the sick and the homebound met in March for a time of prayer and reflection on their ministry. Coordinated by Kalley Moore and Ray Diffley, the ministers had the opportunity to share wisdom garnered from their visits, as well as ask questions of Fr. Colletti. Thanks to Kalley Moore and Beverly Good who put together the afternoon, and especially to our ministers who listen with attention and care for our shut-ins!

2 p. 2 ANNUAL REPORT, 2013 FR. COLLETTI HONORED AT ANNUAL CHRISM LUNCHEON It is a great honor, certainly, to have my peers recognize that I have worked for the Church over these 51 years, and I am very grateful for their support, their prayers and their confidence in me. There is still more to come. -Fr. Arnold F. Colletti Cardinal Seán P. O Malley honored Fr. Arnold F. Colletti and Fr. John E. Sheridan at a luncheon following the annual Chrism Mass at which the oils that will be used in the administration of each parish s sacraments in the coming year are blessed. Between them, Fr. Colletti and Fr. Sheridan have served the Archdiocese of Boston for 74 years. They are both natives of Massachusetts and completed their studies at St. John s Seminary in Brighton. Fr. Colletti rooted for Cardinal O Malley at the recent papal conclave, and jokingly remarked that the honor he was really hoping to receive was a position as the next Archbishop of Boston. The Catholic Community in Lexington is honored to have Fr. Colletti as our leader. We honor a couple [of priests] as a way of saying thanks to all of you for your generous service to God s people, for the selfless ministry that makes the Good Shepherd s love and pastoral care present and visible among us. -Cardinal O Malley Fr. Arnold F. Colletti and Cardinal Seán P. O Malley MARRIAGE PREPARATION AT ST. BRIGID St. Brigid s current Marriage Prep Team worked with Kari Colella, head of Marriage Ministries for the Archdiocese, to conduct Transformed in Love (the Archidocese s new program recently published by the Daughters of St. Paul) for the first time in this area in March. Some of St. Brigid s team members had observed the program elsewhere, and they were put to work on seven of the topics. Twenty-nine couples attended the two-day program almost double the number that usually registers! Fr. Colletti celebrated a teaching Mass, a new addition to the program, which was well received by the couples. Many thanks to the helpers from outside the parish, to the hospitality workers (Jane, Judith, Mary Louise) and especially our local Team Couples who rose to the occasion in grand style! Please pray for the engaged couples, that their marriages will be blessed beautifully, and for the Team, as they consider how they will move forward. ANNUAL REPORT ON ENERGY USE New energy efficient lighting has replaced the older lighting in both parishes and saves energy. This was the first full year of operation to compare the heating systems at St. Brigid s Church and Parish Center after their conversion from oil to gas and the installation of roof insulation in the church during The savings in heating costs and energy usage between 2011 and 2013 are impressive. The annual heating cost for the parish center dropped from $35,300 to $18,300. The annual heating cost for the church dropped from $31,200 to $10,600. The roof insulation saves about 35% of the energy required to heat the church. It also saves electricity when the air conditioner is running. These results are great news about reducing operating costs and saving energy!

3 SACRED HEART & ST. BRIGID COME UNDER IFRM IN FY14 July 1, the beginning of this fiscal year, marked the fourth and final stage of the implementation of the Archdiocese s Improved Financial Relationship Model (IFRM). The IFRM, designed to simplify the way parishes contribute to the support of the central ministries and services of the Archdiocese, replaces a complex system of payments, fees and taxes in favor of a more streamlined and more equitable model. ANNUAL REPORT, 2013 p. 3 Under IFRM, parishes are required to contribute a 10 percent tithe on the three-year average of their total offertory, grand annual and lease income from non-religious tenants. In addition to the tithe, parishes are expected to raise an amount equal to 8 percent of their annual income for the Annual Catholic Appeal from parishioner contributions. Parishes falling short of this contribution level will make up the difference from parish funds; parishes surpassing this level will receive 50 percent of the overage back. Our parishes commitments under IFRM are shown as Central Ministry Tithe in their respective FY14 budgets. Neither budget includes a supplement to parishioner contributions to last year s Catholic Appeal as both parishes met their respective goals, with St. Brigid even exceeding its goal. CRS MEALS PROJECT A SMASHING SUCCESS Last May, more than 150 volunteers, adults and kids from both St. Brigid and Scared Heart completed the CRS Meals Project. Including donations made that day, $7,599 was forwarded to Catholic Relief Services, enough to order materials for 15,000 meals. Jenny McKay, of Stop Hunger Now, provided necessary materials and equipment to assemble, package and pack the meals for shipment to Burkina Faso in West Africa for distribution there by CRS to starving people, mostly children. Under Jenny s supervision, volunteers prepared packages of rice, dehydrated soy, dehydrated vegetables and a small package of vitamins. Loud music playing in Sacred Heart Parish Center helped keep spirits high and motivated volunteers throughout the project. At day s end, 140 boxes with 15,120 meals were on their way! CALL FOR ADDRESSES St. Brigid Parishioners, Jonathan Cunha and Erin Sweeney, at the Marriage Prep Session The Communications Committee is embarking on a project to make communication between the parish office and parishioners as paperless and eco-friendly as possible. To help in this endeavor, please consider updating your address on the parish website.

4 p. 4 ANNUAL REPORT, 2013 TOILETRY DRIVE FOR ROSIE S PLACE This year, the Lexington Catholic Youth of Sacred Heart and St. Brigid held a toiletry drive to benefit Rosie s Place, a shelter for women in Boston. Collection boxes for the drive were located at the entrances to both Sacred Heart and St. Brigid Churches as well as in the parish centers. Parishioners were asked to donate new and unused items which could be travel size or regular size. The toiletry drive received an amazing response! On April 7, ten teens sorted and packaged the toiletries to be brought to Rosie s Place. Donated items included soap, shampoo, conditioner, band aids, floss, toothbrushes, toothpaste, body wash, lotions/creams, tissues, mouthwash, face wash, make-up, perfumes, hairspray, lip moisturizer, shaving gels, deodorant and hairbrushes/combs. The teens filled thirty large boxes and bags with the toiletries. Two of our seniors, Zach Strohmeyer and Kate Lopes, drove the toiletries into Rosie s Place in Boston. The toiletries were much appreciated and will surely brighten the day for Rosie s women. Since I was little, I have always attended Mass at St. Brigid s on a regular basis. This helped me become part of the community and grow in my faith. As I got older and joined the Youth Leadership Council, I was motivated to give back to the Catholic Community in Lexington that had given so much to me. - Caitlin Hughes, 2013 Scholarship Recipient I am truly grateful for my Catholic Community in Lexington and I am positive that I will continue to stay involved as I mature and grow. - Paige McNamara, 2013 Scholarship Recipient Second graders after receiving the Sacrament of First Communion: above, recipients at Sacred Heart; below, recipients at St. Brigid Sacred Heart and St. Brigid Parishes have provided me with an accepting community to always turn to. I have always been an active member of the Lexington Catholic Community. As I ve grown up, I have been able to turn to my faith for strength in times of struggle. As I begin the next phase of my life, I am confident that my faith will remain constant amid many changes, and I find comfort in this. As I leave home, I know that one of my many anchors is the Lexington Faith Community. - Kate Lopes, 2013 Scholarship Recipient

5 ANNUAL REPORT, 2013 p.5 LEXINGTON CATHOLIC COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS My entire life I have been part of the church community at Sacred Heart Parish. Going to Mass every Sunday as a young child, I could not possibly understand what role it would serve in my life. Only now do I realize that I was growing up in a tight-knit community based on love and serving others that has influenced who I am today. - Steven Ingard, 2013 Scholarship Recipient CATHOLIC HEART WORKCAMP 2013 PARTICIPANTS Picture outside in garden: Back row: Megan Ambrogio-Chenaille Front row from left: Bryan Daley, Zach Strohmeyer, Kate Lopes, Samantha Chua, Caitlin Hughes, Paige McNamara, Steven Ingard For the four years of high school, I have been very involved in the community at St. Brigid and Sacred Heart Parishes. As I move on to college at Elon University in North Carolina, my religion is something that will definitely be coming with me. I know that God will always be there and I can look for guidance from him as I work to make new friends and create new life experiences. -Zachary Strohmeyer, 2013 Scholarship Recipient The church has truly shown me how to connect with God and how to do it well enough that I can do it on my own when in times of need. -Bryan Daley, 2013 Scholarship Recipient Second graders celebrating the reception of their First Communion: above, recipients at St. Brigid This summer, 23 teens and 5 adults went to Hardeeville, South Carolina to participate in Catholic HEART Workcamp. Participants partnered with the local United Way agency to help paint houses, build ramps, work with children and further assist the neighboring community. This trip would not have been possible without the generosity of Sacred Heart and St. Brigid parishioners who helped us reach our goal of $14,000 for the trip. Beginning in sixth grade, I began altar serving at St. Brigid. It was exciting to finally be a part of the procedures I witnessed every week. In the mess of papers, tests and labs that I know I will have to endure [in college], my faith in God will be something that will ground me and remind me that there is a bigger picture than the next due date. - Samantha Chua, 2013 Scholarship Recipient

6 p. 6 ANNUAL REPORT, 2013 Dear St. Brigid Parishioners, On behalf of the St. Brigid Finance Council, I am pleased to present the parish s operating results and other financial information for the 2013 fiscal year as well as the parish s budget for fiscal year FY2013 OPERATING RESULTS AND MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS St. Brigid posted a $73,000 net gain from its 2013 operations. While this was a good result and built the parish s cash reserves, the absence of significant increases in Offertory and Grand Annual contributions is of some concern. Operating expenses, in total, were held at last year s level. During 2013, the parish invested $300,000 of its Capital Reserve in the Archdiocese s Common Investment Fund (CIF). The return on this investment is classified as a capital gain rather than operating income, thus accounting for the decline in the Interest Income account this year. The parish s overall 2013 financial position is a $40,000 net gain even after consideration of capital projects. Three significant projects were completed during the year. The cost of these and other smaller projects was partially offset by additions to the capital reserve including a generous gift from a parishioner and the return on the CIF investment. Although not shown in the statement, parishioners contributions to special collections and the Catholic Appeal topped $205,000. Also of note were the many donations of clothing, food and gift cards to those less fortunate in our community and in the greater Boston area. FY 2013 RESERVES Following contribution of the year s net operating income, the parish s Cash Reserve at year-end stood at $445,100 or 46% of projected 2014 expenses. This is a comfortable level although still slightly below our goal of 50% of annual expenses. The Capital Reserve, $1,043,200 at year-end, is considered adequate for the parish s near term needs. To cover longer term needs and to protect against unexpected repairs, opportunities to add to the balance will be sought. FY2014 OPERATING BUDGET Six operating accounts warrant special mention: Achievement of the combined 7% increase in Offertory and Grand Annual will rely on successful campaigns that increase contribution amounts as well as parishioner participation. The Catholic Appeal Distribution account represents the rebate from the Archdiocese for 50% of the parish s 2013 Catholic Appeal over-goal amount. With the departure of the former rectory s tenants last June and the current review of potential uses of the property, no budget was established in Lease Income. Utilities & Maintenance includes increases in utility and property insurance rates as well as the parish s assumption of operating costs for the former rectory. The Central Ministry Tithe account reflects the new method by which the parish contributes to the support of the central ministries and services provided by the Archdiocese. This amount incorporates and replaces the school tax and other separate assessments. Net operating income of $21,000 is projected. If this challenging goal is exceeded and the cash reserve is deemed sound, the parish will use the excess funds to enrich and expand our ministries in support of the church s mission. FY2014 CAPITAL BUDGET The only significant project is the painting of the interior of the church. The only addition is the forecasted return on the parish s CIF investment. PARISH INCOME ST. BRIGID PARISH FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2013 (in thousands) FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 ACTUALS ACTUALS BUDGET Offertory Grand Annual Religious Education Fees Gifts, Bequests, Donations Sacramental Offerings Rental Income Lease Income Interest Income Catholic Appeal Distribution Other Income TOTAL OPERATING INCOME PARISH EXPENSES Compensation Employee Benefits Religious Stipend & Related Clergy Stipend & Related Professional Services Office & Related Household Utilities & Maintenance Pastoral/Religious/Liturgical Professional Development School Tax Central Ministry Tithe 68.4 Fundraising Other Expenses TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES NET OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) Major Improvements Capital Bequests, Gifts 35.0 Return on CIF Investment Other Additions 12.9 Church & Parish Center Boiler Conversions (45.2) Rectory Kitchen Remodel (31.5) Church Roof Insulation (37.5) Parish Center Kitchen Refurbishment (20.4) Pipe Organ Refurbishment (26.0) Church Interior Painting (56.5) Other Projects (24.3) (19.7) (7.5) NET INCOME (LOSS) (12.1) Cash Reserve Beginning Balance Net Operating Income (Loss) Ending Balance Capital Reserve Beginning Balance 1, , ,043.2 Capital Bequests, Gifts, CFI Investment Major Improvements (101.0) (103.6) (64.0) Ending Balance 1, , ,010.1 The St. Brigid Finance Council Father Colletti, John Bertucci, Ernie Carabillo, Tony Falzone, Liz Foley and I greatly appreciate your financial support of the parish. Going forward, increased contributions from a broader parishioner base will be needed to ensure St. Brigid s continued vitality. We appeal to every parishioner to become more involved financially so that our community s ministries and programs can thrive and be here for future generations. Jane A. Goubeaux, Co-chair, Finance Council

7 Dear Sacred Heart Parishioners, On behalf of Father Colletti and the Sacred Heart Finance Council, I present the parish s operating statement for FY 2013 (July 1, 2012-June 30, 2013), information on the cash reserves and capital improvements, and the parish budget for FY FY 2013 INCOME, EXPENSES, AND RESERVES The financial picture for Sacred Heart parish improved in FY 2013 as the parish realized an operating income gain of $43,600. This was due to two major factors. Rental and lease income rose by $26,900 over the previous year, mainly due to the new lease for the rectory. On the expense side, the account Pastoral, Religious, and Liturgical decreased by $14,900, because of decreased expenses for music, hospitality, and flowers. Together, the Offertory and Grand Annual collections declined by $3,800 from FY 2012 to FY This fall, the parish will undertake both an Offertory Enhancement and Grand Annual program to encourage regular and increased contributions from all our members. The Religious Education and Youth Ministry programs are the largest programs in the parish and are essential for nurturing the faith development of the youngest members of our parish community. In FY 2013, the two parishes funded approximately 42 percent of the total costs, with registration fees and other fundraising covering the remainder. Sacred Heart parishioners were involved in more than 20 committees or commissions. The Christian Service Committee comprises another 25 ministries. In FY 2013, Sacred Heart parishioners contributed over $106,400 to charities throughout the world, including the Catholic Appeal ($30,173), retired priests ($20,291) the Haiti Fund ($13,109) and Katherine Drexel Parish ($8,709). Your generous support of these charities reflects the global reach of our Catholic faith. FY 2014 BUDGET The FY 2014 budget continues to build a more solid financial foundation for the parish. We anticipate Offertory revenue of $320,000 and Grand Annual revenue of $113,000, an increase of $40,100 over FY 2013 actual revenues. We will need these additional funds since the rectory is not currently leased, which was a substantial support to last year s budget. On the expense side, utilities and maintenance are up in part because of the rectory expenses. The new Central Ministry Tithe of $37,500 received an abatement of $20,200, but we cannot expect this abatement to continue in future years. The Central Ministry Tithe replaces the school tax and other fees that the Archdiocese charged parishes in the past. The Business Manager and Parish Pastoral Council have compiled a list of items for maintaining and improving the physical plant, and if we reach our budgeted revenue, we can begin to address the items on this list. The Sacred Heart Finance Council includes Father Colletti, Jim DiSilva, Dick Donato, Leslie Leary, Dick Pemberton, and me. Peter Holland, Co-Chair, Finance Council ANNUAL REPORT, 2013 p.7 SACRED HEART PARISH FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2013 (in thousands) FY 2012 FY 2013 FY 2014 ACTUALS ACTUALS BUDGET PARISH INCOME Offertory Grand Annual Religious Education Fees Gifts, Bequests, Donations Sacramental Offerings Rental Income Lease Income Interest Income Other Income TOTAL OPERATING INCOME PARISH EXPENSES Compensation Employee Benefits Religious Stipend & Related Clergy Stipend & Related Professional Services Office & Related Household Utilities & Maintenance Pastoral/Religious/Liturgical Professional Development Fundraising School Tax Central Ministry Tithe 37.5 Central Ministry Tithe Abatement (20.2) Other Expenses TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES NET OPERATING INCOME (LOSS) (1.1) Capital Bequests, Gifts Major Improvements (2.3) NET INCOME (LOSS) (3.4) Cash Reserve Beginning Balance Major Improvements (2.3) Net Operating Income (Loss) (1.1) Ending Balance

8 p. 8 ANNUAL REPORT, 2013 Fr. Colletti at teaching Mass during Marriage Prep at St. Brigid Fr. Le s Farewell Reception Terry and Ray Diffley at the Visitors to the Sick and Homebound Ministry Meeting Co-leaders of the CRS project: Ted Heuchling and Bob Ludwig Three of the Catholic HEART Workcamp Participants Top Right: Sabrina Sarmiento Above: Ethan Moresco Bottom Left: Tim McNamara Crowning of Mary at the 5 p.m. Mass on Saturday, May 4 th, at St. Brigid Pictured; Marie Hill of Sodality and 1st grader, Sophie Knowles Fr. Le s Farewell Reception