Stewardship Report 2012

St. Clare of Assisi Mission Statement St. Clare of Assisi, a Roman Catholic Community, exists to grow in love of Jesus Christ and to live His Gospel. Through baptism we are all called to holiness of life; sharing the benefits and responsibilities of our salvation. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we apply our God-given talents: To proclaim Jesus Christ in all our words and actions To foster conversion through Prayer and the Sacraments To promote knowledge and education of Catholicism To care for those in need To exercise loving stewardship of God's gifts to us of time, talent and treasure To nurture community within our parish To embrace all people as sisters and brothers All to the Honor and Glory of God. St. Clare of Assisi Parish 15642 Clayton Road Ellisville, Missouri 63011 636.394.7307 Email: assisi@swbell.net Fax: 636.394.6264 Web: www.saintclareofassisi.org Stewardship Report 2012 From the Pastor s Desk Next year our parish will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Many wonderful activities are being planned to make this occasion special. Please mark your calendars to enjoy these events. Saturday, May 18, 2013 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of St. Clara Parish Sunday, August 11, 2013 48th Anniversary of the Church Building Dedication and St. Clare s Feast Day July 1, 2011 June 30, 2012 Dear Parish Family of St. Clare, I would like to invite you to experience the JOY OF GIVING! God is constantly building His kingdom on earth, and our gifts contribute to His work. SHARING YOUR GIFTS, through your own Prayer, Participation, and Generosity, is part of His plan of STEWARDSHIP. Each of us has unique gifts to give back to God by sharing with others. Through PRAYER, you can spend time with the Lord...to know what you are to do in response to His love and blessings. Through PARTICIPATION, you can lend a helping hand...even as someone has helped you. Through GENEROSITY, you can help our parish spread the Gospel...giving hope to people who need love and support. Remember, when God calls us to give, it is an answer to someone else's prayers. We are to give out of love according to our own means. No one else can give the gift that you can give. Please use the enclosed brochure as a reflection guide, gratefully considering the generous gifts that God and others have made to help you. Then, please prayerfully complete and return the enclosed intention card to support God's work in our neighborhood and to keep our parish ALIVE IN CHRIST! You may return the card at Mass or to the rectory. Thank you for being a member of our parish family. We appreciate your prayers and your past and Save The Date... future stewardship support. Saint Clare of Assisi, pray for us. Gratefully in Christ, Father Kevin Callahan Sunday, September 8, 2013 50th Anniversary of the First St. Clara Mass Monday-Thursday, October 7-10, 2013 Parish Mission led by the Vincentians October 26, 2013 Adult Dinner Dance in Dollard Hall 1

Parish Highlights 2011-2012 World Youth Day In August 2012, nine teens from our parish, along with Fr. Jim Theby and former Youth Minister Rhoda Bevc, traveled to Lourdes, France for a four day pilgrimage. They then traveled to Barcelona, Spain for a week to participate in Days in the Diocese a satellite activity of the World Youth Day event. The group spent a final week in Madrid, Spain for World Youth Day, celebrating a week of activities with other young Catholics from around the world. This event culminated in a Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI. 50th Anniversary Committee Update The committee, headed by parishioners Teri Jannett and Alison White, has been meeting monthly for more than a year planning activities for St. Clare s 50th Anniversary celebration. Subcommittees were established to coordinate special activities. The History Committee began soliciting stories and photos of the parish s history to include in a hardcover book to be published next year. The Photo Directory Committee began plans to make an updated photo directory of all parishioners and parish organizations. This project is currently in progress. Other committees include: Liturgy, Social, Arts, Mementos and Mission. Update on Seminarians Parishioners Charlie Harris and Paul Hamilton continue their seminarian studies. Next May 2013, both Charlie and Paul will be ordained transitional deacons. In May 2014, they will be ordained priests. We continue to pray for them. 2 Robert Wood Ordination The parishioners of St. Clare warmly welcomed Deacon Robert Wood at his celebration Mass and reception at St. Clare on June 3. Robert was ordained to the Sacred Order of the Permanent Diaconate on June 2, 2012. The sacrament was conferred by Archbishop Robert J. Carlson at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. Robert successfully completed five years of study before his ordination and will continue his theological studies for three additional years. Included in his duties as a St. Clare deacon, Robert will proclaim the Gospel, baptize and witness marriages. Robert and his wife, Sarah, have been in St. Clare Parish for eight years. Congratulations, Robert, and thank you for serving the parish of St. Clare! We are happy to have you as a deacon and ask God's blessings on your ministry to all of us. Establishment of a Ladies Auxiliary The Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary celebrated its first anniversary in April! The Auxiliary received its charter at the State Convention on April 28, 2011, with thirty charter members and has grown to forty members in one year. The purpose of the Ladies Auxiliary is to promote charitable activities, to support the Knights and to have fun. R.C.I.A During the 2012 Easter season, St. Clare welcomed five new people into the Church. One of these people was baptized at that time. Three others made Professions of Faith and all five celebrated the sacraments of First Communion and Confirmation. Hiring of new Director of Religious Education and Coordinator of Youth Ministry Nina Blaida joined St Clare of Assisi as the Director of Religious Education. Last fall, she took over the responsibilities of our Parish School of Religion, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, Adult Formation/Education, and Sacramental Preparation. She has a Bachelors degree in Theology and is a trained catechist. Nina has been involved in many aspects of the PSR program, including being a student herself. Brian Straub also brought his talents to St. Clare in September of 2011 as the new Youth Minister. He took over the responsibilities of our junior high and high school youth ministries. Brian has degrees in both Theological and Educational Studies. He previously s erved as a Youth Ministry Core member at Holy Infant parish since 2004 where he had invaluable experience in the youth ministry field. Brian s responsibilities are to bring Christ to the youth of our parish through bible studies, 8th grade Confirmation studies, Luke 18 retreats and several other retreats, service projects and social events. Three New Diaconate Candidates St. Clare parishioners Jim Broom, George Smith and Lee Trani began the discernment process for the Permanent Diaconate for the Archdiocese of St. Louis in the fall 2011. All three men have been invited to enter formal academic formation this September 2012. Their schedules for this fall include classes about the Old Testament and Revelation, Trinity and Creation. Jim, George and Lee are part of the 2016 ordination class. Please continue to keep these men in your prayers throughout the discernment process.

Parish Ministries and Organizations Member Numbers (as indicated on the Stewardship Intention Cards) Liturgy & Worship Altar Linen Launderers - 31 Art & Environment - 14 Cantor for Liturgies - 7 Choir for Funerals - 14 Choir (10 am) - 23 Choir (Noon) - 12 Musicians - 4 Eucharistic Adoration - 261 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion - 117 Hospitality Ministry (Usher/Greeter) - 79 Lectors - 51 Liturgy Committee - 10 Sacristans - 27 Servers - 125 Christian Formation & Education Adult Faith Enrichment - 45 Bible Study Group Wed. am - 32 Christ Renews His Parish Retreat (CHRP) - 369 Liturgy of the Word for Children (Adult/Teen Leaders) - 20 Marriage Preparation - 12 Men s White House Retreat - 27 Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Sponsor - 5, Catechist - 7 Parish School of Religion Catechist/Aide - 58 Small Church Communities - 101 Youth Ministry Adult Core Team - 10 Administration & Finance Annual Catholic Appeal Committee - 52 Building & Maintenance Committee - 9 Finance Commission - 6 Parish Council - 12 Stewardship Committee - 8 Fundraising Activities St. Clare Certificate Program Worker - 51 Christian Service Baptismal Garment Maker - 26 Food Pantry Stacker - 91 Funeral Outreach - 363 Adult Sitting - 25 Bereavement/Consolation Ministry - 20 Communion to the Homebound - 55 Communion to Delmar Gardens - 15 Communion to Gambrill Gardens - 3 Meals in an Emergency - 64 Meals to New Moms - 35 Transportation for the Homebound - 27 Prayer Chain/Prayer Request Line - 117 Pro-Life/Respect Life Committee - 36 St. Patrick s Casserole Volunteers - 85 Sts. Peter & Paul Sandwich Making Program - 41 St. Vincent de Paul Society - 34 Social Justice Committee - 7 Welcoming Committee - 17 My job as a Christian Steward is to ask the Lord in all sincerity and humility what He expects me to do with the gifts He has given me. Archbishop Robert J. Carlson Organizations Athletic Association Athletic Board - 4 Coaches: Players: Basketball 44 190 Golf 4 32 Soccer 92 590 Track 4 65 Volleyball 31 156 Clarions - 152 St. Clare Card Party - 16 Fish Fry Volunteers - 16 Knights of Columbus - 80 K of C Ladies Auxiliary - 19 Ladies Daytime Bridge - 18 Legion of Mary - 9 Men s Club - 149 Widows & Widowers - 8 Scouts Leaders: Scouts: Boy Scouts 17 26 Cub Scouts 8 13 Girl Scouts 12 84 Skills Computer (network/software) - 19 Mailing Committee - 156 Office/Secretarial/Clerical - 41 Phone Committee - 85 Physical Plant Maintenance General Maintenance - 29 Carpentry - 16 Electrical - 11 Flooring - 2 Heating & Air Conditioning - 4 Landscape/Gardening - 50 Painting - 21 Plumbing - 8 3

Financial News Annual Parish Financial Statement of Revenues and Expenses to Parishioners, June 30, 2012 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 Actual Actual Parish School Actual Budget Revenue Offertory Collections $1,572,919 $1,599,452 $1,577,658 $ 0 $1,577,658 $1,544,000 Capital Campaign/Maintenance Fund 29,897 34,692 36,120 0 36,120 30,000 Unrestricted Gifts 1,736 2,803 0 0 0 0 Restricted Gifts 50 19,223 3,142 0 3,142 0 Program Fees 1,318,663 1,302,876 73,633 1,305,509 1,379,142 1,412,082 Investment Income 3,587 2,712 2,343 0 2,343 0 Grant Revenue 8,105 8,994 10,187 0 10,187 0 Other Revenues 59,404 7,796 12,932 0 12,932 0 Total Revenues 3,013,534 2,962,467 1,742,868 1,305,509 3,048,377 2,988,582 Expenses Personnel Costs 1,914,738 1,892,916 394,470 1,498,124 1,892,594 1,938,541 Supplies 183,617 183,657 93,177 120,527 213,704 211,265 Fees & Services 118,717 119,693 39,236 68,927 108,163 118,407 Occupancy 179,128 197,308 85,677 76,739 162,416 253,590 Transfers Parishes/Archdiocese 314,655 315,749 245,210 77,803 323,013 342,692 Total Expenses 2,710,855 2,709,323 857,770 1,842,120 2,699,890 2,864,495 Excess of Operating Revenues over Expenses 302,679 353,144 885,098 (536,611) 348,487 124,087 Other Capital Expenditures (73,628) (145,637) (19,819) (34,748) (54,567) (126,700) Reserve for Future Repairs 0 0 0 0 0 0 Debt Service (68,706) 0 0 0 0 0 Excess (Deficiency) of Revenues $160,345 $107,507 $865,279 ($571,359) $6,080 ($2,613) over Expenses Dollard Hall Renovations Each year the Athletic Association puts aside money to be added to a fund established several years ago which is dedicated to the future renovation of Dollard Hall. Plans include extensive renovation of the gym, the kitchen and the restrooms. As of June 30th, the Association has contributed a total of $242, 091.13 for this future project. Annual Giving We have 2,137 families in the parish. As of June 30, 2012 As of June 30, 2011 738 families gave $ 0.00 744 181 families gave $1 - $99 183 422 families gave $100 - $499 433 308 families gave $500 - $999 295 456 families gave $1000 - $4999 441 30 families gave $5000 and up 29 (Numbers reflect offertory collections and donations to St. Clare Church only.) 4 Christian stewardship calls us to be accountable for all the gifts we have been given. It challenges us to accept responsibility for our own lives and the lives of others. Archbishop Robert J. Carlson

Stewardship Activities: Did you know...? Last year, the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Clare helped 696 clients with food, clothing and financial assistance. The amount of assistance totaled over $66,000 in cash, food and gift certificates. This assistance was provided by parishioners' donations to the food pantry and special collections during the year. This ministry has 34 active volunteers who help clients. More than 2800 ornaments were taken from the Advent Jesse Tree in 2011 generating thousands of donated gifts for St. Clare's St. Vincent de Paul Society, the St. Augustine Center in Wellston, St. Pius V Catholic Church and the Little Sisters of the Poor. In addition, $2486 was donated in gift cards for St. Clare's St. Vincent de Paul Society and $826 in gift cards for St. Pius V Catholic Church. Parishioners took one thousand sheets from the 2012 Lenten Giving Cross and returned thousands of donated gifts for St. Clare's St. Vincent de Paul Society and St. Cecilia Catholic Church. In addition, $1035 was donated in gift cards to St. Clare's St. Vincent de Paul Society. Take a Peek at Our Numbers 2011-12 2010-11 Registered parishioners 6,563 6,593 Registered families 2,137 2,151 New families registered 95 84 Children in full-time school 409 414 Children in PSR 309 314 Baptisms 50 46 Professions of faith 5 6 First Communions 83 103 Confirmations 86 95 Weddings 9 9 Funerals 48 52 Preschool 18 18 Approximately 45 parishioners, plus teams of students from St. Clare of Assisi School, provided and delivered 100 sandwiches every week throughout the year for the homeless who stay at the Sts. Peter and Paul Shelter in downtown St. Louis. The Center reports that St. Clare is the most dependable parish that participates in this ministry. A tradition for parish Girl Scouts is the annual collection of school supply items for St. Cecilia Parish in south St. Louis city. In the summer of 2011, parishioners donated over 6,500 items. St. Clare parishioners donated and filled 102 backpacks with school supplies for St. Patrick's Center. In addition, approximately 600 casseroles and 180 salads were delivered during the year. This food helps feed about 200 250 per month who depend on the center for food. St. Clare's Funeral Outreach program provided food for bereaved families 28 times during the year, which fed about 1,400 people. Upon request, each of the parish's 11 teams took turns providing meals to serve after funeral services. This parish ministry has over 350 volunteers. The St. Clare of Assisi chapter of the Knights of Columbus held a Baby Bottle coin drive this spring to collect money to purchase ultrasound equipment for Thrive St. Louis. They collected a total of $20,000. St. Clare of Assisi sends monthly donations from the general offertory to three charitable organizations: $100 to Birthright, a pro-life organization; $100 to Almost Home, supporting homeless mothers and their children; and $200 to Tithing for the Poor. For the fifth year in a row, St. Clare of Assisi has surpassed its challenge goal for giving to the Annual Catholic Appeal. More than 43% of parishioners pledged/donated slightly more than $280,000 to the 2012 ACA campaign, exceeding the goal by more than $2,000. 5

Stewardship Around the Parish: School: St. Clare student volunteers stand beside some of the hundreds of shoeboxes that school families filled with small gifts to be shipped to needy children overseas during their 2011 Christmas Child collection. Parish School of Religion: Proud PSR 4th graders display the jars of peanut butter and jelly that they collected during the second week of summer PSR 2012 to benefit St. Vincent de Paul and St. Pius V. Clarions: Parishioners attend the annual Christmas Party hosted by the Clarions with the help of St. Clare of Assisi Boy Scouts. Oktoberfest: Parishioners enjoy food, refreshments and fellowship at the 2011 Oktoberfest organized and hosted annually by the St. Clare Men s Club. The Prayer for Generosity by St. Ignatius Loyola A fashion show and luncheon in Dollard Hall was hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary last April with proceeds benefitting various Pro-Life agencies. 6 If you have questions or comments about this document, please contact: Reverend Msgr. Kevin G. Callahan, Pastor Reverend James Theby, Associate Pastor Reverend Patrick Christopher, In Residence Deacon Alan Whitson - Deacon Robert Wood 636.394.7307 Lord, teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve You as You deserve; to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labor and not to ask reward, Save that of knowing that I do Your will, my God.