QUEEN OF APOSTLES C A T H O L I C C H U R C H 2015-16 ANNUAL REPORT
Parish Vision Statement To be a family of families committed to growing in discipleship of Christ and eager to invite others to join our family. 2015-16 ANNUAL REPORT Pg. 3. Pastor s Letter Pg. 4 Parish at a Glance 2015-16 Pg. 5... Towards a Family Friendly Parish Pg. 6-10.. Our Parish Ministries Pg. 11.. Letter from a School Parent Pg. 12-15 Financial Report Pg. 16.Looking Head Parish Mission Statement Under the protection of our Blessed Mother and guided by the Holy Spirit, our mission is to form disciples of Christ by: Equipping parishioners with spiritual resources that will lead to deep spiritual growth; Inspiring families to embrace joyfully their vocation to holiness; Encouraging the faithful to use their time, talent and treasure to the glory of God; and Introducing people outside the Church to the joy and beauty of the Gospel. Core Values Family Stewardship Discipleship Aspirational Values Excellence Diversity Priests at Queen of Apostles, 2015-16 Disciples of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary (dcjm.org) Fr. Leopoldo M. Vives, DCJM Fr. Juan Espino, DCJM Fr. Ignacio de Ribera, DCJM Pastor We thank those parish families who, through their generous sponsorship, enabled us to print this report in full color for all our parishioners: Mike and Moira Leite Leo and Bernadette Weston Parochial Vicar, School Chaplain In Residence Fr. Javier O Connor, DCJM joined Queen of Apostles in August, 2016 as Parochial Vicar. Fr. Javier also serves at St. Leo s in Fairfax with Spanish-speaking parishioners. Page 2 4329 Sano Street, Alexandria, VA 22312 (703) 354-8711 www.queenofapostles.org
LETTER FROM THE PASTOR Dear Parish Family, I t is a part of my responsibilities as Pastor to report to you annually on the financial health of the parish, and so I am happy to present to you this 2015-2016 Annual Report. Here you will find financial information as well as some beautiful stories of our parish life. They show how our mission and vision come into action, resulting in growth for our parish family. As I present it to you I would like to invite you to rejoice and give thanks for what we have accomplished. Thanks, first, to the Finance Council who dutifully advises me, our clergy and our staff on all manner of questions regarding the prudent use of our parish funds. I would also like to thank the members of our Pastoral Council along with our Heads of Ministries for their leadership roles in our parish. May God bless your generosity, and may you continue to grow in the servant leadership of Jesus Christ. In the most wholehearted way I would like to recognize the staff we are blessed to have. Experiencing their support every day is a constant source of inspiration and gratitude. I want to recognize especially our managers Flora Wack and Dave Cook. My gratitude goes also to our devoted principal, Kathryn Littlefield, as well as to the faculty and the staff of the school, which is so at the heart of the Disciples mission. Last October, I presented to you a vision of a family friendly parish. I proposed that each person, no matter their state in life, is a member of a family: we identify with our biological family, we are members of our parish family, we are God s beloved daughters and sons. The goal of the Towards a Family Friendly Parish program was to strengthen our family relationships. I hope that through the monthly themes, the home activities, the talks and other program events you have drawn closer to loved ones and to God. L ooking forward, I am filled with much hope and gratitude. Our parish is growing, our ministries are growing, our school is growing You know that for as long as I am your Pastor, I will always ask you to grow! The first challenge, then, is for you to strengthen your relationship with God. To this end, we propose to you a Rule of Life. As you grow closer to God I ask you to consider how God is calling you to serve the parish family. Each of you has a role, no matter how small. The second challenge is how, together, we will realize our parish vision: to be a family of families committed to growing in Discipleship of Christ and eager to invite others to join our family. I thank you all for your prayers, for your time and your talent. May Mary, Queen of Apostles, bless and protect you. May you continue to find a home here in our beloved parish. Sincerely in Christ, DCJM Priests Featured in Arlington Catholic Herald: Jan. 13, 2016 F r. Leopoldo and the Disciples were featured in the Arlington Catholic Herald for the Year of Consecrated Life, November 30, 2014 through February 2, 2016. Our priests and parish were featured numerous times in the Herald during the past year. Read the article, entitled Priests for the Family and watch the accompanying video by visiting: www.queenofapostles.org/priests-for-the-family 4329 Sano Street, Alexandria, VA 22312 (703) 354-8711 www.queenofapostles.org Page 3
PARISH AT A GLANCE, 2015-16 1,421 registered households (3,917 parishioners) 100 Baptisms 54 First Communicants 46 Confirmandi 12 Marriages (and 4 Convalidations) 11 Funerals 185 Students Enrolled in Queen of Apostles School 190 Religious Education Students 20 Catechists and Religious Education Aides 24 RCIA/RCIC Participants 48 Altar Servers 9 Youth Rome Pilgrims 175 Interested Sign Ups during the 2015 Ministries Fair 94 Parish Pilgrims to the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia, Sept. 2015 375 Faith Formation CDs distributed through the Lighthouse Catholic Media Kiosk 250 Angel Tree Gifts Distributed to Children in Need at Christmas 1,613 Flags Planted to Honor Babies Aborted at Nearby Abortion Clinic 900 Masses Celebrated 390 Hours of Confession Offered 6,000 Hours of Eucharistic Adoration Offered by Parishioners 50 Thursday Evening Holy Hours 121 Participants in Vacation Bible School 8 Students and 5 Teachers from Spain in the Inaugural Exchange Program 3 Parishioners Preparing for the Priesthood (1 in Diocesan Seminary) 46 Active Parish Ministries and Groups Queen of Apostles 2015-16 Finance and Pastoral Councils Finance Council Members: Mike Kirby (Chair), Mauricio DiBenigno, Raul Fernandez, John Glista Pastoral Council Members: Laura Cayrampoma, Mike Kirby, Dan and Mary O Donohue, Chip and Anne Souser Page 4 4329 Sano Street, Alexandria, VA 22312 (703) 354-8711 www.queenofapostles.org
Towards a Family Friendly Parish was a parish program conducted from October 2015 through September 2016. The program s goal was to strengthen relationships within families and within the parish. Themes were proposed to the parish each month, from prayer to forgiveness to evangelization. Activities such as home projects, talks and movie nights gave life to these monthly proposals. Thank you to all our parishioners who participated in these activities, and especially to our guest speakers who enriched the program through their words of wisdom. Towards a Family Friendly Parish Oct 15 Family Tree Because the Lord is the God of our ancestors, we want to strengthen the relationships between our family s generations. Nov 15 Sunday Because God rested on the seventh day, we want to help you celebrate Sunday as a family. Dec 15 Prayer Because the family that prays together stays together, we want to learn to pray as a family. Jan 16 Forgiveness Because God is the Lord of Mercy, we want to help heal our family wounds and promote forgiveness. Feb 16 Fruitfulness Because love is filled with hope when it is communicated, our family wants to promote the life giving spirit of our families. Mar 16 Children s Education Because the joy of all parents is to teach their children the art of living, as parents we want to be the primary educators of our children. Apr 16 Maturing in Love Because children are called to love, we want to help them discover and live out their vocation. May 16 Work Because in the beginning of creation God commanded man to work, we want to help you harmonize your work and family life. Jun 16 Evangelization Because families play an important role in the new evangelization, we want to share our faith with other families. Jul 16 Outreach Because God is the Father of orphans and the defender of widows (Ps 68) we want to offer a family to all of our brothers and sisters. Aug 16 Social Role Because the family is the root of society, we want to remind you of your vocation to build the common good. Sept 16 Family of Families Because no one should be isolated, remember that the parish is a family of families. 4329 Sano Street, Alexandria, VA 22312 (703) 354-8711 www.queenofapostles.org Page 5
Parish Ministries Serving Our Liturgy Collection Counters Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Lectors Mass in Spanish Music Ministry Sacristans for Weddings & Funerals Ushers Weddings Beautifying Our Sacred Space Altar Society & Sacred Linens Candle Ministry Christmas & Easter Flowers Ministers of Prayer Eucharistic Adoration Rosary Groups Spanish Prayer Group Sunday Prayer Group "Come to the Water" Ministers of Hospitality Meals for Our Priests Office Support Sunday Social Strengthening Families Christian Family Movement Couples for Christ St. Ann's Home School Group Communities of Study and Service Bible Study Stephen Ministry STEPHEN MINISTRY Wounded Healers By Maris Dionisio I lost the person that I love How can I handle this? How can I cope? Why does it hurt so much? The pain is unbearable I feel so alone Why? These words echo sentiments that all of us might have felt at one point or another in our lives. Thus, Fr. Leopoldo envisioned to start a ministry at Queen of Apostles in September, 2014, as an extension of pastoral care for those who are hurting. The ministry was named after St. Stephen, who cared for the poor and widowed and became the very first martyr of the early Christian church. At the very core of the Stephen Ministry is Christ. A Stephen Minister, who may at a point have been broken themselves, undergoes a transformation and becomes a wounded healer. The fire which inspires and drives the care are the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Central to being a Stephen Minister is a heart which bears the Love of Christ. It is through one's heart that God will work through the Stephen Ministers to care for others. The Ministers who responded to the call began going through basic formation in November, 2015, Their goal: to gain the knowledge and skills to equip them to become outstanding care providers centered in Christ with emphasis on confidentiality. The demanding 50 hour training regimen was interlaid with fun, laughter and tears. Alexa Urban, Andrea Stewart, Cy Blackmon, Cris Castillo, Elaine Drapeau, Marinette Guevara, Moira Leite and Maris Dionisio, the very first Stephen Ministers of Queen of Apostles Church were commissioned on April 17, 2016. Spiritual formation will continue to be on the horizon to encourage personal and spiritual growth among the ministers. Continuing education, supervision and additional Stephen leadership training will ensue to hone the Stephen Minister's skills in the process of becoming the most efficient giver of care. The Stephen Ministry at Queen of Apostles aims to follow in the footsteps of St. Stephen, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to care for others as a family. The Ministry also plays an integral role in a church in action and fully alive for the glory of God. To reach the Stephen Ministry, email stephenministry@queenofapostles.org. Page 6 4329 Sano Street, Alexandria, VA 22312 (703) 354-8711 www.queenofapostles.org
ADULT BIBLE STUDY Parish Ministries Deepening Our Faith and Growing Our Love for Scripture By the Bible Study Steering Committee T he 7-year old Parish Bible Study program for adults entered a period of expansion in 2015-2016, growing from past averages of 20 students per series to a record 33 students in the Spring of 2016. Three new series were offered during the program year: The Prophets: Messengers of God s Mercy, First Corinthians: The Church and the Christian Community, and A Biblical Walk through the Mass. With its primary objectives to deepen understanding of Holy Scripture and Catholic Tradition, and to promote basic Bible literacy, the program also promotes stronger social bonds within the parish. Participants become better able to recognize familiar faces in the liturgical setting and to get to know each other and share their faith beyond weekly sacramental encounters. This in turn encourages more consistent and confident outreach to the whole congregation, and inclusion of newcomers with sincerity and warm welcome. In May of 2016, program members made special observance of the Jubilee Year of Mercy with a group excursion to the Diocesan seat at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More. They walked through the Holy Door to obtain a plenary indulgence and attended Mass together at the conclusion of the program year. With the addition of a second evening study track in the Fall of 2016, and plans for crossover social events for morning and evening groups, the program aspires to evolve into a Bible Study neighborhood. This will include a number of different tracks offered at different times and on the days of the week that make it as convenient as possible for many to participate. Volunteer-driven, under the guidance of Fr. Leopoldo, the program instituted a Steering Group in June of 2016 that now guides the program with a longer planning horizon. Fiscally, the program is conducted on a break-even basis, with the generous ongoing support of a sponsoring benefactor. In support of parish values and objectives, contributions also are made from the program to the Religious Education Ministry for Youth and to the Youth Pilgrimage to Rome. The Steering Group developed a new website, QofAbiblestudy.com, which offers online information and registration capabilities for upcoming sessions. Serving Those in Need ACCA Advent Angel Tree Appalachian Mission Poor Sisters of St. Joseph Prolife Group Communities of Prayer, Service and Fellowship Ghana Community Knights of Columbus Council 4522 Legion of Mary Hispanic Legion of Mary St. Joseph Men's Group Women's Group Forming Our Youth Altar Servers Banica Mission Trip Emmaus for High School & College Youth Exchange Program Nazareth for Middle School Youth Queen of Apostles School Queen of Apostles School PTO Religious Education Vacation Bible School Youth Open Gym Night Praying for Vocations Vocations Crucifix Priesthood Sunday To learn more about our vibrant parish ministries, including how you can get involved, visit: queenofapostles.org/ministry 4329 Sano Street, Alexandria, VA 22312 (703) 354-8711 www.queenofapostles.org Page 7
ANNANDALE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY FOR ACTION ACCA: 50 Years of Service By Karen Barnoski A CCA, Annandale Christian Community for Action, has been a part of Queen of Apostles since 1967 when it was begun by two parishioners, Fred and Emily Ruffing. Next year ACCA will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Through the years many parishioners have volunteered with the organization. Currently, the First Sunday Food Collection is transported to the food pantry by parishioners Mary and John Carroll. Each month between 250 and 350 pounds of food are given by Queen of Apostles. The food is distributed to needy families in the area served by ACCA. Marie Markey oversees the Family Emergency program which helps families and individuals with payment of rent, utility bills, or other necessities. Anne and Jim Kemble coordinate the Meals on Wheels program with many volunteers from the parish. Once a year volunteers donate food and make lunch for 40 or more people who work on the Rebuilding Together home repair project. ACCA also collects and distributes furniture to needy clients. Queen of Apostles hopes to get a team of volunteers for this service. In recognition of the founders, Fred and Emily Ruffing scholarships are given to disabled high school students who are pursuing further education. The scholarships are handed out at the July ACCA meeting at our parish. Esraa Mahran, a student at George Mason University, receives a Ruffing Scholarship during an ACCA ceremony at QofA in July. Parishioners continue to support ACCA by generously contributing to the poor box collection. The Child Development Center in Annandale is part of ACCA's dedication to helping low income families obtain child care. Many good things have happened and will continue to happen through volunteers who support the mission of ACCA, "Doing what Jesus would do." Watch for information about the 50th Anniversary celebration which will begin in November. For more information on ACCA, visit www.accacares.org. I f you ask me about my Adoration schedule, I might whine and complain about my scheduled middle of the night Adoration hour. Going to EUCHARISTIC ADORATION A Testimonial from a Midnight Adorer bed early, driving in the middle of the night, being tired the next day are the complaints you will hear. But the real story is how this wonderful hour has enriched my life. Once I am in the presence of Jesus all my troubles fade. I know I have all the love and support I need from Him. I take the names of all those who I know and love and who need His help and confidently give them to Him. When the hour is up, I reluctantly leave, overjoyed that my burdens have been lightened by our One True Savior. As I go through my week whenever I am troubled, I recall those moments, that special hour with our Lord. Reflecting on my visit I am comforted to know that He is with me and will take care of me regardless of the circumstances. When I smile, it is a reflection of His love for me. When it is time to go to bed early, to prepare for my next shift, I am encouraged when I think of the Host who is waiting for my next special visit, in a few hours. Page 8 4329 Sano Street, Alexandria, VA 22312 (703) 354-8711 www.queenofapostles.org
A Family and Parish Partnership By Susan Gray T he role of each family is to bring children to know Christ and to know the gift of His Church. Parents are the primary religious teachers of their children and the home is where a child first experiences the Catholic faith. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION To assist families in this most important mission, the Religious Education Program at Queen of Apostles works in partnership with parents in living their vocation as teachers. Under the direction of Fr. Juan Espino, the Religious Education program complements, and does not replace, the catechesis that children ought to receive in the home. Our Nazareth program serves to reinforce these activities. Queen of Apostles encourages families to attend Mass together and to pray together before and after meals, at bedtime, in the morning, and so on. Together with our 20 catechists and aides, and six volunteers, Queen of Apostles welcomes the opportunity to assist children in living the Christian life: learning to pray, understanding Scripture, and preparing for the Sacraments. For the 2015-2016 school year, we began with 205 students and their parents. We offered Religious Education classes for youth, kindergarten (age 5) through high school. Classes were held on Sunday mornings from 9-10:15 a.m. in Queen of Apostles School, September through May. Students enrolled in QofA s Religious Education Program receive formation in Christian life along with children their age; students are assigned to the Religious Education class that parallels to their school grade, which differs from assigning students to sacramental classes. Because each year builds on the next year of faith formation, we ask parents to enroll their children in a religious eduation program every year and not only for Sacraments. As such, Sacraments are not ends in themselves: They are the beginning of something new. God communicates His He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up O n the first and third Friday afternoons of the month during the school year, Fr. Juan and Nazareth leaders, including the Poor Sisters of St. Joseph, meet with students in grades four through eight and lead activities that help them grow in their relationship with Jesus. Suggestions are offered on how students can practice their faith at home, at school, and in their parish. Throughout the year, leaders would lead a discussion about a virtue (i.e. studiousness, cheerfulness, fortitude, etc.) or about a saint and offer ideas on how students can live those virtues. divine life through the Sacraments and helps us to have a more intimate union with Christ. The student must demonstrate a desire for sacraments; therefore, students are asked to have consistent and continguous enrollment and attendance in QofA s Religious Education Program. Further, Fr. Juan regularly met with Religious Education parents to form, train and guide. We are grateful to our catechists, aides and other volunteers for their service to Queen of Apostles. We are humbled by the 40+ years that Mary Moran has been teaching the faith. As part of their professional development, eight catechists graduated from the Diocesan Master Catechist Training Program and several catechists attended the annual Diocesan Catechetical Conference. Additionally, Fr. Juan led two half day retreats for our Cathechists. At the Easter Vigil, March 26, 2016, 3 adults and 14 students received the Sacraments of Initiation. On April 26, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio was the Confirming Prelate for 46 parish youth. On May 7, 51 parish 2nd graders received First Holy Communion. 4329 Sano Street, Alexandria, VA 22312 (703) 354-8711 www.queenofapostles.org Page 9
Page 10 FEATURING OUR PARISH MINISTRIES Liturgical Music: Serving the Church, Enhancing the Beauty of the Liturgy By Michelle Jacobeen W hat is Music Ministry? Our music program at Queen of Apostles is not about pretty background music or performing for friends and neighbors. It is not about being indifferent to the needs of the Liturgy. The music at Queen of Apostles is a Ministry. The music program exists, first and foremost, to serve the Church by enhancing the beauty of the Liturgy and allowing parishioners to open their hearts and enter more deeply into prayer. Music can express joy, praise, gratitude, sorrow and many other emotions with a beauty and intensity that words alone often cannot equal. Music elevates our hearts and minds to God and helps unite our prayers to the choirs of angels in heaven. The Music Ministry also provides singers and musicians the opportunity to worship, pray, and grow by sharing their God given abilities. Queen of Apostles has two choirs that sing weekly, for the 7 p.m. Mass in Spanish on Saturdays and for the 10:30 a.m. High Mass on Sundays. The Mass in Spanish choir was formed a year ago and started with a small but dedicated group of volunteers. It has grown into a beautiful mixture of more than a dozen youth and adults, many of whom are also talented instrumentalists. The choir includes some of our wonderful Poor Sisters of St. Joseph. We ask for your prayers that growth and development continues for this budding ensemble. The Choir that sings at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass has been growing as well. There is a wide range of ages and experience, from teenagers to the retired, which brings the best out of each of its members. In addition to preparing for the music for each weekly Mass, the choir puts in many hours to prepare for Holy Days and other special parish events. The music ministry team is blessed with an abundance of instruments including violin, viola, tuba, trumpets, French horn, flute, and many other instruments! Our generous volunteers also help with other needs of the Music Ministry, such as cantoring for special Masses, and assisting with our administrative needs: photocopying music, filing and organization, planning, transcribing music, and more. We thank you for your support of our Music Ministry and invite more of our parishioners to join our choirs! Our Music Staff Michelle Jacobeen Director of Music Ministry Michelle is a mezzo-soprano who received a Bachelor's in Music from CUA s Benjamin T. Rome School of Music. She attended the London Dramatic Academy and has been a soloist for various choirs and churches, including at the National Basilica and St. Matthew s Cathedral. Michelle has performed in area musicals and operas including a solo at the Kennedy Center. After moving to Alexandria in 2007, Michelle joined the Queen of Apostles parish and choir. Michelle was hired as Director of Music Ministry in 2015 and has enjoyed being a part of the parish mission and vision in her beloved home parish. Michelle also teaches voice and acting lessons and directs the Advanced Children s Choir at St. John Academy in Mclean. Andrew Beatty Organist & Music Ministry Assistant Andrew graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor s in Music from George Mason University and soon after began working for the parish and the school. He plays the organ for the English masses and also serves in the role of Music Ministry Assistant. He has been a long time parishioner with his family. Andrew works as an accompanist at other local parishes and teaches piano lessons. Alberto Gonzalez Organist for the Mass in Spanish Alberto holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley. He has been playing for our Spanish masses for the past year. Alberto has worked actively in sacred music since middle school. He has worked in capacities ranging from cantor to organist to music director for both English and Spanish speaking communities. 4329 Sano Street, Alexandria, VA 22312 (703) 354-8711 www.queenofapostles.org
What day is it?" It's today," squeaked Piglet. My favorite day," said Pooh. That memorable quote from the book, Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne could very well describe each day at Queen of Apostles School. I know, because my 6 th grade daughter tells me so. QUEEN OF APOSTLES SCHOOL My Favorite Day: A Letter from a School Parent By Amanda Aguilera When my husband and I made the decision to transfer our daughter from a local Fairfax County Public School when she was in the 4 th grade, we began the process of visiting local Catholic schools. My husband graduated from another local Catholic school and his trophy for Athlete of the Year is still in a display case there. That school was his first choice, but he agreed to visit Queen of Apostles before we made our final decision. As we walked to our car, having just met with Principal Littlefield and being given a tour of the school, we both agreed to complete the application and return it to the school the following day. A year and a half later, here is what we ve found makes Queen of Apostles a great school: The first is that Queen of Apostles has a strong administrator. Principal Littlefield knows in depth the school s curriculum and instruction provided at each grade level. High standards for classwork are set for students and maintained on a consistent basis. Expectations for classroom behavior are well established. Instruction emphasizes the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills. Learning how to learn is a fundamental reason for each student s success. The second is the diversity of Queen of Apostles. A recent report from the Teachers College at Columbia University documented that exposure to others from diverse backgrounds leads to improved cognitive skills. Queen of Apostles is teaching the leaders of tomorrow, and the multicultural makeup of our student body is invaluable to that training. Our school does not have the bullying problems that exist elsewhere; students are taught the dignity of each person and how to treat one another fairly and with kindness. No two students are alike, but each one is a friend to the other. That one thing is enough to send your child to Queen of Apostles. The third thing that makes Queen of Apostles a great school and makes every day a favorite day is the vibrant religious education students receive from Fr. Vives and Fr. Espino, both of whom embody everything a priest should be. My daughter lights up every time she sees them, and she has felt a closer connection to God through them. Their ministry prepares students to hear and proclaim the good news of the Gospel. Through experiencing God s love, students are given the strength they need to navigate the world as they mature and grow. They learn that that all knowledge is sacred. As a PTO member I am so impressed by Fr. Espino s ability to focus our thoughts so that we can make prudent decisions. Fr. Vives reminds parents that involvement in their child s school was the most important thing they can do to ensure their child s academic success. Their intelligent guidance and daily prayers on our behalf make them the intellectual and spiritual leaders of our school. They are Queen of Apostles greatest blessing to each student and family! When we send our children to school each day we want them to be safe, to be cared for, to learn, to achieve and to be happy. It is my firm belief that every student at Queen of Apostles Catholic School receives that every day and that s what makes every day at Queen of Apostles a favorite day. 4329 Sano Street, Alexandria, VA 22312 (703) 354-8711 www.queenofapostles.org Page 11
QUEEN OF APOSTLES CATHOLIC CHURCH Page 12 ANNUAL REPORT JULY 1, 2015 - JUNE 30, 2016 4329 Sano Street, Alexandria, VA 22312 (703) 354-8711 www.queenofapostles.org
SUMMARY OF FY16 FINANCIALS Q ueen of Apostles mission is to form disciples of Christ. Sound judgment in parish decision making and stewardship of financial resources will enable us to fulfill that mission. The year July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016 (Fiscal Year 2016, or, for short, FY16 ) saw growth and investment in a number of areas, from parish offertory, to school enrollment, to the continued integration of the Arlington Diocese Ghana Community within the parish. We look forward to detailing that grown in the pages that follow. Fr. Leopoldo and the Finance Council thank our parishioners for your continued support, helping us to become, ever more, a family of families. Total Parish Assets, End of Year (Pg. 13) $2,187,816 At end of Fiscal Year 2016, 6/30/16 Total Operating Income (Pg. 14) 9.9% Total Operating Expense (Pg. 15) Increase from FY15 to FY16 2.3% Increase from FY15 to FY16 Capital Expenditures (Pg. 15) School Roof ($121,000) Church Roof ($25,300) Bishop's Leadership Init. ($67,500) Heating & Cooling ($8,000) Other Cap. Improvements ($16,100) PARISH ASSETS T otal parish assets increased during FY16. End-of-year assets include cash savings totaling $2,176,667 and current receivables ( Other Assets ) totaling $11,149. The church and school maintain BB&T operating accounts to cover current expenses. All other parish savings are retained in the Diocesan Investment and Loan Corporation (DIAL), where we benefit from a 2.75% annual return on savings. Restricted net assets (temporary and permanent) include parish scholarship funds, Ghana Community funds, and other parish ministry funds including for the Women s Group, Prolife Group, and Poor Box giving S ince 2013, Queen of Apostles has welcomed the Ghana Catholic Community (GCC) to worship and enjoy community life at our parish. The GCC is a distinct, recognized community of the Diocese of Arlington with its own Spiritual Director, Fr. Tony Appiah, who resides at St. Anthony s in Falls Church. In the Spring of 2016, the GCC and Queen of Apostles began the process of fully integrating the Community into our parish, including the transfer of all GCC assets from St. Anthony to QofA. As we grow as one community, we look forward to all the great things the Ghana Community will bring to further enrich our parish life. Net Change in Total Assets, FY15 to FY16 $98,688 $2,089,128 at end of Fiscal Year 2015, 6/30/15 Reasons for Net Change in Total Assets $191,409 Net operating income for FY16 $132,290 $236,174 Transfer of Ghana Community savings from St. Anthony to Queen of Apostles Capital improvements & other extraordinary expenditures $11,163 Other changes in net assets 4329 Sano Street, Alexandria, VA 22312 (703) 354-8711 www.queenofapostles.org Page 13
OPERATING INCOME arish operating income increased $256,144, or 9.9%, from FY15 to FY16. Increases in net income owed to a number of P factors, including but not limited to: Increase in offertory: A parish offertory program in November of 2015 resulted in 3.3% growth, or a $29,310 increase, in offertory for the year. Ghana Community offertory, which was previously included with parish offertory was moved to Other Ministry Income during FY16. Average Weekly Offertory, By Quarter $20,000 $19,000 Increase in school enrollment: Growth in enrollment from 178 to 185 students, increases in tuition and other fees, and increased support from Diocesan tuition assistance programs, resulted in a 10.8%, or $97,530, increase in School Tuition Related Income for the year. Donation of personal estates: The parish was blessed to receive two bequests from deceased parishioners in 2016, totaling $46,655. Increased participation in All Saints Car Raffle: Parish participation in the annual All Saints Car Raffle increased by 38.7%, or $15,223. The net proceeds from the Raffle support our parish and school, along with the Banica Youth Mission and the Rome Pilgrimage. Rental of School Gymnasium and Hannan Hall: New parish policies allowed outside groups to use the school gymnasium and Hannan Hall for private events for a fee. Revenue from these events totaled $1,895. Founding of Exchange Program: The parish inaugurated a youth exchange program in the summer of 2015, welcoming 8 students and 5 teachers from the Stella Maris School in Spain, which is run by the Disciples of the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. The $6,561 in income from the program covered comparable costs, which were greatly reduced thanks to generous parish families who hosted Exchange Program participants. Increase in Other Donations: Generous one time contributions from parishioners and other miscellaneous donations resulted in a total increase of $12,167 from FY15 to FY16. $18,000 $17,000 $16,000 200 180 160 140 120 100 Jul-Sep '15 178 185 2014-15 2015-16 Car Raffle: Distribution of Net Proceeds $3,000 School $4,160 $4,327 Oct-Dec '15 School Enrollment Growth $7,657 Jan-Mar '16 Parish Apr-Jun '16 Banica Mission Rome Pilgrimage Other areas of noteworthy increases in income: Vacation Bible School, Religious Education, Parish Outreach (due to the Pilgrimage to Philadelphia in September, 2015 for the Papal Mass) Areas of noteworthy decreases in income: 50th Anniversary (due to conclusion of 50th Anniversary events), Prolife Income, Religious Education Sunday 2nd Collection, Feast of the Assumption Collection Further details in any of these areas can be obtained by contacting Dave Cook, Director of Operations and Stewardship, at (703) 354-8711 or d.cook@queenofapostles.org. Page 14 4329 Sano Street, Alexandria, VA 22312 (703) 354-8711 www.queenofapostles.org
OPERATING EXPENSE perating expenses remained relatively unchanged year-over-year, increasing by 2.3% from FY15 to FY16, or by a total of O $59,843. Noteworthy operating expense categories include: Salaries and Benefits: Including both clergy and lay staff members, salaries and benefits in FY16 comprised 43.0% of church expenses, compared to 52.0% for like-sized parishioners Diocese-wide. At the school, salaries and benefits comprised 76.9% of school expenses. Both church and school figures are comparable to the previous fiscal year. Facilities Expense: Facilities expense was down by $40,643 from FY15 to FY16, due to a number of factors, including overall reduced needs in recent years from prior capital improvements, favorable market rates in natural gas, and savings from the conversion to LED lights in the church sanctuary. With one exception: snow plowing costs increased by $4,935 year-over-year, an area which will always have significant variability in annual parish operating expenses and budgeting. Parish Subsidy to School Expense: The parish s support of the school typically is in the range of 10-20% of offertory. A number of factors influence the specific amount year after year, with school enrollment figures, tuition rates and other variables monitored carefully and continually by the parish Finance Council. During FY16, the parish subsidy was 16.4% of offertory; during FY15 it was 14.1% of offertory. Other Expense: Included in this category is the parish assessment to the chancery ($78,544), school tuition assistance ($23,354) distinct from the parish subsidy to the school, car raffle distributions ($19,144) and other fundraising expenses, contribution to the Arlington Catholic Herald ($14,425) and other miscellaneous expenses. Beneficiaries of Poor Box Donations Poor Sisters of St. Joseph... $7,849 Christ House... $5,555 ACCA... $3,780 Missionaries of Charity... $3,693 Catholic Charities... $3,100 Little Sisters of the Poor... $1,967 KofC Coats for Kids...$389 Project Rachel...$250 Parish Subsidy to School, FY14 to FY16 $250,000 $200,000 $150,000 $100,000 $50,000 $0 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 From 2nd Collections Cash Contribution O ther Income and Expense on the financial report (pg. 12) includes capital expenditures and other financial activity outside of the normal operating functions of the parish. Capital projects typically originate from the pastor, with projects being reviewed and discussed within the parish Finance Council, and receiving final approval from the Bishop s Finance Office. CAPITAL EXPENDITURES The major project during the summer of 2015 was the resealing of the school roof at a cost of $121,000. A full replacement of the roof would have doubled this cost. However, that situation was avoided by employing a new silicon-based technology applied on top of the existing roof, and with a 15- year warranty. Additional projects were undertaken (see chart on pg. 13), while still remaining more than $400,000 over the Diocesan-prescribed savings levels of one year s church annual operating costs. (Twenty-five of the Diocese s sixty-eight parishes have savings over 100% of their annual church operating.) Projects undertaken in FY17 include repaving and resealing the parking lot, Managing Church Savings $0 $1,000,000 $2,000,000 Savings Equal to Annual Church Operating Exp. Additional Savings and installing new directional signs for our parish buildings and Hannan Hall. 4329 Sano Street, Alexandria, VA 22312 (703) 354-8711 www.queenofapostles.org Page 15
Thank you to all our parishioners for your continued and generous support. May Mary, Queen of Apostles, bless you with abundant graces. LIVING A RULE OF LIFE T he Rule of Life is a set of spiritual practices that allows our faith to be fully alive. Through these practices we grow in holiness. Each month we will propose one devotion to practice and to make a part of our routines as Catholics. Each month we also will have a morning of recollection. Oct Rosary Mar Stations of the Cross Nov Holy Mass Apr Divine Mercy Chaplet Dec Prayer May Lectio Divina Jan Adoration Jun Ministry Feb COMING OCTOBER 2016 THROUGH JUNE 2017 Monthly Devotions Confession A prayer card will be introduced each month for the Monthly Devotions, proposing next steps in practicing those devotions and drawing closer to God. Mornings of Recollection Saturdays at Queen of Apostles October 29, 2016* March 18, 2017 November 19, 2016 4329 Sano Street, Alexandria, VA 22312 (703) 354-8711 www.queenofapostles.org April - No recollection December 17, 2016 May 13, 2017 January 21, 2017 June 17, 2017 February 18, 2017 *Marian Pilgrimage to the National Shrine, Washington, DC Morning of Recollection Schedule 8 a.m. Holy Mass 8:45 a.m. Rosary (usually at 101 S. Whiting St.) 9:30 a.m. Talk #1 by DCJM Priest in Hannan Hall 10:15 a.m. Break, then Talk #2 11 a.m. Exposition and Adoration in the Church 11:45 a.m. Reposition and Blessing