 Fr.
Tom's Tomes July 23, 2006
The 2005-2006 St. Columban Fiscal year ended June 30, 2006. During the first year of a pastor’s assignment he is requested not to make any major changes. The first year is a time of learning, listening and evaluating. When I came July 1, 2005, I knew St. Columban Parish was experiencing some financial constraints. During the first year I was operating out of an impression the parish was in debt of about $60,000. I chose not to find out the exact amount of debt until I could see for myself what was happening. After the close of the fiscal year I received a greater surprise when I found out the debt was not $60,000, but closer to $150,000. What do I mean by debt? St. Columban Parish had a pledge drive to fix things up around the parish. The Capital Campaign Drive entitled Sow the Seed was to raise money to improve the parish facilities. Parishioners donated to the Capital Campaign drive with the intent their money would be used to fix the buildings. In looking at the financial figures it came to my attention some money was not used to fix the buildings but to pay for normal operating expenses. Listed below is a list of dates money was borrowed from the account. The last amount listed is money which was used for the last two fiscal years in the normal operating expenses for the parish.
The debt to the building fund was $153,584.94 minus the $73,475.00,
leaves a debt of $80,109.94 to the building fund. There is still a lot of hard work we need to do in order to repay this debt. First, I invite all parishioners to tithe to St. Columban. This means I am asking everyone to give a full 5% of their gross income to the parish. Second, we need all parishioners to support by help and assistance our annual Fall Festival and next Spring’s Dinner Auction. Third, we need prayerful support and verbal support for our Early Learning Center and School. There are negative comments about both the ELC and school from parents and parishioners. Growing up I was taught if you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything. Fourth, I will continue to be the principal of Bishop Hogan School as well as reduce the staff since the number of students is smaller. I know and believe our school has and will continue to have an excellent educational curriculum. Fifth, to control cost through use of volunteer help and assistance. Working together we can eliminate our debt to the Sow the Seed Fund and build a stable financial base for the future of St. Columban Parish. Let us pray for each other this week. |
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