27th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Parishioners,

     This week we are reporting on the parish finances for 2017-18 fiscal year.  I would like to thank Bobbie Vidmar our parish accountant and our finance committee for preparing this material.  You should receive the full report in the mail this week.  The news for last year was good.  As one man would often say to me in one of my past assignments, just give me the bottom line.  We were well in the black. We have a lot of savings right now as well.  This is because people have been generous with bequests and with special collections like our Heart to Heart Fund.  It is also because we have watched expenses.  About the only place we have over spent is in our capital projects.  This has been necessary to keep our facilities in repair.  This year we spent large sums on our sound system and air conditioning for the church.

     We have challenges that persistent and some on the horizon.  We are presently involved in a capital campaign.  There is a truth that is always present when an organization wants to raise money which is, “In order to raise money you need to spend money.”  The hope is that our capital campaign can be successful, and the investment of time and treasure will be worthwhile.  I appeal to everyone’s generosity.  This is a key moment in the history of our parish.   People have stepped forward as leaders for the “Today Tomorrow Together Campaign.” Now we need donations.

     I would point out that we will suspend our Heart to Heart Fund appeal this year because of our Capital Campaign.  This will affect our normal operating budget. Another thing that impacts our budget is the fact that we are not meeting our offertory goals.  If we can do that it will help our financial stability in the upcoming year when there will be so many extraordinary expenses.

     Another task we have this year is finalizing the acquisition of the First American State Bank.   We are slowly resolving the environmental questions with the site.  I have tried to keep you apprised of what is going on, so I will not explain in detail, but the financial issue will be that at some point this year it will cost Sacred Heart $100,000 to tear down the building.

     Finally, I would point out that the cost of Catholic Education is rising.  Seton School is struggling to keep up.  This is another reason to be generous in the capital campaign.  We want to insure our school’s financial future.

     Please study the financial report.  You can look at the report and even the most untrained eye can understand what it says.  That is deliberate.   We want complete transparency.  If you have questions you can contact any member of our finance committee.  They all are fully educated about the finances of the parish. 

     Thank you again for making Sacred Heart a large part of your ongoing charity. 

Blessings,

Fr. Mark

P.S.  I would like to thank Dan Morris for his many years of service as our maintenance man.  Dan is a good man and I wish him well in his retirement. Jesus Vargas has been hired to replace him.  Please help him feel welcome.