Our Pastoral Council and Finance Council met this past Tuesday evening to discuss the budget for the new fiscal year beginning on July 1. Both parishes have remained stable despite two years of pandemic disruptions. Our goal to “grow” both parishes is having some modest success, and we hope our initiatives to connect with the public by having them visit our churches will also bring us new members.
High inflation has affected us just as it has affected every else. We are hoping our parishioners will be able to help us meet our stewardship goals in the coming year. The councils agreed it was important to remind everyone of our accomplishments this fiscal year. The school restrooms on the first floor were renovated with new flooring, new plumbing, and new fixtures. We have been and are continuing to update the school building with new paint and elimination of clutter. As St. James School is a joint mission of both parishes, we believe our investments in the children of the school are evidence of our community’s commitment to the Gospel.
This week we will seal the St. Brigid parking lot and give it a much-needed restriping. Later this summer, we will do the same with the St. James parking lot. This past year, we have done an extensive renovation of our Goetz Center with new flooring, new tables, new chairs, new lighting, and all new kitchen appliances. We are beginning to book rentals, as well as plan parish events in the new facility.
Our Legacy Group has been raising substantial money to support our school ministry and to assist school families with financial aid. This next year the Legacy Group is funding a total renovation of our gym with a new wood floor, new backboards, new lighting, and painting. We will also add pickleball striping to the new floor and will host pickleball for adult groups. Again, these “brick and mortar” improvements testify to the spirit of growth within our community.
As always, we are grateful for your continuing support of the mission of our parishes and our school. I hope you know we are working hard to put the money we receive to the best possible use so that we can continue to serve the people of God for years to come.
Fr. Gary
