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January 20, 2005 Dear Parishioners:
For the 2005-2006 fiscal year, we will continue to finance the ministries and operations of the parish primarily through stewardship contributions. There is no tuition plan for families with children in the school who maintain and fulfill their 2004-2005 stewardship commitment. To successfully finance our ministries and administration operations, we implemented the following four steps after consulting with the Parish Council and the Pastoral Team: 1. Make an immediate request for all parish families to have their 2004-2005 stewardship pledge current by January 31, 2005. The goal of this initiative is to reduce our approximately $70,000 deficit in pledged, but uncollected stewardship contributions. To those parishioners already current or ahead, please accept our sincere gratitude. All families with children enrolled or planning enrollment in the parish school are required to be current with their pledge as of January 31, 2005 in order for their registration application to be processed. Your pledge statement will be mailed separately. 2. Begin an “Invest in Ascension” campaign immediately. The goal of this campaign is to reduce, and perhaps eliminate, our overall $180,000 deficit and to provide the cash necessary to continue ongoing operations. A goal of $325 per parish family is established in addition to the current stewardship pledge. “Invest in Ascension” donations are requested to be received by March 31, 2005. In order to keep these contributions separated from regular stewardship contributions, a special envelope is included in this mailing. This envelope may be mailed or sent to the parish office, school office or in the Sunday collection. Please write “Invest in Ascension” on the memo line of the check as well. If you are able to give more than $325, we will be most grateful. If you are unable to give $325, every dollar will help, so please give what you can. All contributions are tax-deductible. Our goal is 100% participation by the entire parish community. 3. Look for new and creative ways to increase parish income. One example is to broaden our existing Kroger gift card program. We have the potential to earn $8,000 a month utilizing this program. Another example is company matching gift programs. Please check with your human resources department to find out if this option is available to you. 4. Recruit and staff four new committees to assist us in implementing and promoting these initiatives. The Stewardship committee will assist in preparing the 2005-2006 stewardship appeal as well as suggest ways to foster a spirit of stewardship throughout our community. The Expense committee started the process of evaluating the operating expenses of the parish and to assist the Finance Committee in the task of ensuring our funds are spent wisely. The Long Range Planning committee will begin the task of planning where our community hopes to be and what we hope to accomplish in the next three to five years. The Short Term Solutions committee is assisting us immediately with the appeal to catch up on this year’s stewardship and the “Invest in Ascension” campaign. We will work hard to keep you informed as each of these committees continues their work. Everyone is challenged to get on board this journey to success as we build the foundation for a stronger tomorrow. Let the parish office know if you are interested in serving on one of these committees. If you have questions feel free to contact a member of the Short Term Solutions Committee. As we approach our 40th Anniversary as a parish community this summer, I am appreciative for the opportunity to serve as your pastor. I have been assisted greatly by our Parish Council and Finance Committee. I am delighted that our community has responded to this challenge and formed four new committees to assist us in the ongoing work of proclaiming the Good News that the Kingdom of God is at hand. May God bless you and your family and our parish community as we continue to respond to His call. Yours in Christ,
Rev. Gary Padgett
Tim Finney
Short Term Solutions Committee Gina Allen |