It is no secret that the current economic state of affairs in Collier County and abroad is bad at best although slightly better than years past. It seems that the effects of the recession have trickled down into almost every segment of the economy. As most of you can attest, many people locally are finding it difficult to meet their monthly obligations due to the downturn. This is where the St. Vincent de Paul Society will step in and assist families who are experiencing difficulties. Whether it is assistance in the form of a rent payment, a gift card from Publix in order to provide food or a gas card, St. Vincent de Paul provides an incredibly valuable service to those in our community. As I have stated before, the only source of income for our St. Vincent de Paul Society comes in the form of donations made through two annual collections, the poor box and random mail-in contributions. If you would like to donate, here are your options. You may donate furniture, appliances, house wares, vehicles and even boats. Simply call the main office at 775.1667 and they will arrange to have your donation picked up free of charge. Donations of food or clothing may be taken directly to the main office at Airport Road and Davis Blvd. And last but not least, cash donations may be made through the poor boxes conveniently located at nearly every church exit. The current donations received through the poor boxes will satisfy less than one case per week. St. Vincent de Paul is one of my favorite ministries as I have seen first-hand the amazing work they perform and the end result. Under the direction of Bill Smart, the St. John chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul Society is assisting several families per week. This number is expected to increase exponentially as the summer progresses. If you would like to volunteer your talent and time, St. Vincent de Paul is actively looking for new members to serve needy individuals in our own backyard (literally.) If you would like to join a ministry that will provide you with a true sense of worth and accomplishment, here is your chance. Please call Bill Smart at 495.8295 if you would like to become part of this organization that can change a life.
If you were questioning whether or not season is officially over, one quick glance at our collection summary will certainly reveal the answer. Our regular offertory collection has dropped to 60% of its average during the winter months of December through April and we are now well below our weekly operating budget. As a reminder, we operate “in the red” seven out of twelve months. On a brighter note, regular offertory collections are up nearly 10% (fiscal year to date) versus the same period last year. The finance council has made numerous efforts to reduce operating expenses so that we may survive the lean summer months in the face of a very unfriendly, yet possibly improving economy.
We had hoped to have the new hearing loop installed for this weekend, but, as everyone knows, nothing ever really goes as planned. Because this hearing loop actually involves a true “loop” of wire creating figure 8’s throughout the sanctuary and rear wings, installation can be somewhat involved, especially with the configuration of our church. We going back to go back to the “drawing board” regarding our initial installation plans and will change direction completely. We should have the issues resolved this coming week and have a fully operable system in place for next weekend.
This past Thursday, we began work to move the fire hydrant out of the Memorial Garden. Optimistically, the movement of this hydrant should be completed within one week. As a result of the opening of section 22 for sale, nine individuals have already purchased space in this desirable section of the Memorial Garden.
We are nearing the $300,000.00 mark with regards to the 2013 Catholic Faith Appeal. This leaves us with a balance of only $158,000.00 to meet our goal. We are now exactly $50,000.00 ahead of where we were at this same time last year. Remember that we exceeded our goal last year by $60,000.00. 100% of this overage came directly back to the parish to be used for our numerous ministries on campus. Let us aspire to do the same this year! Thank you for your continued support of t
he Catholic Faith Appeal.
At this time two years ago, I was at The Birth Place at NCH waiting for the arrival of my triplets. When people said that the time will go by so fast, they really knew what they were talking about. Ella, Mia and Nate are now two years old and thriving. Although the terrible two’s are already upon us, my wife and I are truly blessed to have three beautiful children and even more blessed to have many of you continuing to pray for their well-being. Attached is a picture of Nate, Ella and Mia watching morning cartoons. I hope the third year doesn’t go by as fast as the first two.
In His work together,
Scott Schlossberg, MBA
General Manager