While I write my column, we are in the midst of a very unseasonably tropical weather pattern. Whether or not a named storm (Andrea) actually develops, we will have received several inches of rain before all is said and done. Considering that this is the tail end of dry season, we are getting a great head start moving into rainy season. Gauging by the number of bodies in the pews at the 9:00 a.m. Mass this past Sunday, I would say that the majority of our seasonal residents have now departed.
Due to the fact that our playground adjacent to the Claussen Center has been unsupervised since the closing of our Early Learning and Childcare Center, we were advised to dismantle the equipment for liability reasons. We apologize for the inconvenience but must follow the guidelines set forth by the Diocese of Venice with regards to risk management.
We are in the final stages of the bidding process for our new surveillance system to be installed within the next few weeks. We are installing a very advanced system with high resolution cameras so that we will be protected for many years to come. Thank you to those who generously donated funds in order to purchase this system. The donations received thus far are nearly enough to cover the cost of the system and complete installation.
After a slight delay, we have chosen the carpet border which will be installed to allow for the new hearing loop system. We hope to have the loop system installed within the next few weeks. After we are up and running, I will publish detailed instructions for those wishing to utilize this amazing technology.
Since we closed the brokerage account held individually by St. John the Evangelist several years ago, stock contributions have been few and far between. Remember that by donating “appreciated stock,” you will be able to avoid the capital gains tax and recognize the gift as a charitable donation at fair market value. This is what I would call a true win-win situation. You get to avoid a big tax hit, “write off” the gift and help your parish while St. John the Evangelist receives funds desperately needed to survive into the future. Considering that the DOW and S & P 500 averages are currently at record highs, now may be the time to consider making a move. The appreciated price is based on the true cost basis or what you initially paid for the stock. If you have held the stock for many years, this could be a substantial difference. The capital gains tax rate (long term – held over one year) will remain at 15% for many of us, however, it has increased to 20% for those in the 39.6% tax bracket through 2013. For those of you who contribute quarterly, semi-annually or annually, this is an ideal opportunity for you to support St. John the Evangelist. You may allocate your gift to the CFA or regular offertory. Stock gifts may now be made through the Diocese of Venice for the benefit of St. John the Evangelist Church by contacting the development office at 941.484.9543.
After my recent comments regarding the Memorial Garden at St. John the Evangelist, I have had several questions arise that I will do my best to address. First and foremost, The Catholic Church states that cremation is perfectly appropriate with the stipulation that the ashes or cremains are placed in an urn and buried in consecrated ground, which is the case in our Memorial Garden. The Catholic Church does not allow ashes to be stored on a shelf or scattered in the ocean, etc. You must be a parishioner of St. John the Evangelist or a family member of a parishioner in order to purchase space in our garden. If you are Catholic and your spouse is not, you may both be interred in our memorial garden. Finally, you must be willing to be cremated as we may only bury cremated remains in our Memorial Garden. Hopefully, this clears up some of the questions those of you on the fence have been contemplating. If you would like to purchase space in our Memorial Garden, please contact me at 566.1678.
My wife and I will be taking a much needed vacation this coming week (minus the triplets). As a result, there will be no Scott’s Corner in next Sunday’s bulletin.
In His work together,
Scott Schlossberg, MBA
General Manager