Thanks to the help of Joe Molter (owner of Molter Landscape), we have now identified the tree which sits alone on an island on the west side of the church. We recently removed two trees that were shrouding this beautiful tree allowing everyone to appreciate its grandeur. The scientific name of this tree is Kigelia Africana and it is commonly known as the Sausage Tree. Why, you ask? Because of the very large sausage sharped fruit it bears year round. In addition, it yields beautiful maroon flowers which hang from vines adjacent to the sausage.
The traditional use of Kigelia fruit in Africa has been both medicinal – as a treatment for skin complaints from eczema to skin cancer – and 
cosmetic, as a preparation to firm and enhance skin tissue. Several scientific studies in recent years suggest that Kigelia may indeed have remarkable healing and conditioning effects on the skin.
For many years we thought that this tree may have been planted with some type of religious significance, however, we now know that this is not the case. Nevertheless, we now know the origin of this very beautiful tree. If you get a chance, check it out before or after Mass.
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 50% of its average during the winter months of December through April. As a reminder, we operate “in the red” seven out of twelve months. If last summer was any indication of what we will experience this summer, we are once again in for a “rocky road” with respect to covering our operating expenses until the seasonal residents return in the fall. On a brighter note, regular offertory collections are up nearly 7% (fiscal year to date) versus the same period last year. This will give us a little cushion while operating at a significant deficit for the next several months. The finance council continues to make numerous efforts to reduce operating expenses so that we may survive the lean summer months in the face of a somewhat suspect economy.
It is no secret that the current economic state of affairs in Collier County is shaky at best as mentioned above. Even after one of the busiest and most lucrative seasons in recent memory, the stark realization is that many involved in the service sector will have their incomes greatly reduced over the summer months. As most of you can attest, many people locally will find it difficult to meet their monthly obligations during the summer. 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 on Mercantile Avenue. 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 firsthand 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.
In His work together,
Scott Schlossberg, MBA
General Manager