The Community of St. Malachi Newsletter  

· Community of St. Malachi Needs To Increase Its Income !!
·  Sympathy and Prayers
·  Health Department
·  Special Prayers Roster
·  Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick…
·  Bethlehem Christian Families
·  Message/Report From Kay Vine
·  Judicial Candidates Rating Coalition Ratings
·  Welcome Series
·  Thanks To All Taking Part In Blessing of Labyrinth ...
·  Annual Mass of Remembrance

·  Community Council Meeting
·  Social Action Committee Meeting
·  Sexual Abuse Task Force Meeting
·  Spiritual Development Committee Meeting
·  Christian Formation Committee Meeting
·  St. Malachi Book Club Meeting
·  St. Malachi Christmas Choir Rehearsals
·  St. Malachi Center Thanks
·  WSCC “Warm Hearts, Winter Nights” Gala
·  Commemoration of Central America’s Martyrs
·  Regular Weekly Collection
·  Monday Night Meal Menus

Newsletter Editor: Mary Englert MTEnglert@juno.com

  The Community of St. Malachi – First Personal Parish of the Diocese of Cleveland
Celebrating Faith in God and in the Future! 

Twenty Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

 October 22, 2006

THE COMMUNITY OF ST. MALACHI

Last year the Finance Council proposed and the CSM Council approved a budget of $191,788 in expenses, based on a projected income of $191,950. CSM Regular Sunday Collections were estimated to be $170,000, based on the CSM financial commitments (the green cards) and our historical trend in cash contributions. As the result of some economies and some deferred payments, our expenses last year were $10,000 below projected. However, our income was $26,000 below projected. We ended the year with a deficit of $16,434. Last year we were able to cover with our reserves, but this cannot continue.

Those are the facts from last year; what about this year? First, in June the Finance Council proposed and the CSM Council approved a budget that was very similar to that of last year. The CSM Newsletter included a copy of the budget. Additional copies are available upon request. Currently, our Regular Sunday Collections are slightly lower than last year and are already $11,710 below budget. We would be very tempted to look around the church and say the answer is that attendance and memberships are down. However, membership numbers in the CSM have remained almost constant over the last three years, with close to 400 persons from about 300 separate addresses (households). The number of people making a financial commitment on the green cards has grown from 46 percent of households in the spring of 2004 to 59 percent this past spring.

That’s the good news. The bad news is that despite an increase in households making a financial commitment, the total dollar amount was almost identical to that of last year. Thus, last year we had an average contribution commitment of $895 per household and this year that has dropped to $807. Of course, not everyone contributing filled out a green card. It is important to note that CSM members make a very generous commitment of their time and talent, one that is above 85 percent of our membership. However, less than two-thirds of our households make a formal financial commitment.

So, what do we do about this situation? The Finance Council recommendation and appeal is for everyone to review their income and expenses and try to increase their contribution by one-half of one percent (0.5%) of their gross income. Based on median gross household income data, as published recently in The Plain Dealer (10/2/06), an increase of 0.5% would definitely erase our deficit spending situation and put us in a positive position to meet our budget and even do a little more for the CSM and the neighborhood.

What does 0.5% mean?

If your gross income is:

$20,000 - the increase would be $100 per year, or $2 per week.

$40,000 - the increase would be $200 per year, or $4 per week.

$60,000 - the increase would be $300 per year, or $6 per week.

$80,000 - the increase would be $400 per year, or $8 per week - and so on.

Think about it. Can you do it? It will make a big difference. Finally, we have to ask: what about the 40% of member households that have not made a financial commitment pledge? Could some more members make that commitment?

Bob Simoneau – 440-356-0508

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CSM SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS   

 – for the family and friends of Tracy Lind, best friend of Joe Wegrzynowski; and of Althea Quigley, mother-in-law of Mary Ryan and grandmother of Peter; and of Jim Salada, brother-in-law of Dolores Sullin.

CSM HEALTH DEPARTMENT

 – Please keep in your prayers

–  Please keep in your prayers all the victims of warfare, both civilian and military, as well as these young people now in the armed forces, and their families: Ricky Brezinski, Daniel Bugaj, Brian Chambers, Brian Collins, Jim Curtin, Gary Faerber, Michael Gomez, T. J. Gordon, Andrew Harlan, David McLaughlin, Randy Mieskowski, Bill Nelligan, Tom Nemes, Michael O’Neil, John Parkowski, Chuck Porter, Kate Rybarczyk, Dave Salinas, Povented P. Taylor Jr., Louis Torres, Victor Valentino Jr., Michael Whalen.

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Bethlehem Christian Families

Representatives of this group this weekend are again visiting St. Malachi. After all Masses they will be displaying in the hall their hand-carved olivewood crosses, statues and other religious items, whose purchase helps them support their families and maintain a Christian presence in the Holy Land.

Message/Report from Kay Vine:

“At its Oct. 20 meeting held jointly with the CSM Communications Committee, the CSM Liturgy Committee began discussing two items which will be presented to the CSM membership at a future date: clarification of the Communion Reflection guidelines that are currently part of the CSM Policies and Procedures Manual, as well as communications (i.e. announcements before/during Liturgy). When proposals are finalized they will be offered to the membership for discussion at a coffee hour in November.

“The Liturgy Committee also discussed rearranging stations for distribution of the Eucharist.

“Following the joint meeting with the Liturgy Committee, the Communications Committee discussed the CSM logo ( currently several different forms appear on various pieces of printed materials}; various web site updates; and a proposal to send the e-mail version of the CSM Newsletter with some information edited to facilitate its printing at home.

“The Communications Committee is also in need of a chairperson.

“CSM members’ input on liturgical issues is welcomed by Mike Petit, chairperson. Responses to Communications Committee matters can be directed to Kay Vine or Jim Connell.

“(Participants in the Oct. 10 meeting were Marie James, Dolores Sullin, Mary Englert, Peter Toomey, Chris Dusek, Fr. Tony Schuerger, Charlene McElwee, Mike Petit and Kay Vine.) “ - K.V.

“The Judicial Candidates Rating Coalition has posted ratings for the Nov. 7 General Election. Included are candidates for the Ohio Supreme Court, the Eighth District Court of Appeals, and the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, General and Juvenile Divisions. Hardly anyone, including lawyers, has adequate information on which to base an intelligent vote. These ratings and the additional information that can be accessed through the web site referred to can be very helpful to almost everyone.. The address is: www.judge4yourself.com , then choose See and Print 2006 Judicial ratings. - G.K.

“The Membership Committee of the Community of St. Malachi will present an afternoon Welcome Series on Sunday, Nov. 12, in St. Malachi Center. It is designed to provide new or interested members an in-depth orientation to the mission and activities of the CSM. There will be an opportunity to meet new and present members, share information and enjoy fellowship. Committee chairs will give presentations, and be available to answer questions. We will meet immediately following our 11 o’clock Liturgy. Lunch will be provided. Mark your calendars and join us for information, fellowship and food. To register or to help with the Welcome Series, please call Rose Horning (216-228-4234) or Carol Anders (440-779-1058):” – R.H.

“The Spiritual Development Committee thanks all those who braved the inclement weather last Tuesday for the presentation and blessing of the Labyrinth and all who worked to put the evening together, including volunteers from the Spiritual Development and Hospitality committees. Thank you, also, to Stephan Manka, the artist who designed and painted our Labyrinth, to Marla Loehr, who taught us and helped bless it, and to Fr. Tony Schuerger, who both supported its making and blessed it.” – Jackie Bluett 

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Annual Mass of Remembrance

The annual Mass of Remembrance for those who have been buried from St. Malachi during this past year will be at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5. Anyone who can help with serving a luncheon following the Mass for families and friends of the remembered, please call Kay Vine (440-871-5868) or Charlene McElwee (216-781-3110)

CSM Community Council Meeting

-  6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, St. Malachi Center. All welcome. Information: Kay Vine, 440-871-5868.

CSM Social Action Committee Meeting

  - 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24, rectory. Info: Helen Misener, 440-427-8023.

CSM Sexual Abuse Task Force Meeting

  - 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, rectory. All welcome. Information: Kathy Burke, 216-228-6782.

CSM Spiritual Development Committee Meeting

- 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, St. Malachi Center. Information: Jackie Bluett, 440-526-8574.

CSM Christian Formation Committee Meeting

  - 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, home of Diane Brinich, 1456 Waterbury Rd., Lakewood. All welcome. Info: Diane, at 216-521-1360.

St. Malachi Book Club Meeting

  - 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, home of Coletta Taddeo, 3446 Timber-wood , Richfield, 44286 (330-659-0929). Book: “Wisdom of our Fathers: Lessons and Letters from Daughters and Sons” by Tim Russert. November/December book: “Left to Tell” by Immaculee Ilibagiza. Information: Casey Stangel, 440-234-8766.

St. Malachi Christmas Choir 

- Rehearsals begin 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, in the church. All welcome..

St. Malachi Center thanks

  “all who supported us last Thursday at Max & Erma’s in Westlake. We appreciate the donation, we appreciate the support, and we had a great time. We hope you did too.”

West Side Catholic Center 

- “Warm Hearts, Winter Nights” annual gala, Friday, Nov. 15, Terrace Club at Jacobs Field; proceeds to benefit the center’s Women and Children’s Center. Program to include presentation of annual “Sister Kathleen Kilbane CSJ Walk in Faith Award” to longtime supporter Fr. Tom Fanta, pastor of St. Dominic Parish. Information: Karen Webb, 216-631-4741.

InterReligious Task Force on Central America 

- Annual commemoration of Central America’s martyrs, including Ursuline Sister Dorothy Kazel and St. Malachi’s Jean Donovan, 4-8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, Beaumont School, Cleveland Heights; with prayer service, dinner, human rights speaker from Guatemala. Tickets: $25: 216-961-0003 or irtfcleveland.org

COMMUNITY OF ST. MALACHI REGULAR WEEKLY COLLECTION

Please remember to make checks payable to Community of St. Malachi - Bob Simoneau

Monday Night Meal Menus

Oct 23: Kielbasa

Oct 30: Smorgasbord

Nov 6: Chicken

Nov 13: Beef Stew

Nov 20: Thanksgiving Meal donated by members of the Community of St. Malachi and St. Malachi Parish

Nov 27: Sloppy Joes

Dec 4: Macaroni and Cheese

Bill McLaughlin

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