The rising costs of utilities, insurance and property maintenance are increasingly evident to all of us. Those of us who own homes know the time and money needed to maintain them. Within the last year, these issues have become particularly prominent.
    Our Church, our collective spiritual "home is not spared from these issues. The fact that our rectory and school building are each 100 + years old make the repair and maintenance issues more challenging. Some unanticipated costs were created this past year when the original Church steps (on Washington Avenue) became unstable and unsafe. We average $30,000 a year to make major repairs to keep the buildings safe and in good condition. This is in addition to the $120,000 we spend each year for routine maintenance repairs, supplies, utilities, property maintenance and custodial help.
    The Parish has been and is committed to being a good steward. Every effort is made to use our funds wisely and carefully. There is a conscious effort to reduce costs wherever possible. For example, we participate in the Diocesan natural gas, electricity and telephone savings program to obtain the lowest utility costs available to us.
    At a recent Parish Council meeting, there was considerable discussion about the financial implications of maintaining our "home" and the need to provide adequate wages for those on the Church staff Two separate, yet quite related issues. No easy answers.
    One thing we did decide was to bring the financial needs of the Church to its members in a more personal way. We have always attached the budget to the Bulletin, but we wondered about how closely people followed the itemized format. We felt is was best to be more direct in communicating the financial need that exists at this point.
    Each Sunday in the Bulletin the previous week's collection is noted. Over the last year, we have rather consistently brought in less than the budgeted expectation. As a result, we have had to cover the deficit by drawing on savings. This is an immediate solution, but obviously not the best option.
    We ask you to consider increasing your financial commitment to our Church. If this effort is shared, it will be less of a burden and more of a collective positive response. The generosity and caring of our members has been evident throughout our history. We appeal to those qualities in a special way today.
    Feel free to contact us by detaching the bottom portion of this page and placing it in the collection baskets during the weekend liturgies. We will respond to your questions and concerns.
Thank you for your interest and consideration.