FUNDING OUR FACILITIES—PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE Next month, I’ll complete my second year here at St. Matt’s. I’ve learned a lot about this great community since I began. As a former history teacher, it’s been fascinating to dig into the history. The other day, for example, I saw a copy of a 2003 letter from Fr. Steve to the parish. In it, he talked about the progress of that year’s capital campaign. Goals at that time included tuckpointing, windows and restorative work on the historic school building. “So that’s why the brickwork looks so good,” I said to myself. And I was glad to have a … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – March 12, 2023

FUNDING OUR FACILITIES At our most recent Parish Finance Council meeting on February 23, we discussed how our fiscal year 2023 expenses (7.1.22 - 6.30.23) compare to what we budgeted. We noticed that we’re over budget when it comes to maintenance and repairs. I asked our accountant for details. Here are the major items in the detail report. We’ve paid for them out of our operating budget. Repairing the church’s air conditioning system: $4,196 Parish Center roof maintenance: $6,590* Church building LED conversion: $6,603* School building repairs required by fire marshal: … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – March 5, 2023

MINISTRY OF LECTOR Earlier this month, we offered a lector workshop, led by Moya McGinn-Matthews of Christ the King parish in Minneapolis. The workshop was for all lectors, as well as for those interested in becoming a lector. The workshop went well. The 14 participants reflected on what it means to be “Proclaimers of the Word”. Moya then reviewed how to prepare for this important ministry, as well as how to approach, stand and read at the microphone. Brave volunteers served as examples, and I was impressed by the high quality of our lectors. Lectors are a critical ministry in our worship. … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – February 26, 2023

CHURCH What comes to mind when you hear the word, “church”? When I was a child, I’d think of the Catholic church building where I attended Mass. Years later, with the benefit of theology courses at St. Thomas, I learned the word church could refer to more than a building. Indeed, church can refer to an institution or to a community, among other possibilities. How we refer to church—how we think about church—influences our planning, budgeting and ministries. When I think of our church as a community, I tend to think of people’s names and faces. I offer support to other people, and I feel … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – February 19, 2023

ISAIAH’S WORDS FOR ST. MATT’S Who else noticed how the Prophet Isaiah’s words last weekend (58:7-10) were a remarkable survey of our parish missions? I mean, c’mon: • Share your bread with the hungry (Loaves & Fishes; Food Shelf) • Shelter the oppressed and the homeless (Casa Guadalupana) • Clothe the naked (Isaac’s Blessing Bags) • Do not turn your back on your own (Mutual support, prayer, Faith Formation, St. Mary’s Clinic, AA, GAB) I first noticed these words on Saturday morning (Feb. 4), at our Lector Training Workshop. Then, at the 4:15 p.m. Mass, guest presider Fr. Leo … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – February 12, 2023

PARISH COUNCIL At our January 26 Parish Council meeting, someone suggested we start putting Capital Needs donation envelopes in the back of the church. I think that’s a good idea. (Not everyone receives the bi-monthly envelope packet, which includes Capital Needs envelopes.) We’re planning some major capital projects this year, such as replacement of the main electric panel and roof work on the school building. To pay for them, we’ll need a combination of fundraising and financing tools. One fundraising tool is the envelope system. We’re also planning on online effort—more on that in a few … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – February 5, 2023