Contribution Envelope Monthly Letter

July 2006

Greetings in Christ!

This month you will notice some changes in your envelopes. We have switched to a new supplier who can better meet our needs. We have contracted with Our Sunday Visitor and they offer an option for a monthly letter. This must be submitted about a month before you receive your envelopes, so at times what I write may be old news to you.

The change in envelope suppliers was brought on by our continuing search for ways to reduce our expenses while maintaining a high standard of ministry. These activities began last year and they continue today. Over the past six months our expenses have been analyzed with additional scrutiny through the diligent efforts of Deacon Randy Bauer. A number of contracts with vendors have been updated, renegotiated, or cancelled. The staff have participated in a series of seminars that allow our insurance provider to give us a significant rebate. These actions have resulted in further reducing our expenses by another $1,800 per month.

At the same time that our expenses have decreased, our contributions have increased. This has allowed us to begin making principal payments on our building debt. I am very serious about making a principal payment every month even if it is not as large as I would like it to be. Monthly payments against principal of $7,000 have been budgeted in our new budget.

By now you may have noticed that the flat roof over the education rooms, kitchen and office areas is being replaced. This roof was installed when the building was built in 1976. After 30 years of service there are just too many leaks to patch and new ones continue to show up. This project must go forward. Fortunately, we received many competitive bids and we were able to select a contractor with a good track record and an excellent bid. Better yet, we will be able to pay for this project in cash without increasing the debt load.

So, regarding St. Patrick's finances, there really is good news. While we still have a lot of work to do to make significant gains, we can rejoice in the fact that expenses continue to be reduced, contributions have increased, we are able to make reductions in our debt, and your children won't have to sit in their religious education class holding an umbrella! I wish I could take credit, but most of this is due to decisions made prior to my arrival and…through your continued generosity and faithfulness!

May the peace of Christ be with you!

Fr. David Blume

Next month: Financial policies and procedures: How we ensure that what you put in the collection basket ends up in St. Patrick's bank account - and not someone else's!