Last weekend was a pure delight to those who attended the festivities of Pleasant Valley Days. It was wonderful to see our neighbors parading on Route 44. It was noteworthy to recognize how many groups have our parishioners as members, including the scouts, fire department, and high school bands. Of course, our folk group played and sang its way towards the park. (Next year I hope they have a better placement than in front of the West Road cheerleaders.) The Knights of Columbus were out in force as chefs extraordinaire. Though many feasted on their fries and burgers, I preferred their bratwurst. (I had two – one there and one for the road.) That delicacy is just one of the reasons I am looking forward to our parish day on October 11th.
The involvement of the people of Saint Stanislaus Kostka in the community is no surprise. This parish has benefited from so many giving of their time, talent, and treasure, beginning with the parish staff. Andrea, Dianne, and Nancy do not count the hours as many times they can be found working late at night and on the weekends. They volunteer in many activities after their workdays. Their responsiveness to all is unbelievable. And everything they do they do with a joyful spirit. With Andrea, Lawris Barrett heads up our religious education program. It’s a marvel to me as she can describe the individual needs of every family and child. Of course, they are assisted by a dedicated group of catechists. Week after week they come prepared to share their faith with our children. Allied with this program is the youth ministry which covers every age group. Great imagination is utilized by those who lead these efforts to engage the boys and girls in growing spiritually, psychologically, and physically. The center of their lives as well as ours is the Eucharist. From the inspiring service of Deacon John Dunn to the talented music ministry, our celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is one which unifies and strengthens our faith community. (Additionally, when I have had to participate in liturgies in my role as Associate State Chaplain, both members of the adult choir and folk group assisted me). It is a highly reverential experience of the Lord’s Supper when one witnesses the service of our sacristan, prepared lectors, skilled Eucharistic ministers, and trained altar servers. Many people have noted the warmth and concern of our ushers and ministers of hospitality. Like our Knights of Columbus, there are many men and women who work behind the scenes to maintain the buildings and grounds. Our part-time staff of Kay, Vinnie, and John ensures that the rectory, offices, church, and hall are properly cared for. They are supported by our Garden Club. These volunteers make great contributions to the landscape. I must confess that I do not know many of the names of the flowers, bushes, and shrubs, but they are all beautiful and are coordinated. Over the course of the year many people step forward to run dinners celebrating holidays, prepare meals for homeless shelters, serving at nursing homes and food pantries while others inspire the Church in organizations such as Cursillo, Marriage Encounter, and Habitat for Humanity.
Generous in time and talent, our parishioners have not failed in sharing their treasure. In addition to weekly support, in these times of economic difficulty, one takes note that the Cardinal’s (now Archbishop’s) Appeal received a record number of gifts and financial support. A number of people realized the need for parochial renovations in the rectory and the nursery school building which now serves as the location of the parish offices. A couple of long time parishioners donated paint which the Knights applied to the walls. Another parishioner generously contributed to the construction of a rest room for the staff. Many parishioners stepped up to help our staff move into the new space. Still another donated a dining room set for the priests. We received a beautiful desk from another for the clergy to use. For what we have received from all in terms of their time, talent, and treasure we are most grateful.
With this in mind, however, I must bring to the attention of all our present financial situation. In terms of the needs of our physical plant we have made progress only on those aspects of the infrastructure which effect safety. Many repairs cannot be done for lack of funds. Operationally, you should know that our paid staff has not received any increases in salary or benefits in over two years. We have examined every area of expenditure and made every possible cut. There is but one way to meet our obligations and this is to increase revenue. I hope you forgive me for taking up your time by writing these thoughts and for speaking at all the Masses about our circumstances. But I believe it necessary and not to make you aware of these matters would be a dereliction of duty on my part.
Some concrete suggestions and ways we will attempt to maintain the welfare of our parish are the following. I would ask each of our parishioners to think and pray about your weekly contribution. Could you increase it by at least 10%? Could you visit the possibility of tithing? Secondly, it would be of great assistance if everyone would sign up for Parish Pay. All of us utilize this kind of system to meet other obligations. As you know you can easily go the our website: www.saintstanislaus.net and at the bottom of the homepage click the Parish Pay Icon. This will quickly take you right into the process of setting up your monthly donation.
Finally, as of October, we are introducing a Capital Improvement collection. The funds we receive from this monthly envelope will be restricted for repairs to our buildings.
It is not a pleasant duty for a pastor to have to address his people on such a topic. I hope that you can appreciate that. Please take these thoughts and what you hear today in consideration. Suffice it to say, I am truly grateful for all you have done for our parish and look to all of you for your continual prayers and support. May God bless you and our parish.
Vivat Jesus
Fr. Brian
