Finance Council & Stewardship Committee met this month...

Before sharing with you about the substance of these meetings, I'd like to share about a particular blessing... one from today and over these last few months.  Some time back, as it was relevant to the readings, I preached about being community and mentioned that for every nice / affirmative / constructive comment through email, phone or in person... there are 9 more negative ones (a generalization but true in its balance) and I have to admit, there was a bit of rush on negative comments in the first couple of months.  Today was interesting in this regard.   I first received a beautiful note and a tasty treat that blessed  and encouraged me very much (Thank you, if you're reading this).  I then received by email a very angry note, and after I responded as charitably and constructively as I could)... it was followed by another email, from the gentleman, which was full of vinegar and personal insults.  I truly feel bad for that guy, and definitely prayed for him.    But, my real point in bringing this up is to say that over these past few months the balance has shifted and there are many more upbeat positive notes and interactions and a real energy of desire to be part of building an amazing community of faith.  I have been very blessed by it all and very encouraged.  I can't promise not to make any mistakes but I do realize that at times a critical comment (no matter how its delivered) can be pointing out a truth that needs to be addressed, and I can promise to do all it takes to continue to grow in holiness as a man and in so doing to grow in wisdom and ability as a Priest and Pastor.

So, on with the juicy stuff...

The Finance Council had a good meeting recently... we discussed a lot of things, but I think maybe we need to meet more often or spend less time reviewing past information... (thinking out loud). 

There were two or three major items for discussion.

• The issue of the 'dry wood termites' in the Office / Rectory building was discussed at length.  It was decided that we need to move forward with the 'tenting' of the building and get rid of these critters!  We decided it was best to do it after Easter and before the Summer.  Chris is going to look into the logistics of operating the office remotely or out of the Parish Hall.  The building will need to be prepared in advance and then vacated for about a week.  It's going to be a complicated and a somewhat expensive affair, but it has to be done sooner rather than later.
• Speaking of expenses!  We discussed the ongoing financial state of the parish.  Patricia, Chris and I were happy to report that ongoing expenses had been significantly reduced over the first and second quarter of this year, all outstanding bills have been paid (except of course the Hall Renovation Loan), and we've been able to correct some of the financial oversights wrought by financial management oversights which needed to be corrected or eliminated.  All of this adds up to an increasingly healthy state of our finances.  The 2nd quarter report will be in next weeks bulletin.
• Which brings us to the Professional Audit of our financial management procedures and degree of adherence to Diocesan Financial Management Policies and Procedures.  This kind of audit is done shortly after there is a Pastoral Leadership change or every few years as required.  I presented the final report of the Auditors to the Finance Council and I will prepare a Parish Response to any issues raised, prior to the Finance Council meeting with the Diocesan CFO to review the findings and our plan of action to come into full compliance. They identified several issues that have already been, are currently being or will be addressed.  Many of those issues I had identified prior to the audit and we had immediately addressed.  Some issues are a little more complicated to address, and we are in that process currently.  There are only a couple of issues which we had not identified ourselves.
  • Two issues of importance that we are in the process of addressing have to do with the Finance Council itself and the way in which the collection is counted.
    • We will be looking for 3 new members of the Council to replace members who have gone beyond term limits; we'll be instituting term limits; and seeking a new President of the Council from among it's members.
    • We will also be seeking approximately 8 - 12 new people to help with the collection in order to create 3-4 rotating counting teams of 4-5 people.  Of course, everyone who is involved with these procedures will submit to a background check and fingerprinting evaluation prior to becoming a team member.

The Stewardship Committee had a long and productive meeting!  They were also excited to share many great ideas for reinvigorating the parish!  Much of the discussion was about the upcoming annual Bishops Appeal and how we will approach the process this year.  But a lot of time was also spent on ideas related to our Hospitality toward and Welcoming of folks who are not regulars of the Basilica as well as various ways in which we can continue to become a much more vibrant and active parish community.  We talked about building on the good that is already happening and introducing new ways for us to grow in faith and action.  Stay tuned for more specifics, and read the 4th Sunday of Ordinary Time 'Weekly Announcements' on this website for a little more information right now! :)

Thank you to all the members of our parish who so generously give of their time and talents in these groups as well as the Parish Council!