Prayers for turnaround show early results: Increased donations and some staff cuts help donations cover expenses
Spirited Times - September 2007 

By Finance Committee and

Mark T. Hoske

Church of the Holy Spirit Finance Committee figures show that efforts to control expenses and increase regular Sunday donations seem to be producing positive results.

Frank discussions with parishioners have resulted in increased in donations. Thanks and prayers go out to those who have increased donations. Trying to increase awareness, though, has led some parishioners to feel that the parish has strayed from a tradition of not emphasizing financial needs.

“For the past seven years, we’ve been spending more money for ordinary operating expenses than we have been receiving,” noted Fr. Bill Tkachuk, pastor, in May. The parish no longer can put off budgeting money for ongoing maintenance, such as repairs to heating and air conditioning systems. In addition, “Every parish sends 10% of its ordinary income to support the Archdiocesan offices, which also have experienced operating deficits in recent years.”

Financial discussions over the last few years at the parish have centered on several areas:

§  Reducing a larger than expected debt from construction of the Ministry Center and campus renovations.

§  Ensuring that parishioners understand that financial contributions support our response to the perceived needs of the faith community and our outreach ministries. Newer generations of parishioners often do not realize the need for donations.

§  Continuing reductions in discretionary spending.

§  Delaying maintenance-related spending (which can lead eventually to higher maintenance and capital-related expenses).

§  Encouraging all parishioners to attend mass more regularly and to commit to using the pre-printed envelopes or an Electronic Funds Transfer for regular donations.

§  Reaching out to the many people touched by Church of the Holy Spirit ministries and inviting them to share some of their gifts of time, talent, and treasure.

§  Fundraising, in fun and creative ways, to support debt reduction efforts and ordinary expenses.

At the May 19 Parish Town Hall (PTH) meeting, the Finance Committee report included discussion of the 10 x 100 debt reduction effort, thankfulness for sustained or slightly higher increases, and reports of several successful fundraising events.

Lars Cederquist, Finance Committee Chair, noted that more than $301,000 has been pledged toward reducing the remaining $1 million construction debt; about 450 households or groups are contributing.

The Take 5 “fun-raising” concert entertained 176 people and raised $3,000 through an entry fee, raffle, wine, beer, pop, and munchies. Vickie Cederquist noted, “It’s fun to get together socially, so perhaps we can look for more opportunities like this.”

Coupon efforts in collaboration with local restaurants have raised more than $1,000 to date (coupons are included in this issue). Helping at a local bingo hall has brought in about $1,175 in just a few months.

The T-Mobile Tower Project, which proposes incorporating a cell tower into a no-cost-to-the-parish new cross tower, will bring in $2,000 a month for the parish if approved by T-Mobile and the Village of Schaumburg. This income would fund ongoing maintenance projects that have been deferred due to budget limitations.

The financial report for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2007 will be presented at the beginning of October and will appear in the November/December issue of Spirited Times. It will show that we managed to pay all of our operating bills except the construction loan interest payments. The proposed budget for the new fiscal year accounts for these payments. However, this requires a weekly Sunday income of $16,314 ($15,400 was the average weekly income in FY 2007). The ongoing prayer and generosity of all will get us to our goal.

Ideas or suggestions about any of these or other topics?  Drop them off at the Parish Office, speak to a member of the pastoral staff or Town Hall Steering Group, or attend an upcoming Parish Town Hall meeting (9 a.m. to noon in the Hospitality Room).