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State of the Parish Update My Dear Parishioners: I wanted to let you know of some recent decisions that we have made concerning our budget and our school. These are decisions that I do not take lightly, and I want to be sure that all of us understand the consequences of such actions as they affect each one of us that make up the Body of Christ. Sacred Heart School has been running a deficit now for three years. We have been able to cover the costs thus far by use of endowment funds, parishioner donations and fundraising. We have begun a long-term endowment fund named the "Friends of Sacred Heart School", which will provide a solution for covering some tuition assistance and technology acquisition costs. Our problem, however, is a short-term one (the next two years) in which we find ourselves having to cut teacher and staff salaries and having to borrow money to keep our school open. We will need to borrow $75,000 to balance this year's budget (2008-2009) and we are showing a deficit of $45,000 for next year (2009-2010) without an increase in enrollment and expanded fundraising. We have begun a concerted effort to increase enrollment by advertising in the Cullman Times newspaper and quarterly magazine and in the Community Shoppers Guide. A generous parishioner and his wife who wish to remain anonymous covered the cost of these ads. In addition, we used our recently collected census data to assist us in identifying parents that have children in age groups from 3K through 6th grade. This allowed us to call and speak with parents regarding their choice of schools and to let them know of our desire to work with them regarding specific academic needs and tuition assistance. We must also replace the paneling in the basement hallway of the school where the youngest children are located. The Fire Marshall and the City of Cullman have requested this so that we will have walls and doors with at least a 20-minute fire rating if evacuation of the school were necessary. This is a code requirement and a group of parishioners volunteered to do this project beginning in late May after school is out for the summer. We will save on labor, but will need to cover the cost of materials. Estimates on the cost of materials will include the purchase of Type X gypsum and solid core fire rated doors and frames that contain windows. We will also need some electrical work to equip the basement classrooms for operation of electronic equipment. We certainly can all understand that costs have gone up and that economically our Nation is in trouble. Our General Manager put out a report a few months back that told you of our recent investments into our physical plant. These investments will continue so that we do not allow further deterioration to occur in our various buildings. For instance, the Evers-Humpl (St. Vincent de Paul) Building recently needed a termite treatment. The roof also separated from the North and South walls requiring repairs that totaled $4,200. We are repairing the South wall that is cracked and leaking. We will power wash, caulk, prime and epoxy coat the wall to assure that moisture will not continue to gain entry into the building. All windows in the building will be sanded, re-caulked and repainted as they are leaking and the frames are rusting. Repairs will cost $7,300. Recently, the Family Life Center (FLC) required that we refasten the roof panels with stainless steel screws and new rubber grommets as the panels had loosened up after 15 years. During recent high wind weather conditions harmonic vibrations were evident above the Gymnasium. An inspection revealed that the panels were loosening and many were beginning to rust, as were the fasteners. Costs of replacing the screws, refastening the panels, arresting the rust and recoating the roof with a 10-year warranted paint were $19,236. On Tuesday, 3/24/09 we came in to find that our water heater was flooding our utility room and the gym bathrooms. Drains in the floor kept the damage at a minimum, but the water heater had rusted through. The cost of replacement was $761.30. This summer we will re-shingle the Rectory roof. The current shingles are curling and the underlayment is beginning to show in certain places. Recently we had all the storm windows re-caulked to stop on air and water leaks into the rectory. Replacement of the roof with 25-30 year shingles will cost $7,200-$8,200. A committee of knowledgeable parishioners will evaluate the upper stained glass windows in the church. We know that they are leaking on the North side, especially when we have wind-driven rainstorms. As we do not want our recently painted internal walls affected, we will have to come up with an immediate interim solution. Recent estimates to repair the windows run from $200,000 to $1 Million dollars depending on who is doing the work and the extent of the repairs needed. We will have to repair mortar joints in the limestone that surrounds the windows and some frames have rotted wood that will need replacement. We will need to strip, repair cracks, seal, prime, and paint these windows and in some cases replace the wood itself. We have estimates from reputable companies that repair churches all over the U.S. and the world. Repairs such as this do not come cheap, and we intend to inform you of the specific need and costs. Our Finance Committee will formulate a Capital Campaign for this repair. Finally, I would like to announce that I have asked Mr. Curt Thomas to become the parish Director of Development. Curt will work with our General Manager, Phil Frappaolo, our Finance Committee and our Parish Development Core Team to address our current financial needs and to set priorities for our future needs. As you can see, our parish has substantial needs. I know that each of you is rethinking your budget and determining where to put your time and money. I am asking that you consider an investment in your school and in your parish's General or Maintenance funds. The General Fund goes towards operating costs such as utilities, salaries, advertising, and taxes to the Diocese, etc. The Maintenance Fund goes towards repairs to our buildings including the church, Family Life Center, Evers-Humpl (St. Vincent de Paul), rectory and Sacred Heart School. You may specifically request that your donations go to a particular project. You may also donate money to purchase certain equipment for the school such as computers, Smartboards, classroom supplies and the like. I very much appreciate any help you can give us and we will keep you informed of our progress as we enter into the summer and fall months. Please be as generous as you can, and I know the Lord will bless you. Sincerely, |