Stewardship Letter, April 17, 2006
Dear Ascension Parishioners:
Eight weeks ago, Ascension decided to remain a parish with its own school. The leadership communicated that in order to continue funding our school ministry through stewardship contributions; we need sufficient pledges to support a balanced budget. To our parish families who have remained current or are ahead of their pledges for this year, thank you! To our parish families who have increased their pledges for next year, we also thank you.
We find ourselves at a crossroads. By May 1, if we have not received sufficient stewardship pledges to support a balanced budget, we will institute a tuition program for the parish school.
This is our current situation (as of April 10):
- Current stewardship contributions for the 2005/2006 fiscal year are behind over $100,000.
- Stewardship pledges received to date for the 2006/2007 fiscal year are $300,000 short.
- 21 school families have not returned stewardship forms.
- 62 families (~35% of school families) pledged amounts greater than the forecasted tuition
- 67 school families (~ 40%) pledged between $1 - $2000 below tuition costs for 2006/2007
- 42 school families (~25%) pledged more than $2,000 below tuition costs for 2006/2007
- 314 non-school families (47%) have not returned stewardship forms.
- Our budget for 2006/2007 requires a modest increase for salaries, utilities, and instructional supplies.
To clarify:
- To continue as full stewardship: If 2006 pledges are caught up and fulfilled and if 2007 pledges increase by at least $300,000 to achieve a balanced budget, we can continue to finance all parish ministries through stewardship contributions. Fulfillment of pledges is the key factor. Stewardship contributions may be tax deductible. Consult your tax advisor.
- Switching to a tuition plan: If we are unable to present a balanced budget with projected stewardship contributions, we will finance the school ministry through tuition. Financial aid will be available for qualified families. Our current projected tuition rates for this fall are:
$4,200 one child = $81 per week
$6,300 two children = $121 per week
$7,350 3+ children = $141 per week
We are asking all parish families to prayerfully consider increasing their pledges for next year to eliminate the projected $300,000 deficit. If you have not yet submitted your stewardship form for next year, please do so immediately. If you decide to increase your pledge for next year, please return the enclosed form in the collection basket at Mass, drop off at the Parish Office or mail to the Parish Office. Our decision will be based on information we receive no later than May 1, 2006. If we decide switch from full stewardship to a tuition plan, families will have the opportunity to revise their stewardship pledges. Our decision will be announced early in May.
Let us all pray for guidance of the Holy Spirit as we continue to plan for the future of the Ascension community.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Gary PadgettPastor
Parish Council: Tim Finney (chair), Rosemary Cavanaugh, Scott Floore, Sarah Gorman, Dan Hans, Dave Hodge, Bruce Kramer, Paul Sagun, Tom Simms, Cathie Young
Finance Committee: Scott Evans (chair), Matt Duddy, Theresa Garrett, Bruce Jackal, Laura Kinney, Rick Knepfler, Troy McCracken, Kelle Shircliff, Rick Turnock, Dan Walter, Jeff Weis
School Board: Margie Barito (president), Mary Jo Ellis, Rafael Fernandez, Sarah Gorman, Dana Hodge, Kim Mann, Diane Ritter, Lela Spears, Joan Steurer, Mary Ann Tompkins, Barry Williams
Stewardship Committee: Gina Allen, Joe Barito, Betty Bramer, Steve Daniels, Mike Delvisco, Jim Fleischer, Carleen Herde, Susan Howard, Joe Hughes, Ben Miles, Karen Morris, Missey Mussler, Ed O’Rourke, Tammy Peake, Diane Schmidt, Tom Schmitt, Steve Spears, Tom Wagner, Linda Weber, Andrea Weihe, Debbie White