Stewardship Reports

Dear St. Catherine of Siena Parishioners,

Through your generosity the Parish has been able to meet its budget and continue to grow in sharing the Gospel. The St. Catherine of Siena Pastoral Council, Finance Committee and Fr. Anthony Le hope to provide a clear picture of the Financial Report of our Parish Community. You will find in this report a breakdown of where our funds come in and how they are spent. We will provide a few different snapshots for you. First will be the Financial Statement of Activity for the fiscal year 2018 and the Projected Operating Budget for this Fiscal Year 2019. The second will give you a breakdown of PACE I, PACE II, with an explanation and breakdown of the Combined Capital Campaign (Fulfilling the Promise), that will include all money donated and raised, the interest earned over the years, as well as the funds that have been spent. We also would like to share information regarding the Divine Renovation Project, how it is funded, and the estimated costs of Phase I. We hope that this overall report will provide you with clear details of how funds are handled. The Diocese of Oakland has clear direction and oversight of all Parish funds, to assure that Restricted Funds are managed according to the law (Civil and Canon). All projects and contracts for service over $25,000 are reviewed and contracted by the Diocese. For any questions or clarification please contact the Parish office.

Treasure

The first building campaign (PACE - Parish Activity Center Expansion) began in 1999. The second campaign (PACE II) began in 2006. The Combined Capital campaign (Fulfilling the Promise) began in 2015. All accounts have earned interest since their beginning.

Understanding the Combined Capital Campaign:

In the beginning of 2015 Bishop Michael Barber, Diocese of Oakland rolled out the Diocesan Capital Campaign, “Reclaiming Christ’s Mission Together”. The Campaign was scheduled for 2015 - 2019 and the Parishes were asked not to run any of their own campaigns until this one was completed. Two options were presented: the first was to participate in the Bishop’s Campaign in good faith and 25% of the monies raised would go back to the Parish. For Parishes that were in the midst of building or needed to run a campaign, the option was given to enter into a Combined Campaign. St. Catherine Parish leadership at the time decided to move forward with a third campaign (Combined Campaign), “Fulfilling the Promise”, to complete the building project, started as PACE I & PACE II. The goal of “Fulfilling the Promise”, was to raise $850,000 in the campaign which included a pledge of $284,000 from our fund drive to the “Reclaiming Christ’s Mission Together” Diocesan Campaign, over the course of 4 years. In 2016 & 2018, the expenses included a total of $88,750 contributed to the Diocesan Campaign, as agreed. Our Combined Campaign, “Fulfilling the Promise” will conclude in October 2019.
 

Divine Renovation Project Budget:

Due to the generosity of a former parishioner, the community received a large bequest at the end of 2018. These funds were unrestricted and directed to be used at the discretion of the Parish Leadership and Parochial Administrator. The funds were moved to our Diocesan General Savings Account and will be held there, gaining interest until requested back for expenditures. Additionally, the Parish has received an anonymous donation ($1,000), a donation from the Knights of Columbus ($4000) and a donation ($5,000) for the much needed Divine Renovation Projects. The leadership teams have decided on a plan of action for the renovation of our Worship space. The budget below outlines the anticipated costs for the projects that will take place over the next six months (June 2019 through December 2019).

FACILITIES

To assure that our Church and facilities testify to the greater honor and glory of God.
 
In 2018 there were a few repairs and improvements to the facilities. The addition of Troy Killorn as our Facilities Manager provided a dedicated person to address the ongoing repair issues as well as put together a plan for ongoing maintenance and repair. The parish office received a facelift with the re-landscaping of the front entrance, two phases of window replacements were completed with one more pending, and new signage on the front of the parish building and church that is a visible sign of our presence in the community. The broken stained glass windows in the church were repaired and the two windows in the Sanctuary were removed for restoration. The ADA ramp on the parking lot side of the church was extended to enable a safer descent for parishioners.


 

Sharing Our Time and Talent

WORSHIP

To facilitate a transforming encounter with God as we come together in worship.

At the heart of Divine Worship is the celebration of the Holy Eucharist or the Holy Mass. The Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of our Christian life. We encourage everyone to actively and fully participate in its celebration. In 2018, the Liturgy Committee was reorganized, forming a Core Liturgy Team. Its goal is to assist the Pastor and Pastoral staff in forming and maintaining the vision of the Liturgy and facilitate in the planning and decision-making regarding liturgical celebrations of the parish. Sub-committees were developed and are responsible for implementing the decisions made by the Core Team. The Liturgy Committee Handbook was distributed to each member and contains the role and responsibilities of membership and the committee’s relationship to other parish ministries. Two meetings were held for all parish ministry leaders. Approximately ten leaders attended each meeting. The Ministry Leader Handbook was dispersed to leaders which included diocesan guidelines for parish volunteers. The Handbook was developed to provide support to our Catholic community’s dedicated parish leaders so they have the information, tools, support, and training to effectively lead their ministries. Two trainings were provided in June 2018 for parishioners who wished to become Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Lectors, and/or Altar Servers. Individual trainings were also arranged for those who were unable to attend the group trainings. Usher training was also conducted. Approximately fifty parishioners were trained in these ministries. Lectors and other ministers continue to participate in the weekly Scripture Reflections with the clergy. Weekly Lectors’ meetings continued in 2018 for those ministers proclaiming the readings for upcoming weekend Masses. In the fall of 2018, Troy Killorn joined St. Catherine community as the Director of Music. There is an open invitation for all who are interested in being part of the Music Ministry. There are many new opportunities to participate with the addition of the St. Catherine School and Faith Formation students and the Youth Group choirs. Our Liturgical ministries facilitate and enhance a meaningful and beautiful worship during our liturgical celebrations; and, living out our parish mission of welcoming all, sharing our gifts, and giving glory to God.
 
 

DISCIPLESHIP

To empower a community of Christian people walking together as disciples of Jesus in order to share His good news. 

In the Fall of 2018, Paul and Jenny Holland were added onto the team to lead the Youth and Confirmation program. Working with Eugene Dizon, they welcomed 66 young people into the program. This program provides an opportunity for young people to prepare for Confirmation; and, through the Leadership Team also provides for on-going formation in their teenage years. The parish youth are often called upon to help with events, including the Annual Sr. Jeanne Wine & Cheese Fest. The youth raise funds for their programs through participation in Art in the Park and Holiday Lane; and, every year they Adopt-a-Family in collaboration with St. Vincent de Paul Society. The youth group hosts hospitality to benefit the Food Bank and serves a meal at Mountain View Shelter. As a community of faith, they meet every two weeks, serve at Mass together, and gather for retreats throughout the year. The Faith Formation program led by Andrea Watkins, enrolled one hundred forty-eight students, fifty-six of whom prepared for and received their First Holy Communion. The communicants used the “Blessed” program by Dynamic Catholic, while their parents were engaged in a monthly class in both English and Spanish on the True Presence, a Eucharistic series, made available through the church subscription to “FORMED.” Weekly instruction made use of Gospel  Weeklies which are anchored by each Sunday’s Gospel. These attractive lessons provide a liturgical catechesis that connect the Gospel to doctrine using current events, interesting activities, thought-provoking discussion questions, and examples of real young people making a difference in the world. These pamphlets were broken into levels beginning with preschool through eighth grade. The RCIA program (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) enjoyed a full class. Mid-year, Pauline Porter assumed the lead facilitator position for the program with the support of many volunteers. The class met every Wednesday evening; and, during the Triduum, participated in all the Liturgical services. At the Easter Vigil, three adults and three children were baptized, two adults came into the Church from other faith traditions, and four adults were confirmed. IGNITE, the Adult Faith Formation program, provided new opportunities for many to grow in their faith, through Bible study, book clubs, evening events with FORMED; and an Advent retreat for women. Next year, the parish new direction will be that of the 2019-2020 Sunday All Family Faith Formation Ministry.
 
 

STEWARDSHIP

To create a culture in the Parish rooted in gratitude and generosity

In 2018, St. Catherine parish registered fifteen new families. Currently there are 1,121 registered families in our parish; comprising a total of 2,835 people. An increase in weekly financial giving was realized by 3% over the course of the year. Additionally, gifts and bequests totaling over $300,000 were donated. In the fall of 2018, the Stewardship team in collaboration with the Pastoral Council developed the Ministry Leader Handbook. Five individual sessions were held to distribute, review, and address questions regarding policies. The Stewardship Team facilitated two Ministry Appreciation Events: one in August and December, to acknowledge the commitment of the many volunteers and to share information with parishioners. In December, the Five Years of Grace Pastoral Plan, a project that involved over 20 parish leaders, was presented to the community after four months of strategically discerning the needs of the Parish Community.
 
 

HOSPITALITY

To form a joyful family community that reaches out and receives one another as Christ reaches out and receives us.

Hospitality at St. Catherine of Siena has been identified most frequently as Hospitality after Sunday Masses. In 2018, fifteen ministries and a few individuals/families served and welcomed Church goers for 64% of Sunday Masses. This included the Knights of Columbus third Sunday breakfasts. We look forward to growth in this area as individuals, families, and ministries volunteer to serve at all the Masses. On December 22, 2018, St. Vincent de Paul members offered beyond the Sunday hospitality experience. Vincentians opened the Parish Hall to serve St. Vincent de Paul neighbors, families, and individuals. One hundred families received Christmas hams/chickens and gifts. After a Thanksgiving distribution in the rain, the hall was identified as a natural solution for its holiday outreach. The doors opened at 8 AM. The San Lorenzo Ruiz Community and Vincentians welcomed neighbors with coffee/tea, and cookies. After prayer, the guests moved through check-in, the gift table, the food pantry, and the meat distribution. It was a wonderful example of welcoming, sharing, and giving glory to God. In 2018, the Deacons conducted two trainings to prepare Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist to the hospitals, homebound, and the sick. This training was to prepare ministers so our parish responsiveness to sick calls and visits to the homebound and hospitals can increase. Five teams visit three local nursing homes and the County hospital weekly. Currently, as new recruits are added to this ministry, they frequently replace a veteran member who may take a break or step down in this capacity. Father Anthony Le visited the nursing facilities in November and celebrated Mass and anointed residents. An increase in calls for visits from our ministers to parishioners is anticipated. In November, the annual Mass for deceased parishioners was held at the old St. Catherine of Siena Cemetery at the top of the hill overlooking the Carquinez Strait. A majestic and moving memorial Mass was celebrated with approximately 40 people in attendance. It was a cooperative effort of Catholic Funeral & Cemetery Services and the parish grief ministry. Parishioners and St. Catherine 8th grade school students continue to serve meals monthly at the Loaves and Fishes kitchen. For the 19th year, three Church ministries and individual parishioners prepared and served meals at Mountain View Family Shelter. These ministries express a need to increase volunteers. In the fall of 2019, Faith Formation and Hospitality will join together for an expanded Sunday experience. After attending Masses, children will receive religious education instruction while parishioners, parents, and visitors enjoy hospitality. 
 

Published June 9, 2019