St. Pius X RC Church, Plainview NY

Annual Report - 2014

To Restore All Things in Christ

Dear Fellow Parishioners,

Soon we will be gathering with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving.  During this time of year, I am reminded of all for which we are thankful.  This is also the time of year when the Pastor presents the Annual Report to the parish. We are an extraordinary community, and we have reason to be proud.  I have always been a person who sees that glass as half full.  For me, challenges are opportunities for renewal, growth and change.  If there is anything you have learned about me over the past year, I hope it is that I love my priesthood and I love to serve my people.

Financial Highlights

Parishioner weekly offerings are the financial lifeline of this and every parish.  I am pleased to inform you that revenue from collections is up 10%!  In addition, revenue from fundraising is up 41% largely due to an extraordinary Golf Outing and the return of our annual Feast and Festival.  I am grateful and humbled to see the dedication you have to your stewardship responsibilities.  Thank you!

On the expense side, we successfully reduced overall expenses by 6%.  Reduction in expenses would have been higher but some of our facilities were in need of some major repairs.  Below are some highlights:

• New heating system installed in the parish center
• Sidewalks replaced around parish center as well as areas near the church
• Parking lot resurfaced
• Air conditioning system in the parish center repaired
• Replacement of the wood railroad ties that form the two-tiered retaining walls for the backyard plantings
• Repair of leaks in the auditorium roof as well as the skylights

While we were successful in welcoming a new tenant (ACDS), occupancy did not begin (and therefore rental income) until April 1.  In addition, the convent has been unoccupied in excess of 10 years.  I continue to work with the Diocese and others to find a solution for this property.  Even with these financial challenges, we were able to reduce the net considerably.  Once again, I am so very grateful to each of you.

Pastoral (or Spiritual)

I am firstand foremost a priest and I am here to serve you, especially your spiritual needs.  Unfortunately, the state of the facilities required considerable amount of my time over the past year leaving me less to dedicate to the development of new liturgical and spiritual programs.  The liturgical and spiritual programs that we did offer were well prepared and meaningful.  With the addition of floral arrangements and artistically designed seasonal displays, our church offers a warm and welcoming environment to parishioners and visitors for personal prayer and liturgical services.  Here are some highlights.

• Blessing of the Animals
• Revision of the Mass Schedule with the addition two week-end liturgies
• Mass of Remembrance on All Soul’s Day
• Installation of the Pastor
• First Annual Recommissioning Ceremony and Thank you Reception for the volunteers in our ministries and organizations
• Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
• Lessons and Carols
• Children’s Christmas Pageant
• Donation of banners to enhance the environment during our liturgical seasons
• Donation of new set of vestments for our liturgies
• Lenten Tuesday Evening Liturgies with guest homilists
• Evening Prayer under the Stars
• Mass of Remembrance for 9/11

Social

In addition we had many opportunities to come together as a faith family.  Here are some highlights:

• Parish Family Picnic
• Breakfast with Santa
• St. Patrick & St. Joseph’s Day Dinner
• Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
• Annual Golf Outing
• Parish Feast
• Columbus Day Italian Family Feast
• Children’s Halloween Party

In addition, we welcomed the formation of the Columbiettes which has received strong support among the women of our parish.

Faith Formation

During the past year, we were pleased to offer in addition to our Faith Formation program, some additional opportunities for enrichment:

• Retreat for 7^th and 8^th graders preparing for Confirmation
• Adult Faith Formation
• Institution of parish Youth Group

Where do we go from here?  The election of Pope Francis once again revealed to us the ‘God of surprises’ and our beloved pope continues to surprise us, encourage us and challenge us.  “Let us journey together,” is his personal invitation.  I invite you to do the same – Let us continue to journey together as we seek to strengthen our vibrant parish of St. Pius X in spirit as well as resources.  On November 23, 2014 we will celebrate to beginning of our 60^th Anniversary with a special liturgy and procession with the Blessed Sacrament.  Many events are already in the planning to make 2015 a year to remember, celebrate and believe!

In my daily prayer, I thank God for sending me to this parish of St. Pius X as your pastor.  I am so grateful to be part of this faith community.  I am ever thankful to you for your support of me and your financial and ministerial gifts to our parish. You allow God to work through you to accomplish His wonderful works. 

On a personal level, I want to thank our Parish Financial Committee: Mr. Charles Pendola (Chairperson) Mr. Argante Cappelli, Mr. John Shamul, Mrs. Kathleen Wright, Mr. Richard Wright, Mr. Jim Reilly, Mr. Anthony Corrente, Mr. Dennis Murphy and Mrs. Lisa Boscarino for their oversight of the parish finances.

Be assured of my prayers for you and I ask that you remember me in your prayers.   “Restore all things in Christ,” reminds our parish patron saint, St. Pius X.  My faith family, I think we have made remarkable strides in fulfilling the spirit of St. Pius X. 

Yours Gratefully in the Lord,

Fr. Valentine

Fiscal Summary