St. Pius X RC Church, Plainview NY

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, especially in the shadow of the recent storms.  This year with be an extra special celebration as I give thanks to God for sending me to my new faith family of St. Pius X!  I am so appreciative of each of you in this wonderful faith community.  My dear mom in India is grateful that her son is surrounded by such love.  She too gives thanks for each of you along with my Dad in heaven who watches over me and my new spiritual family. 

This is also the time of year when the Pastor presents the Annual Report to the parish. We are an exciting community, and these certainly are exciting times for us.  Our parish has much to be proud of as well as some challenges ahead.  We are in a period of renewal, both physically and spiritually.  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 few months I hope you realize that I love people and I love my priesthood. 

When I arrived as pastor in late June, I encountered a parish that unfortunately was left unattended spiritually, physically, and financially.  But I also encountered a most generous faith family willing to do anything, eager to be renewed.  So, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. 

Physical Facilities

Regrettably, the physical state of the parish facilities was in need of immediate attention.  In some cases, it appears basic maintenance had been neglected for some time leading to a precarious or unsafe environment.  In other cases, the lack of immediate action now would have resulted in more extensive repairs and cost in the near future.  In addition, renovations to restore the water damage done by the storm in early June was undertaken and completed.  I have made every effort to keep you updated with the renovations to our facilities in the bulletin and website.  The cost of these necessary renovations was substantially reduced since as I was able to call upon the service of friends and negotiate excellent contracts. The goal of this work was to assure we have a safe and welcoming space for our parish.  I believe we have accomplished this goal.

Pastoral (or Spiritual)

I am first and foremost a priest and I am here to serve you, especially your spiritual needs.  Unfortunately, the urgency of the state of the facilities required considerable amount of my time over the past few months leaving me less to dedicate to liturgical and spiritual programs.  I am pleased, however with what has been implemented and some of the special events we hosted.  For example, I am overjoyed to see everyone exchanging a warm welcome at the start of each Mass.  Our special liturgical event to honor the feast day of St. Pius X received many praises.  As a parish, we stopped for the first time on September 11 to share a Mass of Remembrance.  Mary and Joseph have been restored to their rightful place on the side of the altar.  Our Church is now a warm and welcoming space inviting people to stay awhile and visit.  A priest visits the sick and homebound to offer companionship as well as spiritual comfort.  We also have instituted a monthly Mass at the local assisted living facilities.  Priests are present at each liturgy to meet and greet you and visit our children regularly at the Religious Education classes.  My goal for these first few months ministerally was to plant some seeds and to see what takes root.

Financially

Parishioner weekly offerings are the financial lifeline of this and every parish.  I am grateful to see the dedication you have to your stewardship responsibilities.  We do, however, have a few challenges. 

• Overstaffing – the parish was overstaffed.  Working closely with the Diocese, we were able to bring this expense under control with a reduction in staff. 
• Rental of Parish Facilities – the group that was renting part of the school informed the parish last April that they would not renew their lease as they had outgrown the space.  Since arriving we have been working diligently to seek a new tenant.
• Convent – the convent has been unoccupied in excess of 10 years.  Since arriving, we are working with the Diocese and others to sell this property.
• Decrease in weekly offerings, fundraising activities & parish programs – there has been a decrease of approximately 10% in revenue between 2012 to 2013. 

 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 journey together as we seek to build a stronger and more vibrant parish of St. Pius X.

In my daily prayer, I thank God for sending me to this parish of St. Pius X as your pastor.  I am so ever grateful to be part of this church 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.

Yours Gratefully in the Lord,

Fr. Valentine