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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
JUNE 2024
Greetings fellow parishioners of St. Katherine! And welcome to summer in Arizona! We all have our methods to combat the heat; from never leaving our homes to leaving the state entirely! Whatever it is you do, I hope it all goes well for you and in the meantime, we can all look forward to October!
During the summer months, many of our ministries take time off and the business of the parish council reduces somewhat. I wish I could say the same thing for maintenance issues, but alas, that would be deceiving. As we do every year, there are plans to get some work done in the community center during the month of July. The gym floor is going to be repaired where we have experienced damage (you may have seen the duct tape on the floor). We are also planning to renovate both restrooms with new countertops and flooring. The timing of the flooring will depend on the cost, as bids are currently being proposed. It is an expense we are sharing with Cadence Academy as part of our lease agreement, but we must still be thoughtful of our cash outlay during the summer months.
Reduced attendance at Liturgy during the summer due to Sunday School recess and vacations reduces our cash flow during the summer months. Planning for this, we always keep a portion of our savings on hand to cover unexpected expenses during this time. While the ‘business’ of the church is seasonal, the maintenance and growth of our spirituality is always the primary focus. A parish is a eucharistic community and everything we do and all the decisions we make should be made with Christ as the centerpiece. If we continue to do that, we will continue to grow and prosper.
While all donations are accepted with gratitude, at one time I stressed that stewardship donations should be made on a weekly or monthly interval. I stated that for two reasons: 1) so that it becomes part of your personal/household budget; and the same amount goes out each week/month. It prevents you from missing payments, getting behind on your pledge and then trying to make up for it later in the year. And 2) a consistent cash flow allows the treasurer to maintain her sanity without worrying about the annual reduction of donations over the summer. As I mention that, many thanks to Antigoni Bhatia for the many hours and all the work she dedicates to St Katherine. Not only as treasurer of the parish council, but the many ‘odd jobs’ she takes on for Father Timothy, St Katherine and the parish council. And thanks to the cohorts that assist with treasurer duties during her absence.
As you have seen, the parking lot has been resurfaced and repainted!! Hurray! There is still some work to be done and that will most likely be finished by the time you receive this email. This week, the paving company is returning to add 4 more handicapped spaces across from the main entrance (in addition to those already existing on the east side of the lot). Four spaces will be designated as handicapped parking with appropriate signage and spacing. A crosswalk will also be added between those spaces and the ramp on the right side of the main entrance to the church.
Father Timothy reports that the Metropolis of San Francisco has received our request to have Napoleon be our deacon and begin to assist our parish. He stated that it is in their hands, and we’ll await the decision of the Metropolitan and the Chancellor.
I would like to thank Samantha Johnson and Yiota Soublis for volunteering their time in the office during Marjie’s absence for a few days this month. Your willingness to assist is much appreciated; and you did so well, we may have to call on you again!
And lastly, I would be remiss for not thanking Maria Morten for the work she has done with our Sunday School ministry for the last few years. Maria and her family are moving to Florida soon and she is meeting with our current teachers to assist in planning a seamless transition to a new ministry chair. Kathy Waldo has graciously volunteered to be the chairperson of our Sunday School and we all thank her for undertaking this most important ministry. Those parishioners that feel they can assist in Sunday School, whether as a teacher or an assistant, please contact the office or Kathy. All help is appreciated as we do the work to teach our youth about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; and start them on their own quest for spiritual knowledge.
Thank you all for your continued efforts in assisting in the mission of St Katherine. Together, we are seeing many changes (physically, emotionally, spiritually) and we are affecting and influencing many lives. Have a safe and happy summer.
John Chrisagis
Parish Council President
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