Transcription
St. Athanasius Parish Annual ReportAnnual Report Message from Fr. Hernan FY2016-2017Parish StatisticsJune 2016 June 2017Registered Households939 779Contributing Households584 536Baptisms30 32First Communions46 47Confirmations56 57Marriages8 4Funerals10 19Family Program Students122 140Parish School Students296 228October Count440 443Our MissionWe strive to be a vibrantCatholic parish that nurturesour community, and livesthe gospel of Jesus Christby sharing our talentsand resourcesfor the good of others.Dear St. Athanasius Parishioners,As part of our commitment to parish communicationand stewardship, I present to you our Annual ParishReport for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017. Itsummarizes the work of faith formation, education,sacramental preparation, evangelization, outreachand community building. Included is our financial report, which shows how our resourceshave been used. Our church mission is funded by your generosity.Our parish church and school finished the fiscal year with an operating surplus of 24,144.The school’s operating deficit, which was due to not meeting an ambitious studentenrollment budget, was covered by the surplus our school generated in fiscal year 2016 andwas minimized by careful financial tracking during the year. The school has a break-evenbudget for 2018, thanks to a sound financial budget, which matches school expenses toexpected enrollment without sacrificing an exceptional educational experience, and thanksto continued outstanding fundraising efforts.Our church staff was enhanced in 2017 in order to support the three pillars of our strategicplan: Community, Discipleship and Sustainability. This has helped us work toward our plangoals of improving communications, developing leadership structure, and facilitating thework of our newly formed committees. Our leadership groups have been busy working onfulfilling our parish strategic plan and further defining our parish mission and vision.In 2017 we became part of the Evanston/Skokie Renew My Church grouping. As you mayknow, Renew My Church is the archdiocesan initiative to make our parishes more vital andmore sustainable. Parishes have begun working together to make our parishes vibrantcommunities that form missionary disciples of Jesus. An important part of the process ofRenew My Church are the parish groupings that will work to plan for the future and discernwhere God is leading us. Renew My Church will undoubtedly involve leaving behind familiarpatterns and demand that we move outside our comfort zones. In a word, it will requiresacrifice, but that has always been true for the Church whenever we have taken up newchallenges. I am confident our community will be up to the task and willing to do whateverit takes to build our capacity to pass on our faith to future generations when our grouping is“activitated” at some point in the future. The parishes in our grouping are St. Joan of Arc, St.Lambert, St. Mary in Evanston, St. Nicholas in Evanston, St. Peter in Skokie, Pope John XXIIISchool and the Sheil Catholic Center at Northwestern.As we continue to work together to fulfill our mission, I ask all to pray for God’s blessingsand make a commitment to help continue the work of the Lord by witnessing Christ in ourdaily lives and by offering a portion of our time, talent and treasure to our community. Asyou review our report, take a moment to reflect on your individual time, talent and offertorygiving and prayerfully consider increasing your support. Your generous donations help usallocate resources toward meeting our parish and church mission. We are indeed a blessedparish community. Join me in offering thanks to one another, and praising God who hasinvited us to be His good stewards.Blessings,Father HernanSolemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe · November 26, 2017 3
St. Athanasius Parish Annual ReportFY2016-2017 St. Athanasius Parish Operating Revenues and Expenditures4 The Chimes · St. Athanasius Parish
St. Athanasius Parish Annual ReportSt. Athanasius Parish TTWCI and Collections FY2016-2017Overall campaign goal: 1,300,000Total raised to date: 1,494,091Total Percent of goal: 115%# of Pledges: 196 FamiliesAverage gift size: 7,623Cash received to date: 530,484Total to be retained by ARCH: 344,000Total to be retained by St. Athanasius: 1,150,091We continue to thank you for all of your sacrifices toparticipate in this powerful and meaningful campaign. It isthrough the participation and support of each one of ourfamilies that we can be truly successful. We have and willmake a difference by coming together as an Archdioceseand a Parish.To Teach Who Christ Is Phase I Project and Spending PlanAssuming Total Pledges of 1,500,000 344,000 to Archdiocese and 1,156,000 to St. AthanasiusAt St. Athanasius we have been working closely with allinterested parties in the School and in the Church to reviewitems originally documented in the Case Statements you havepreviously seen and which are briefly stated above. TheseCase Statements assist in our focus for the funds that areraised in this campaign.Cardinal Cupich has stated “By coming together to support theneeds of today and tomorrow we not only will benefit from ourpartnership with one another, but also be true to the richheritage of our ancestors who built our churches and schoolsand established educational and social programs that haveenriched all of our lives. We can have that same kind of impacton the Church for years to come, ever faithful to our call ToTeach Who Christ Is.” Contributions from individualsthroughout the Archdiocese of Chicago to the To Teach WhoChrist Is campaign are already helping parishes thrive,providing children with greater access to Catholic education,and developing new religious education initiatives. Visitwww.toteachwhochristis.org to learn more about thecampaign.2017 Archdiocesan and Outreach CollectionsLatin America . 594Seminaries . 1,464Holy Land . 632Aid to Central & Eastern Europe . 796Catholic Charities . 8,158Peter's Pence . 741New World Mission . 1,145Summer Mission . 613Human Development . 1,259Religious Retirement Fund . 1,265Priest Retirement Fund . 1,498St. Vincent DePaul . 4,159Mexican Orphanage . 2,557Soup Kitchen . 511Bonaventure House . 507Connections for the Homeless . 1,657Bangladesh Orphanage . 5,656New Hope Apartment Fund . 8,939Peace & Justice . 3,541St. Agnes of Bohemia Church. 20,256St. Agnes of Bohemia Scholarship Collection . 3,577Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe · November 26, 2017 5
St. Athanasius Parish Annual ReportFY2016-2017 Parish MinistriesParish CouncilThree years ago, the Parish Council along with members from various ministries and boardsdeveloped a Parish Strategy. The strategy is based on three pillars that support of ParishVision and Mission. Those pillars include: Community, Discipleship and Sustainability. Eachpillar is comprised of unique goals and objectives aimed at maintaining the Parish Vision of,“One Vibrant and Engaged Parish Community” that is sustained by our Parish Mission:“We strive to be a vibrant Catholic Parish that nurtures our community, and lives thegospel of Jesus Christ by sharing our talents and resources for the good of others.”The St. Athanasius community has accomplished many of the key goals and objectives asoutlined in the Parish Strategy. The following are a few of the accomplishments achieved:new Parish website and communication tools, weekly and transparent financial reporting,expanded prayer and scripture events, parish pulse surveying, and the integration of keycommittees and boards.To achieve the remaining goals as outlined in our strategy, the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC)has been organized around each of the pillars with the resolve of accomplishing theoutstanding measures by 2018. The members of the PPC include:Cheryl Miller – ChairJim Swanson, James Gathii,Jane Carney,Chuck Mallory,Martin Brandt, Anabella Lopez-Moran,Carla LaRochelleKevin Kirkland,Please reach out to any of the council representatives listed above to share your unique talents,expertise, and ideas. A Parish is truly a family of members that comes together to celebrate andlive the gospel of Jesus Christ. Together, as “One Vibrant and Engaged Parish Community” wewill continue to build upon our rich history and provide for a strong St. Athanasius future.6 The Chimes · St. Athanasius Parish
St. Athanasius Parish Annual ReportParish Ministries FY2016-2017Spiritual LifeMinistries9:30 Family Masses Continued to increase Sunday 9:30 Family Mass participation during academic year for allparish children in processions, as lectors and gift bearers, and to provide hospitality to followthis Mass.Altar Servers Continued to welcome and train all parish children Grades 3 through 8 to Altar serve at ourMasses; filmed more altar serving training videos.Art and Environment Continued to create a peaceful and prayerful sacred space in the Church andsurrounding area.Contemplative Prayer Practices The Contemplative Practices Group has been meeting regularly (monthly for 9 months ofthe year) since fall 2012. Since that time we have increased the size of the group; havesettled into a lectio divina format for guiding our reflective practice; and have observed anincrease in interest among participants to take on the role of practice facilitator. Groupattendance averages 6-8 participants per month. This fall we will be inviting those in thescripture studies group to sample contemplative practices.Eucharistic Adoration Continued to offer private and communal prayer before the Eucharist each Monday from1:00 to 9:00 p.m. and continued to offer Eucharistic processions for Solemnities withAdoration following.Eucharistic Ministers Continued to lead weekly Friday Communion Services at our Church and Sundays at ElliottChapel at Presbyterian Homes.Lectors Continued to welcome new lectors to proclaim God’s Word at all Masses, including childrenlectors at our 9:30 Family Masses and holy days.Ministers of Care The Ministers of Care continue their outreach in many areas within our Community. We arecurrently visiting those who request communion in their home who are not able to attendMass, Evanston Hospital every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Presbyterian Home everySunday for a Communion Service and visit those who request Communion in their rooms andAlden Estates and Three Crowns when requested.Ministry of Prayer Continued to fervently pray daily for individuals and parish community concerns withtwenty-six members receiving 8-12 prayer requests each month.Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe · November 26, 2017 7
St. Athanasius Parish Annual ReportFY2016-2017 Parish MinistriesEducationand FaithFormation8 The Chimes · St. Athanasius ParishChicago Catholic Scripture School Completed our second year of the four-year Catholic Scripture Study program. Thisprogram will transition from the Archdiocese to Loyola University Chicago.Children’s Liturgy of the Word Welcomed children ages preschool through fourth grade to break open the Wordeach Sunday during 9:30 Mass.St. Athanasius Family Program Continue to welcome all parish children and families grades K-8 to grow in our faithand to delight in the mystery of God together through prayer, worship, education, andcommunity.St. Joseph College Seminary Welcomed two seminarians from St. Joseph College Seminary who assist withSunday morning 9:30 Family Masses and teach in St. Athanasius Family Programduring academic year.TotusTuus Summer Camp Hosted a Catholic youth summer camp led by Archdiocesan young adult missionaryteam in July for grades 1 through 12.Youth Ministry Collaborated with Evanston and Skokie parishes as outlined in the vision of theArchdiocese’s Renew My Church for youth offerings.St. Athanasius SchoolVITALITY: Reconfigured space to create new teacher’s lounge, library and STEM lab. Installed synthetic turf on Lindley Park enhancing opportunities for play. Replaced gym lighting with energy-efficient LED fixtures. Upgraded wireless access and technology infrastructure. Ran successful Development Committee events such as Raising Redhawks, AngelNight, Annual Fund, Run & Walk, Oktoberfest and Irishfest. Participated in development of alumni outreach committee. Sponsored active athletics program, band, choir, and numerous student enrichmentopportunities. Parent School Organization (PSO) sponsored community events such as RummageSale, Pancake Breakfast and Book Fair to benefit the larger community as well asstudents and teachers.ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE: Faculty participated in yearlong professional development in the area of writinginstruction, attended workshops relative to Collins, Writer’s Workshop and Reading &Writing Strategies. All seventh and eighth grade students participated in our school science fair; 30students competed at Illinois Junior Academy of Science Regional Science Fair, and 8students advanced to the State level. Standardized test (Aspire) scores exceeded both national and archdiocesanaverages and surpassed anticipated growth in Mathematics in five of six testedgrades. 100% acceptance of 8th grade students into the high schools of their choice.CATHOLICITY AND SERVICE: Collected supplies for St. Agnes of Bohemia School during Advent (studentsprovided supplies for Christmas parties), and Catholic Schools Week (studentscollected books, popcorn and dvds for St. Agnes students to enjoy on StudentAppreciation Day). Participated in Lenten food drive for Hillside pantry. Celebrated weekly school liturgies, assisted at Sunday mass, encouraged regularmass attendance and participation in parish-wide spiritual activities Parents organized Service Club for 5th grade students.
St. Athanasius Parish Annual ReportParish Ministries FY2016-2017Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe · November 26, 2017 9
St. Athanasius Parish Annual ReportFY2016-2017 Parish MinistriesParish Life10 The Chimes · St. Athanasius ParishAlumni Outreach The Alumni ministry was re-organized in 2017 to set the stage for active outreach anddevelopment in 2018.Athletic Program At St. A’s, sports are a fun and integral part of our students’ growth, spirit and camaraderie.Our Athletics Program develops individual character, leadership and good sportsmanship. Ourschool competes in the Council II-3A Catholic League of the North Shore. We also utilizeprograms connected to the Evanston Recreation Department. Cheerleading, Boys TackleFootball, Boys and Girls Volleyball, Boys and Girls Basketball, Track and Field, and CrossCountry are all within the Council II-3A League. We also participate in the EvanstonRecreation League for Co-Ed Flag Football and Basketball. Go Redhawks!Booster Club Booster Club is comprised of parents and alumni who promote St. Athanasius School’sathletic program. The club fosters school spirit and raises funds for athletic-related projects inkeeping with the school’s mission. Events sponsored by the Boosters include the HalloweenParty, Poker Night, Lil Redhawks basketball tournament for grades kindergarten throughthird, the Round Ball Classic basketball tournament for grades four through eight.Parent School Organization The Parent School Organization (PSO) unites home, school, and community, promoting thewelfare of our children and enriching the school experiences. Last year, we served thousandsof lunches to our students, held numerous receptions celebrating sacraments and towelcome new school families, hosted the Scholastic Book Fair and Pancake Breakfast, andproduced a memorable yearbook for our students. We supported the larger Evanstoncommunity by organizing our annual Rummage Sale, serving at the ESCCA shopping nights,and providing the Boys Hope Girls Hope scholars with meals. We continued to show ourgratitude and support to our teachers and staff not only during Teacher Appreciation Week,but all year long with teacher bonuses, room parent support, school supply organization, andoffsetting costs for field trips. Thanks to years of fundraising and responsible PSO committeemembers, we made a sizable donation towards the much needed campus enhancement ofturf on Lindley Park. PSO meets once a month and has 18 committees.St. Athanasius Cub Scout Pack #931 During the 2016-2017 school calendar year, St. Athanasius Cub Scout Pack #931accomplished the following: We recruited 5 new Tigers (1st graders). Our total enrollment was30 boys. We had successful monthly meetings and Pack outings, including an overnight tripto Starved Rock (Webelos-only), hike at the Grove, Police Station and Ecology Center visits,rocket launch and NU football games, along with Parish-wide Christmas wreath sales, footballparking duty, Scout Sunday hosting, and of course, our beloved Pinewood Derby.Women’s Club The Women's Club wishes to thank parishioners for their generous donations toward theflowers we display in the church at holiday times. We wash and iron the purifiers used atevery Mass, purchase the altar wine, and collect cold weather clothing and coats for deliveryto the Howard Area Community Center. We have about 70 members-at-large and 12 boardmembers. We will also host our annual Lenten Morning of Reflection and our springluncheon.
St. Athanasius Parish Annual ReportParish Ministries FY2016-2017HumanConcernsPeace and Justice We received 8,824 in gifts to help pay the apartment rent for the formerly homelessfamily we assist in the Catholic Charities New Hope Apartment Program. The programfacilitates transitions from homelessness for families. We raised 6,687 for scholarships tomake it possible for students from low-income families in our sharing parish, St. Agnes ofBohemia in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, to receive an excellent education in theparish school. The Peace and Justice Ministry recommended Ray Dowdle, as a Vision Keeper for InterfaithEvanston. Interfaith Action of Evanston brings people together to serve hungry and homelesspeople, pursue interfaith dialogue, and engage in advocacy that promotes social justice. Wecelebrated his recognition as Vision Keeper at the annual Interfaith Action of Evanstonbenefit dinner. Ray, who began tutoring a 4th grade student from the Cabrini-Greenneighborhood in 1985, chairs the board of Cabrini Connections. The organization pairsstudents from the economically-disadvantaged neighborhood with trained adult tutors andmentors. Our ministry hosted two speakers this past year. Mary Deeley, pastoral associate at SheilCatholic Center, presented “Rites of Justice,” a liturgy-based approach to Catholic socialteaching, and Dave Ozar, Loyola University emeritus professor of ethics and a consultant to alocal transgender support group, presented “Christian Approach to Transgender.”Saint Vincent De Paul Society Continued to receive generous donations from parishioners to the Poor Box, parishcollections, and from bequests to honor deceased parishioners to provide assistance forrent, food and utilitiesInterfaith Action's Thursday Soup Kitchen St. Athanasius volunteers work with the Interfaith Action's Thursday Soup Kitchen. Wetypically volunteer the third Thursday of each month for about 10 months out of the year. Agroup of parishioners and volunteers help plan, buy, prepare, serve and clean up a hot mealfor over 80 people at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Evanston. Our guestslove our home cooked meals like taco salad, sloppy joes and tator tots, and lasagna amongothers. They also take home a bag lunch of PB&J, fruit and cookies. Our volunteers ofteninclude school age students from St. Athanasius. It is a rewarding hands-on volunteeropportunity for all.Monday Soup Kitchen The Monday Soup Kitchen serves a hot lunch for 70-100 people on the 2nd Monday ofeach month (excluding July and August) at the 2nd Baptist Church of Evanston. We have awonderful group of guests each month who seem to love our cooking! We are always lookingfor extra pairs of hands on our Mondays from 10:30am-1:00pm.St. A’s Cafe Soup Kitchen The Sunday Soup Kitchen serves full hot dinners for 100-125 people on major holidays atSt. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Evanston. They distribute 125 gift bags containing gloves,socks and scarves at their Christmas dinner.Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe · November 26, 2017 11
8 The Chimes · St. Athanasius Parish FY2016-2017 Parish Ministries St. Athanasius Parish Annual Report Chicago Catholic Scripture School Completed our second year of the four-year Catholic Scripture Study program. This program will transition from the Archdiocese to Loyola University Chicago. Children's Liturgy of the Word
