US Conference of Bishops makes public their annual accounting; why doesn’t the Diocese of Rockford?

Click on the following to see the complete 28 page report:  http://www.usccb.org/about/financial-reporting/upload/Final-Consolidated-Report_07-25-2011.pdf

Was there really any cost/benefit analysis done for St. James’ decision to build in town? Does Mr. Stroik care how many blocks you have to walk to your car?

This recent article by St.James’ “nationally renowned “ architect indicates that Mr. Stroik may have his prejudices about building in the country.   Read the article for yourself by clicking on the following:  http://www.traditional-building.com/Previous-Issues-11/DecemberForum11.html

 

“One of the most insidious strictures of the conventional wisdom mandates that any new church needs 20 acres”—Duncan G. Stroik

Concerned Catholics approaches 8,000 page views since its beginning in June 2011

There have been 7,959 page views since July 4,  2011.

Radical Secularism

The interesting article shown below is available by clicking on the following:  http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2012-01-19/catholic-pope-secularism-politics/52682816/1?csp=34news

The Vatican version of the same speech is available at:  http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1200227.htm

and is shown in part below: 

St. James Contributions and Campaign Numbers for weekend of January 15, 2012

 

Six additional pledges; $7,048 additional pledged.  Still a long way from the $3,000,000 needed.

 

Three additional pledges; $5,350 additional pledged.

Duncan Stroik: The altar rail architect?

 

Altar rails are present in several new churches architect Duncan Stroik has designed. Among them, the Thomas Aquinas College Chapel in Santa Paula, Calif., the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, Wis., and three others on the drawing boards.

Altar (Communion) rails are returning for all the right reasons.

Said Father Markey: “First, the Holy Father is requiring holy Communion from him be received on the knees. Second, it’s part of our tradition as Catholics for centuries to receive holy Communion on the knees. Third, it’s a beautiful form of devotion to our blessed Lord.”

James Hitchcock, professor and author of Recovery of the Sacred (Ignatius Press, 1995), thinks the rail resurgence is a good idea. The main reason is reverence, he said. “Kneeling’s purpose is to facilitate adoration,” he explained.

When Stroik proposed altar rails for the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, “Cardinal [Raymond] Burke liked the idea and thought that was something that would give added reverence to the Eucharist and sanctuary.”

Read more: http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/altar-rails-returning-to-use/#ixzz1jgNupn83

 

Make sure you look at the Comments.  Here are some opposing comments, they are few.

 

 

Posted by Carolann Quinn on Saturday, Jul 2, 2011 10:08 PM (EST):

My knees aren’t what they used to be. This is not a good thing. If this would be at my church, I will quit going to Communion since I won’t get up without help. And the Catholic Church backslides more into the 16th century.

Posted by Mal on Saturday, Jul 2, 2011 10:34 PM (EST):

No, do not bring it back. It is so wonderful to bow then step forward and put the left hand forward (asking to receive the eucharis)then reverently placing the host in the mouth. It is more natural than sticking the tongue out and having the host deposited on it. Kneelers are foreign to today’s Catholics in India and other places. Let us keep the practice of receiving holy communion the same all over the world.

Read more: http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/altar-rails-returning-to-use/#blogComments#ixzz1jgSjs8Ul

Reposting: Why will Father Geary not answer questions about the new church?

Why will Father Geary not answer questions about the new church?

Is there a problem when parishioners have to use a plea via a letter to the newspaper to receive answers regarding a church project?

Father Geary needed permission from the diocese to solicit funds for this project, why isn’t the diocese requiring Father Geary answer these fundamental questions?

The following Letter to the Editor was sent to the Boone County Journal because Father refuses to answer the many questions which were asked at the Community Building meeting on August 23, 2011.

 

The above Letter to the Editor was published in the Boone County Journal’s January 6, 2012 edition, which is available  on-line at: http://www.boonecountyjournal.com/news/2012/Boone-County-News-01-06-12.pdf#page=1

Insert to St. James Bulletin: Personal follow-ups to begin for those who have not responded to the campaign

The following was inserted in the parish’s weekly bulletin:

Note the section at the bottom left:

Is there a deadline to the “deal”* that the diocese has proposed?

* instead of requiring pledges equaling the entire project as required elsewhere in the diocese;  a little more than half ($3,000,000) is being required.

 

Take a look at last week’s bulletin insert:  http://www.boonecountycatholics.blogspot.com/2012/01/push-is-onis-there-deadline-for-st.html

Coach for Christ: St. Peter Catholic Church welcomes new priest

Posted: Tuesday, January 10, 2012 4:00 pm

Will O'Brienbeloitdailynews.com

Coach for Christ: St. Peter Catholic Church welcomes new priest

If personal endorsements are any indication, Sabo has the tools to sort out St. Peter's recent troubles, which include declining school enrollment and a canceled new building project that the Rockford Diocese axed due to a lack of funds.

 

Read the entire Beloit Daily News by clicking on the following:  http://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/coach-for-christ-st-peter-catholic-church-welcomes-new-priest/article_88ea3a76-3b9a-11e1-9d02-0019bb2963f4.html#user-comment-area

“It is amazing how complete is the delusion that beauty is goodness”

The quote is from Leo Tolstoy

—Leo Tolstoy

 

Is this necessarily good?

St. James Contributions and Campaign Numbers for weekend of January 8, 2012

 

 

Three additional pledges; $5,350 additional pledged.

 

 

Where is Father Nicholas Federspiel?

Father Federspiel was the center of much controversy in South Beloit.  He returned to St. John Neumann, St. Charles now in the role of associate pastor.

 

Why are there naysayers? Why are there cynics to building a new church?

The following is taken from the Rockford Diocesan Website:  http://www.rockforddiocese.org/pdfs/parishplanning/howgoodpeoplebecomecynical.pdf  It is presented in its entirety with no comments for the reader to ponder as the parish faces its current crossroad.

 

How Good People Become Cynical:
Leadership and Credibility Issues

Diocesan Research and Planning Office
March 2003

While the Church was founded by Jesus Christ and manifests many characteristics of the
divine, it is also finds itself in the secular world and is subject to the same proclivities as any
other organization of humans. Just as the leaders of secular organizations have both strengths and
weaknesses, so one finds the same situation in the Church. Some church leaders – whether
priests, permanent deacons or parish lay leaders – may have great creativity and vision, while
others lack these qualities. Some leaders easily communicate ideas and plans while others have to
constantly remind themselves of the importance of good communication. Likewise, some
“employees” – whether paid professionals or volunteers – want to be intimately involved in
significant organizational decisions while others are content to follow the directives provided by
the leaders.
Because of these dynamics, the Church can learn from good organizational principles and
thus improve its effectiveness. This report examines important organizational issues and offers
strategies for managing cynicism which can condemn to failure parish or diocesan efforts at
consultation and strategic planning, or any other effort where the status quo is changed.

Skepticism and Cynicism. First, it is important to define some terms. Cynicism about
change differs from skepticism. Skeptics doubt the likelihood of success but are still reasonably
hopeful that positive change will occur. It also differs from resistance to change, which results
from self interest, misunderstanding and inherent limited tolerance for change. Cynicism about
change involves a real loss of faith in the leader of change and is a response to a history of
attempts at consultation or planning that have not been entirely successful. In many ways,
cynicism comes about in spite of the best intentions of an organization’s leaders.
Cynicism about consultation and planning can become a self-fulfilling prophecy if cynics
refuse to support change. Their lack of support may bring about failure or greatly limit success.
Failure then reinforces cynical beliefs, which further inhibit the willingness to try again. Few
changes can be mandated from the top and put into place without the need for considerable
acceptance from those lower in the organizational structure. The success of many church
innovations depends upon discretionary commitment and follow-through. Cynicism, then, is an
important barrier to any positive change.

Why Cynicism is Persistent. Cynicism functions as a defense mechanism for people who
perceive themselves to be powerless to affect change. Cynicism may simply help people make
sense of puzzling events in their environment. For example, people may be confused when
leaders announce changes with much fanfare, but with little authentic communication that
explains why the changes are necessary. To provide themselves with a greater sense of
understanding, people may conclude that the changes themselves are a sham, or that the leaders
How Good People Become Cynical making the changes don’t know what they are doing. People invent information to help
themselves make sense of a situation in which they do not have good information. This is a
survival mechanism. By doing this, though, they feed their cynicism about change.
Cynicism about an organization may also serve a defensive role, protecting people from
unpleasant thoughts, such as that the organization – the Church in this case – may be
experiencing serious problems. Such thoughts open people up to feelings of vulnerability and
loss of certainly about important matters of identity and fidelity.
People do not deliberately decide to become cynical, pessimistic, and blaming. Rather, these
attitudes result from experience, and are sustained because they serve useful purposes. Cynicism
persists because it is validated by an organization’s mixed record of successful consultation and
change, and by other people in the organization who hold and express similar views.

Ideas for Minimizing Cynicism about Consultation and Change. Some of the following
suggestions are similar to suggestions for dealing with generalized resistance to change. Most of
the following address issues of credibility and the relationship between “employees” (e.g., those
lower in the organizational structure) and leaders (e.g., those higher in such a structure).

Keep Key People Involved in Making Decisions that Affect Them. Involvement means
different things to different people, but key people must believe that their opinions have been
heard and given careful and respectful consideration. More substantive forms of participation in
decision making tend to be associated with higher commitment. This cannot be emphasized
enough: people must believe their opinions have been heard.

Emphasize and Reward “Middle Management” for Their Efforts to Communicate. In
parishes, the staff and key lay leaders often act as the spokespersons of the pastor in relationship
to volunteers and the typical Catholic in the pew. A similar situation is found in the Diocesan
structure, where department directors, vicars and deans act as the spokespersons of higher
diocesan leaders in relationship to diocesan employees and priests. In both situations, these
spokespersons assume the role of middle managers, and are frequently the main channel through
which information does (or does not) flow. Consequently, those who foster effective two-way
communication and good working relationships, and who show consideration and respect for
their “clientele” can help minimize cynicism about organizational change.

Keep Surprises to a Minimum. It is best to avoid surprising anyone, but especially “middle
managers.” Those who feel more informed and involved are less likely to possess cynical
attitudes. Routine notice about what is happening and why it is happening, prevents anyone’s
being caught off guard. If it is impossible to thoroughly lay the groundwork before announcing a
change, extreme care should be taken at the time of the announcement to provide answers to
questions.

Information and Timing. People need information most whenever they are likely to be
surprised by events. A sudden announcement of a new diocesan program, for example, would
catch most department directors, vicars, priests and parish leaders unaware. Among their
questions: Why is the program necessary? Why this particular program? Why now? Whatever
How Good People Become Cynical happened to the last program that was supposed to address these issues? Similar dynamics would
take place at the parish level if the pastor announced a new effort without providing a good
rationale.

Enhance Credibility. Persuading people to adopt change involves providing new information
that contradicts present understanding. Credibility is determined by the extent to which such new
information is believed by its audience. Cynicism cannot be moderated or changed by timely
information unless that information is believed. A message is more likely to be made believable
by using the following techniques.
      # Use Credible Spokespersons. Those who are announcing changes will be more
believable if they are generally well-liked, seen as knowledgeable about the subject
matter, possessed of high power and status in the organization (parish or diocese) and
trustworthy.
     # Use Positive Logical Appeals. Even when a spokesperson is not particularly well-liked
or trusted, credibility is enhanced if he/she presents the message seriously and sincerely.
A positive approach that emphasized benefits is preferred to a negative approach that
emphasizes dire consequences. Logical appeals, rather than emotional appeals that play
on fears or insecurities, are desirable. Consistency in words and deeds is important too.
     # Use Multiple Channels and Repetition. The use of a variety of channels (formal
meetings, informal discussion, and printed material) helps ensure that everyone has a
chance to receive information through his/her most preferred medium.

Deal with the Past. To regain credibility after past failures someone in a leadership position
must first accept responsibility and admit that the mistakes were made. Leaders who fail to do
this are more likely to be viewed as dishonest, especially by those who are already cynical.
Admitting mistakes and then taking quick action to rectify negative consequences will enhance
the credibility of leaders. If mistakes of the past caused hardships or bad feelings among “middle
management” or “employees,” a sincere apology by a high leader is also in order. People can be
very forgiving when mistakes are admitted, apologies offered, and actions taken to correct or
prevent further problems.

See Change from the Perspective of “Middle Managers.” The problem in regaining
credibility may also lie in understanding how consultation and change are viewed by parish staff
and key lay leaders (at the parish level) or by department directors, vicars and deans (at the
diocesan level). If leaders are unaware that a change created a hardship for others or are
insensitive to that hardship, they may fail to understand that many may view the change as a
partial success at best. Leadership which is unaware that an action created a hardship can hardly
be expected to accept responsibility or apologize for it.

Provide Opportunities to Air Feelings. Strategies for managing cynicism must also give
people opportunities to air their feelings publicly, receive validation about their feelings, and
receive sincere reassurance that steps will be taken – or have already been taken – to alleviate
their concerns. This approach requires two-way communication and cannot be accomplished via
How Good People Become Cynical memos or even by face-to-face meetings that do not include open, honest dialogue. Often an
experienced facilitator is used to promote communication at public meetings.

Can old Catholic Churches be sold?

The following is taken from the website of the Catholic Diocese of Worcester, MA (http://worcesterdiocese.org/communications/PressReleasesMenu/FatimaChurchSold/tabid/1262/Default.aspx)

Our Lady of Fatima Church(Worcester,MA) is Sold

January 4, 2012, WORCESTER, MA – The Office of the Chancellor announced today that Our Lady of Fatima Church at 43 Belmont Street, Worcester, has been sold to the Chinese Gospel Church of Massachusetts for $675,000. The sale involves the Church and parking area. The official closing was December 30, 2011. The last Mass was said in the Church in June 2008 at which time the parish was merged with St. Bernard Parish on Lincoln Street to become Our Lady of Providence Parish at St. Bernard Church.

 
All of the net proceeds from the sale go to Our Lady of Providence Parish, Worcester. The Diocese has consistently followed the canonical principle that money from property sales remains with the parish with which the former parish had been merged. No portion of the net proceeds are retained by the Diocese of Worcester.

Monsignor Thomas Sullivan, chancellor for the Diocese of Worcester, contracted the sale with representatives of the Chinese Gospel Church , a non-denominational Christian community that is currently worshipping at 21 Belmont Street.
In commenting on the process, Msgr. Sullivan said, “Our goal was to assure that Our Lady of Fatima would be of use to a worship community. I am grateful to the representatives of the Chinese Gospel Church for being able to conclude this sales agreement with the Diocese of Worcester with mutually beneficial results.”

 
The church was originally built by a Lutheran parish and was in use until three Lutheran churches merged to establish Trinity Lutheran Church in Worcester in the late 1940s. It was purchased by then Bishop John Wright to establish Our Lady of Fatima parish in January 1952.

The Catholic Church has canonical norms regulating the alienation (sale) of churches and other parochial properties. Particular norms, or local laws, are established by virtue of the population size of a diocese, which regulate the approval process for transactions over a certain dollar amount. Since the transaction was significant, votes had to be taken on the transaction by the Diocesan Board of Consultors and the Diocesan Finance Committee after the initial agreements were negotiated between The Chinese Gospel Church and the Diocese of Worcester. Both diocesan groups supported the sale.

 
As with other churches which have been sold to non-Catholic groups, all consecrated items, including the altar, statuary, baptismal font, and tabernacle, have been removed. These items will be used by Our Lady of Providence Parish.
Most Reverend Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester, commented, “I am grateful that this Christian community of faith can utilize this property so that the church which served the Catholic community since the 1950s and originally the Lutheran faithful can now be of service as a place of worship, of education and of community service.”

Chicago Archdiocese to pay $3.2 million to abuse victim

BY JIM SCALZITTI AND LISA DONOVAN

Staff Reporters November 15, 2011 12:36PM

Now defrocked Catholic priest Daniel McCormack is seen leaving a Chicago court in this 2006 photo. The Archdiocese of Chicago recently agreed to pay $3.2 million to settle abuse claims against McCormack by one of his victims.

McCormack was arrested in January 2006 and charged with multiple counts of criminal sexual assault and subsequently pleaded guilty to charges involving five minor boys — including the victim who received the settlement.

See the story at:   http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/news/8849720-418/chicago-archdiocese-to-pay-32-million-to-abuse-victim.html

Update on the Bishop Finn Story

There has been much interest in the Kansas story regarding Bishop Finn who copied pornographic material from a priest charged with child pornography.  Bishop Finn was indicted because it is a crime to possess child pornography.  The original posting is available at: http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3764421906872260051#editor/target=post;postID=5091109705602284609

The following are  updates concerning that story:

Kansas City Star:

See:  http://www.kansascity.com/2012/01/07/3358245/supporters-of-bishop-finn-gather.html

National Catholic Reporter   Read the whole story:  http://ncronline.org/news/accountability/kc-bishop-begins-prosecutor-mandated-parish-meetings

(Bishop) “Finn agreed to meet with diocesan parishes in that county to outline diocesan reporting procedures for suspected child abuse. Finn also agreed to monthly meetings with White to discuss all reported suspicions of abuse in the county, and to appoint a new director of child and youth protection.”

 

An earlier article NY Times explains the problem is not merely this one case.  See:  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/15/us/15bishop.html?_r=1

…case has generated fury at a bishop who was already a polarizing figure in his diocese, and there are widespread calls for him to resign or even to be prosecuted. Parishioners started a Facebook page called “Bishop Finn Must Go” and are circulating a petition. An editorial in The Kansas City Star in June calling for the bishop to step down concluded that prosecutors must “actively pursue all relevant criminal charges” against everyone involved.

Stoking much of the anger is the fact that only three years ago, Bishop Finn settled lawsuits with 47 plaintiffs in sexual abuse cases for $10 million and agreed to a long list of preventive measures, among them to immediately report anyone suspected of being a pedophile to law enforcement authorities.

Pope Benedict XVI: Gay Marriage A Threat To 'Future Of Humanity'

Reuters) - Pope Benedict said on Monday that gay marriage was one of several threats to the traditional family that undermined "the future of humanity itself".
The pope made some of his strongest comments against gay marriage in a new year address to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Vatican in which he touched on some economic and social issues facing the world today.
He told diplomats from nearly 180 countries that the education of children needed proper "settings" and that "pride of place goes to the family, based on the marriage of a man and a woman."
"This is not a simple social convention, but rather the fundamental cell of every society. Consequently, policies which undermine the family threaten human dignity and the future of humanity itself," he said.

Read more at:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/09/pope-benedict-xvi-gay-marriage_n_1194515.html

 

Same speech—but the Catholic News Service:  In speech to diplomats, pope condemns 'religiously motivated terrorism' See:  http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1200089.htm

The Push is on—Is there a deadline for St. James’ financing deal from the diocese?

Father Geary spoke at length about campaign donations at each Mass this weekend.  At the homily for those Masses which he was the celebrant or at the end of the Mass at announcement time for Masses with a different celebrant.

 

The bulletin contained this insert:

 

According to Father’s Sunday announcement every parishioner also received a letter at their home “updating” them on the project either thanking them for their gift or requesting a pledge.  The only updating was in regards to the amount of pledges nothing about the design changes since the brochure was issued back in February 2011. 

Apparently there were three separate letters.  Below is one of them:

 

Why will Father Geary not answer questions about the new church?

Is there a problem when parishioners have to use a plea via a letter to the newspaper to receive answers regarding a church project?

Father Geary needed permission from  the diocese to solicit funds for this project, why isn’t the diocese requiring  Father Geary answer these fundamental questions?

The following Letter to the Editor was sent to the Boone County Journal because Father refuses to answer the many questions which were asked at the Community Building meeting on August 23, 2011.

 

Cardinal O'Malley on the sex abuse crisis: 'It's not behind us'

by John L Allen Jr. on Jan. 06, 2012 All Things Catholic

Q&A’s with Boston’s archbishop and architect of the post-Cardinal Law/post-bankruptcy archdiocese.

For the people who are connected to their parish, in some ways I think they've become stronger in their faith. The seminary situation may be another example. At the beginning, priests were encouraging me to close the seminary. Today we're scrambling because we don't have enough room, and the young men who are coming do so with a sense that they want to do something to help the church. They know the church needs them.

What are the numbers?
For the archdiocese, we have over 70, and St. John's Seminary in total has over 100. When I got here, the archdiocese had maybe 15 or 20. ... I think the crisis has caused a lot of Catholics to look into their hearts to see what they could do to help the church, to make themselves more available.

Click on the following for more details:

REPOSTING--- The New St. James Church: Many Questions; Few Answers

The New St. James Church: Many Questions; Few Answers

This artistic rendering is based upon submission to Belvidere Planning department by St. James. The picture was altered to eliminate the tall trees which will not exist after construction.

Changes from October 6, 2011 in Yellow.  November 3, 2011 changes in orange.

Since January 2011 parishioners have been asked to support the campaign for a new church. However since then there have been many changes some of which only a few parishioners are aware. Just to clear things up --here is what you should be aware.

• The capacity of the new Church is now 850
• It is being planned to be located at the old convent/parking lot on Church Street and Caswell Streets. The main entrance doors will be on Caswell. [NOT on the 22 acres West of Belvidere on Town Hall Road]
• The new church will have steps at the front and at all side entrances. The church will be handicapped accessible only for the front. The handicapped ramp will be much less steep than the current ramp however it will be approximately twice as long. And it will require the walker to enter on the school side Church Street side of the church. See drawings at: http://boonecountycatholics.blogspot.com/2011/07/new-st-james-church-will-be-very-bigyou.html
• A number of neighbors have signed formal protest requests regarding the parish’s zoning request. None of the adjacent neighbors have agreed to sell their property to the parish. Only the property owners on the side of the school parking lot have signed sales contract. See: http://boonecountycatholics.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-much-does-bird-housecost.html
• Type of roof on the new church: Despite what the application for zoning stated and what Father Geary stated earlier, the roof apparently now is standard shingles—not a metal roof. (Metal roofs have a much longer life) Mr. Linkenheld at 8-23-2011 meeting stated that standard shingles were always planned for the roof.
• The old church will be torn down to make a parking lot. The new church will be five stories tall. There will be four inches (basically zero) set back on the Church Street side of the building. The new church is now seven feet shorter (63 feet at peak relative to ground). The baptistery is now on the parish center side approximately 12.5 feet from parish center.
• The Parish will pay all city expenses for rebuilding the 300 block of Church Street to make diagonal parking alone the new church building. for widening Church Street to accommodate fire trucks. Parking will be in the same parallel style but may have handicapped parking on the church side of street.
• The parish will now have 170 on parish premises parking spots. The rectory will be torn down and converted to parking. The parish will be buying two parcels adjacent to the school playground/parking lot to accomplish this goal--548 Caswell Street and 402 Laurel Court..
• When will Father Geary or Bishop Doran communicate with St. James Parishioners? First communication in bulletin on 8-7-2011; To see this, click on following: http://boonecountycatholics.blogspot.com/2011/08/insert-to-parish-bulletin-8-7-2011.htmlFew of the changes (such as those listed above) have been published in the weekly bulletin or any other written source. Father Geary has orally stated many things which “the Bishop will not approve or Diocese demands” but such things have not been written nor has the pastor, the parish finance committee or the parish council disseminated the information in written form to the parish. Other than continuing to solicit funds, parish administration has little desire to communicate with the parish members concerning changes to the new church.

  Is the Church still going to have a basement? NO, IT WILL NOT See 8-7-2011 Insert; click on following: http://boonecountycatholics.blogspot.com/2011/08/insert-to-parish-bulletin-8-7-2011.html

  Many heard that the project was running over the $5.5 limit [maybe this is $6,000,000, see insert] and no basement was being planned even though at public meetings an unfinished basement was stated. If there is no basement St. James Parish will have even less storage. The school and organizations are already complaining about storage. Where will the old stain glass and other sacred items be stored?

  QUESTIONS that remain unanswered:
  How much money does the campaign have in the Parish DIAL account? There have been many expenses for the campaign management firm, architect, surveying and legal. The campaign needs $1,000,000 in the DIAL account. How close are we to that requirement? SEE 6-30-2011 accounting, .go to: http://boonecountycatholics.blogspot.com/2011/10/st-james-fy-2011-financial-reports.html As of the 6-30-2011 accounting , $633,306 of new church pledges were received , $165,737 of new church building expenses were paid and $387,862 of DIAL deposits were indicated as building deposits. Apparently the remaining $79,707 was used to pay other parish debts or assessments.($633,306 minus $165,737, minus $387,862 equals $79,707)
• The “Bird House”,  534 Caswell, was purchased for $62,737 and the empty lot for $10,000.  These transactions occurred in September 2011. (See:  http://boonecountycatholics.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-much-did-st-james-pay-for-two.html).  It is not certain if cash was used for the transaction.
• What happens if the pledge goal of $3,000,000 is not reached? Will any funds be returned to the donors?
• Will the expenses for the campaign and pre-construction be shown in the parish’s June 30, 2011 annual statements to the parishioners?If not, what type of public accounting will parishioners receive and when? To see 6-30-2011 accounting go to: http://boonecountycatholics.blogspot.com/2011/10/st-james-fy-2011-financial-reports.html As of the 6-30-2011 accounting , $633,306 of new church pledges were received , $165,737 of new church building expenses were paid and $387,862 of DIAL deposits were indicated as building deposits. Apparently the remaining $79,707 was used to pay other parish debts or assessments.($633,306 minus $165,737, minus $387,862 equals $79,707)
• Will St. James be a good steward of the Earth in the building of the new church?Will modern ecological/energy-savings devises and systems be employed to lessen heating, cooling and lighting bills? Can a church with 50 feet ceilings ever be consider energy efficient? Will the demolition, constructions and operations be earth friendly?
• What is the projected cost of the total project now?Rumor says the church building will cost $6.4million and if there is a basement $7.5 million. And now there is talk that the parish will be buying the houses of the landowners who have signed formal protests. Could that be another $1,000,000?                9-9-2011. A budget limit of $5.5 Million is still in effect, based upon my personal conversation with Father Geary.

  I have been told by Father Geary that he will answer questions when he deems the parish should be told.

Pope Benedict XVI names 22 new cardinals, including 7 Italians, 2 Americans

The group is heavy on Europeans, particularly Italians holding important Vatican posts, and includes only three prelates from outside the West: a Brazilian, an Indian and a Chinese.

.However, Benedict once again passed over for cardinal Dublin Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, a major voice in the church demanding greater accountability from bishops to clean up the scandal.

Click on the following for more discussion from the Washington Post:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/pope-benedict-xvi-names-22-new-cardinals-formal-ceremony-set-for-feb-18/2012/01/06/gIQAk0cbeP_story.html?wprss=rss_world

Opinion from National Catholic Reporter, see:  http://ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/five-observations-new-cardinals

Five observations on the new cardinals

by John L Allen Jr on Jan. 06, 2012

• NCR Today

While there certainly are no “liberals” among today’s appointments, at least as measured by the secular sense of the term, the list does not appear to be significantly skewed in any particular ideological direction. Mostly, it’s a crop of technocrats – Italians and Vatican officials known more as pragmatic managers than for their theological or ideological point of view.

While there certainly are prominent “evangelicals” among the new bunch of cardinals, meaning men known as strong defenders of Catholic identity – Timothy Dolan of New York, for instance, and Thomas Collins of Toronto – for the most part, these are figures also know for openness and commitment to dialogue, as opposed to a hard ideological line.

The appointments also contain at least two figures with a reputation as theological moderates: Archbishop João Bráz de Aviz of Brazil, President of the Vatican’s Congregation for Religious

When will the new design drawings be coming?

Three full months ago this letter spoke of “forthcoming” “design drawings”.  Are there going to be any additional drawings? 

The latest drawings currently available are those personally handed out to the Belvidere aldermen.  The can seen at:    http://www.stroik.com/portfolio/st-james-church/ or a more complete series at:  http://www.boonecountycatholics.blogspot.com/2011/09/new-lower-height-design-of-st-james.html

 

How many of these letters were sent?

Does it depend upon the number of St. James Families?  Is that 2,200, 2,000 or 1,850 families or some other number? Just take the appropriate number and minus 614.

But what about the 614?   Is that the number who actually contributed?   Or the number who formally replied either refusing to give or contributing?

CNS: Boston sexual abuse scandal plus 10 years

Cardinal O’Malley tells the story of the ordeal.

To read the Catholic News Service article shown below go to:  http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1200048.htm

The cardinal’s introduction letter is available at: 

http://www.bostoncatholic.org/uploadedFiles/BostonCatholicorg/_Utility/News_And_Press/cardinalseanletter01-04-2012.pdf

The complete five page report is available at:  http://www.bostoncatholic.org/uploadedFiles/BostonCatholicorg/_Utility/News_And_Press/reflections-on-the-sexual-abuse-crisis-in-the-archdiocese-of-boston01-04-2012.pdf

Very interesting are the numbers involved:  …”1,000 survivors and family members”  ….”assistance (financial) to 300 people”…”800 claims of clergy sexual abuse”.

Personally, Footnote #2, speaks louder than most statements: “ As part of our  commitment to financial transparency, the Archdiocese of Boston also published annually on our website (BostonCatholic.org) a clear explanation of the financial costs incurred in settling sexual abuse claims and how they have been paid to date.”

 

Cost prior to June 30, 2005—$127.4 million

Following is from:  http://www.bostoncatholic.org/Offices-And-Services/Office-Detail.aspx?id=14190&pid=508

Costs as stated in the most recently published CPA Audit:  $2.4-2.8 million. Total expenses for FY 2010 were $362 million. See page #34 at:    http://www.bostoncatholic.org/uploadedFiles/BostonCatholicorg/Offices_And_Services/Offices/Sub_Pages/Finance_and_Technology/FY10/rcab_financial_report_063010published4-14-11.pdf   to see the details shown below.

Auxiliary Bishop of LA Resigns

The story is available at Catholic New Service at:  http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/1200022.htm

 

St. James Contributions and Campaign Numbers for weekend of January 1, 2012

Following numbers taken from:  http://content.seekandfind.com/bulletins/01/0294/20120108B.pdf

December 25 numbers, taken from: http://content.seekandfind.com/bulletins/01/0294/20120101B.pdf

There was a special insert in the Christmas bulletin focusing on those who worship at St. James only during the holidays. (See: http://boonecountycatholics.blogspot.com/2011/12/father-gearys-plea-for-support-from.html)

 

Based upon the figures in the bulletin there appears to be no immediate response to Father Geary’s plea for their participation in the building campaign.