December 2012

My Dear Parishioners: 

Greetings during this prayerful Season of Advent! As we await our annual celebration of the coming of Our Savior, I look back on my second year as parochial administrator in wonder at how the Lord has graced this parish with generous and engaged Catholics. Many wonderful things have happened and continue to happen here, with thanks to Almighty God. As we begin our new liturgical year, I felt it necessary to share a "State of the Parish" letter. Also, for your review is our Annual Financial Report. The Lord continues to bless us with human and financial resources.

This past year has seen not only continued growth and vitality of our many ministries, but also a number of "adjustments" in order to further help members of our parish and local community. Perhaps the two most visible "adjustments" have been the move of the gift shop and the opening of our larger child care facility, both of which continue to make a positive impact on our community. Our school has an experienced new principal whose influence can already be felt. We remain steadfastly committed to the ideals of Catholic education in a variety of settings and for all ages. In addition to our educational efforts in our school, our Religious Education and Evangelization ministries continue the work of making our Faith real in the lives of our people. Our formation programs catechize over 540 students, pre-school through 12th grade, on a weekly basis. We have also begun a new Discipleship Ministry, which has already attracted over 70 men and women to a formational experience designed to facilitate the transition from spiritual conversion to commitment in the community.

Perhaps the largest "adjustment" has taken taken place in our Service and Outreach Ministry. Over the past year, we have tripled assistance to the poor in our community. This year alone, St. Vincent De Paul Society has helped over 5,000 families locally with food and financial assistance. Our service and outreach director has increased relationships with local assistance, developed a Hurricane Helpers' Program to help prepare for any incoming hurricane, established an Autism and Asperger's Syndrome/Social Communications Support Program and has given personal assistance to many who have come to HNJ for help.

Another positive "adjustment" has been a decrease in our building debt. With our Parish Finance Committee I have resolved to pay off that debt by 2016 -- and we are well ahead of meeting that goal. Our building debt has now been reduced to $775,000. Also of note, our Worship Ministry successfully raised $40,000 to upgrade the music at our liturgical functions with a new Steinway B Grand piano and upgrades to the sound control system in the Church. Some remaining immediate areas of concern are the following: 1) The east side of the church, facing the ocean, is desperately in need of repainting. 2) The building which houses our chiller system (air conditioning) needs a cover to prevent erosion of the machinery, which is also in need of repairs. 3) The bathrooms and part of the old meeting rooms badly need repair and renovation, and 4) We need to build a "replacement fund" to support the future needs of the parish.

Under the leadership of Bishop Noonan and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our efforts, we can be duly proud of our achievements as a parish. We need to always keep in mind that Jesus is the true leader of this parish and that our endeavors should always focus on serving Him. It is my pleasure to serve you as your parochial administrator because I know that your dedication to that cause is as sincere as mine.

God Bless You, Father Tony Welle