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AUGUST 29, 2010
Dear Parishioners,
A couple weeks ago I wrote to you about the spiritual and sacramental life of our parish. This week I would like to share with you our fiscal activities. Our Christian stewardship program results in many blessings for our parish. We will again this year participate in the Archdiocesan Stewardship Program so that we can continue to share our God-given talents with one another.
Just to highlight a few fiscal items for the past year, our Sunday offertory income decreased this past year by $7,000, and this is still $35,000 less than what was offered in 2008. Our other expenses have remained fairly steady, as we attempt to watch expenses and still pay our employees a living wage.
Our campaign last year for the seminary and for our 100th anniversary raised $350,000 for the seminary and $300,000 for the parish. The parish funds will be used to install a bathroom in the rear of Church and elevator at the side entrance to the Church. Both of these items are needed along with the painting of the exterior of the Church, work on the side entrance plaza and lighting and electrical work
I know that this past year our economic situation here in the Unites States has been a difficult one. All I can ask of you, as I ask of myself, is to prayerfully reflect on your blessings and return to God and others a part of the blessings you have received.
Overall, we continue to be blessed here at St. Joseph in so many ways. Our finance committee has done a wonderful job in helping direct our parish assets and, at the same time, helps us to live out the gospel values. We were able to donate over $35,000 to needy parishes and schools, and we have again helped to support and build a Habitat Home for a family in need.
In September we will again have the opportunity to celebrate Stewardship Sunday and it will give us a chance to prayerfully reflect upon how we are sharing the gifts of our Time, Talent, and Treasure.
Again, I would like to thank you all very much for your support of St. Joseph and all the ministries that are provided here.
Gratefully Yours,
Monsignor John Shamleffer
AUGUST 22, 2010
Dear Parishioners,
As the daylight hours grow shorter it reminds us that the days of summer are passing into the glorious days of Fall. It also reminds us the school year is about to begin.
I would like to welcome any new families to our PSR classes and to welcome back all of our old friends at St. Joseph PSR. I would like to thank our PSR director, Terri Venneman, and our teachers for all their dedication to our youth. I also thank our parents, for supporting the faith growth in their children. The Church teaches that parents are the primary educators of their children and we here at St. Joseph wish to encourage and support our parents in this most important obligation. Many blessings to all for a fruitful school year.
Secondly, we still owe over $10,000 to Habitat for our build. In an effort to help raise these funds for a second year we are having an outdoor party: PARTY ON THE POINT to raise those funds. If you can not attend this event please consider a donation for our Habitat build. Thanks to all for your prayers and generous support.
Blessings!
Monsignor John Shamleffer
AUGUST 15, 2010
Dear Parishioners,
It is that time of year again when our children are preparing to return to school. For our college students, know that you are in our thoughts and prayers here at St. Joseph. This time in your life is a wonderful opportunity for growth and learning. May your faith also grow with you over the coming years. For our high school students, you are at an exciting time in your lives, new schools, new friends, new subjects bring great energy and excitement in your lives. This period of growth and new horizons help to bring about a greater maturity of faith and allow you the opportunity to give witness to your faith in your words and actions. For our elementary school students these are wondrous years, each one bringing new friends, knowledge and activities to your lives.
Our parish is blessed with a wonderful Parish School of Religion. I encourage all parents to make use of this school for your children. I also encourage you to attend Mass with them at our 11 AM family Mass. We have no greater gift to give, than to share with our children, our faith. If you have not already done so, please contact our director of religious education, Mrs. Terri Venneman, and she will help you to register your child.
May this school year be a blessed one for our educators, parents and especially our children, as we all grow in faith.
Blessings!
Monsignor John Shamleffer
AUGUST 8, 2010
Dear Parishioners,
This coming August 27th St. Joseph parish will hold its second annual Party On The Point. This fundraiser will help to support our continued involvement in the Habitat program. To date we have helped to build 13 homes and given stability to families in need of good housing.
This year we are also sharing our proceeds with Marian Middle School (A small but mighty, not-for-profit Catholic school for girls in grades 5 through 8. A school and academic curriculum that is focused, caring, and intense, so each girl gets the attention she needs to succeed for life.)
I would love to see many of our parishioners there. Please consider a donation to these causes even if you cannot attend.
Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door. All Admission Tickets include three drink tickets.
When:
Friday, August 27th, 2010
5:00pm - 10:00pm
Entry Gate located behind the Church
Live Musical Lineup:
5:00pm Gate Opens
5:30pm Javier Mendoza, St. Louis, MO
7:00pm Thom Donovan, St. Louis, MO
8:15pm Howie Day, New York, NY
Please see our parish website stjosephclayton.org or partyonthepoint.com, or contact the rectory for more details.
Blessings!
Monsignor John Shamleffer
