Fr. Steve and the finance council recently provided an uplifting and informative State of the Parish presentation. I have heard some questions about the Religious Education budget; some folks are thinking that it covers the very important task of our educating our young saints through our regular catechesis program, and that’s all. Well, it is certainly our #1 task, and a duty for all of us adults, no matter how many or few of our own relatives are in the classes.
But it’s important for our financial backers (That’s you!) to realize that the Religious Education budget also covers the following expenses: RCIA; CYO support; parish missions; speakers; Bible studies; other adult faith programs; youth ministry which includes B.A.S.I.C., E.P.I.C., and more; the manpower behind our bulletin; the library; evangelization; Vacation Bible School; much of our website and social media outreach; and even diaconal support and some of the marriage programming. We are very, very careful with the money we spend.
In related news, we would like to extend our thanks to all of you who participated in the Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive this year! Through your generosity, our department was able to purchase two large adaptive education kits to help our students who have special needs. We are taking some time to learn how to use them with the training DVD that was provided to us. One full kit has been “given” to our alternative curriculum teacher, and the other is in my office for every coordinator’s use.
As with most well-developed adaptive tools, every student can benefit from them and so our K-2 coordinator, Kristin Craig, has used the stick-figure scenes twice already with her students. Some photos are included here for your enjoyment. The tools are both helpful and sturdy.
The pastors, education staff, education commission, and most of all our students and their families are grateful! As always, we especially thank our Knights who are always so supportive.
Your Pickle,
Marian Bart
Parish Catechetical Leader