on 07/28/2010 
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I made a mistake in last week’s column in naming the members of the Oktoberfest Board. Gene Orlando is a member of the Board and not Bruce Trolli. Gene has been a part of the Oktoberfest since the very first one which actually was held in October. Sorry about the mistake Gene. I hope you can find room in your big heart to forgive me. Bruce Trolli is one of the several behind the scene volunteers who attends all of the meetings and helps with the set-up and operation of the event.
Speaking of Oktoberfest I recall my first year here in 2004 when there was a crazy rumor going around that I was going to end the Oktoberfest. I don’t know how such rumors get started or spread but obviously there was not even a shred of truth to that rumor. This rumor seems to resurrect itself from time to time. On the contrary, I think that our Oktoberfest is a tremendous event for our entire parish. It is a part of our community of Willoughby. The Oktoberfest helps us to put into practice our living stewardship as a way of life on all levels. So I hope all of you join with me in looking forward to next year’s Oktoberfest in July and are looking forward to volunteering to help make it a success.
I met with Bishop Lennon and Mr. John Maimone, the CFO of the diocese of Cleveland, last week and presented to them our plans for the renovation of St. Joseph Hall. Bishop Lennon had one word of comment after my presentation: excellent. The Bishop said that this is just what we should be doing as a result of our clustering and maintaining a vibrant parish for years to come. Any parish expenditure over $25,000 must have the permission of the Bishop. Our estimated cost for the project is $369,000 but by using volunteer labor for some of the work we expect that estimate to be lower. Bishop Lennon said that we should use our funds on hand to pay for the project and then when the returns from the upcoming Diocesan Capital Campaign start to come in, we can replace the money we used with those new funds. We hope to begin preliminary work on the renovation right away in August.
What Diocesan Capital Campaign? Bishop Lennon has planned a diocesan wide capital campaign to provide the financial stability our diocese needs for the future. Each parish will be given a goal of 125% of their offertory collection. The pledges that each of us makes can be fulfilled over a five year time period. The parish will receive 30% of the campaign funds collected from its parishioners. Our parish of Immaculate Conception has been chosen as a pilot parish for this project and we will begin our part of the campaign this coming January 2011. I expect our goal will be somewhere around $1.2 million and so if we make our goal, our share of the funds collected will be enough to pay for the renovation.
Fr. Joe Mecir had an appointment with Bishop Lennon right after my appointment with the Bishop and Fr. Joe received good news. Fr. Joe is receiving a new assignment effective August 31st. Congratulations Fr. Joe on your new pastorate but we will miss you here!
The intentions of the Holy Father for this month: General: That those who are without work or homes, or who are otherwise in serious need, may find understanding and welcome, as well as concrete help in overcoming their difficulties. Mission: That the Church may be a “home” for all people, ready to open its doors to any who suffer from racial or religious discrimination, hunger, or wars forcing them to emigrate to other countries.
Fr Troha
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Stewardship Handbook
August-September Lector Schedule
