Annual Report 2010-2011

2010 - 2011 Annual Report

Mission

A diverse and welcoming community of believers, A people united in faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior, Nourished by Word and Sacrament, Called to support one another in the struggle to believe in Jesus and to do His will by working to make our world a better place.

A Note from the Pastor

Dear Parishioners and Friends:

In all of the materials inviting people to join us here at Ascension as we worship God and work for social justice, we state: “You are invited to join us at Ascension Catholic Church. No matter your age, race, sex or sexual orientation, there is a place for you at Ascension. You’ll meet wonderful people, hear the Word of God proclaimed, enjoy good programs, be challenged to live the Gospel and so much more. Come as you are, be who you are – your presence will enrich us.”

Because of you, the “wonderful people of Ascension,” our parish grows continually. There is an average of three families registering in the parish every week. I thank you for your witness, and I submit to you the 2010-2011 Annual Report. I think that you would agree that our parish has a lot going on. Our sacramental report from last year shows our continued growth. Our ministries are wide and varied and reach into all areas of our faith community. Our school continues to strive for excellence while facing challenges that Catholic schools around the nation are experiencing. Our Religious Education program, under new leadership, has improved greatly. But, we continue to operate at a deficit and withdraw funds from the Parish Reserve Fund. And this is our problem and very much our challenge for the future.

Our community stands strong and united in our Catholic faith and in our commitment to helping those who must live on less. I thank you for your love of the parish and your continued generosity to the work of our parish. I pray that God will bless you and those you love. And I hope that with me, you’ll pray daily for peace.

Father John P. Duffell

Mass Schedule

• 5:00pm 6:15pm
• 8:15am
• 9:30am 11:00am 12:30pm 6:00pm

Sacramental Report

• Baptisms 168 RCIA:  23
• First Communions:  108 
• Confirmations: 61 
• Weddings: 16 
• Funerals: 40

Financial Summary

Income consists of regular collections, revenues from candles, poor box, religious education, rentals and bequests. In fiscal year 2010-2011 we had total income of $892,115 compared to $777,905 for fiscal year 2009-2010. The increase in income is attributed to an increase in Sunday collections, a one-time bequest and the ParishPay matching grant. The operating deficit for fiscal year 2010-2011 was $312,327 of which $107,129 was school support, and the remainder was attributed to increasing utility rates, significant increases in health insurance costs, and major maintenance.

Parish Reserve Fund

The above graph illustrates the current cash on hand in our Parish Reserve Fund deposited with the Archdiocese of New York. This represents the money that is transferred to our checking account when the normal income from the regular collection is not able to cover expenses and payroll. With the increased costs for the parish school, significant funds were needed to cover expenses. Currently, we have $1,259,469 on deposit with the Archdiocese of New York, at an interest rate that remains at 4 percent. As you can see our Parish Reserve Fund needs to be replenished.

ASCENSION MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS

• CHARISMATIC GROUP – Our Spanish prayer group, which emphasizes a personal relationship with Christ, shaped by Bible study, prayer, worship, song, with special attention to the Holy Spirit.

• CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD – Our special Liturgy of the Word celebrations for the young people of our community are held during the Sunday 9:30am (Spanish) 11:00am (English) and 12:30pm (Spanish) Masses.

• RELIGIOUS EDUCATION – Our religious education program for children who attend Public Schools. Classes are held weekly.

• CURSILLISTAS – Cursillo is a Spanish word meaning "short course" – a short course in Christianity. Having experienced the grace of God this group’s mission is to bring others to an experience of God's love and grace, thus, encouraging them to be leaders for Christ and strengthening one's spirituality so that it can be strengthened, lived and shared in all areas of one's environment.

• DOMINICAN SUNDAY – Provides courses for our Spanish speaking community in ESL, GED, Computer, Naturalization, and much more.

YOUTH GROUP - Provides a safe, nurturing and Christ-filled environment and activities for our teens.

• MUSIC MINISTRY - Our Spanish and English choirs fill our church with beautiful song on Sundays and in concert throughout the year.

• SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY - Programs for the poor and children’s summer camp.

• WELCOME TABLE - A once-a- month meal for those in need.

• EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS – Distribute the Blessed Sacrament during Mass and especially to sick parishioners who are in the hospital or homebound.

• GUADALUPE COMMITTEE – Our Spanish prayer group dedicated to expressing a special devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe.

• LECTORS – Participate in our Eucharistic celebrations by proclaiming the richness of God’s word.

• LEGION OF MARY – Weekly meetings held to pray and express our special devotion to the Blessed Mother.

• VIRGEN DE LA ALTAGRACIA COMMITEE – Our Spanish prayer group dedicated to expressing a special devotion to Our Lady of Altagracia.

• THE GAY & LESBIAN MINISTRY – Provides support and fellowship for the gay and lesbian members of our parish community, and seeks to reach out to those who feel alienated from the church.

• THE READING GROUP – Meets monthly to discuss religious and philosophical literature.

• THE MARIAN MINISTRY – Regularly prays the rosary and organizes our annual Marian parade.

• OUR LADY OF PROVIDENCIA – Is dedicated to expressing special devotion to our Lady of Providencia.

• THE YOUNG ADULTS GROUP– Gathers to pray, learn, and bring together the young adults of this parish.

• THE YOUNG ADULT PRAYER GROUP – Our Spanish language prayer group for young adults.

Martini Night

Featured in Time Out Magazine, our church supper is a “party” with food, drinks, and great barbecue (weather permitting). It’s a great way to get all of our parishioners, new and old, together in a fun and social atmosphere. Join us every first Sunday of the month after the 6pm Jazz Mass.

Altar Servers

Provides an opportunity for the young people of our parish to assist during our worship celebrations. Meetings are held for instruction and practice.

R.C.I.A

(Right of Christian Initiation for Adults)

Supports and encourages the spiritual journey of adults interested in receiving the sacraments of initiation into the church.

Principal’s Report

Dear Ascension Community,

I would like to once again express my gratitude for the warm welcome I’ve received in the short time I’ve been here. This community is what has sustained Ascension School for 100 years and it is this community that will keep Ascension strong and prosperous for years to come!

These are difficult times for Catholic schools all over the country. Neighborhoods are changing. Buildings are getting older. Enrollment is declining. Costs are increasing. In the midst of all of this, we must find ways to keep true to our mission to serve those most in need among us and to bring the Good News to as

many children as we can. While we find ourselves in a much better position than so many Catholic schools today, we too have challenges to overcome. This year, we have 285 students at Ascension School. The school has finished the year with a financial deficit for the last several years. Tuition has nearly doubled since 2006. As our school celebrates its 100th anniversary, it needs greater care than ever before to provide the safe and healthy learning environment our children deserve.

Yet in spite of these challenges, we continue to be uplifted by the generous spirit of this community and our alumni. We know that our work is too important to give in! We know that the Lord

provides for those who place their faith in Him and the Ascension Community has never failed to rise to the challenge when the going gets tough. With your continued support, we know that we will be able to carry on the tradition of excellence that has defined Ascension for 100 years.

With Gratitude,

Mr. Christopher McMahon, Principal Ascension School