| Cathedral News For the last sixteen months, our local economy on Long Island has struggled with high unemployment, lagging real estate sales, and the real threat of continuing job losses and insecurity for almost every family I know (including my own). Articles in both NEWSDAY and THE NEW YORK TIMES have highlighted the concerted measures underway in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre to reduce its entire workforce by approximately 25% over the next few months. A companion article in NEWSDAY noted that local religious congregations of many traditions across the region are experiencing an average 28% drop in pledge income for 2010. After several successful years of increasing our pledge base and meeting some significant financial challenges, the Cathedral’s financial picture for 2010 is now a reflection of the regional average in terms of pledged donations. At the moment, we are down approximately 25% in what our congregation has committed to giving for this year as opposed to 2009. If that trend continues, I will be forced to recommend to the Cathedral Chapter some rather painful cuts which will result, ultimately, in reduced programs and services at virtually every level. A great many people consider the Cathedral their primary place of worship, although many do not contribute in any systematic manner. Unfortunately, both increased attendance and new attendees have not translated into increased contributions. The quality of music, Christian Formation, and pastoral care cannot be sustained at its present level if parishioner contributions do not cover a greater portion of the cost. To those of who have made a pledge for 2010, thank you for your continuing support. To those who have not yet made a pledge, I ask you to do so right away. To those who have never pledged, if you value what is offered in our Cathedral, now is the time to do so. You may complete the Stewardship Form (available in the Cathedral) and return it to us. Or you may visit our website home page and click on “Stewardship 2010” to make a pledge. Together we have made significant progress during the past five years: the spire repaired, the carillon back on line, painting in our several buildings, better landscaping, greater community outreach, growing church schools, Christian Formation programs, and choirs. However, we cannot continue this work at the present level without adequate financial support. Our programs will continue only as funds are made available by our parishioners. You have my assurance that whatever you contribute will be used responsibly and with the intent of serving God’s people in our larger mission to the Church. The Very Rev. Theodore W. Bean, Jr. |