St. Rose of Lima Catholic Grade School

State of the School Report 2012

As we look forward to a new year in 2012 and reflect upon 2011 one thing is apparent in our parish communities; God is good and his presence is alive in our consortium.  We are thankful for all of the blessings of talent, faith, and commitment given by our diocese, parishioners and families.  Our commitment to educating children and to help them become disciples of Jesus is being realized each day.  For example, enrollment at St. Rose School has increased by four students over the previous school year and family support for the school is thriving.  We expect another increase in student population next year.  We are also thankful for the gift of a quality staff that invests their time and attention in students at St. Rose School.

In the 2010 - 2011 fiscal year we were able to pay for all of our yearly expenses.  Our tuition, school fundraisers, and offertory were strong, producing $694,718.98 in income or 82% of our total yearly expenses.  The Diocese of Columbus recognized our vitality and gave our parish $157,571.76 to make up for our operational deficit in fiscal year 2010 – 2011.  In order to avoid a shortfall in the 2011 – 2012 fiscal year we have taken the following actions:

1. St. Rose School reduced its operational expenses by $70,000.00 through a reduction of two staff members. 
2. A new tuition management system was implemented and has created a steadier cash flow. 
3. We have continued to pursue lost tuition and have collected $17,000 to date.  100% of the tuition billed for the 2010 – 2011 school year was collected.
4. Churches in the consortium are generously giving offertory support to students who attend St. Rose School and local Catholic high schools.
5. Tuition was raised by $200 per student in the 2011 – 2012 school year.
6. The regular offertory collection remains strong and continues to grow through your gifts.  Regular offertory, large donations, and contributions from parishioner’s estates have been a blessing to the longevity of our church.  These funds give us a steady foundation now and in the future. 
7. Fundraising efforts have been very successful this year and must continue to be strong.  In June we held our most successful St. Rose Festival, raising $10,000 more in profits than ever before and this past October’s Faith in Our Future was the most successful one yet, raising over $37,000.00.

While we remain positive about our financial future it is apparent that we must come together to avoid a deficit in 2011 – 2012.  Our budget for the year is honest and aggressive.  If we cannot continue to produce results like the ones listed above, we are sure to see another deficit.   So as you make resolutions for a new year please consider how you can share the blessings God has given to you with our parish and school.  There are many opportunities to give of yourself and we are sincerely grateful for every contribution you make.  Each donation helps us continue our mission to grow the spirit of Jesus in our children, families and parish community.

Happy Advent!!

The St. Rose Children's Choir will be singing at the 6:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass. Thanks to our teachers and parents who will be leading them as I, Fr. Jim, have another job to do at that Mass. Any past and present Children's Choir members are invited and encouraged to sing at this Mass. We will welcome back any veterans who are willing and able, as long as they will show up at the 2 practices. We are even willing to open the doors who have not joined, but would like to at this time. If that is the case, please come to our next two practices.

The two important practices are the next 2 Mondays from 6 to 7pm at St. Rose Church. Regular Children's Choir day and time. The singing for Christmas Eve 6pm Mass will begin at 5:40pm and so I would need the kids there by 5:30pm - dressed in their Christmas best.

Also, it would helpful to know who is able to do this. If you are planning on having your children sing at the 6pm Christmas Eve Mass, please send me an email letting me know - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . This will be a good way to be true to our Children's Choir Mission - which is to have a great and joyful love for Jesus and His Church and to help others have a great and joyful love for Jesus and His Church.

Yours in Christ, Fr. Jim