Subject: Annual Report:
This is the 9th year serving the Casa as General Manager and I am grateful for the opportunity. The Franciscan Renewal Center has been a beacon of light for the valley, Southwest and the Nation for 56 years. We have evolved many times from the early days in 1951 as the Franciscan Retreat House when Lincoln was just a dirt road used for cattle drives. Our ministry has changed with the signs of the times, but one consistent vision has never changed – we are a house of peace and good. All are welcome.
This vision, with its roosts in the experience of St. Francis, is something you have helped form. It is to be an experience of refreshment, transformation and renewal through the grace of the Spirit, then shared and lived outside the boundaries of this place. We see the reality of the vision in emails, evaluations, testimonials and letters or in person. The Franciscan Renewal Center has been a sacred refuge and holy ground for you and so many others who have come to envision Christ’s promise of peace.
Today, I want to speak about the performance of the Franciscan Renewal Center. Our Casa Annual Report will be handed to you as you depart liturgy today. I believe that this Report clearly demonstrates the Casa commitment to ensuring that what our community and its ministries offer, not only matches our values and charism, but also indicates how our revenue resources are generated and applied in the same manner. Our reporting of results was modified this year to not only show our Operational Budget for day to day activity but also our Property Improvements for the year, which include acquiring new equipment, plus doing refurbishments and maintenance to sustain the buildings and property for the Casa’s future. This “all in” approach demonstrates the whole picture of managing, directing and supporting the Casa ministries now and into the future. Please take the time to read this report and call or e-mail me your thoughts, concerns or issues. My door is always open and I am available for you
We have over 36 on-going ministries, 600 volunteers, 28 staff members and 4 friars. Since we established the Conventual Church of Our Lady of the Angels over 1,600 people have registered as members. Religious education home schooling, baptisms and other sacraments are becoming contemporary happenings at the Casa. All the Casa ministries serve in the name of Christ. So many of you-program participants, counselees and volunteers seek involvement and search for the humility to see yourselves as Good sees you. Over 5,000 people attended spiritual growth programs through Franciscan Way and other events. More than 10,000 people used our facility from other churches and non-profit entities. Over 6,000 came for counseling and support groups. The 28 friars in the Southwest can have meetings here twice a year. Our first Catholics Can Come Home series welcomed 25 RCIA people and I see some here today. RCIA consistently flames the heart of the casa transfusing new life to the church. Our rooms and meeting spaces are used by poor parishes and missions in Arizona and from Mexico. During our season of non-violence beginning in January we will open our house to over 20 interfaith groups. Because of this work, people experience Catholicism and specifically Franciscan spirituality. We share over 10% of our annual revenue with Andre House, Valley Interfaith Project, Guaymas, Franciscan missionaries throughout the world, Poor Clares, the Campaign for Human Development and other needy groups. There are so many other examples of God’s goodness coming through you that it would take a long time to note them all.
It seems unbelievable, but 9 years ago we did not have a website or an 800 number, we had a grand total of 6 computers, 3 or 4 printers and 2 occasionally working copy machines. Buildings were in need of repair; long-term maintenance problems and challenges existed at every turn. Faithful stewardship and solid financial decisions have seen us through those times. Today we have an efficient office environment, superior accounting system and linkage of strategic vision with resources, giving us a campus that enhances the experiences of our guests.
The most important asset God has given is you. The dedication of all of you and the staff and volunteers is integral to the operation of the Casa and makes ministry happen. At one time, the entire support team was made up of the friars and a few volunteers. As the center grew and demand increased paid staff were hired. Our latest survey of 7000 anonymous evaluations rated the staff and volunteer quality at 99%. So much of the ministry depends on the volunteers – it wouldn’t get done without them. They help keep our vision on target.
Many of you will receive our Year End Letter in the mail Monday or Tuesday requesting that you consider the Casa as a recipient of your charitable giving. This letter is also inserted in your bulletin today. This once a year appeal provides much needed funds to support capital projects. It also supports operations. About 10% of our annual budget relies on these gifts. It is so important that you help us. Last year the Year End Appeal did not achieve its goal. We raised only $130,000. The shortfall to budget means that fewer plant and equipment necessities were accomplished, thus creating future issues. As your General Manager I challenge us to raise at least $200,000 for this annual appeal. Please, every family and individual makes a contribution towards the success of the Casa. I personally have increased my gift 20% this year because I believe in the vision and mission of this community. I have left the Casa in my will.
This Sunday and over the next few weeks consider how good God has been to you through this community. Consider how important it is that the Casa continue to live out its vision of bringing a Francisca way into society, especially at a time when many different messages are bombarding our lives– some, not so good. The Franciscan vision and the Casa vision are simple, yet profound…the human person is the highest value in creation. Creation exists because of Christ. In seeing our value and all creation we are called to image Christ, the complete expression of God’s love. Your generosity fuels a great beacon of light, helping so many to see. It is up to each individual to decide how brightly this beacon will shine. Remember the Casa in your charitable giving as so many of you have referred to this place as your heaven on earth. As images of Christ for others to see, please be generous with your love. I promise to ensure that your generosity serves Christ through the efforts of the friars, staff and volunteers promoting a vision of peace and good for all welcomed here. It is my honor to serve you. Please be generous. Thank you.
