Pastor’s Letter & August 30 Bulletin

Pastor’s Letter & August 30 Bulletin

28 Aug 2020 | Posted by: chadmin

The August 30 bulletin is now available online, click here.

Dear friend,

This week, Mr. Dippold and I released a letter and videos about the Invest in Kids State Tax Scholarship program. The program, in its third year, is a win to both people who pay Illinois State Income Tax and to St. Philomena students. The financial donor to the program receives a 75% credit when filing taxes the following year while the St. Philomena student, who qualifies, receives 100% of the money donated. This program allows students that can’t afford the cost of a private education to choose to attend a private school. The letter and videos released are meant to encourage everyone who pays State Income Tax to participate, no matter how small or large the donation. Essentially it costs the donor 25% of the total donation. If you donate $500, a St. Philomena student receives $500, you receive a $375 State Tax Credit, while it costs you $125 to give $500. If you feel inspired to participate, the emailed letter and the videos provide further explanation and a step-by-step guide to give.

While I try not to talk about money too much, one more for this week. The plans began for our annual St. Philomena School Auction. Special thanks to those participating in the organization of the auction this year. In order to host an auction, it needs to take a different form because of COVid-19. The plan is to have a small in-person auction in the Parish Center Banquet Room, while we Live Stream the event for people to participate at home. The Auction is an important annual fund raiser to support our school. The auction committee has begun their acquisitions drive to acquire both items to auction and funds to support the cost of the event. My hope is that the structure of the auction this year will allow as many people to participate who want to support our school, while keeping us safe and socially distanced. Thanks for the support.

A few people have asked about the new angel statues out front of church. Years ago, these statues were in the sanctuary of our church, where the statues of St. Philomena and St. John Vianney now stand. One thought was to put them near the new grotto. The dimensions didn’t fit well, so the decision was made to put them at the front of the church to greet us as we enter. When the statues were inside the church, the angels held wooden candle sticks that won’t survive the outside elements. It is possible we can get the angels an outside-safe torch to light the way to Jesus.

Have a great week.

God bless,

Father David