Three words have been key to Catholic Parish life since the revelations of abuse in our church: accountability, ownership and transparency. We have been making great strides in all three areas here at Sacred Heart. Being accountable, transparent and taking ownership are equally important to me as your pastor, that is why in my bulletin letter I sometimes address issues that may not be of a spiritual value, but of a temporal nature. I am careful with the monies we spend as a parish as if it were my own. And let me tell you, I am a careful spender.
As homeowners, you know that sometimes unexpected repairs come up from time to time. We have been investigating the cost of moving the big green transformer box outside the entrance to the parish center so that we can someday update the connector from the parish center to the church.
It has come to light that the wires from the transformer to the utility pole under the parking lot are owned by the parish and are nearing the end of life.
Our electric meter is inside the building and is required to be outside, as there is no emergency electrical shut-off for the building. So, not only can no updates to the connector be done with the electrical box where it is, but we are also faced with updating the underground wiring which adds no beauty to the campus, but safeguards both buildings from a total costly power outage.
In these past years our parishioners have certainly taken ownership of parish ministries and finances. I am so proud of the way Sacred Heart has and continues to operate as we journey together. Accountability and transparency regarding all that we do will continue to be a top priority here at Sacred Heart.
Our Operations, Buildings and Grounds and Finance Teams are working with National Grid and will get that information to me and I will keep you informed.