Parish Annual report 2013-14

Transformation Inspires

Excellence ST. BENEDICT PARISH AND PREPARATORY SCHOOL ANNUAL REPORT 2013-2014

PARI S

ND SCHO HA

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Saying “Yes” has power to transform. So often we are afraid of taking a chance

-- we fear failure, we anticipate the worst, we don’t know what to expect. By saying “no” to invitations, we miss many of life’s wonderful opportunities. These opportunities are often disguised as a new career prospect, an opportunity to serve others in need, a surprise request from a friend, or any type of unfamiliar challenge. Anything that creates a spark of curiosity or creativity or generosity within us, or generates some desire to make a difference in the lives of others, is often our intuition, perhaps even the Holy Spirit, guiding us to say “yes.”

As the Catholic faithful, we have courageous models who have also said, “Yes.” Mary said “yes” to the Angel Gabriel who told her she was chosen to bear God’s only Son. The disciples Peter, James and John said “Yes” to Jesus as he called them to leave their fishing boats behind to become “fishers of men.” The founding St. Benedict parishioners said “Yes” in 1902 when they petitioned the Archdiocese of Chicago to start a new parish and school.

This past year, many St. Benedict parishioners, school families, religious education families, alumni, faculty, staff and community partners said “YES” as we set out to accomplish the work to grow and improve the five commissions of the parish: spiritual, catechesis, human concerns, parish life and education.

The parish leadership said “YES” and authored the St. Benedict Parish Transformation Plan. School leadership said “YES” and continued to implement the strategic plan, Vision of Excellence 2016.

The result: Transformation toward Excellence. Last year we saw transformation of parish life, transformation to fiscal vitality, transformation by sharing, transformation of facilities, transformation into one school, and transformation through inclusion, leadership and growth. Each step toward realizing our mission, vision and goals has been a blessing inspired by faith of so many that give support in terms of time, talent and treasure.

This year’s parish annual report focuses on the theme of transformation. We are proud of our strong beginnings, our solid foundation, our vibrant presence in the community and the direction where we are headed as we work together to transform St. Benedict together.

Saying “YES” to a vision, plan or goal is usually first a matter of faith. It often begins with a whisper but gradually generates a resonance of spirit that cannot be silenced. There is no greater force for transformation than a faith community that has discovered who it is and what it cherishes. This year’s annual report celebrates who St. Benedict Parish and Preparatory School is, what we hold dear, and what, working together in faith, we’ve accomplished so far. It also sets forth the plan to guide our future. Finally, this report demonstrates our humble gratitude for all the generous donors who bless us in so many ways. Each time a donor gives to St. Benedict Parish and Preparatory School, we hear a resounding “YES” in support of our mission and vision.

Thank you for saying YES to St. Benedict!

Thank you for helping transform our beloved parish and school community.

From Fr. Jason and the St. Benedict Parish and Preparatory School Staff

St. Benedict Parish Pastoral Council

Linda Krier, Chair Michelle Stevens, Vice-Chair Joan Wilcox, Secretary Karen Cholipski Irene Ireland Molly Klucznik Mark Kromkowski Mary Kurczak Todd McGovern Mona Nelson Jen Russell Amy Stern Joy Walton

St. Benedict Preparatory School 2013-2014 Advisory Board Shannon Archer, Chair *

Audrey Cosgrove, Vice-Chair Molly Klucznik, Pastoral Council Liaison Mark Kromkowski, Pastoral Council Liaison Iris Hart, Secretary * Tony Couty * Janet Davies Amy Gaylord * Charles Greco Mary Jo Hayes * Beka Kohmescher Cindy Kuhn Tim Farrell Peggy Malone * Jim Myer Peter Quinn Ally Regnier Anne Connolly Rief John Smith Jason Staley * Ryan Stecz David Wolke * * indicates members whose terms ended June 2013

St. Benedict Parish Finance Council Gary Stark, Chair Steve Koch Todd McGovern, Pastoral Council Liaison Karen Cholipski, Pastoral Council Liaison Ryan Stecz, School Board Liaison Beka Kohmescher, School Board Liaison

A Letter from the Pastor & Parish Staff Table of Contents

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Transformation of Parish Life

PARI S

4-5

Transformation to Fiscal Vitality

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Transformation of Facilities

6-7

8

Transformation through Sharing

11

Transformation through Catechesis

12

Transformation through Leadership

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Parish Financial Report

14

SBPS Financial Report

15

Transformation through Growth

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Transformation through Inclusion Transformation into One

2

10

Event Highlights

16

17

Investors in Catholic Education A Return on Your Investment

18-23

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Transformation of Parish Life Transformation . . . change, renovation, conversion. In September 2013, St. Benedict Parish began participating in the Parish Transformation Process, a process in which all parishes of the Archdiocese will participate. Through the leadership of Father Jason Malave, the Parish Pastoral Council, the Parish Transformation Steering Committee, and representatives from the five commissions, St. Benedict Parish began the process of reflecting upon and evaluating how we live out Christ’s mission in our parish community. The group was tasked with developing a strategic plan for how we live out our mission even more vibrantly as we continue on our faith journey.

Throughout a series of twelve gatherings, one task was to reflect on our “pearl of great price,” which was identified as our seventeen story tower that calls all people to prayer. Another task was to reflect on how we as a parish live six gospel values. With the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit, participants were able to discern and prioritize ten pastoral strategies for the future of St. Benedict Parish:

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1. Modernize and unify communications to reach all active, non-active, and potential parishioners.

2. Reinvigorate and expand adult religious education programming.

3. Establish catechetical program around life milestones.

4. Connect families to catechesis and Mass.

5. Become fearlessly welcoming and move people outside of comfort zone.

6. Re-evaluate and educate all on parish ministries.

7. Proudly champion our parish

preparatory school’s Vision of Excellence 2016 plan.

8. Support in strengthening Catholic Identity across entire block.

9. Teach stewardship and increase giving of time, talent, and treasure.

10. Design and plan for future capital needs.

Progress has been made in the implementation of all ten objectives. A new weekly electronic newsletter sent to all parishioners, The Block, highlights news from the parish, catechetical, and education commissions. Monthly adult education sessions have been scheduled for the year and catechetical programing more closely aligns with individual and family life milestones. School families are actively involved in the implementation of the school strategic plan, Vision of Excellence 2016. In addition, a campuswide master plan has been proposed to envision the best use of current facilities and potential creation of new facilities.

(See page 18).

The vision and leadership of the St. Benedict Parish staff and volunteers is guiding this exciting process. A vibrant St. Benedict community will be even more vital in the coming years as the transformation process leads us to become an even more faith-filled community.

“The Parish Transformation Process has helped us outline a clear vision for our future that will result in a stronger parish community.”

Amy Stern & Joy Walton, Parish Transformation Steering Committee

Spiritual Life Commission Ministries Liturgy Committee Eucharist Ministry Lector Ministry Art & Environment Liturgy Writers Music Ministry Ushers Family Mass Altar Servers Children’s Liturgy of the Word Sacristans 6:30 PM Mass Liturgy Coordinator 6:30 PM Music Director Christ Renews His Parish Holy Thursday Seder Meal Wedding Coordinators Parish Mission Parish Library Simbang Gabi Bible Study Centering Prayer Lectio Divina

Parish Life Commission Ministries BenFest Ben’s Buds Bingo Boy Scouts Cub Scouts Girl Scouts Daisys Brownies Facility Committee Holy Name Society Hospitality Knights of Columbus Ladies Society Oktoberfest RCYA – Young Adult Ministry Teen Group Welcoming Committee Women’s Book Club

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Transformation For well over a decade, St. Benedict Parish and Preparatory School carried debt. Some resulted from years when the school ran a deficit, some when the parish ran a deficit and a large portion from the building of the school addition in 2001.

When the Bell Tower needed major tuck-pointing inside and out, substantial brick replacement, new clock faces, and a new bell system, the parish took on an additional $1.2 million of debt to the Archdiocese of Chicago. With the courage and fortitude of former pastor, Father Robert Beaven, along with the Parish Finance Committee, St. Benedict embarked on a capital campaign in 2010, “Fostering Faith: Restoring the Block”. With the generous support of the Archdiocese matching our donor contributions dollar for dollar, the Bell Tower construction was paid off and additional loans were eliminated. Upon Father Jason’s arrival, however, there was still $1.333 million in parish and school loans. Continuing in the same courageous spirit, Father Jason and the Parish Finance Committee sought to eliminate the rest of the parish and school debt by December 31, 2013. This goal – to be debt free – has now become a reality.

Paying off the debt wasn’t easy, but it was accomplished!

For the past several years, 10% of every fundraising event went to loan payments. Last year, 50% of the Fund Our Future (the school advisory board’s annual appeal) was applied to the loans, decreasing an additional $120,000 off the loan amount.

A special gala, The Bell Tower Party, was an elegant evening of good food and good drink envisioned by a bold planning committee. This exclusive party for no more than 100 people happened right in the lower levels of our beloved Bell Tower and raised over $25,000 toward debt elimination. There are many more extraordinary stories of generosity, but one thing is for sure: The St. Benedict Community understood that in order to move the parish and school forward, the parish needed to be debt free!

So what has happened since December 2013? First, an education endowment fund, with over $80,000 donated to date, has been established. Many donations came in memory of former high school girls’ basketball coach, Mr. Chris Ford.

Other donations to the endowment have come from high school alumni giving through our direct appeal mailings.

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to Fiscal Vitality An additional financial accomplishment to celebrate is the newly established facilities fund. Because we have beautiful vintage buildings that need upkeep and care, it is important that we now save for unexpected projects or emergencies.

The new family fee, established by the school advisory board, goes directly into the facilities fund. This one-time fee is charged to each new school family at the time of enrollment.

Two additional sources of income to the facilities fund are the 10% fundraising event fee, which previously was used for debt reduction, and the monthly special Sunday collection. Savings instead of debt, what a refreshing change!

Because St. Benedict Parish and Preparatory School is debt-free, it allows us to plan for the future and take care of needs as they arise. It allows us to grow the programs and invest in our ministries. It is a sign that our parish and school mission and vision is alive and well.

“The financial position of St. Benedict Parish has never been stronger.

Our financial strength allows for the implementation of plans to ensure the future success of the parish and school.�

Gary Stark, Chair, St. Benedict Parish Finance Council

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Transformation of Facilities

“The new Facilities Master Plan will be an invaluable tool for proactively addressing our aging infrastructure as we continue to transform the St. Benedict campus for the future.”

Heath Winborn, Director of Operations

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The St. Benedict Parish and School Campus is a neighborhood treasure connecting the hearts and minds of parishioners, school families, alumni and community partners for decades. These facilities require a lot of planning, work and funding to maintain.

One of Father Jason’s visions for the campus back in the summer of 2013 was to hire someone who would have the vision and skill to change the “maintenance plan” from one that is reactive to proactive. With the help of the parish and school facilities committee, a job description was created for the New Parish Director of Operations and Mr. Heath Winborn was hired.

After working in similar roles at East Coast parishes in New York and New Jersey, Heath Winborn, brings insight and order to an ever-bustling, always busy campus. One of the first projects he implemented was the planning and installation of the new security system for the school. The security project incorporated the use of Access Control Identification Cards that allow faculty and staff to access the building with a simple swipe of their ID card. The addition of extra security doors controls the traffic at key entry points, allowing receptionists to ensure each visitor to the campus checks in at a secure location. New exterior doors and new hardware on internal doors allow for updated safety measures that enhance the overall project. Finally, new sets of courtyard doors replaced old-malfunctioning doors that were long beyond their lifespan. The cost of the overall security project was $142,908 and was paid for by the Secure Our School portion of the 2013 and 2014 Ball and Auction events, as well as tuition money. The new security system has brought the benefits of upgraded technology to the campus and is used by both the school families and religious education families.

Another major project that Heath managed from the start was repair of an essential boiler and the asbestos abatement of the boiler room. The boiler room was completely abated so that future work on the heating plant can be done without disruption.

Further, the boiler work was critical to improve efficiency and reducing overall costs. Heath assisted with the installation of the new gym curtain, coordination of large parish and school events, cleaning out the basements, overseeing the major tuckpointing work on the Byron Avenue wall, investigating the tuckpointing needs of the church, and much more. He has also assumed leadership of the high school work study program, overseeing over 13,000+ hours of volunteer time from high school students and parents who receive tuition assistance. In all, having a dedicated Director of Operations has been essential in the successful completion of new projects and the prep work needed to complete the campus master plan.

Transformation through Sharing Sharing what we have with others. This is what Jesus commands us to do and this is what we try to do every day.

As a parish community, we had a sharing parish relationship with Our Lady Help of Christians here in Chicago approximately ten years ago until that parish closed. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, we partnered with Our Lady of the Isle in Louisiana and began to assist in their rebuilding efforts with financial contributions. It was felt, however, that we needed to partner with a local parish and begin to develop more than just a financial relationship.

In January 2013, the Catholic Identity Committee of the St. Benedict Preparatory School Advisory Board began to explore service learning opportunities. Parish and school families came together to brainstorm ways that service learning could be integrated into the school curriculum.

The consensus was to identify a local sharing parish that demonstrates a need, has a school, and has similar programs to our parish and school. This research and discernment resulted in the establishment of our new sharing parish relationship with Our Lady of the Snows, located on the southwest side of Chicago.

Fr. Stan Rataj, Pastor, Our Lady of the Snows In January 2014, over 100 of our parishioners and school families were greeted warmly at Our Lady of the Snows at a kick-off prayer service and reception. Representatives from our parish and school presented symbols of our faith community, along with a $10,000 gift. In March 2014, St. Benedict Parish played host to Our Lady of the Snows at a Mass and St. Patrick’s Day reception.

Under the leadership of Meggan Flom, volunteer coordinator and Elizabeth Kustusch, Pastoral Associate, more opportunities will be planned for future collaborations, including service projects during the secondary school service week.

“Beyond the financial connection, our get-togethers are the most important aspect of this sharing.”

Human Concerns Commission Ministries Common Food Pantry Easter Dinner Thanksgiving Dinner Christmas Dinner Health Committee Immigration Reform Minister of Care Minister of Praise St. Vincent De Paul Society Sharing Parish

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Transformation through Inclusion Our Catholic faith calls us to be a welcoming, inclusive school. St. Benedict Preparatory School (SBPS) promotes and implements inclusive education through a holistic approach. Teachers are trained to use “best practice” teaching and assessment strategies. The SBPS administration supports teachers by dedicating time and resources for professional development.

Faculty Inclusion Facilitators support classroom teachers with co-teaching assistance, unit and lesson planning. Inclusion Facilitators spend time in the classroom supporting students with learning disabilities or adapting materials for students to use. This inclusion approach invites all students to welcome and honor the diversity, gifts, and talents of other students across the campus. Collaboration is the KEY philosophy when it comes to inclusive education. Teams of teachers work with inclusion facilitators and each other to learn and share best teaching practices.

Sometimes the question is asked, “What students benefit from Inclusive Education?” The answer is simple: ALL STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM INCLUSIVE EDUCATION. How is this accomplished? First, classroom teachers need to use HIGH academic standards for all students. Inclusion is NOT “watering down” expectations. Next, teachers in inclusive schools teach students all in the same classroom setting. This

means that teachers need to use a wide range of exceptional teaching practices to reach the wide range of learners before them. Teacher training and support is key to creating an inclusive school.

Last year, thanks to generous foundation support, the inclusion program at SBPS was evaluated by nationally renowned Inclusion expert, Cheryl Jorgensen.

Jorgensen’s report highlights many things we are doing to foster an inclusion school, but more importantly, provides goals to guide our plan to grow inclusion over the next few years. Our goals for this current school year include aligning our mission with practice, communicating about inclusion, establishing an inclusion administration team, establishing professional learning communities, expanding and supporting co-planning, and hiring and retaining quality Catholic teachers.

We have been blessed over the past three years with generous support from the Christopher L. and M. Susan Gust Foundation to support our Inclusion Education program. This foundation’s support has funded professional development, consulting, inclusion facilitator salaries, scholarships, educational materials and more, exceeding $425,000. We are grateful for this partnership as their generosity is making a difference in the lives of so many students and families.

An inclusive school community is “based on social justice principles in which all students

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(a) are presumed competent, (b) are welcomed as valued members of all general education classes and extra curricular activities in their local schools, (c) fully participate and learn alongside their same age peers in general education instruction based on the general education curriculum and (d) experience reciprocal social relationships.” – TASH National Agenda, Inclusive Education

Transformation into One “When patterns are broken, new worlds emerge.” – Tuli Kupferberg

In 2011, a new Chicago PK-12 Catholic parish school model began to emerge from the strategic plan, Vision of Excellence 2016. Responding to the needs of a fast growing parish elementary school and the demands for quality, college preparatory secondary school, the St. Benedict Parish and School community created a new model for the “Schools of St. Benedict.”

For five decades the parish was blessed with both an elementary school and a high school. For over 20 years, the parish also sponsored a thriving preschool. The new plan, Vision of Excellence 2016, united all three schools into ONE parish school with a unified mission and vision.

This new parish Catholic school model would challenge the traditional pattern of PK-12 education and create a very special place for children to grow spiritually, academically, creatively, physically, and socially.

Transitioning from the decades-old separate “schools” model - each school having a different mission, vision and curriculum -St. Benedict Preparatory School continues to evolve into a strong and growing unified PK-12 parish school. The strategy to unify governance, administration, faculty, curriculum, inclusive education, Catholic culture, academic and co-curricular programming, facilities, long-term planning, community, financial vitality, branding, and communications has created a uniquely strong Catholic education option for over 960 students in 2014. While many aspects of the successes celebrated in this annual report are linked to the successes of Vision of Excellence 2016, there are many other achievements this new model brings: • Curricular alignments across the PK-12 with more occurring this year • More opportunities for staff, students, and parents to collaborate across the campus

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•

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Financial vitality, fiscal responsibility and growing financial partners Adaptability and flexibility in terms of campus usage, faculty assignments and curricular enhancements A greater sense of “shared” mission among faculty and staff These strengths translate into a better educational experience for our students. St. Benedict Prep is a wholly different place than it was only four years ago.

It has been transformed thanks to the hard work of many faculty, staff, school parents, students, financial supporters, alumni, and parishioners. And while the school has experienced success, there is still more work to be done.

Highlights of the 2014-2015 Vision of Excellence 2016 Goals Catholic Identity

• Collaboration with Campus Ministry and DRE • Opportunities for Faith Formation of Teachers

Academic Excellence

• Integrate Instructional Coaches &

create a professional learning lab • AdvancED Accreditation • Using Data –NWEA MAP testing

Outstanding Facilities Stewardship

Inclusion Education

Mission Advancement

• Retreat and Mentoring Program • Inclusion Advocacy

• Communicate about Inclusion • Establish Inclusion Admin Team • Creating and organizing an • Clarify Roles archives Room • Promoting the Campus Master Plan • Increase Alumni Outreach and Strengthen Alumni Involvement • Fund Our Future and Capital Campaign Spring Kick Off • Strong PK-12 Admissions

Strong PK-12 Board

Strategic Communications • CEO Coffees with Heads of School • New Signage in and around campus

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Catechetical Commission Ministries Religious Education Adult Education Baptismal Preparation Marriage Preparation Children’s Liturgy of the Word RCIA – Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults SPRED – Special Religious Development

“We need to meet people where they are in their sacramental life.”

Lisa Mersereau, Director of Catechesis

Transformation through Catechesis Catechesis, the teaching of our Catholic faith, has the power to transform individuals and a whole community. Lisa Mersereau, our new Director of Catechesis, approaches this important work through the lens of a life-long learner. “We need to meet people where they are in their sacramental life. Once we determine what their needs are, we can begin to help them seek that closeness with Jesus Christ” At all stages of a person‘s life, Catechesis has the power to transform. With the growth of the Religious Education program, more young people are participating in classes and sacrament preparation.

Preschool and Kindergarten classes have been added to the grades 1-8 offering. Families now have the option of Wednesday classes in addition to Sunday classes. Children’s Liturgy of the Word is offered at two Masses on Sunday. Baptism Preparation sessions have been expanded for families seeking to raise their

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children in the Catholic faith.

Once in high school, however, young adults do not always have a way to continue their connection to their faith. Through the use of a survey, it was determined that more offerings for young adults and parents were needed. Plans include the formation of high school youth groups through the leadership of a Youth Ministry. In addition, a series of parent adult education sessions have been scheduled in the coming year to assist parents in their role as primary teachers of the faith.

This seamless transition at all stages of a person’s spiritual life is a pertinent reminder of the power of conversion. Through the Sacraments and on-going spiritual formation, St. Benedict Parish and Preparatory School provides the continuous opportunity for transformation through Jesus Christ.

Transformation through Leadership Transforming a vision into reality takes leadership and commitment. The St. Benedict Preparatory School Advisory Board was recognized for their leadership and commitment to excellence with the 2014 Outstanding Board Award from the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA). This prestigious award was presented at the NCEA annual convention last April in Pittsburgh, PA. This national recognition is an acknowledgment of the board’s innovative endeavor to write and implement a new strategic plan for St. Benedict Preparatory School. Vision of Excellence 2016 proposes to unify the mission and vision of two separate parish

schools (elementary and high school) into one Preschool through Grade 12 School. Through this process, the intentional move to go from “schools” (plural) to “school” (singular) and the revision of a PS-12 mission statement were extremely bold.

There are no such models for this kind of Catholic education institution in Chicago.

As a result of the implementation of Vision of Excellence 2016, enrollment has increased, board engagement has strengthened, debt has been eliminated, an endowment has been established, and participation in fundraising has increased. By creating a unified vision and mission, St. Benedict Prep is on the right track to serve our community for decades to come.

“The SBPS Advisory Board has helped their school provide top-notch Catholic education in their community.”

Regina Haney, Executive Director of the NCEA Board & Councils

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Parish Financials CHURCH INCOME Collections Religious Education Tuition and Fees Lease and Rental Income Fundraising Miscellaneous

TOTAL:

$ 763,670 59,358 24,921 95,359 76,675

8%

2%

MISC.

LEASE/ RENTAL

75%

9%

COLLECTIONS

6%

FUNDRAISING

$ 1,019,983

R.E.

CHURCH EXPENSE Salaries and Benefits Parish and Religious Education Office Liturgical and Church Utilities Building Maintenance and Repair Archdiocesan Assessments Property and Casualty Insurance Miscellaneous

$ 526,109 60,843 14,137 55,922 32,675 135,140 75,113 18,521

TOTAL:

$ 918,460

NET CHURCH OPERATING:

$ 101,523

PARISH AND SCHOOL EXTRAORDINARY INCOME Archdiocesan and Sharing Parish Collections *Bequests and Memorials Annual Catholic Appeal Rebate *Matching Debt Reduction from the Archdiocese Build Our Future Collections Restricted Donations Insurance Recoveries Miscellaneous

TOTAL:

$ 63,394 97,629 38,266 278,159 69,341 97,575 2,750 92,118

PROPERTY/ CASUALTY INS.

MISC.

6%

UTILITIES

57%

2%

SALARIES AND BENEFITS

LIT. & CHURCH

4%

6%

BUILDING/ MAINT.

PARISH & R.E. OFFICE

13%

13%

RESTRICTED DONATIONS

BEQUESTS AND MEMORIALS

5%

CATHOLIC ANNUAL APPEAL

15%

ARCHDIOCESAN ASSESSMENTS

38%

MATCHING DEBT REDUCTION

9%

1%

INS. REC.

9%

ARCHDIOCESAN & SHARING PARISH

12%

BUILD OUR FUTURE

MISC.

$ 739,232

PARISH AND SCHOOL EXTRAORDINARY EXPENSE Archdiocesan and Sharing Parish Distribution $ 63,394 *Capital Improvements 204,831 Parish Vehicles 32,980

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8%

2%

TOTAL:

$ 301,205

NET PARISH AND SCHOOL EXTRAORDINARY:

$ 438,027

68%

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

11%

PARISH VEHICLES

21%

ARCHDIOCESAN AND SHARING PARISH

*NOTES >>

School Financials SCHOOL INCOME Tuition Fees Fundraising Outside Funding Sources Miscellaneous

$ 5,492,956 371,922 457,505 191,033 164,708

3%

OUTSIDE FUNDING

2% MISC.

82% TUITION

6%

7%

FEES

TOTAL:

FUNDRAISING

$ 6,678,124

SCHOOL EXPENSE Salaries and Benefits Instructional Administrative Food Service Utilities Building Maintenance and Repair Property and Casualty Insurance Miscellaneous

TOTAL: NET SCHOOL OPERATING:

$ 5,035,995 169,154 274,833 90,187 183,401 233,534 124,010 238,925

2%

3%

PROP. INS.

UTILITIES

1%

79%

FOOD SERV.

SALARIES AND BENEFITS

4%

$ 6,350,039

4%

ADMIN.

MISC.

3% INSTR.

4%

BUILDING MAINT.

$ 328,085

Cash Balance Report

>>>

Cash Balance (June 30, 2013) Net Church Operating Net School Operating Net Parish and School Extraordinary Loan Payoffs Parish Ministry Accounts Transfer to Archdiocesan Savings

Operating Accounts $ 489,255 101,523 328,085 438,027 (556,318) 75,014 (525,614)

CASH BALANCE (JUNE 30, 2014)

$ 349,972

Outstanding Loans $ (556,318) - - - 556,318 - $ 0

Archdiocesan Savings $ 95,967 - 525,614 $ 621,581

Our extraordinary income for this fiscal year is inflated due to a one-time generous bequest and the matching funds received by the archdiocese as part of our debt reduction program.

Our capital improvements costs for last fiscal year included a security project for the campus, asbestos abatement work, and other minor projects. Although initially budgeted for last fiscal year, the tuck pointing project of the south faรงade wall of the school at a cost of $200,000 was later completed and paid out in this new fiscal year. The money for this project however was transferred to our building fund from our extraordinary surplus.

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$3.2 million in merit-based college scholarships

Enrollment increase of

13,671 work study service hours

307

students in the past 5 years

completed by high school families

158

Baptisms

in 2013-2014

40%

8 advanced placement classes

of the Class of 2014 enrolled in AP courses

offered at SBPS

35 Masses or prayer services

Over 3,000 families registered

attended by students annually

Transformation through Growth

We surpassed our Budgeted Goal for Sunday Collections, two years in a row!

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Inclusion facilitators

25,000+ hours of teacher professional development

124

First Communions

22.4 average ACT score of honor class students - an average increase of 5 points from Freshman year

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$150,000 scholarship money from outside organizations

completed in 2013-2014

35 new electives

offered at Secondary School level in the past 5 years, including fine arts and STEM classes

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Confirmations

3 foreign language offerings:

Children in Religious Education 2012: 210 2013: 255 2014: 253 in two sessions

Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese

32 zip codes

represented in SBPS student population

120

students grade 1-12

enrolled in wind & strings

St. Benedict Parish and Preparatory School

Fundraising Events Transform Our Community

Each year, St. Benedict Parish and Preparatory School rely on the generosity from alumni, school families, parishioners, the community, foundations and friends to help us remain innovatively mission driven. We are truly grateful for the many parish and school leaders and volunteers who give so generously to make all our events a great success!

BenFest July 2013 $21,720

This Parish summer festival in honor of St. Benedict is split with the parish. Two-thirds of the proceeds go to support the school. This event and Bingo are the two forms of parish support for the parish school. We definitely thank the BenFest chairs and volunteers, particularly BenFest 2013 Chairs, Stephen Meskan and Tate Troelstrup. We also would like to give a big round of applause for the BenFest 2014 committee who raised over $55,000 for the parish and school.

Bingo $19,875

Each Tuesday, parishioners and community members gather to play Bingo in the gym. This weekly event helps to support the school scholarship program. Thanks to Daralis Oliver and the BINGO volunteer regulars who make this fundraiser a success. Congratulations on a fine year!

St. Benedict Parish 1st Bell Tower Party October 2013 $25,000

On October 25, 2013, our pastor, Father Jason hosted an intimate gathering of 100 fortunate friends, parishioners and school families for a light dinner and cocktails in the newly restored Bell Tower overlooking the city. Guests were transported to an elegant and vibrant party high above the NorthCenter rooftops. The funds raised at this extraordinary event went to debt reduction, and helped to pay off the parish and school debt. Congrats to the Bell Tower Party Committee.

OktoberFest 2013 $20,219

Carnival Rides, Bier and German Music in the courtyard…can only mean ONE thing! It’s OktoberFest

at St. Benedict! This family affair brought in $20,219 for parish needs. Thanks to the OktoberFest 2013 Committee for a fun weekend and a successful fundraiser!

Athletic Fundraiser $ 6128

Each year, the St. Benedict Athletic Association, hosts a fundraising concert for music lovers and revelers alike. Last year’s Wedding Bands theme brought out the best and worst in wedding attire as we danced the night away. The funds raised from this event go to support gym facilities upgrades. This year’s event will go to help support the new gym roof! Thanks to Fran Fazio, Donna Koulogeorge, Tate Troelstrup and Rick Petrillo for spearheading the 2014 event!

St. Benedict Prep 13th Annual Ball & Auction Rockin’ the Casbah $273,500

Thanks to the Ball and Auction Committee and Co-Chairs, Kathy Goetz and Misha Mann, last year’s event at The Ravenswood Event Center was the most successful since its inception 13 years ago with over 450 attendees. Last year’s Ball and Auction netted $273,500 Ten percent of the proceeds were directed to the Build our Future facilities savings and $25,000 went to help fund the school security project. The rest of the funds go to support the school program and curricular costs. Congratulations on a job well done!

Market Day $1971

Thanks once again to Mrs. Deb Jones for her leadership in running this school fundraising program. We appreciate all those who support this tasty school fundraiser.

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A Return on Your Investment By making a donation to St. Benedict Preparatory School, you are investing not only in our school, but in our community. St. Benedict Preparatory School is proud to announce the high school graduating Class of 2014 earned $3.2 million in merit-based scholarships for the 2014-2015 school year.

School Mission Statement

Jessica Figueroa

Received scholarship and attending Loyola University Chicago Received scholarship offers from Benedictine University, DePaul University, Dominican University, Knox College, Monmouth College, Roosevelt University, St. Leo University

Luis Lopez-Reichling Received scholarship and attending New York University Received scholarship offers from DePaul University, Loyola University Chicago, University of Illinois at Chicago

Anna Tai Malone

Received scholarship and attending Marquette University Received scholarship offers from 18 universities, including Augustana College, Bradley University, Carthage College, Knox College, Loyola University Chicago, Loyola University New Orleans, Roosevelt University, St. Ambrose University, University of Iowa

Yamila Tueros

Received scholarship and attending Knox College Received scholarship offer from Augustana College

Sylvester Pydych

Received scholarship and attending Loyola University Chicago Received scholarship offers from Illinois Wesleyan University, Knox College, Northern Illinois University, Saint Louis University, University of Miami

Cameron Rich

Received scholarship and attending University of Illinois Urbana Champaign Received scholarship offer from Loyola University Chicago

At St. Benedict Preparatory School, we excel in educating the whole individual in the Catholic tradition, challenge students to develop their God-given talents, create a Christian community by sharing our gifts, honor the gifts and diversity of the community, and serve the Lord and each other in an ever-changing world.

The St. Benedict Preparatory School Graduate

The St. Benedict Preparatory School Graduate enters post-secondary life well-rounded and prepared for learning, achievement, and service in a 21st century global society. Honoring the tradition of St. Benedict, our graduates possess the knowledge, reason, diligence, and perseverance to grow in faith, wisdom, and spirit.

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Help Fund Our Future by making your pledge to the annual school parent appeal.

PARISH 2215 W. Irving Park Road Chicago, IL 60618 773-588-6484

OUR GOAL: 100% family participation by December 31, 2014.

www.stbenedict.com

SCHOOL 3900 N. Leavitt street Chicago, IL 60618 773-539-0066

Support Excellence Save the Date!

February 28, 2015

14th Annual Ball and auction

Join us for great food, drinks, 1893 dancing, and our amazing auction at Germania Place For more information visit: in Lincoln Park. www.stbensballandauction.com