The obligation to attend Sunday Mass is dispensed until November 1, 2020. Please visit our website, www.stmartha.org for a complete list of Guidelines for Masses at St. Martha Church
From Our Pastor, Fr. Fausto … Numbers about Coronavirus in Florida are going
down, Alleluia!. Our beloved Bishop Frank J. Dewane has taken act of this trend, in a letter addressed to all Catholics of our Diocese, in which he writes:
“Subtle signs of hope are emerging. For example, our Catholic Schools were able to open. The Clergy and Faithful of the Diocese have done commendable work in promoting safety. As a result, Church attendance is gradually improving. More of the Faithful, feeling the urgent need for the Holy Eucharist, have decided it is safe to return to worship in person. With your fellow citizens, you are adjusting to safety measures as you shop, return to restaurants, and resume much of your normal activities. Data about the Coronavirus, while not indicating the threat is over, appears to be slowly moving in a positive direction.
There is still a need to protect those most at risk, persons in convalescent homes or with serious health conditions as well as the elderly. For this reason, after consultation, the dispensation given to all the Faithful, from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass, will be extended in the Diocese of Venice until All Saints Day, November 1, 2020. Also, live streaming of the Mass will continue during this time.
The continuation of this extraordinary measure allows those who are sick to feel comfortable staying home as well as helps the vulnerable avoid the risk of larger gatherings. It is hoped that those who are healthy and involved in other activities while observing the necessary precautions will, despite the dispensation, return to their Parishes for Sunday Mass. Our Parishes are safely celebrating the Holy Eucharist with a congregation. If necessary, Parishes could adjust Mass schedules to allow for the observance of Covid-19 protocols and safely accommodate those who wish to attend Sunday Mass. As Catholics, our worship is not an individual exercise. Rather, it is the way of experiencing communion with God and unity with our brothers and sisters.
Please remember the importance of being united in prayer. Your prayers bring needed comfort to those affected by Covid-19 and inspire you to practice the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love. Through prayer we manifest empathy and show solidarity with all who are engaged in a physical or spiritual battle with the Coronavirus.
Your understanding and cooperation in these matters has been greatly appreciated. Let us continue to remain safe, observe the protocols about face-coverings, carefully wash hands, and maintain safe distances. In addition, you are encouraged to extend a helping hand to your neighbors in need of hope or healing. No doubt, there are challenging times ahead. Still, we can face these days with faith and courage because Our Lord is with us, and Our Lady and the Saints intercede for us.”
Due to COVID19 it has been challenging to obtain permission for our priest to see patients at Sarasota Memorial Hospital. We suggest that parishioners receive the anointing of the sick before their scheduled surgery. Even with following their guidelines/steps, there is no guarantee that the clergy is given permission.
The hospital requires the following: Patient must be in life threatening condition or imminent
death.
Family must request a priest to the floor nurse. The floor nurse must get permission from the Nurse in
Charge, which can take hours to obtain. If there is a family member in a nursing home, the family
and/or Hospice must make the request to the Director of the nursing home. The Director is the only one that can give permission for clergy to enter their facility.
I am grateful to my volunteers and staff engaged these days to call you dear parishioners, to make sure you are O.K. and to assure you of our prayers and blessings. May Jesus and Mary and Joseph protect you and your families.
Today’s Gospel is so surprising in comparison to the exalted status of Peter (remember last Sunday’s Gospel?) that we surely must understand Peter’s shock in being called “SATAN”…WOW! From the top of the Kingdom to the flames of Satan’s abode, an unimaginable fall for Peter. But this is what can happen to us too, if we want God to do what we want Him to do for us, and not vice versa.
Let us always say with Jesus “Not mine, but your will Father, be done” and then pick up our daily cross, and follow our loving master. We have an immortal soul, let us not sell it for a fistful of dollars and for a few minutes of pleasure. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done, as the good Lord well knows when, after the flood, He said: “Never again will I doom the earth because of man, since the desires of man’s heart are evil from the start” (Gn 8:21). And this is the reason why Jesus instituted the Sacrament of “Metanoia,” (Change of heart, penance, confession, reconciliation) so that even when we are steeped in sin, we know that His mercy will forgive us always, even “seventy times seven times,” which means that we are ALWAYS forgiven just for the asking!
Next Sunday is Caritas Sunday and the Caritas volunteers will seek your donations at the doors of the church to help them to continue to assist the needy of our area. Any help we can give these poor unfortunate souls is an act of charity on our part, and worthy of us as messengers of God! This past month you donated $1,745.89, thank you for your generosity!
Due to Covid, the Herrig Caritas Center has not been able to be open to the public, but the volunteers are still working hard! The Caritas Food Pantry has been open and distributed packages of non-perishable items to feed over 1,700 people. And, through a partnership with Harvest House and Pinecraft Shoes, Caritas has provided 20 pairs of work boots.
The Florida Catholic website offers Catholic news from around the diocese and the state. You can click on your diocese to get current Catholic news, editorials, special articles and more. Visit www.thefloridacatholic.org to be current on what is happening in our diocese.
Please remember that when a hurricane or a tropical storm warning is in effect in Sarasota County, our schools, churches, and offices will be closed!
Smile, God loves you and so does Fr. Fausto
with your St. Martha clergy: Fathers Patrick, Jan, Chris, John, & Jerry
Deacons Bill, Patrick, Robert, Vern and Kevin Brothers Lawrence & William and Sister Cathy
A 30, 2020 22 S O T P W II
SHOP & SUPPORT ST. MARTHA PARISH
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support St. Martha Parish every time you shop - at no cost to you! When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you will find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to St. Martha Parish! Just follow this link: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/59-0737906
Don’t forget your mask!
Wake Me Up Lord
Wake me up Lord, so that the evil of racism finds no home within me.
Keep watch over my heart Lord, and remove from me any barriers to your grace, that may oppress and offend my brothers and sisters.
Fill my spirit Lord, so that I may give services of justice and peace.
Clear my mind Lord, and use it for your glory. And finally, remind
us Lord that you said, "blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God."
Amen.
EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
Our Carosella Chapel is now open for Eucharistic Adoration Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to Noon. Due to social distancing, four people will be allowed in the Chapel at a time and masks must be worn. Times will be in 1/2 hour increments, and you must call the Parish Office to reserve a time.
(You are welcome to stay longer or walk-in if spots are available.)
Right of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) The Right of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) meetings will start on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 in Father Fausto Parish Hall at 6 p.m. Anyone interested in becoming a Roman Catholic is cordially invited to attend. All attendees must wear a facemask and social distancing will be maintained.
For more information please contact: Maggie Gallucci
Family Promise works to provide a truly holistic response to families experiencing homelessness and at-risk families. They moved into their new day center this summer. There will be space for administration, a day room with computers for guests to search for housing and jobs, a full playground for the children, and two bedrooms. There will also be room for volunteers to work. If you'd like to see the space or are interested in volunteering, please make an appointment with Tara Maffei:
Our Sympathy is extended to the families of all those who have recently passed. We pray for you and your loved ones,
especially for:
Rose Marie Green Paul Gustke Hector Baez Florence Osborne Brenda Critch Jason Perez Morlan Ledesma Eduardo Alejo Eve Puleo Eleanor Rutter Ann Ricciardi Ida Litzo Antonio Acosta Michael Roma Philip Brandis Msgr. George Cummings Elizabeth Love Paul Welch
Message from our Pastor
My dear friends,
It is with great appreciation during these most challenging times that I report our financial results for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020. Through your generous support, I am pleased to inform you that we finished the year with an operating surplus of $98,848.06.
In last year’s report, our Finance Council put forth recommendations to be undertaken to return our parish to financial health. Please find those recommendations listed below and our progress made toward achieving those recommendations:
1. Better communicate our financial situation to our parishioners. Result: Please continue to track our status in the weekly bulletin. 2. Reduce our expenses by $75,000 compared to last year’s actual expenses. Result: Reduced expenses by $65,443 from the previous year. 3. Initiate an annual offertory campaign each February. Result: Conducted the 2020 campaign in February. 4. Create a Legacy Society and promote legacy giving to St. Martha. Result: St. Martha Legacy Society was formed in July of 2019, and nineteen families have joined the Legacy Society this past year. Now donors can choose to leave a legacy gift to the church, school, or both. 5. Through legacy gifts, rebuild our depleted rainy-day savings account. Result: Through legacy gifts, we have increased our rainy-day savings from $0 to $402,120. 6. Set aside $125,000 in the capital reserve account for anticipated building maintenance. Result: We contributed $139,000 to the capital reserve account this past year.
We are on our way to financial health. We are controlling our costs. We are rebuilding our capital reserve account and rainy-day savings account. We are working to keep you dear parishioners informed as to our challenges and success. None of this would be possible without you. Your love and support for St. Martha is truly appreciated.
Our most significant financial issue facing the parish at his time is our Catholic Faith Appeal results. CFA, which runs through December, is $212,000 short of our objective. We hope to reach this objective before the end of the year and fully support the important diocesan mission including seminary education and Catholic Charities.
What a joy it is to see how generous you are, especially considering that some of you may have lost your job and others may be experiencing financial stress. May God reward all of you with financial stability and above all, good health and happiness at home.
Your sacrifices in financially supporting our ministry is impressive and a great joy to me. Be assured of our constant prayers for you all! May God reward you!
Smile, God loves you and so does Fr. Fausto,
FINANCE COUNCIL MEMBERS 2020 - 2021
Rev. Fausto Stampiglia, Pastor Beth Cannata, Parish Council David Karins
John Corey, Chair Emil Efthimides Teressa McCoy
Alan Rose, Vice-Chair Jerry Felicelli Kim Roberts
Gina Snode, Secretary Roland Gibson Chris Sileo
Stuart Love, Development Chair Jay Henderson Fr. Patrick Wilson
Annual Financial Report
PARISH MEMBERSHIP
Number of Registered Families
1826
SACRAMENTAL DEMOGRAPHICS
Baptisms
40
First Communion
14
Confirmations
0
Funerals
84
Marriages
4
RCIA Candidates
4
Masses
1302
Holy Communions
91,600
Anointings
48
Nursing Homes
10
Note 1: Restricted donations of $261,337.99 are not included as operating income.
Operating Income1 2
Offertory Collections $1,744,284.42
Unrestricted Donations $107,445.91
Funerals/Weddings $13,840.00
Votive Lights $13,656.02
Fellowship Activities $3,295.39
Religious Education $4,590.00
Interest Income $34,232.92
Other Income $63,387.22
Total Operating Income $1,984,731.88
Operating Expenses
Personnel $1,151,950.79
Repairs & Maintenance $38,895.15
Utilities $68,158.80
Property Taxes & Insurance $109,568.53
Vehicle Expenses $11,732.62
Religious Education $18,043.55
Music & Liturgy $29,713.25
School Support $180,000.00
Fellowship Expenses $4,145.18
Office Expense $17,644.89
Stewardship & Advertising $20,017.97
Support for Missions/Charities $14,663.33
Security & Contracted Services $82,859.73
Other Expenses $3,557.87
Depreciation $134,932.35
Total Operating Expenses $1,885,884.01
Operating Surplus for FY 7/1/19-6/30/20 $98,848.06
STATEMENT OF CHURCH OPERATIONS
JULY 1, 2019 THRU JUNE 30, 2020
The Church has consistently taught that every human life is precious
It’s time again for Stillpoint’s annual Migrant and Needy Children’s School Shoe Campaign. Your donation of $20 gives a young child the opportunity to select the style and size of the shoes he or she would like to wear. Thank you
and God Bless you for making this effort possible! Your donation may be sent to:
SHOES
c/o Stillpoint Mission P. O. Box 619
Bradenton, Florida 34206
S .M R E 2020‐2021Registrationisnowopenforthe2020/2021ReligiousEducationclasses.ClassesbeginSunday,September20andareavailableforchildrenGradesK‐12.Wewillofferin‐classandonlinelearningthisyear.ForclassinformationandtoregisteryourchildpleasecontactPatriciaSileo,DirectorofReligiousEducationat366‐4210ext3236,[email protected].
"FATIMA" On August 28, the movie "Fatima" opened at select theaters and on streaming sites such as Apple iTunes and Amazon Prime. It is based on the true story of the Blessed Virgin's appearances before three children in Fatima, Portugal in 1917. “This depiction of the miraculous events that took place 103 years ago is a moving and inspiring account of Our Lady of Fatima. Don't miss it.”- Bill Donohue
Position Available
Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School is seeking a maintenance/custodial technician. This position
is available immediately, is full time (40 hours per week) with benefits. Applicants must be able to lift 30+ pounds and pass a background check. Interested applicants should email a resume to [email protected].
Operating Shortfall -$48,297.77 Needed to Reach Goal $188,859.25
2020 Catholic Faith Appeal as of 08-20-2020
Do you have a life insurance policy and
want an immediate tax deduction?
Perhaps your children are grown and independent, and your other savings are sufficient to meet your retirement needs. Under these circumstances, donating life insurance may be an attractive option and allow you to make a larger gift than you might otherwise afford. By transferring a life insurance policy prior to death, so that St. Martha becomes the owner and beneficiary, you are entitled to an immediate charitable deduction for income tax purposes. If you continue to pay the premiums, each payment is also a deductible charitable donation. Whether this strategy is right for you depends on your specific circumstances and your family’s financial situation. We advise you to speak with your financial advisor.
Thank you for your support of St. Martha Parish.
Our parishioners are our only source of funds and your contributions keep the lights on, enable parish ministries,
and support our outreach to the poor.
Caritas Food Pantry First Baptist Church
1661 Main St, Sarasota, FL 34236 (Food pantry located on Adelia Ave)
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 10:00 a.m. - Noon
If your family is in need of food due to Covid-19, please visit the Caritas Food Pantry. The food pantry window is located on Adelia Ave. The volunteers will distribute the
packages of non-perishable food items through the window.
Sarasota Laps For Life goes Virtual!
Join us for this special cause by completing a timed distance of 5K (3.1 miles) in your neighborhood,
park, or other favorite outdoor location, anytime between
September 12th - October 3rd
Submit you results and tag us in your pictures #SarasotaLapsForLife
Life is NOT cancelled: Be Safe, Run Virtual!
Hosted by the Knights of Columbus
To sign up or donate visit: srqlapsforlife.net
OUTREACH MINISTRIES Altar Servers Dn. Bob Gaitens 941-350-2634
Altar Society Janet Cocco 941-366-4210
Archivist 941-366-4210
Arimathean Ministry Geri Roberts 941-600-8479
Bethesda House Colleen McMenamin 941-366-1886
Catholic Charities Joan Pierse 941-355-4680
Community Pregnancy Clinics 239-262-6381
Casa Santa Marta Paula Jaramillo 941-366-4448
Choir/Cantor Virginia Bray 941-366-4210
Council of Catholic Women Marcia Stokes 334-648-4328
