Annual Report 2016

50th Jubilee Celebr ation &

Annual Report 2015-2016

January 2017

Celebrating 50 Years

As we celebrated the 50th anniversary of our parish, we were mindful of our history. On June 9, 1966,

Archbishop Gerald T. Bergan announced that Father Eugene Kerwin would become pastor of Omaha’s

newest parish. As a thank you to the Jesuit community and Creighton University for all the support they

had given to Omaha and the Archdiocese, Archbishop Bergan chose Saint Robert Bellarmine, as the patron

for the parish. The ground breaking ceremony took place on May 13, 1967, the then Feast of Saint Robert

Bellarmine. “The school of Christ is the school of love. On the last day, when the great general examination takes place, there

will be no question at all on the text of Aristotle, the aphorisms of Hippocrates, or the paragraphs of Justinian. Charity will be

the whole syllabus.” Saint Robert Bellarmine

Father Kerwin and the founding members of the parish worked to develop parish life and the school. Planting

the seedlings of what would become our Blue Ribbon school, construction began ten days after the ground

breaking ceremony. The school was built first and Mass was said in the school gym for the next ten years.

Father Kerwin felt a parish needed a school to help grow the future church. The school was clearly a priority

for our Founding Pastor and his legacy continues with each Pastor.

Prior to the completion of the school and temporary church, daily Masses were held at the rectory, located at

117 & Leavenworth. Sunday Masses were celebrated in the Crestridge school gym. The permanent rectory

was completed along with the church in 1979.

Even before the buildings were completed, young and old parishioners reached out and formed organizations

and groups within the parish and community. The first parish census taken in July, 1966, showed 425

registered parishioners. These people united to form the Ladies’ Guild and the Men’s Club. With time, they

established other ministries both in the parish and in the community. The current parish directory and website

list over 60 ministries, groups and activities. The most recent parish census claims 2852 registered families.

“Charity is that virtue with which no man is lost, and without which no man is saved.” Saint Robert Bellarmine

Our current buildings, including the church, Mainelli Center and new gym were completed in 2005. The

rectory renovation followed in 2012. As with any human creation, time and use overtake so the church is in

constant flux and need of maintenance and repair. Parishioners have always stepped up and met the needs

of the church facilities and grounds. They have enhanced the church with the prayer garden, statuary,

Stations of the Cross, Adoration Chapel and state designated arboretum.

Spiritually, the pastors and parish have ministered to thousands over the year. Baptisms since the early years

through 2015 have totaled 5461. More than that, 5705 have been confirmed. First communions number 5712

and 1489 couples have been married since 1966. Fifteen-hundred students have graduated from our Catholic

school; nearly the same numbers have completed the Religious Education program for public school children.

Over one-thousand people have been buried out of Saint Robert’s. Many of the families were served funeral

meals donated and served by the women of the parish.

We have had four pastors in our 50 years as a parish, Father Kerwin, Monsignor Cupich, Father Shane and

Father Stillmunks. Twenty associate pastors have assisted the pastors with the sacraments and other church

activities. Our first deacon, Fred Alexander, was the first deacon in the Omaha Archdiocese. Besides Fred,

we have had eight other deacons. Monsignor Cupich’s stay was short, but his impact was great. He recently

was elevated by Pope Francis as a Cardinal in the church and remains the Archbishop of Chicago. All of our

priests have worked hard to enhance the parish during their tenure.

Our past has created our present. It has been quite a journey. But the journey continues and we will continue

to glorify God in the sacraments and in our love for one another. We celebrate our 50th Jubilee with gratitude

and thanksgiving as we move forward into the future, so our children can look back and say, “Charity and love

was the whole syllabus.” Saint Robert Bellarmine

(2016 Review introduction written by parishioner Sue Bristol)

Since 1985

Alumni

In 2016 we established a permanent Saint Robert Bellarmine Alumni Association

• Committee of seven began a year ago to form the permanent Alumni Association: Kelly Vasquez,

Theresa Kleinsmith, Fred Franco, Kelly Kohler, the late Jason Edwards, Sara Pohl and Mary Buttell

• First Task was to collect data of all the students who attended Saint Roberts School over the past

47 years. This was not an easy. Where to begin? The challenge was to find contact information

on students for the last 47 years. The committee began by trying to locate at least one student from

every class to serve as a contact person for that class. They reached out to classmates to contact

their friends through social media. Volunteers sat after church and at donut Sunday to get the word

out and registered Alums. Over 1,350 Alumni signed up in the first 6 months. Over 300 Alumni

attended the All Class Reunion in September of 2016.

Register

• as a Saint Robert Alumni today. You may register online

on the Saint Robert Bellarmine website www.stroberts.com or complete a

registration form and return it to the Parish Office, Attention: Mary Buttell,

Director of Stewardship and Development.

• If you are interested in serving on the Alumni Committee, please contact

Mary Buttell mbuttell@stroberts.com or (402) 333-8989

Shine An Evening with Friends

The name Shine was chosen to celebrate the light we all have been given through our Catholic

faith. When we work together as a parish family, we Shine. We Shine our light on those in need,

we Shine our light in joy and celebration, and we Shine our light in thanksgiving for our many

blessings. This event is an opportunity to join as a parish Family and Shine our collective lights

to build a brighter future in Christ. 2015 Chairs: Erica and Aaron Bryant,

Debbie and Mike Marcil and Sara and Paul Smith 2015

“I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws” - Psalm 119:30

2016 Chairs: Theresa and Joe Thibodeau

and Denise and Darren Snodgrass

2016

Save the Date: SHINE 2017: November 3, 2017

Faith, Family & Fellowship

Spirit of Saint Robert Award


2015 Award Recipients

2016 Award Recipients

Thomas and Joan Heafey

Dorie and the Late Jim Mainelli

Joe and Ruth Sullivan

Bob and Betsy Reed

Saint Robert Bellarmine Annual Report • 2016

Concert Series

The first concert was held October 1, 2015 featuring the Nebraska Wind Symphony under the direction of

Larry MacTaggart. The highlight a special arrangement of “On Eagles Wings”

The second concert was December 3, 2015 celebrating Advent directed by Rick Jacobi featuring musicians

and Vocalists from the Omaha Community and Parishes in the Omaha area. Along with the Creighton Prep

Choral Ensemble.


Parish Mission & Youth Concert



School

In September 2015 an All-School Assembly to celebrate the announcement that Saint Robert Bellarmine

School has been nationally recognized by the United States Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon

School. Archbishop Lucas, Pastor Father Stillmunks and Principal Sandra Suiter presided at the event in

the School Gym.


Religious Education and Adult Formation

Saint Robert Bellarmine Religious Education Program aims to develop the qualities of the whole

student. This program is for elementary students who attend public school or who are home

schooled.


Adult Formation includes R.C.I.A., Bible study, Alpha, Adult Education and the Parish Library.

R.C.I.A. the Rite of Christian Initiation

Alpha is an opportunity to explore and question the of Adults, is the process where

meaning of life in a friendly, open, and informal atmosphere. Catholics return to the church and

people choose to be baptized into the

Catholic Church.


Youth Ministry

Youth Ministry is a comprehensive program that fosters an inner movement toward adult understanding

and formation of the Catholic faith. It includes social, spiritual, and community service for middle school

and high school youth.


Founders Dinner

In April 2016, Saint Robert Bellarmine hosted a Parish Founders Dinner for the founding

members, featuring: Jack Minton, Father Andy Alexander, S.J. and Pastor Emeritus, Father

Donald Shane. Father Stillmunks unveiled the newly restored Chalice of Monsignor Kerwin to be

used at the Anniversary Mass. We also premiered the 50 Years Celebrating Faith, Family and

Friendship Parish Video.


Original Chalice used by Father Kerwin


Anniversary Picnic

The Parish Picnic was organized by Angela & David Patterson

and Mindy & Tim Reed along with a host of parish volunteers on

Saturday, June 4, 2016

• Featuring Food from Godfather’s Pizza, Chick-fil-A and

Omaha Dawg House

• Beer Garden under the direction of the Knights of Columbus

• Desserts Compliments of the Ladies Guild

• Carnival Games and the Band, Pink Kadillac


Anniversary Mass

Solemn 50th Jubilee Anniversary Mass Sunday, June 5, 2015 at 11:00.

Celebrant: Archbishop of Omaha, the Most Reverend George Lucas.

Concelebrant and Homilist: Archbishop of Chicago, the Most Reverend Blase Cupich



Concelebrants: Archbishop Emeritus of Omaha, the Most Reverend Elden Curtiss, Bishop Emeritus of Great

Falls-Billings, the Most Reverend Anthony Milone, Pastor Emeritus, Reverend Donald Shane, and Pastor,

Reverend Steven Stillmunks.

Associate Pastors: Reverend Theodore Richling, Reverend Matthew Gutowski, Reverend Patrick Harrison,

Reverend Andrew Roza, Reverend Jeremy Hans, Weekend Celebrant: Reverend Andrew Alexander S.J.

Deacons: Michael Fletcher and Joe Laird


Parish Leadership

Development Board supports the Pastor

and serves Saint Robert’s members and

its many organizations, committees, and

ministries.

At the time of the picture not all board members were available


Total Education Board advises the Pastor,

Principal and Director of Religious Education

& Youth Ministry on matters essential to

maintain the school and religious education

for our parish youth.

Parish Council is a consultative body of

parishioners who share with the pastor vision

and direction for the parish.

Finance Committee advises and assists the

Pastor in all financial matters concerning the

parish and school.


Organizations & Prayer Groups

Ladies Guild: Circle 3: Been There, Done That, are women many of whom have been active members

of Saint Roberts for many years, some from the very beginning of the parish. Circle 3 is about fostering

friendships and keeping them going as we meet, visit, and enjoy entertainment and goodies.

Ladies Guild Martha volunteers donate and deliver food items for parish funeral lunches. Martha

volunteers also help serve the funeral lunches. You may choose to donate, serve or do both.

Money Counters provide accurate counts of all Sunday and Holy Day financial contributions made

through the church offertory, prepare receipts for deposit and post contributions to the parish records.


Organizations & Prayer Groups

Heart of Jesus Prayer Group is a spirit

filled prayer group that fucuses on praise,

thanksgiving and listening to the Heart of

Jesus who speaks to our hearts through the

Holy Scripture.

Moms of Faith meets to offer spiritual

enrichment to mothers. Spiritual topics are

investigated through speakers and discussion

to fill the spiritual cup of moms in the parish.


Catholic Daughters is a religious, charitable,

and education apostolate open to all women of

the parish.

Ladies Guild: Circle 2: On a Wing and a

Prayer: Organizes the “Unto Us a Savior is

Born” Nativity Display each December.

Ladies Guild has been thriving at Saint Robert’s since 1967. Its two purposes are to provide

opportunities to gather as a faith community and foster friendship within the parish.


Prayer Shawl Ministry create prayer shawls to be distributed to members of the parish and the Omaha

Community who are in need of healing and compassion.

Legion of Mary is the glory of God and the holiness of its members, developed by prayer and active

cooperation in Mary’s and the church’s work.

Knights of Columbus is a family-based, fraternal service organization dedicated to serving the Catholic

Church and the community.


Sacred Places




Capital Campaign

Saint Roberts Parish is dedicated to

loving and serving God through word and

deed. It is vital that as a community we

ensure we can continue to gather, worship,

educate and evangelize. One of the key

needs of the Jubilee Campaign is for

repairs and maintenance of the parish and

school, so they may serve us for years to

come.

With a strong history of giving and

worship, Saint Roberts has become a

beacon of faith for thousands of families.

At this milestone of 50 years, the Parish

is undertaking a campaign to ensure the

legacy of Saint Roberts. We have raised

over half of our jubilee campaign goal.




Out with the Old

and

In with the NEW!

Financial Comments

Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Financial Review

This year the annual financial report will cover three items:

1. Operational funds of the Parish and School

2. Jubilee Capital Campaign Financial

3. Saint Robert Bellarmine Parish Foundation

Operational Funds Income:

Total income for Fiscal Year 2015/2016 (FY15/16) was $4,489,797, a 5.6% increase from

$4,249,165 last Fiscal Year. The increase is largely attributed to the successful return of Shine

(formerly Bella Festa) parish benefit dinner and an estate gift. A further detailed breakdown can be

found in the “Operational Funds Detail” section on the following page.


Operational Funds Expenses:

Total expenses for Fiscal Year 15/16 were $4,181,584, a 4.1% decrease from $4,362,346 last

Fiscal Year. The reduction in expenses is largely attributed to a decrease in maintenance and

repairs expenditures.

Fiscal Year

2015/2016

Fiscal Year

2014/2015


Fiscal Year 2015 / 2016 Fund


Financial Comments

Fiscal Year 2015 / 2016 Operational Funds Details

Income

Education Related Income 1,392,967.76

Sunday, Holy Day, and Church Income 2,272,595.89

Memorials, Wills, Charitable Checkbooks 269,882.12

Mainelli Center/Rental Income 47,601.35

Income from Endowment 150,000.00

All Other Income 356,750.50

Total Income 4,489,797.62


Expense

Wages, Benefits, Payroll Taxes 2,784,135.01

Utilities 239,822.39

Liturgical 80,604.61

Archdiocese Support 332,249.68

Education Related Expenses 68,230.86

Parish Maintenance, Equipment & Supplies 393,299.26

Property and Liability Insurance 57,776.00

All Other Expenses 225,466.52

Total Expense 4,181,584.33

Net Ordinary Income 308,213.29


July 2015 - June 2016

Ordinary Income/Expense

Income

Capital Improvements 1,747,343.00

Debt Reduction 35,574.00

Interest 559.00

Total Income 1,783,475.01

Expense

Repairs and Maintenance 1,135,976.00

Campaign Expenses 2,352.00

Total Expense 1,138,328.03

Net Income 645,146.98

Fiscal Year 2015 / 2016 Saint Robert Bellarmine Parish Foundation

After much effort the Saint Robert Bellarmine Parish Foundation was established. The Foundation is

a separate legal entity with the sole purpose to financially support Saint Robert Bellarmine Church and

School. The Foundation structure provides legal protection and oversight to the Msgr. Kerwin Parish

Endowment and Fr. Shane Education Endowment to ensure longevity and growth through prudent

investments and distributions.

June 30, 2016

Father Kerwin Endowment 3,524,691.00

Father Shane Endowment 92,347.00


Saint Robert Bellarmine Parish

11802 Pacific Street

Omaha, NE 68154

www.stroberts.com

(402) 333-8989

Annual Report 2016

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?