Reflection by Fr. Chris

Family #24
The entire Family of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, St. Bonaventure and     St. John the Evangelist decided unanimously to reject the recommendation from the Diocese to merge St. John with the Basilica of St. Mary and sell the entire St. John property. Furthermore, we, as a Family, decided unanimously to offer the following counter proposal:
 
1.  Keep all three parishes open and give the Family the opportunity to grow.
2.  Sell the convent at St. John and turn the proceeds over to the DOB.
3.  Sell Sacred Heart Oratory in Portville and turn the proceeds over to the DOB.
4.  Sell the former church in Vandalia and turn the proceeds over to the DOB.
5.  Sell the vacant lot located at the intersection of 1st and Irving St. (directly behind and across Irving St. from the Basilica) and turn the proceeds over to the DOB.
6.  Continue to apply the principles and guidance of the Road to Renewal as designed under its original three-year plan. We request the Diocese reevaluate its decision for closure at the end of that period.
 
Justification
1. We do not agree with the numbers presented by the Diocese "Net Operating Balances" and "Net Operating Balances — 3 Year Averages" which it is using as a basis for its recommendation of closure. St. John’s has experienced a positive operating surplus and positive cash flow from operations in each year ended August 31: 2020, 2021 and 2022. The operating deficit incurred during the year ended August 31, 2023 was an aberration caused by an atypical drop in donation and memorials coupled with higher than normal operating expenses caused by the timing of prior year salary. We believe operating results for year ended August 31, 2024 will return to a surplus; our current year-to-date financial statements show a surplus of approximately $16,000 with an operating surplus of approximately $24,000 projected for year end. In addition, we believe it is important to note that in 2023 year, St. John's invested heavily in capital expenditures that have brought its facilities up-to-date and in good shape.
 
2. St. John Parish is currently renting their school building to Southern Tier Catholic School. The rent was set by the Diocese based on similar rentals. The school could not afford the rental payments so the parish accepted a 50% reduction in the rent to help subsidize the school. In addition, St. John Parish has made a financial commitment to the school with a monetary contribution as well as the possibility of scholarship money to parishioners to attend the school. Plus, the parish is working with the school to have parishioners volunteer at the school. 
 
3. The Family believes that, given the opportunity, they can grow and collectively serve The Catholic community of the Greater Olean area.
 
4. Family #24 was the last family to be organized in the Diocese and we had limited time to begin incorporating the guidance prescribed in the Road to Renewal. Our three parishes recognize the need for the Family to succeed and believe that this is a workable model, and that success is possible without any closures. The Family Pastor, Father Chris Emminger, is willing to move forward with the original plan for three parishes in the Family. In addition, we have seen an increase in Mass attendance since he has been appointed.
 
5.    The Family does not believe that there is any economic benefit to the Diocese by closing and selling St John. As a matter of fact, it is our belief that it would have a negative effect with the concern that contributions would drop drastically and its parishioners either choosing not to attend or attend different churches.