banglesaway's Journal

It took years for St. Patrick Parish in East Chicago to get back on its feet.

With about a $80,000 debt, deteriorating building conditions and dwindling numbers of parishioners, its community feared inevitable closure.

"It was pitiful," Rev. Fernando de Cristobal, senior priest at the parish, said of the building's condition. "It's what happens to intercity churches in a depressed area."

After years of financial struggle, the parish community obtained a newfound hope as its debt nears "steady, almost cleared" years later.

De Cristobal believes this hope reflects a group of dedicated, diverse individuals -- its parishioners.

It required constant involvement with fundraisers and collections from the small number of active parishioners, he said, to get debts paid and the building back into working order.

"The spirits of the community kept the parish alive and thriving," De Cristobal said. "The parish is ours. Not one person can keep it alive alone."

De Cristobal was assigned to the parish nearly 10 years ago. Faced with an outstanding debt lasting almost 22 years, he knew changes were needed. De Cristobal preached the importance of sacrifices, donations and the parish's needs during homilies and saw an immediate response. Frequent financial updates kept the congregation informed, and the parish alive.

He also noted steady "waves" in contributions and attendance the past few years.

"[The] population changes. Finances change. [New] parishioners come around with low income," he said. "Anything that happens in society like the loss of jobs, the collapse of job industries ... it's a big impact on all churches."

Out the 370 registered parishioners, about 120 to 150 currently submit a weekly donation. An average of 2,000 is donated from weekly collections, whereas expenses are averaged at $4,000.

The parish cannot survive on weekly collections alone, he said. De Cristobal attributes the steady financial status to many factors, including donated profits from various committees that host annual festivals, special fundraisers and even themed luncheons.

One active committee - the Guadalupanas - hosts monthly breakfasts and luncheons, and usually profits about $350-$400 per event to donate, said treasurer Connie Roque. Though it's not much, it can be said that it helps out to some extent, she said.

The parish community is also working on an evangelization drive, a program sending parishioners around neighborhoods to promote the church.

"The church has a future, and the future is bright," Rev. William O'Toole said, the parish's newest pastor and administrator. "It's a sign of people willing to make a difference ... not just [for] the parish but committed to East Chicago and a bright future."