Challenging financial times is forcing the Diocese of Sioux City to take a hard look at their options and ask tough questions concerning The Grotto of the Redemption. Royce Ranniger, director of operations for the diocese, stressed the fact that no final
decisions have been made regarding the Grotto. Right now the diocese wants to get the word out to the people so that input from a variety of sources and individuals can be gathered. According to Ranniger the grotto has been running at a deficit budget for the last four years. There have also been several other years in past with a deficit budget, but there was enough money in savings that allowed it to operate.
"In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2005, we lost $45,000," he noted. "This year we were at a shortfall of $28,700 through May 31- so with June revenues we may end the year with not a big loss. We anticipate losing $15,000 to $20,000 this year. Our estimated budget for next year has a deficit of about $30,000 so it is time to call the question: Can we continue to keep operating at a deficit and if so, who will make up that deficit?"
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He mentioned that one of the Grotto's biggest struggles has been with the attendance. In the 1950s and 60s, the Grotto had about 100,000 visitors a year. In recent years, attendance is at about 40,000 to 45,000. Since most of the revenue comes from free-will donations, the decline in visitors has hit hard.
"It used to be families came here several times a year. Now, we're lucky if people come once every 10 years," said Rhonda Miller, director. "People have always been busy, however, there are so many more things for people to do, see and be involved in today." She mentioned that many times people think that taking a pilgrimage has to be to far away places such as Rome or Lourdes and they don't consider things close to home. [snip] Catholic Globe Tip O' The Hat to the Vatican Watcher
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