Click on the document to the left for a copy of the letter.
Dear Parishioner:
One of the most challenging responsibilities that every Pastor must confront is preparing a balanced
budget. I have consulted the Parish Stewardship Council and the Parish Finance Council in preparing this
year's budget. Every year presents its own unique set of circumstances, and this year is no different.
First, let's start with the Income Adjustments. We are basing this year's budget on a weekly Sunday
Offertory Goal of $10,600 (down from $11,000) based on actual numbers from this past year. We will no
longer have income from the Catholic Foundation (campaign has concluded). It was decided that it was
not prudent to balance our budget on "anticipated" Bequests and Unrestricted Gifts (loss of $46,000).
We also re-structured our Youth Ministry & Retreat fees from $32,000 to $12,000.
We next confront our growing Fixed Cost Increases, such as Health Benefits ($7,776); Lay Pension
($5,300); Property Insurance & Taxes ($13,000); Diocesan Assessment ($6,000). We also must plan
responsibly for the exploding costs of maintaining our facilities and property ($25,000 over budget).
Thus, we are projecting an increase in expenses of $60,000; add this to the income adjustments, and we
are looking at a $145,000 deficit.
We have 2 sources of revenue: Collections & Sacraments (52%) and Rent, Earnings & Fees (48%). We
have 2 sources of expenses: Salaries & Benefits (60%) and Administration & Operations (40%).
Increasing our revenue is a long-term process, and I will be working with my consulters on the most
effective approach. A majority of our Administrative and Operational expenses are fixed costs, and we
don't have much flexibility.
Over the past couple of months, we have been working on a "staff re-organization" plan, by redistributing
the work-load that was previously done by 11 full-time and 10 part-time employees. We will
reduce staffing in Administration, Catechetical, and Youth Ministry by 1 full-time and 5 part-time
positions. We believe that we can continue to meet the pastoral, spiritual, catechetical, social and
administrative needs of our parishioners by working more collaboratively and efficiently.
One of the reasons that finances and budgets are some of the most difficult parts of my job is because I
am dealing with more than just numbers. I am letting go of some very dedicated and hardworking
people who love their ministry and depend on us for much oftheir livelihood.
The Finance Committee and I will continue to keep you informed of the recommendations and
proposals that will address the current and future financial condition of our parish.