Weekly THIS AND THAT for September 16,2007: Creating a Financially Healthy Parish

This and That:
Creating a Financially Healthy Parish

I was pleased to write you last week regarding the beginning of our three-week Annual Offertory Renewal. In the letter was included a financial report for Our Lady of Grace for the last three years. When you compare the new level of worship, programs, and services with the expenses, it becomes apparent that the ministries have grown, whereas the expenses have not increased proportionately. This can be attributed to new personnel, more responsibilities being assumed by members of our Pastoral Team, and the generous increase in the number of volunteers.

Please also note that while overall revenues have gone up modestly, income from weekly collections over the three years has actually gone down. This week you will receive a follow-up letter requesting that you consider a pledge in your Offertory Collection. Your new pledge contribution will begin November 1, 2007. Regular use of the weekly envelope is the very “blood” that keeps our parish so vibrant as the Body of Christ. Please respond generously and help us “Advance the Mission” of Our Lady of Grace. The financial report follows.

Many new efforts have been planned for our youth programs, our new Lacrosse, Soccer, and Basketball programs, Religious Education, and Adult Faith Enrichment. Like all new initiatives, they will require additional resources.

The characteristic of a Catholic parish is that all are welcome and “the more, the merrier,” after all, that is what “catholic” means – it means “everybody!” As Disciples of the Lord we are called to “Advance the Mission,” the mission of Christ himself, through a lively support of his Church, which is his physical body in the community. Let us all give thanks to God for being part of our parish family.

I personally want to thank you for your generosity in the past and to invite you again to join in our Annual Offertory Renewal Campaign. There can be no “Advancing the Mission” without “advancing the support.”

In parable after parable Jesus makes clear that all we have received from his loving Father, we have received as stewards. And when we choose to give charitably, we give because it is what God has done to us, it is how we are most like God, and it just “feels good;” it is the right thing to do. A pastor-friend of mine suggests to his people that they “Give till it feels good.” I would invite you to do the same.

God bless you for your support.

Gratefully,
Father Nick Amato