Dear Fellow Parishioners, The closing of local parishes is difficult to hear. Sadly, this is a sign of the times the Catholic Church faces. We must stand together and pull our weight financially to remain sustainable. The parishes that closed were unable to meet their ministry, community, and financial responsibilities. The Catholic Community of Sacred Heart must meet our Operating Expenses with our Weekly & Monthly income. Here are the numbers:
Budgeted income YTD (May) $228,250 Actual income YTD (May) $216,644 Deficit $ 11,606
We have budgeted for lower income for this year based on projections from the pandemic and lower attendance. Rob Callahan and the Finance team have looked at the actual numbers year over year and the numbers look even worse than projected. As of the end of May, our total expense vs. our total income is short $9,118. The Parish replaced the boilers in the Church this fiscal year, and we continue to struggle with repairs from water leaks in both the Church and parish house. We have cut expenses as much as much as possible; and like all of you our expenses have increased on many necessities.
What can you do to help? ·If you can increase your giving please do. Any amount helps, so don’t think that a small amount is insignificant. If 100 families gave an extra $2.00 per week, that would be an increase of $10,400, almost eliminating our deficit. At $4.00 we would eliminate it and be adding to our Parish savings. ·Invite new people to check-out this Catholic Community! ·Participate in on-line giving so that we are guaranteed your support. You can choose weekly or monthly electronic giving, whichever fits your household budget. ·Sell or purchase the raffle tickets, we will receive $12.50 for each ticket sold. ·Support the Twice Blessed Thrift Shop, they have many great bargains. ·There are also many projects that need to be done around the parish. Painting, yard work, general cleaning, etc. If you feel you may not be able to give financially, but can give your time and talent, it is just as impactful and the parish can save even more. We will again begin passing the offertory basket to remind everyone in attendance how necessary it is to support our mission as a vibrant parish. Thank you for all you have given already. Due to your generosity our Parish was able to remain vibrant during the pandemic and maintain our level of services. We can do this, and we must do this. Let’s talk and let’s all rise to occasion and take responsibility for our ordinary expenses in our community! Fr. Bill