Pastor's Column 11-19-2022
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November 19, 2023Dear Parishioners,
In this week’s bulletin you will find the parish’s Annual Report. This report is a summary of the major expenses and income for the parish that enables us to worship God, come together as a community, and help our neighbors. In our faith lives we strive for holiness, but bound here on earth we also have to deal with concrete realities like snow plowing and electricity. When I was in seminary some of my fellow seminarians would say: “I am not going to be ordained to take care of buildings.” While the essence of the priesthood is the celebration of the Sacraments, the preaching of God’s Word, and the care of God’s people, being a “father” also includes making sure the roof does not cave in. So, to ensure that we can receive the Sacraments in a beautiful space and have the ability to help those in need, finances are a major part of our parish.
There are three major sections: (1) Income, (2) expenses, and (3) major capital expenditures and Extraordinary Receipts. I am happy to report that in these past three years income has gone up and expenses have gone down. This report summarizes major categories such as utilities, salaries, and minor expenses. These minor expenses include liturgy expenses (candles, hosts, etc.), office supplies, and grounds care (including the new mulch on the property). They also include costs for our youth group, and outreach to the community. Thank you to all that support the parish, particularly in these difficult economic times. I want to thank my staff here at the parish as well: they do so much above and beyond. The same can be said for the volunteers who give of their time and talent to help.
The third section below “Net Income/Loss” includes income and expenses not budgeted. 2020-2021 extraordinary receipts include monies received as part of covid relief. 2022-2023 extraordinary receipts include a substantial donation received from a parishioner to cover the costs of the improvement projects this past year to the church. Major capital expenditures for 2022-2023 include painting the church (and rectory in the spring), new sacristy windows, church/rectory stair repair, door replacement, LED lighting updating,
People sometimes ask me: “Father, how much should I give each week?” To that question I cannot really give a number like $5 or $10. Each person and family have a different financial situation. As you know, I would not ask you to do anything I would not do myself. So, when I ask you to donate to the parish when able, it is because I give as well. My way of giving is based on tithing. Each year I plan to give (or tithe) at least 10% of my income back to God. As a percentage the number would vary for each person/family based on resources (and the percentage may vary as well due to circumstances; if you want to give more than 10% I will not stop you! Or if you want to give in other ways besides financial then you can say “I will give such and such of my time back to God”), but I find tithing based on a percentage gives me a concrete way to plan to give back to God. I hope that helps.
In Christ,
Fr. Barrow
