Urgency with the Parish Budget

 
At masses June 9-10, a representative of the Administrative Council shared information about the upcoming parish budget shortfall. The Administrative Council assists and advises the pastor on all material and financial matters of the parish.
 
In recent years, the Council has created leaner and leaner parish budgets. Parish staff has continued to economize and limit expenses. The greatest struggle is getting enough regular income to cover the expenses. Offertory is the primary revenue stream to fund parish programs, maintenance and operations.
 
Under Fr. Rodel we have added “friend raising” events like Oktoberfest, Wine Tasting and Fish Frys. These have brought some modest income, but not enough to balance the parish budget. Tithing at the weekend Masses has been in decline, and it is expected that there will be a $40,000 deficit at the end of our fiscal year on June 30th. This is the largest deficit in many years, and it will totally deplete the reserve funds.
 
The draft budget for 2018-2019 is very austere and will result in noticeable changes, especially at the parish office. Last month, the Parish Center boiler failed. The Administrative Council has advised Fr. Rodel that it is no longer cost effective to maintain the Parish Center. No more money will be spent on repair or upkeep of the building. The parish staff, St. Vincent de Paul, etc., will be relocated before the cold weather comes since there will be no heat in the building. Where and how this will happen is being researched and evaluated.
 
What is our role as parishioners in this situation? First and foremost, please pray for Fr. Rodel, the parish staff, and the Administrative Council. Prayers will help us navigate the financial and procedural issues of the tasks ahead. Second, show your commitment to the Holy Family Parish. If you haven’t turned in a pledge form for this year’s commitment campaign, please do so now. (Forms are in the church, parish office, and website.) The parish fiscal year begins July 1^st, and we depend on pledges to determine the income for the budget. Finally, consider an additional donation to the parish in June. If every family gave an additional $100 in June, we would be able to end the year with a balanced budget, but a donation of any amount will be appreciated.
 
Many thanks for being active members of our Holy Family community.
 

--Holy Family Administrative Council