Posted on October 4, 2025 View all news
Laudetur Jesus Christus! Gelobt sei Jesus Christus! Sia lodato Gesù Cristo! Praised be Jesus Christ!
With this month’s newsletter, please find our annual financial report and budget. While there were no major surprises, Sacred Heart did run a deficit this year due to several maintenance issues, which will continue to be an issue for years to come. The roof at Sacred Heart, in particular, is not in good condition, and early estimates place the cost to replace the roof at over half a million dollars. To this end, I am working with the Finance and Pastoral Councils on a capital campaign for both churches. As it stands, the total ask over a period of five years will be seven figures. The final details are still being discussed and worked out, but to continue to ensure that both properties remain functional, some major work is necessary. So please watch for more details in the months ahead.
The biggest surprise as we worked on the financial report was the discovery that only 25% of registered Old St. Mary’s families and 20% of Sacred Heart families actually donate to the parish in the course of the year. I had anticipated that number to be higher, but as it stands only a quarter or less donate for the annual budget and upkeep of the churches.
I do remind everyone that it is not only a precept of the Church to donate to the work and ministry of the Church, but it is also a matter of justice. Our property and our monetary assets are not our own, but are meant for what we need them for, with the rest belonging to the Church and the poor. I do not preach on money often, and quite honestly, the 25% of you who do donate are very generous to the churches, the Oratory, and the Sisters. However, imagine what could be done if more shared the burden? Setting aside that it is something that is owed to the Church in justice.
For those of you who have not been donating, I encourage you to consider what it is that you can offer the Church. Neither the Church nor I set a standard, as some other denominations may do. However, I ask you to be as generous to the Church as you are able. For some of you, you can provide a lot. For others, who can’t afford much, your offering, like the poor widow’s in the Gospel, is worth more than all others combined. Thank you for your consideration and your generosity.
I thank each of you for what you do for the Church, the Oratory, and the Sisters. Please know of our daily prayers for you, and please pray for us!
Have a blessed month ahead!
