Dear Parishioners:
Last year at this time, we had received $441,229 in support. This year, we are at $406,600 which represents an 8% DECREASE in support.
Changes We’ve Made
Given all that has happened this year, our parish took a number of important steps. Those include:
1. Reducing this fiscal year’s budget by 30%
2. Livestreaming Masses and important events
3. Disinfecting the church between all Masses and after all uses
4. Moving our Reconciliation/Confessions from the Daily Chapel into the Church to maintain social distancing
5. Circulating our Weekly Bulletin online and through email
6. Communicating online through Flocknote email messages
7. Training volunteers to help execute our COVID-19 Safety Measures before, during and after all Masses
PPP loan
Our parish was one of thousands of organizations who took advantage of a federal loan program to help keep people on the payroll during the early days of the crisis. We were granted a loan, and we used it as intended – to keep our employees working and paid instead of laying them off when we had to close our doors. By doing so we helped reduce the unemployment costs that would have been carried by the government. The funds helped keep our staff employed during the first couple months of the pandemic, but they were a short-term, stop-gap measure. We can’t rely on the government to support or fund the important work of making disciples and calling people to Jesus Christ.
Year-end Giving
Year-end giving has always played an important role in our annual budget. Many families make large contributions around this time, and we’re counting on that trend to continue – and perhaps even get a boost from the tax incentives that were put in place to encourage families to make charitable donations in 2020.
Financial Outlook
Given what we’ve been through, I’m cautiously optimistic about where we are, and where we can be. But we’re going to need help from every parish family. I invite all families to reflect on their level of support, and to move their giving online. As a result of parishioner generosity, we have seen our offertory giving increase. If that continues, we’re going to be okay.
How you can help
As a member of this parish, you can help in three important ways:
- Pray for our parish, our community and the world
- Reflect on your level of support, and increase if you can
- Move your giving online through our portal at https://holyfamilychurch.net/online-giving, or by setting up ACH giving straight from your bank
You and your family are in my prayers, and I hope that I am in yours. Please take a moment to read the attached letter from fellow parishioner Kevin Kendrew.
Gratefully in Christ,
F. Albert B. Becher
Pastor
PS: We have lost advertisers who support our bulletin because of the pandemic. If you own a business, please consider placing an ad in our Bulletin. Or individually or as a family, you could place an ongoing prayer request or memorial! Please contact the church office for details.