Annual Stewardship Report 2024 - 2025
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency and good stewardship, I want to share with you the key points from this year’s Annual Stewardship Report, which are also set out with today’s bulletin. Our hope is that this report will help every parishioner see clearly how our parish receives and uses the financial gifts entrusted to us.
God has blessed St. Mary’s in many ways. We are strengthened by devoted parishioners who live their faith, volunteer generously, and continually support our mission to extend the mercy of God into the world. We are blessed with a dedicated staff and three priests serving our community. And we remain deeply grateful for the many offerings of time, talent, and treasure that allow us to maintain our historic church and provide the pastoral ministries that sustain parish life.
The Good News
St. Mary’s continues to pour its heart into ministry.
Our parish remains committed to serving our young people, especially through O’Hara Catholic School, which is forming future disciples with faith, integrity, and joy.
This year we also invested in a new youth ministry program, dedicating resources to reach and support teens in their walk with Christ.
And perhaps most visibly, we are completing the major roof restoration project, ensuring that generations to come will worship safely within the walls of our beautiful historic church.
These are real signs of life and grace in our community.
The Bad News
However, the financial reality behind the scenes is challenging.
Carrying out the mission of St. Mary’s requires real, substantial resources. When we examine our income and expenses side by side, it becomes clear that we are struggling to keep pace with rising costs and declining offertory contributions.
Income Overview for 2024-2025*
Our total general income this past year was approximately $1.07 million—not including the separate income from the roof project.
The largest and most reliable portion of this income is the offertory collection, which brought in $873,759. This is the foundation upon which the day-to-day operations of our parish depend.
Expenses Overview for 2024-2025*
It costs approximately $1.26 million per year to run St. Mary’s. These expenses fall into three primary categories:
- People – salaries and benefits for our staff
- Facilities – utilities, maintenance, repairs, insurance
- O’Hara School Subsidy – our commitment to providing accessible Catholic education
* These figures do not include special project collections, i.e. the roof
Offertory Trends
Unfortunately, our offertory giving has been significantly lower than in previous years. Even as inflation continues to rise, our primary source of regular income continues to shrink. This gap places increasing strain on parish operations.
The Deficit
St. Mary’s is a stand-alone financial entity. We do not receive subsidy from the Archdiocese or from Rome. We rely entirely on the generosity of our parishioners.
This past year, total revenues did not cover total expenses. We finished the year with a deficit of $190,626—roughly 20% of our total offertory collections. This is not sustainable, and to meet operating costs we have already begun drawing from parish savings.
Based on current trends, this year’s deficit appears likely to be even larger.
What We Must Do
Because of this nearly $200,000 shortfall, some difficult decisions must be made.
To reduce expenses:
- Beginning January 1st, the parish office will be closed on Mondays.
- No staff will be available on Mondays
- Full-time staff hours will be reduced by 8 hours per week. This is a 20% reduction in the payroll for 5 staff members.
These decisions are painful, but necessary. Even so, these measures alone cannot solve the problem; this cut will only get us about one quarter of the way there. We need your help.
You Can Make a Difference
We face real challenges—but we can overcome them together.
Our most recent two week census counted an average of 891 people in our pews each weekend. Our reports indicate we have approximately 511 regularly contributing households. We are unable to track the number of people who give cash anonymously. Although these numbers are lower than in years past, even small increases can have a large impact.
For example:
- If each household gave an additional $5 per week, we would increase our annual offertory by $132,860.
- If each household gave an additional $10 per week, the increase would be $265,720.
A recent study shows that the average American household spends $69 per month on streaming services. Would you consider a similar monthly commitment to support your parish?
If we wish to maintain the ministries, services, and outreach that St. Mary’s has long provided, an increase in general donations is what it will take.
To ensure steady giving many of our parishioners have signed up for automatic giving. You can accomplish this by
- Using our Online Giving Program found HERE . Please note there is also the option to cover the fees involved to run credit cards or bank transfers.
- Setting automatic payments with your bank under the Bill Pay Option. You can set the amount, and the date, and your financial institution will cut a check and mail it to St. Mary. Most banks offer this service free of charge. You may indicate in the memo any designation for the donation: "Regular Sunday Donation" as an example
If you prefer the envelope service. Please do not hesitate to let the office know you would like an order started. And of course simple cash or checks in the collection basket are always welcome.
A Call to Commitment
Thank you for taking the time to understand where our parish stands. Today we are inviting all parishioners to prayerfully review your financial stewardship and return the Commitment Card included in the stewardship report. Or you may complete a card online HERE .
Please fill out the card even if you cannot commit to additional giving at this time—it helps us update our parish records and better support our families.
Thank you again for your generous support of St. Mary’s and for all you do to help our parish live its mission. Together, with gratitude and trust in God's providence, we can build a strong future for our community.
