DID YOU KNOW?
The question has been raised, "How is it that all this past fiscal year, we read that we were seriously under our offertory budget, yet we ended the year $75,615 to the good"? Good question, here is the answer. In the weekly bulletin we report the offertory received and show the amount needed to meet the expense budget. The offertory, capital fund and priest welfare and retirement income account for 94.5% of parish income. Total offertory income for the year was down $57,598. The deficit was reduced to $48,034 due to unexpected donations and the Bishop Annual Appeal rebate, neither of which can be forecasted.
In December 2008, after a disappointing Christmas offering, it appeared the church would experience a deficit budget by nearly $100,000. St. Patrick Church like each of our families has to live within its financial means. When our income is seriously reduced for any reason, we all must tighten our belts and reduce our expenditures. After consultations with the parish Finance Council, pastor and staff, strict budget controls were introduced across all seven major expense categories. Parish clergy and lay staff sought out and implemented cost controls and efficiencies in every area. The results of staff and parish efforts follow:
Administration: 10% expense reduction $22,708
-$8,500 re-imbursement from 2008 insurance claim
-$5,939 multiple office efficiencies
-$4,084 reduced postage, curtailed parish mailings, increased internet use
-$2,000 web site contract cancelled
-$1,109 medical insurance cost reduction
-$1,076 church envelope software expense
Parish Programs: 13.8% expense reduction $41,904
-$17,161 wage and medical insurance cost reduction
-$13,456 religious education programs
-$ 5,598 stewardship program, conferences
-$ 2,755 nursery, not spent contingency, team sponsorship
-$ 1,956 family life ministry
-$ 978 leader formation
Rectory: 2.1% expense reduction $3,643
-$3,643 reduced utility, food and maintenance expenses
Liturgy: 8.3% expense reduction $21,310
-$10,470 reduced music instrumentalists, music materials
-$ 3,146 cancelled professional development
-$ 5,400 minister (volunteer appreciation)
-$ 1,294 medical insurance cost reduction
-$ 1,000 other liturgy expenses
Physical Plant: 15.6% expense reduction $28,243
-$14,865 favorable budget to actual maintenance costs
-$ 4,032 reduced lawn service
-$ 3,500 reduced social hall and kitchen supplies
-$ 3,184 property & liability insurance
-$ 2,292 utilities
-$ 370 medical Insurance cost reduction
In closing, despite a year of recession and the accompanying economic fears, we were able to effectively administer church programs and ministries, keep a well trained and experienced staff in place, pay all our bills, save $75,615 which was applied to the New Church building campaign and contribute an additional $971,266 to that campaign. St. Patrick Church has much reason to be thankful.
Nominate a Good Steward
To nominate someone in the parish to be a recognized as a Good Steward, please fill out the form below. Please let us know how to contact you in case we have questions. You can also print off a PDF of the form and drop it in the collection basket during Mass.
Name of nominee:
Nominee contact information
Address:
City:
State:
Phone Home Work
E-mail:
Best way and time to reach nominee:
Additional information about nominee:
Parish:
Family:
Occupation:
Volunteer/service positions:
Why are you nominating this person?
How does the nominee live his/her faith?
How does this person serve as an example for you or others?
Information on nominator
Name:
Parish:
Address:
City:
State:
Phone Home Work
E-mail:
Best time and way to reach you:
How you know nominee: |
