Stewardship: Letter from the Pastor
November 20, 2011
Dear Parishioners,
The time has come again for our annual stewardship renewal. As you know, our parish has really responded well to our financial situation a couple years ago and we are at a point to begin considering how best to address our current needs. These needs include fulfilling our loan balance and addressing some major projects with our church. Our feasibility study report should be presented to us by the Diocesan Office of Planning and Development in January, at which time we will move forward.
Of course even as we pursue these exciting projects, it is necessary to sustain our current healthy level of offertory contribution in order to continue financial stability. This year’s parish budget anticipates a 4% increase in offertory. Please consider, also, the use of Electronic Funds Transfer, as that allows for a more even and reliable income to our parish. I ask that parishioners take this opportunity to review the Stewardship of Time, Talent, and Treasure form and to complete it, indicating your spirit of giving and sharing. Please note, whether you are making a new commitment or continuing a present commitment we ask that you please return your completed form to the Parish, Office of the Pastor. As you can see, there are many different activities and organizations that make St. Mary a vibrant faith community. We all benefit from the generous offering of time and talent from our parishioners and we are all very grateful.
This is an exciting time for St. Mary as we look forward to the future. I thank you for your continuing participation in the life of our parish.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father James P. Black, Pastor