Finance Committee
-
-
This important committee meets each month to review the current income and expenses of this parish. They determine the Parish budget, decide how to raise income, and discuss how to control expenses. Most members have experience in financial management.
If you are interested or would like more information please contact our bookkeeper Linda Underwood at 508-366-5502.
-
-
FINANCE COMMITTEE SIX-MONTH UPDATE - April 2025
-
March 1, 2025, marks the midpoint for St Luke’s fiscal year, and as we cross this six-month mark, we are providing this brief Parish update .- Overall, our Parish community continues to strengthen and rebound after these past few challenging years. Weekend and holy day participation at Mass continues to rise. Our Parish’s Pastoral programs are well attended including our Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) program, the ALPHA Program, the Men’s Prayer Group, the Bereavement Group, the Quiet Ways to Pray group and the Senior Adults Forever Young Program.
- Since September 2024 40 new families have joined our Parish increasing our enrollment to 1,816 registered families. And, we are up to 340 students in our Religious Education program.
- Sunday weekly collections are on budget. The WeShare online giving program is being used by 44% of parishioners who donate weekly, monthly, and quarterly. This consistent and regular giving assists us with our financial and pastoral planning.
- The Grand Annual special collection program was launched in October to assist with long overdue Capital Improvements. Our biggest and most expensive challenge will be repairing the Church roof. In April, an engineering firm will be assessing its condition and helping us plan the next steps. In the meantime, we have used some funds for a new security system in both the Church and Parish Center. In addition, over the next few weeks a new sign is being installed in front of our Church (to both welcome visitors and comply with town regulations). Stay tuned for a blessing and unveiling upon completion.
- With all this good news, we do face some challenges. During the first six months of our fiscal year, our expenses exceeded collections by $19,134 or 3.75%. This is due to our utility bills exceeding budget by 71% and two snowy/icy weekends in February which reduced our collections.
Overall, there is much to celebrate and some challenges to work on.
If you are not taking advantage of these many rejuvenating Pastoral Programs, please consider exploring these many opportunities to momentarily dim the deafening roar of our busy world with prayer and reflection.
As far as our finances, please keep your Parish in mind as we struggle with many of the same challenges your family does like unexpectedly high utility bills and larger-than-expected snow-clearing expenses. If you are not using the WeShare online giving program, please consider this financial support option.
Most importantly, THANK YOU for your ongoing generosity and consistent support of our Parish.
In Christ,
St Luke’s Finance Committee
Joe Black, Adam Cimala, Tony Dolphin, Chris Payant, Joe Pucciarelli, Ken Salsman, Mary Sanning -
-
