Parish Finances

Prayer with fasting is good. Almsgiving with righteousness is better than wealth with wickedness. It is better to give alms than to store up gold, for almsgiving saves from death, and purges all sin. Those who give alms will enjoy a full life.

Tobit 12:8-9).

For most Catholics, opportunities for giving begin in their parish and diocese.  Diocesan and parish stewardship programs help individuals, families and  communities better understand why, in the context of a total commitment to stewardship that is planned, proportionate, and sacrificial, it is important to set goals for giving. 

We must consider prayerfully the gifts they have received from God, and then make a decision (in advance from the "first fruits" instead of what is left over after obligations have been met) about what will be given.

Please visit our A Generous Way of Life webpage for examples of how your financial support helps us live out the Gospel message.

• Envelopes - Stop in at the parish office or contact the Parish Secretary via email. 

• Online Electronic Payment - You may made your donation via periodic Credit Card or Bank Transfers (checking account). Please click here to go to the We Share service to signup.

Fellow Parishioners:

Saint Luke’s concluded our fiscal year on August 31, 2019; ending it on strong financial footing with a modest operating surplus. Thank you!

Weekly collections decreased 4.5%, with an average weekly donation of $38.06. But 258 parishioners generously contributed $64,579 to the Push the Wagon campaign. Including the campaign, collections actually increased 0.5%. We also continued to aggressively manage expenses, reducing them 1.4% over the prior year. Moreover, St. Luke ended the fiscal year with 1.42 months of operating capital in our checking account and an adequate Rainy-Day (long-term savings) fund. We have one outstanding liability, a $70,500 retirement plan obligation due to the Diocese of Worcester.

As a Parish, we share the first 10% of our collections with those in need through our Sharing First program. This year we provided $75,238 to organizations in Worcester and Westborough, overseas Missions, and several National programs.   

Your continued generosity, especially through electronic giving, is the foundation of our Parish's financial well-being. 39% of Sunday collections are provided electronically, a 4% increase over the prior year. If you are not already doing so, please consider enrolling in electronic giving as it helps us more effectively manage our parish finances. To do so, please call the Rectory and ask for Linda Underwood, our bookkeeper. She can explain several options to you.   

Finally, the Parish has a backlog of significant projects. Due to normal aging, we need to renovate our Church tower and bells. We are also considering several projects to spruce up the Church in preparation for next year’s 150th Anniversary of the Parish. The Rectory, too, needs some work including new windows, flooring, and bathroom repairs. In 2020, we will embark on the Dioceses’ Legacy of Hope campaign. We intend to use the Parish’s proceeds from the campaign to address many of these issues.

In summary, Saint Luke’s ended the fiscal year in strong financial shape, due largely to your support of the Push the Wagon campaign. Your contributions help provide a warm and embracing community in which we celebrate our faith. Thank you for living a generous way of life.   

With Christ’s Blessings,
 Saint Luke the Evangelist Finance Committee