2011 Annual Collection

A few weeks ago we published our annual financial report for the parish and I spoke at all the Masses. I highlighted the fact that our offertory giving this past year did not adequately cover our expenses and we ended the year with a substantial deficit, over $40,000. In these economic times, we are not the only parish struggling to make ends meet. In fact, it is because our families are facing the same tough times that they are not able to give as much as they would like to.

Bishop Cote is concerned about the financial situation that parishes are facing, and so he has asked that all parishes of the Diocese conduct a fall campaign to increase revenue. We are about to embark on such a program this week. Many parishioners increased their offertory giving two years ago and it helped a great deal, but it has not remained at an adequate level. At the same time, we also had a number of parishioners make a one-time gift to the parish because they were not regular attendees and they wanted to help too. We believe that by asking everyone to make such a gift, we can raise a substantial sum to avoid another large deficit.

We still encourage regular weekly giving because this is the backbone of parish revenue. So since we ran an Increased Revenue Program two years ago to boost up our offertory, this fall we decided to begin an Annual Collection whereby all registered parishioners will be asked to make a one-time donation to the parish. I know that there are a great number of parishioners who will respond. All registered households will receive a letter from me this week to begin our effort. I ask that you to do what you can.

Please pray for St. Matthew Parish and all the parishes in the Norwich Diocese. God bless you for your love and generous giving to St. Matthew's!

Sincerely,

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