About Us Blogs!
Annual Report
[Pastor]
02/01/2010
By Couturier, George
Most pastors fret about having to do the annual report. Pastors' are required to to take on this task once a year. It is painful because none of us like to talk about money. However, and more importantly, the report is not just about finances. It is about the life and accomplishments of the parish over a given year. Also, it is an opportunity to present goals and objectives for the coming year.
The past year, at Saint Dunstan, was filled with exciting and fulfilling programs and activities that represent a parish alive and well...continuing to grow. Over the past two years we have seen an average increase of 20% at Masses on the weekends. This past year we have observed an approximate 20% increase in giving at our weekend collections. The 20% increase in giving has helped us come close to our weekly budgetary needs of $9200.
Over the past year, there have been a wide variety of events and programs that reflect the vitality of St. Dunstan. The one program that really sticks in my memory was the Parish Mission with Mr. Steven Angrisano. Through his music and talks he led our parish community through a powerful experience of shared faith and encouragement. In many ways the fruits of this program proved to be a very good use of our resources.
There are many goals for our new year. Two goals that I need to call your attention to. 1. It is our hope to plan and implement some new efforts for our youth ministry. Based on the positive trends in financial support and the enthusiasm of some adult and youth volunteers we are able to move in this direction. 2. Hopefully, the parish council will begin in September a process of strategic planning for the future direction of our parish. This process will require the commitment of the parish council...of the entire parish so we can discover and articulate the assets and goals of our parish for the next five to ten years. It will also require the help of a professional to lead us objectively through this planning process. Presently, I am pursuing the help of such a person.
I am deeply indebted to the Susan Petrogallo-Haggett (our CPA and Finance Council Chair), Jane Thomas (our business manager) and Parish Finance Council for their wisdom, direction and hard work. Without them I would be overwhelmed and lost.
A word of gratitude to the entire staff: They have participated wholeheartedly in the direction which our parish is taking. In fact they are directly responsible for the growth and vitality of our community of faith. At great sacrifice, they have stepped up to the plate to bring enthusiasm, faith and love to our little corner of the Universal Church.
Finally, I am profoundly grateful for the moral support, prayers, cooperation and generosity (in time, talent and treasure) of the entire parish community. This is very affirming of my attempts to be a good and decent pastoral leader. My prayers and blessing for each of you.
