Dear Parishioners of Holy Family
I am pleased to review with you the parish financial report with actual revenue and expenses for 2018 and 2019, as well as a budget for 2020. Since we were unable to give you this verbal report earlier in the pandemic, we are giving it to you now.
In 2019 our bingo revenues again saw a substantial increase thanks to the continued work of our bingo volunteers who raised an average of $226 per worker per bingo in 41 bingos January to December! Over $4,400 was received in interest on investments and bank accounts. A generous donation of $50,000 was received from the Knights of Columbus Frontenac Council 728 from their sale of Scofield Camp and these funds were invested for future use. Our Christmas Craft and Bake Sale raised $2,381, an 18% increase over 2018. We did not hold a Fun Fair in May 2019 and regular parish collections were down by 6%.
The parish continued to manage expenses prudently in 2019 and there were modest increases in some areas and decreases in others. The cost for lay employees, including musicians, includes a salary increase for the parish secretary. Decreased payroll costs reflect decreases in the cost of the pension plan and health premiums. Major improvements in 2019 included the cost of installing the new church doors, plantings at the south entrance, and a new sump pump for the rectory.
The Budget for 2020 was prepared to reflect some changes brought about by the pandemic: parish and diocesan collections were reduced mid-March to the end of August; bingo revenue was eliminated over the same period in the budget, whereas we are pleased to continue to receive some funding. We budgeted $9,300 in Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy for a 24 week period to the end of August, whereas we received $8,503.
As indicated in budget note (D), having been approved by the archdiocese, and thanks to the Knights of Columbus donation and the preparation work by Armando Sardinha, high efficiency furnaces and air conditioning units for the church will be installed beginning November 23rd. We also budgeted for the new fences but have not yet received a bill from the Catholic School Board.
Many parishioners have continued to support the parish with their donations in these difficult times and we are grateful; however, in view of the fact that Sunday offerings have deceased along with the population in attendance, in consultation with the finance committee I ask you to add $1 more to your weekly donation if it is possible.
The dedication of parish members has been evident throughout 2019 and in this difficult year. A special word of thanks to our many volunteers: liturgical, ushering and cleaning, property maintenance and enhancement, and members of the Pastoral Council and Property and Finance Committee. The sharing of our time, talent and treasure has continued to bond our parish family even as we have had to say goodbye to some long time parishioners who helped make us a holy family.
If you have any questions about the financial report, please call or email the parish office, and I or a member of the property and finance committee will get back to you.
Thank you and may the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph continue to accompany you and keep you safe. Friar Jim