Dear Parishioners of Holy Family
I am pleased to review with you the parish financial report that accompanies this message. It includes actual revenue and expenses for 2018 and 2019, as well as a budget for 2020.
IN REVIEWING 2019 INCOME, 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! We could use additional volunteers to share in the rotation of working the bingo. 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 for the first time in many years, 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 has been updated and attempts to reflect to some degree changes brought about by the pandemic. Parish collections have been reduced by 35% for the 5 ½ months, mid-March to the end of August. Bingo revenue has been eliminated over the same period and diocesan collections have been reduced. It is expected that our parish will qualify for funding through the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy program for 24 weeks to the end of August with a subsidy estimate of $9,300.
As indicated in budget note (D), pending approval by the archdiocese and the availability of contractors, high-efficiency heating/air conditioning units for the church with ductwork changes are included for 2020, as well as electrical upgrades and payment of the parish share of the new fences.
The faith and dedication of parish members were again evident throughout 2019 and have continued this year and in these recent difficult months. A special word of thanks to our website volunteer, property volunteers and to all who continue to reach out to parish and community to those who need a friendly phone call or email. I know your prayers are very powerful before God as you lift up your own spiritual and temporal needs, and the needs of our church, our nation and the world.
Many parishioners have been able to continue to support the parish by sending donations through the mail and drop-offs through the office door, and we are grateful for that. Pre-authorized debit and electronic funds transfer are now available, and if you are interested in these options, please contact the parish office.
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 hold you close and comfort you.
Friar Jim