Financial Priorities: Parish Bulletin--August 31st, 2014

            This week I want to present four priorities I see with respect to our parish finances.

            This desire comes from two related beliefs I have when it comes to being a pastor.  For the first, I cite St. Paul: “This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.  Moreover it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2).  I have been called in a particular way to be a good steward of all God has given to our parishes.  Part of this responsibility includes overseeing finances and day-to-day operations.  As I am not a business or finance expert, I have been and will be relying on the expertise and insight of our parish staff and finance council.  By working together my goal is to foster stewardship for the generous money and gifts you have given and use it prudently.  

            The second is the reality that this is your parish.  Obviously, I just moved into town, and there will be a day when Bishop calls me elsewhere in priestly ministry (though I hope this doesn’t happen for a long time!)  Many of you have spent your entire lives coming to St. Thomas or St. Columban.  It has been your time, talent and treasure which has built everything we have—for that I am grateful and honored to serve you. 

            Having spoken in depth with our staff and finance council, the following seem to be our highest priorities.  I share them now, not offering solutions, but to be transparent in the priorities I will be using to make practical decisions regarding our finances and budget.  In no particular order they are:

·      Paying off the loan for Aquinas Hall roof;

·      Catching up on our UCA contribution;

·      General upkeep of building and grounds;

·      Offering a more just salary for faculty and staff.

In the weeks and months ahead, I will share more about why I see these as important to address and how we can achieve our goals together.

Thank you for your continued generosity to St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Columban.  Please pray that God may give me the wisdom and insight to be a good steward of the many gifts He—and you—have given!

            God Bless!