Dear Parish Family,
We hope this letter finds you and your loved ones in good health. We wish you all happy Easter. We pray continually that through this time of physical separation, your faith may be strengthened beyond measure and that your hearts may be filled with peace and joy of the Risen Lord.
It has been more than a year now since the world changed its face dramatically, due to the devastating effects of the pandemic. Despite this, as believers, we are deeply convinced of the grace and power of a loving God, and that God will act on our behalf, to end this period of constraints and lead us back to joy and happiness.
Your generosity is a tangible expression of unity in the Holy Spirit with our brothers and sisters in our parish community. We are very grateful for your support and your prayers as we face this together. Your support ….is more than just generosity, it is a witness of the faith, the Christian faith of the Catholic Church. We do not expect anyone to give more than they feel they can, given these unusual circumstances. however, to the extent that you possibly can, we encourage you to support our parish communities.
The majority of donations to our parish come through the collection basket passed during Sunday Mass. These have virtually disappeared since public celebrations of the Mass were suspended on March 16, 2020
As your priest and fellow-believer, out of deep concern for the welfare of our church, I’m inviting you prayerfully to consider how you can continue to support your parish’s mission. We’re not a parish that can support big things, but we survive because of your generosity and good will. I know that these are financially challenging times. You may have lost your job, or your business viability may be threatened. Your savings may have been diminished by market conditions. And I understand that your primary financial responsibility is, of course, to your own home and family. I hope you’ll understand that I still need to ask that you also remember your spiritual home, which is your parish.
There are several ways you can give to our parishes:
Use the Donate button on the archdiocesan /parish website to make your donation.
Use Pre-Authorized debit or Credit Card.
Use the 2021 envelopes for the coming year, which are now available for pick up in the entrance of the church.
Donations can also be mailed to parish offices or dropped off at the parish office’s mail slot.
Peace and love. Blessings on you!
Fr. Michael Dias & PPC, PFC .St. Mary’s Parish family, Beaverlodge
Below is a short summary of our parish finance situation.
St Mary’s Parish Financial Update
April 22, 2021
Sunday Donations
Monthly Avg Pre COVID 2019 $8,100
COVID 2020 $7,100
Year to Date 2021 $5,200
Donations are significantly reduced due to COVID. We experienced a reduction of $1000 per month in 2020 and a further $2000 per month year to date in 2021 (total donation drop of $3000/month since 2019).
We have reduced our costs by maximizing access to government programs, minimizing discretionary spending, completing repairs and maintenance through volunteer support and reducing salary through a temporary layoff. Most of the accounting and book keeping support in 2020 was completed through volunteer efforts. The diocese is helping us manage cashflow by deferring cathedraticum, clergy salary and priest retirement payments. In spite of these efforts, our expenses are exceeding donations by approximately $2300 per month. At the end of March we are reflecting a shortfall of approximately $6000. This will need to be offset with additional donations, fund raising and/or withdrawal from our reserves.
COVID has been extremely difficult for everyone and we are grateful for the generosity of those continuing to support the parish financially. In spite of COVID and reduced numbers at mass however, we still have significant expenses that must be paid each month. We thank you in advance for your consideration.
If you have questions, comments or suggestions please contact any member of the Parish Finance Council.
St Mary’s Parish Finance Council
Father Michael
Roger Loberg
Jeannine Wood
Shelley Mainville
Nadine Peters