Hi folks; no bulletin this week as the last publication was for 2 weeks. However - lots of news! Firstly, please see the note below from Fr. David:
Happy Easter! I want to thank you for your prayers, love and support during the time of my mother's battle with cancer and her death. It meant a great deal to me to feel the outpouring of support from the parish community during this difficult time. I currently remain on personal leave for the time being, which was granted to me by Bishop Fabbro in January. I know you are sincerely concerned about me, but I would appreciate it if you do not speculate or discuss what the future may hold. Just keep me in your thoughts and prayers, as I keep all of you in mine. Again, thank you for your prayers and support.
Weekend update message:
The St. Vincent de Paul members will be at the doors after masses this weekend, accepting donations.
Avon-Thames Catholic Family of Parishes 2024 Year End Financials
Attached is a summary of the 2024 Year-End Financials for our Family of Parishes as well as income statements for all 3 churches. These financial statements have been reviewed by both the Diocese of London and our Finance Committee. A representative from each Parish Finance Committee will present the key highlights, speak to the figures, and answer any questions during an upcoming Mass at each church.
Parish Financial Highlights
Holy Name of Mary:
Holy Name of Mary:
- Overall contributions were up by 1.7%
- Expenses were up by 9.5%
- Assessment is paid to the Diocese at 15% of total offertory
- There were one-time costs that contributed to the increase in expenses (Candle Stand and Family Faith Fest)
- The allocations* increased by 2% in the last half of 2024 which also contributed to the increase in expenses
Immaculate Conception:
- Overall contributions were up by 4%
- Expenses were up by 4%
- Assessment is paid to the Diocese at 15% of total offertory
- We lost rental income from 48 Well in the last half of 2024
- The one-time purchase of the Candle Stand increased our Liturgy costs
- Allocations* decreased by 4% in the last half of 2024, which helped bring the total expenses down
St. Joseph's:
- Overall contributions are up 5%
- Expenses are up 5.7%
- Assessment is paid to the Diocese at 15% of total offertory
- There were boiler repairs completed in the Rectory contributing to the increase of expenses
- Appeal letters and new work stations caused a significant increase to office expenses
- Allocations* increased by 2% in the last half of 2024, which contributed to the increase in expenses
*Allocations are updated every six months for each church. Allocations represent the percentage used to divide shared expenses among the Family of Parishes. These shared expenses include items such as staff salaries, office supplies, and pastoral costs. The allocation is determined by evaluating two key factors over the six-month period: the total dollar amount received through Sunday Offertory (via envelopes, Pllenty, PAD, or e-transfer), and the number of individuals who contributed. Using this data, we calculate a percentage that reflects each parish's share of the overall family expenses.
If you have further inquiries, you are also welcome to contact Connie directly at canderson@dol.ca or phone the office at 519-271-6722 Extension 23.
And finally! Our Parish Photo Directories have arrived!
Our Parish Photo Directories are ready for pick up!
We’re excited to announce that the Parish photo directories are now ready for pick-up! If you had your picture taken last spring for the directory, you’ll receive a complimentary photo book as a thank-you for participating.
Directories will be available for pick-up in the Parish halls, following all Mass this weekend at: Immaculate Conception on Saturday, April 26 Holy Name on Sunday, April 27
St. Joseph's on Sunday, April 27
We have a limited number of printed directories available, reserved for those who had their pictures taken. Each participating individual or family will receive one copy.
If you are unable to attend one of these Masses, you can also pick up your directory at the church office in Stratford during regular office hours on, or after, Monday, April 28.
For those who did not have their photos taken, but would still like access to the directory, we are offering a free digital version. You can view or download the e-directory at the following link: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/0c5008b96d.html. If you’d like to purchase a printed directory, please email Patricia at pignor@dol.ca by May 2. Once we have a final count of additional requests, we’ll print the directories and notify you when they’re ready for pickup.
Thank you for being a valued part of our Parish family!
We have a limited number of printed directories available, reserved for those who had their pictures taken. Each participating individual or family will receive one copy.
If you are unable to attend one of these Masses, you can also pick up your directory at the church office in Stratford during regular office hours on, or after, Monday, April 28.
For those who did not have their photos taken, but would still like access to the directory, we are offering a free digital version. You can view or download the e-directory at the following link: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/0c5008b96d.html. If you’d like to purchase a printed directory, please email Patricia at pignor@dol.ca by May 2. Once we have a final count of additional requests, we’ll print the directories and notify you when they’re ready for pickup.
Thank you for being a valued part of our Parish family!
