Last year the parish introduced the Annual Fund, which raises money to help us pay the long-range portion of our Parish expenses. Currently, and for the foreseeable future, this fund specifically targets the principle and interest on the mortgage for this building. Notice we state, “Helps us pay…” for, as we all know, we are St. Peter Parish.
Last year we received only $102 thousand dollars in Annual Fund donations, well short of the $320,000 mortgage expense. Additionally, due in large part to the current difficult economy, over the last few years, our average weekly collections have fallen off considerably. Currently, our regular collections and Annual Fund fall dangerously short of meeting our total annual expenses.
While we have cut back on expenses and paid staff positions, we are still far short of meeting our operating and mortgage obligations. That is why we are reaching out to the entire Parish community regarding our attempt to substantially increase the donations to the Annual Fund. By now, every St. Peter Parish household should have received in the mail a letter and brochure that will provide more details and allow us all to prayerfully consider our Annual Fund commitment.
There are probably many questions of which we will answer two (2) here. Additionally, for the next several weeks, members of the Annual Fund Committee will be available at a table in the narthex near the Annual Fund Banner after every Mass to answer any others.
What about the Hall? At this time we must hold off taking on any more debt and so the Hall must wait. Donations made to the Heritage of Faith Campaign to fund the eventual building of our Hall are held separately and will be dedicated to that project. The good news is that all Archdiocesan obligations have been met and 100% of all incoming dollars for the Heritage of Faith now remain with the parish. To those who have made and are fulfilling their Heritage of Faith pledges – thank you!!
Where do donations to the Annual Fund go? 100% of the Donations to the Annual Fund stay in the Parish and are used to pay the mortgage on this building.
We’ve set a goal this year of raising $180 thousand dollars in the Annual Fund. If you have been contributing, thank you for your continued consideration. If you are new to the Parish or were unable to contribute last year, please help us keep our Parish vibrant and growing by contributing to this year’s Annual Fund.
Thank you in advance for your time and prayerful consideration.
St. Peter Parish Annual Fund Committee
Click Here for a printable copy of our campaign brochure
