Your financial contributions to the Parish not only support the Parish but they also help to spiritually feed you.

In last week’s article, I mentioned the cyclical relationship between a Parish and the faithful – our registered Parishioners. The Parish feeds into the faithful and the faithful give back to the Parish and, in turn, are better prepared to fulfill their call to sanctify the world.

Financial contributions are a great example of this cyclical relationship. Without them, the Parish would not be able to function. When you give to the Parish, what does that money provide?

Clergy Salaries, Benefits, & Housing
The most important part of a Catholic Parish is the clergy. Without them, we would not have the Sacraments which spiritually nourish us. The Parish is responsible for providing priests’ salary and benefits (which are set by the diocese), as well as their housing.

Campus Utilities, Insurance, Maintenance, & Repairs
We have been blessed with a beautiful Parish campus. Without the physical facilities, we would not have anywhere to come together as a community. With that, though, there are costs for utilities (electric, air conditioning, gas, water), insurance, and repairs and maintenance – just like at your home. We also must keep this beautiful campus clean, safe, and attractive - but that does come at a cost.

Liturgical Supplies
To celebrate the Mass, we must have supplies such as hosts, wine, and oil. There are also the costs for maintaining the priests’ vestments and purchasing vestments for growing our altar boy program. These items are essential for the proper celebration of the liturgy and the sacraments.

Parish Staff Salary & Benefits
Your contributions pay for the salary and benefits of the Parish staff. Benefit programs are set by the diocese with staff contributions required. Our staff works hard to earn that salary and to try to support and provide guidance and programs for our various ministries.

Diocesan Support
Each Parish pays a percentage of their plate income to the Diocese of Phoenix. Our current percentage is 14%. That percentage provides for the Diocesan Pastoral Center in Phoenix which provides training and support for Parishes.

Catechesis for Children, Youth, & Adults
Our Parish has built an amazing Catechetical program for children and youth. While there is a registration fee associated with the program, the Parish still subsidizes part of the program, which currently has over 100 registered children. Additionally, we are called to continue to learn about our faith even into adulthood. The Parish offers programs such as the Parish Catechism Fellowship on Friday mornings to help fill that need. Your financial contributions help to make this all possible for everyone in our Parish to learn about the faith.

Administration and Office Expenses
Gone are the days when Parish records were handwritten or typed on the typewriter. Technology is essential and it is expensive. Computers, servers, phones, software, internet – they are all part of the world we live in and essential in 2024 in running a Parish.

The financial needs of a Parish are diverse and critical for its effective operation and ministry. From maintaining the physical building and providing liturgical supplies to supporting administrative functions, these resources are essential for a thriving Parish. Addressing these needs ensures that the church can continue to be a place of worship, community, and service, reflecting the love and teachings of Christ in every aspect of its life. We can only continue to do that with your financial support. Next week, in the fifth part of this series, we will look at the volunteer needs of the Parish. Even with priests and lay staff, the needs of our Parish community are too great to do it all without your help.

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