A Note From Our Pastor: April 19, 2026

As you likely are aware, soon after we began publishing a shared bulletin for our two parishes, we began reevaluating how we report our finances. We wanted to include the same details for each parish, and to make it clear and concise. We believe we can still do better in how we report it to you.

Those of you at St. Philomena may recall, back in the fall, I gave a financial update and specifically the woeful state of our parish savings. I explained that it's strongly advised that a parish have the equivalent of three months’ average expenses put aside for savings. For Saint Philomena that amounts to roughly $240,000. At that time, we had $51,000 in savings (21%). Saint Thomas, on the other hand, has a sufficient amount in savings. Yay!

I should also explain that for both parishes, the state of our savings is as it was when I began my ministry here in July 2024—we've not withdrawn funds from savings, but unfortunately, we've also not been able to increase it.

Here's some good news: At both parishes we are seeing an increase in giving compared to last year. This also means that we are meeting our ‘budget’ amount. You can see this comparison on the left half of the ‘Weekly Stewardship’ report in the Sunday bulletin. But understand: the ‘budget’ amount accounts only for our regular expenses, such as utilities, payroll, church supplies, office supplies, etc. Receiving this amount in our Sunday collection (and even slightly exceeding it, as we are), is not helping our savings deficit at St. Philomena.

Therefore, working with St. Philomena’s Finance Council, we have created a ‘Stretch Goal’. Instead of $16,000 per week (budget), we are hoping to collect $20,000 per week. Again, it’s a stretch, but if we make that amount, in one year we would build our savings account to where it needs to be.

With this in mind, we have expanded our Weekly Stewardship report in the Sunday bulletin. Each week, you will be able to see—easily and quickly—how we are doing financially, and specifically, how St. Philomena’s savings are increasing.

We’ve also included QR codes. One can be used to contribute to St. Thomas regular tithing, and another for St. Philomena’s regular tithing. But one, as noted, allows one to donate specifically toward St. Philomena’s savings account. For those of us who don’t have a financial background (like me!), the first time you read the information, it might take a few minutes to process, but I trust it will make sense.

It’s a great sign of life and a sign of engaged parishioners. It’s encouraging and it’s all because of your generosity. I can’t thank you enough.

Yours in Christ,

Father Todd O. Strange