On Jan. 15, the Budget Committee of the Diocesan Finance Council suggested that parishes analyze their budgets to identify decreases in budgeted contributions. The committee advised that a quarterly survey of parishes be done to compare their present contribution levels with Fiscal Year 2007-2008, beginning with the quarter ending Dec. 31, 2008, which was featured in the April 17 issue of The Montana Catholic.

The graphs included in this issue depict the percentage change in income between the quarter ended March 31, 2008, and March 31, 2009.

“Again at the end of the March quarter we note that there are no hard and fast rules as to parishes’ outlooks. Both small and large and rural and urban parishes have experienced both increases and decreases,” said Pete McNamee, Financial Services director.

He said the survey helps the diocese and parishes to plan effectively for this fiscal year and future budgets. “We are truly grateful for the support of parishioners in response to all appeals by churches, schools and the Diocese. We hope they will continue to give generously during this economic downturn, and continue to support and pray for those who are adversely affected by the economy,” he said.

Pastors may contact McNamee to discuss assistance to parishes, by e-mail to pmcnamee@diocesehelena.org. Individuals and families may contact their pastor to explore the possibility of assistance from their parish. Both types of assistance are made possible by donations to the Annual Catholic Appeal, formerly known as the Diocesan Offertory Program (DOP).

McNamee said the best way for parishes to increase their regular offertory in any economic situation is through the practice of stewardship. For further information about stewardship resources, contact Glenda Seipp, Stewardship Services director, by e-mail to gseipp@diocesehelena.org or phone 406-442-5820.

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Published in The Montana Catholic Online, June 26, 2009.