I hope you are well.

We recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of our parish. We are now at a pivotal moment of structural and spiritual renewal and that is a cause for great hope.

Over the past years though we have seen a decline in Church numbers that has had a direct impact on our ability to manage the rising costs of running a parish. The Finance Committee and Pastoral Council are initiating and encouraging school families to participate in parish life and to make contributions as well but we are still in need of funding to ensure we continue. A financial burden is already placed on our already generous givers to cover our costs. There has been an ongoing prudent approach to expense management but the gap continues to widen.

Based on our 2022 end of year financial report, we sustained a loss of $57,000. To try and manage this shortfall we altogether have to reflect and reconsider all the parish has meant for us.

The following page provides an outline of Parish objectives: Building Better Community Facilities is aimed at both improving facilities and providing alternate revenue opportunities. Enhance Our Parish Work allows us to continue to deliver services to our community and beyond. Facilitating Our Sacramental Program is a fundamental objective for our Community. All of these need the Parish to be in a strong financial position.

Therefore, I am seeking your kind consideration to join in our stewardship contributions as they are very important at this time. Although many people have to cut corners to make ends meet right now, perhaps others not affected as much could increase their financial giving. This is also a time to approach potential new contributors. In the coming weeks, a campaign will be held for the Stewardship Program.

I hope everyone can see the benefit of contributing to the parish, not only for today, but also for the future of Holy Spirit. In this way, all will be sharing in the responsibility of maintaining the financial viability of the parish, and supporting the services which the parish provides to all.

Should you wish to discuss this further please contact myself or the Finance Committee members via the Parish office.

Thank you for your ongoing support and including Holy Spirit Parish as your home.

Yours faithfully

Fr. Arsenio
Parish Priest

Donate

To make a contribution to the Parish Stewardship program, please click the donate button.

Building Better Community Facilities

As Holy Spirit Parish 'owns' the site that the parish and school operate from, we are committed to maximising the space on the site. This will include a full site evaluation including the development of the front vacant block to create a mixed-use space, sporting facilities and sacred space.

Furthermore, we are actively pursuing the creation of Holy Spirit Early Learning Centre for Kindergarten and Day Care.

Enhance our Pastoral Work

Our community has ongoing need. From supporting people facing bereavement, illness, or complex family arrangements, we work tirelessly to support people in need. Examples of this work are activities like the Winter Shelter which has been a tremendous success but needs ongoing work.

Facilitating our Sacramental Program

Families at Holy Spirit participate in the Sacramental Program through a strong working relationship between the school and Parish. For non-School families, we provide the High Spirits program. School families participating in the School Levy would not be required to make any additional contribution for the administration of the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist, or Confirmation.

Further background and Details

The Parish Finance Committee provided presentations over two Mass weekends in June 2023.

• The first of these explains the program and can be read or viewed at: www.holyspiritparish.org.au/Our-Parish/Stewardship/Stewardship-Program-2023-06/Presentations.
• The second of these explains the process of making a pledge and can be seen at: www.holyspiritparish.org.au/Portals/3/Documents/Stewardship/Donating at the Holy Spirit Parish.pdf.

If you would like to become involved in the work of the Parish and make suggestions, please email the Parish Pastoral Council at ppc-sec@holyspiritparish.org.au