Dear esteemed parishioners

In the spirit of Canon Law#1287, the diocesan policy of Phoenix mandates that the Parish Finance Council supervise the preparation of the annual financial report to the Bishop by July 31 each year-30 days afterthe conclusion of the fiscal year. This report is to be shared with the faithful within 120 days following theend of the fiscal year and will be published in the parish bulletin. This weekend, the Parish Finance Counciland I are pleased to fulfill this important responsibility. The 2024/2025 Financial Report is included in thisweekend's bulletin.

Numbers do not lie; last year was a financially difficult year for our parish. Before I arrived at Blessed Sacrament, I began working with the Diocese's Finance Director to explore ways we could reduce expenses and set our parish on a healthier financial path. I was given permission to act immediately-something that is usually delayed for a new pastor-and was advised to reduce staff by at least two positions. Though this was a hard decision, it brought immediate savings, and with the guidance of our Finance Council, we are blessed to have a balanced budget for the coming year.

As your Pastor, I do not relish the duty of terminating staff and reducing payroll. These decisions weigh heavily, but they are necessary to realign our expenses with offertory revenue and donations that have been trending lower for many years for several reasons. Additional expense reductions will still be needed, and as we continue to make adjustments, there will be areas where volunteer help from parishioners isessential.

Some duties that do not require paid positions-such as choir and liturgical ministries-will now rely on volunteers. Other areas where we especially need help include:

• Office support (mailings, reception desk coverage)
• Grounds and maintenance (gardening, light repairs, seasonal decorating)
• Hospitality (funeral lunches, parish events, welcoming newcomers)
• Faith formation support (helping with children's programs, youth ministry, or adult Bible studycoordination)
• Technology and communications (website, livestreaming Masses, social media assistance)

In some cases, these needs will be temporary until staff duties are realigned, and in others, they will be ongoing opportunities for parishioner involvement.

This is your parish, and for us to be a healthy community, we need your participation. Stepping forward to serve is not only vital for our parish's future, but it is also deeply rewarding spiritually. You may be someone who has served in the past and perhaps stepped away because you felt unappreciated. Perhaps you are someone who has always thought about serving but has never taken that first step to volunteer. Either way, we welcome you. We need you.

If you are willing to help, please call the parish office at 480-948-8370, email mebrown@bscaz.org, or better yet, sign up on the volunteer sheet located in the back of the church after Mass. We will gladly connect you with the areas of greatest need.

I cannot say often enough how generous you, the parishioners of Blessed Sacrament, have been. Your support-spiritual, financial, and personal-makes everything we do possible. Father Samuel, the FinanceCouncil, and I remain deeply committed to being good and faithful stewards of the gifts you entrust to us.

With gratitude and prayer, I remain yours in humble service,

Fr. Thomas R. Kagumisa

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