Mary Mother of Mercy Parish Annual Report 2024–2025

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). 

This profound statement from Sacred Scriptures encapsulates the spirit of our parish as we strive to fulfill our mission and service to God. As we reflect on the past year, we are reminded of the importance of perseverance and dedication in our spiritual journeys. Our community is called to work together, moving forward with hope and faith in the promises of Christ. This report seeks to highlight our achievements, challenges, and aspirations for the upcoming year.

Pastor’s Letter

Dear Parishioners

Parish Snapshot: Sacraments & Participation

The following table presents a snapshot of sacramental activities and participation metrics within our parish for the fiscal years 2023–2024 and 2024–2025. 

We have recorded significant changes in various categories, reflecting the dynamic nature of our community's engagement. Baptisms, Confirmations, First Communions, Weddings, and Funerals are all essential liturgical events that mark the spiritual milestones in our lives. 

You will find the specific numbers along with the percentage changes, which provide insight into our communal faith journey. This data helps us understand trends and areas where we can improve our outreach and support to parishioners.

Baptisms
FY 2023–2024: 62
FY 2024–2025: 50
% Change: -19.4%

Confirmations
FY 2023–2024: 27
FY 2024–2025: 32
% Change: 18.5%

First Communions
FY 2023–2024: 29
FY 2024–2025: 24
% Change: -17.2%

Weddings
FY 2023–2024: 13
FY 2024–2025: 18
% Change: 38.5%

Funerals
FY 2023–2024: 34
FY 2024–2025: 26
% Change: -23.5%

Average Sunday Mass Attendance
FY 2023–2024: 857
FY 2024–2025: 937
% Change: 9.3%

Religious Ed Enrollment
FY 2023–2024: 228
FY 2024–2025: 225
% Change: -1.3%

Financial Report – Income FY 2024–2025

The financial health of our parish is crucial for sustaining our programs and initiatives. Below is a detailed breakdown of our income sources for the fiscal year 2024–2025, reflecting the various categories from which we receive funding. The ordinary offertory (Sunday Collection) remains our primary source of income, supplemented by special collections during the Christmas and Easter seasons. Other income streams, including fees from sacraments and donations, play a significant role in supporting our community's activities. We are grateful for the generosity of our parishioners, which enables us to continue our mission and expand our outreach efforts.

Ordinary Offertory
Amount: $825,014

Holy Days
Amount: $34,678

Christmas Offertory
Amount: $32,947

Easter Offertory
Amount: $16,801

Other Donations (restricted/unrestricted)
Amount: $67,049

Fees (sacraments, religious ed, etc.)
Amount: $135,053

Other Income (interest, rentals, ads, programs)
Amount: $154,748

Financial Report – Expenses FY 2024–2025

The allocation of our parish's resources is a critical aspect of ensuring that we meet our commitments and continue to serve our community effectively. The following table illustrates our expenses for the fiscal year 2024–2025, categorized by various operational needs. Key areas of expenditure include facilities maintenance, insurance, school subsidy, clerical and staff compensation, and educational programs. It is essential to manage these expenses wisely to support our mission and maintain the quality of our services. We aim for transparency in our financial dealings, enabling our parishioners to understand how their contributions are utilized.

Net Deficit
Amount: -$10,828

Building the Kingdom

Building the Kingdom requires continuous effort and dedication, and we are excited to share both completed and upcoming projects. Among our completed initiatives are several renovations and upgrades that have enhanced our facilities and services. These improvements have not only made our parish more welcoming but also more functional for various ministries. Looking ahead, we have several planned projects aimed at expanding our outreach and engagement with the community. These upcoming projects will play a crucial role in furthering our mission and fostering a spirit of collaboration within our parish.

Looking Ahead: Key Strategic Priorities

Sustaining Our Mission
 • Establish a clear offertory goal to support parish programs and long-term       initiatives. 
 • Strengthen financial foundations for expanded outreach to families and  
   young couples.

New Ministries & Initiatives 
• Launch new family-centered workshops and seasonal parish events. 
• Explore additional ministry opportunities to support faith formation. 
• Develop simple, high-impact spiritual and service offerings.

Youth, Family & Service Growth
• Expand monthly family service projects. 
• Build stronger partnerships with local charities and community 
  organizations. 
• Increase intergenerational activities encouraging families to pray and serve 
  together.

Strengthening Parish Community 
•  Enhance after-Mass gatherings, family socials, and parish traditions. 
•  Offer guest speakers, seasonal prayer nights, and family formation 
   opportunities. 
•  Foster deeper connections among families, young couples, and     
   parishioners.

Hospitality, Technology & Facilities 
 •  Improve signage, changing stations, and family-friendly spaces at both     
    churches. 
•  Advance planning for a parish playground. 
•  Strengthen digital communication through website updates and QR     
   based resources.
•  Continue upgrades to parish audio/visual and tech systems

A Welcoming Home for All 

We are committed to becoming a parish where everyone feels known, valued, and supported in their walk with Christ. These initiatives reflect our hope, our mission, and our shared future as a community of faith.