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I have pleasure in presenting the financial report for 2003 - not every parish priest would be able to say that! However, although our situation remains healthy, there is no room for complacency. Our overall income was down slightly over the last year, even though our attendance figures are remaining fairly constant and sadly, expenses never seem to reduce! There is still room for improvement in the number of parishioners who are willing to gift-aid their donations.
In the introduction to last year's report I mentioned plans to reorganise the ground floor of the Presbytery - in order to create more administration and meeting space. I am now pleased to report that these works have been completed successfully - and without going over budget! As you will know we are considering embarking on a much more substantial project to improve and enlarge St. Richard's Church and this will be the dominant agenda item for our meeting on June 7th.
I am happy to report that through various fund-raising events and regular giving through the Friday Project we have been able to sustain our support of CAFOD, Mercy House, Mivumouni Parish (Fr. Joe Kengah) as well as other one-off appeals. This has always been a generous parish and I am confident that if future projects - whether plant or personnel - have the full backing of parishioners then the requisite funds will become available. As ever, I am indebted to the staff in the Parish Office and those who give their time voluntarily and generously on the Finance and Buildings Committees.
Thank you for all the support that you give to building up the Lord's Kingdom in this Community and beyond.
16th May 2004
Father Kieron O'Brien
Parish Priest
Mr. Kevin Jamieson (Chairman), Fr. Kieron O'Brien, Mr. Gerry Farrell (Treasurer), Miss Yvonne Bishop, Mrs. Julia Janiec, assisted by Mrs. Pat Ware.
Our thanks to all parishioners who were able to contribute to the cost of running the parish through the offertory collections and those of you who gave to the many special collections such as for Mercy House and CAFOD during the year.
However our income, for the first time since 1999, shows a decrease of some £13,000. At the same time our expenditure increased by nearly £20,000. The difference was covered by a legacy the parish received in 2002.
It's important to reverse this trend as soon as possible. So, once again, if you have yet to join the Gift Aid scheme and you pay tax please join today. Forms are available from Fr. Kieron, Fr. Peter and the Parish Office. Finally if you can increase your donation to the parish please adjust your direct debit or the amount placed in the plate.
Whatever you do, thanks again for the way you support St. Richard's Parish.
Kevin Jamieson
Finance Committee Chairman
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