This week's blog is offered by our Finance Director, Dan Hofford.
Hello Friends,
I hope you enjoyed a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday with loved ones. As I write this, and reflect on all the Lord’s blessings, I am thankful he opened the door for me to be your new Finance Director. I am thankful for Fr. Rob offering me the position, for Maureen O’Connor who faithfully executed the responsibilities of this position prior to me, and to her and all the folks at the diocese and fellow staff and volunteers that have helped me settle in. There is a rich history of loving God and loving others at both parishes, and I am happy to serve you as you continue to build on that history.
A native to Rochester (lived in Gates, but went to Spencerport schools through 8th grade), I graduated from Aquinas in 1994 and Geneseo four years later. After serving in AmeriCorps for a couple years after college, I packed my bags and headed to California for two years before landing in Chicago for the next 13. While there I continued working in Non-Profit organizations mostly in education and healthcare and furthered my studies at North Park University. I also met my wife of nearly 17 years and together we have a 10-year- old daughter and 7-year-old son. For the last five years, I have been running my own business selling (and installing, and everything else!) aftermarket paint protection film packages to new car dealerships. After deciding in late summer that it was time for a change, a friend informed me about this job and....here I am!
There has been lots to learn and will still be learning for a while (that never really ends!) I am excited by all the new opportunities that have or will present due to the emergence from Covid, the clustering of two parishes, and so much more. I hope to bring my experience and giftings in the areas of strategic planning and organizational development to help design a path forward for the short and long terms.
If you’re wondering why there has not been any numbers presented recently in the bulletins, it is simply due to the fact that I have been transitioning into the new role. Going forward I would like to present data in a way that is most relevant with all the changes that have taken place over the last few years; changing attendance patterns, moving to online giving, more one-time or semi-annual donations vs. weekly, etc. I appreciate your patience as I learn the systems and rhythms of the ministry.
In the meantime, here are some quick numbers to show you where each parish is at in regard to regular collections – this includes what is given at Mass, received in the mail, automatic withdrawals, and online giving from the start of the fiscal year (7/1/2022) through the end of October. This revenue makes up 96% of the budget and is what is used to cover everything except things like the Good Samaritan Fund, Kentucky Missions, and other program specific or restricted items. Please keep in mind that collections usually are higher in November and December as many people make year-end contributions and Thanksgiving and Christmas offerings. At the same time, with the impact of Covid, giving – throughout the diocese - is down. With that said, I always return to the fact that our Lord is sovereign, and our source of joy, strength, and provision. In this advent season, whether it be through your gifts of time, talent, or treasure, let’s remember to Illuminate His Light and share the life-giving message that can only be found in Jesus Christ!
| Parish | YTD Actual | YTD Budget | Variance |
| Transfiguration | $250,036 | $307,617 | ($57,581) |
| St. Catherine of Siena | $191,357 | $196,5771 | ($5,220) |
With that said, I always return to the fact that our Lord is sovereign, and our source of joy, strength, and provision. In this advent season, whether it be through your gifts of time, talent, or treasure, let’s remember to Illuminate His Light and share the life-giving message that can only be found in Jesus Christ!
Dan