Dear Friends,
I hope this letter finds you and your family well as we celebrate during this season of thanks and celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. With our parishes’ theme of Walk with Us in Hope, Peace, Joy, Love and Christ, I want to share with you some reasons I feel peace as it relates to my role as your Finance Director.
First of all, I have great peace now that we are fully staffed. It took some time to bring on board our wonderful recent hires, but I am so pleased with the talented and compassionate people that will serve the needs of our parishes, our parishioners, and the communities beyond our boundaries that are served by our great ministries.
Second, I have peace because of where both parishes sit financially. Although we took some hits these past few years, and there is always room for growth, your generosity and understanding has allowed both communities to steer more easily and clearly through these challenging financial times.
Lastly, I have peace and feel very blessed to work and serve in such a Christ-filled environment. The compassion I see every day in the staff caring for parishioners in need, the wonderful work that is done through our social ministry programs, and the love that our parishioners have for the Lord brings great peace of mind to me, and to all the staff members. I am grateful to Fr. Rob, the Finance Councils, volunteers, and parishioners at large for trusting me and allowing me to be a part of your community. To be able to use my gifts, experiences, and education in place where I can serve the Lord and have fun while I’m at it, is a great blessing to my family and me!
Of course, I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t talk a little financial business! The Catholic Ministries appeal is tracking slightly ahead of pace as compared to last year. Transfiguration is at roughly 68% of goal, and St. Catherine 53% of its goal (as of 11/27/24 data). As we approach year end, some of you may be working through your taxes, and I wanted to remind you that there are ways to reduce your taxable income by charitable contributions. I am not a financial advisor, so I urge you to talk to yours for proper advice. That being said, you may be able to make a tax-deductible donation into a Donor Advised Fund and use that fund for your charitable giving in coming years. You may also be able to make a donation directly out of a qualified IRA account, and avoid any tax on that withdrawal (see the 12/8 bulletin article from the diocese - there are age restrictions). We are grateful for all that have contributed so far to the CMA, and hope that you can do so, and perhaps get an additional tax benefit from your generosity.
If you have any questions, please contact me at Daniel.hofford@dor.org.
Wishing you hope, peace, joy and love this Advent and Christmas.
God Bless,
Dan