E A C H O F YOU SHOULD U S E W H AT E V E R GIFT YOU HAVE RECEIVED TO SERVE OTHERS, AS FAITHFUL STEWARDS OF GOD’S GRACE IN ITS VARIOUS FORMS.
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1 PETER 4:10
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S U M M A R Y
R E P O R T
A SUMMARY REPORT FOR THE ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON COVERING THE 2 0 2 5
F I S C A L
Y E A R
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S U M M A R Y
R E P O R T
O F
A R C H D I O C E S E
O F
C O N T E N T S
T H E
B O S T O N
Dear Friends in Christ, In this, my first year here in this wonderful and historic Archdiocese of Boston, I have been deeply moved by
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LETTER FROM THE ARCHBISHOP
the faith, generosity, and goodness of the people of God. Thank you for the warm welcome I have received – it has been a true blessing to witness the Spirit alive
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N AV I G AT I N G G R OW T H AND COMPLEXITY IN C AT H O L I C E D U C AT I O N
in our parishes, schools, and ministries. This Summary Report tells the story of a Church that is both faithful and forward-looking – rooted in prayer, built on solid financial stewardship, and sustained by
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O F F I C E O F VO C AT I O N S : C U LT I V AT I N G M E N ’ S FAITH & THE FUTURE OF THE PRIESTHOOD
the commitment of so many. I am especially grateful for the pastors, priests, deacons, religious, parish staff, volunteers, and lay leadership who serve tirelessly across the Archdiocese. Your witness and dedication bring Christ to life in our communities each day.
07-08: I N T O T H E D E E P !
I am also thankful for the generous benefactors and donors whose financial support strengthens our shared mission. Your gifts help sustain vital ministries,
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PA R T N E R I N G W I T H PA R I S H E S
grow our Catholic schools, form seminarians, and care for those in need. Because of you – and through the work of so many – our Church is able to serve today while preparing confidently for tomorrow.
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S E C R E T A R I A T F O R E VA N G E L I Z AT I O N & DISCIPLESHIP
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ONE YEAR TOGETHER
There is much to be hopeful for. Across the Archdiocese, I see signs of renewal – especially among our young people. On college campuses and in high schools, students are hungry for God. Chapels are full. Bible studies are growing. Holy Hours and confessions are well attended. And this fall, we welcomed 16 new seminarians – a visible sign of hope for the future of the priesthood.
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It has been a true blessing to witness the Spirit alive in our parishes, schools, and ministries. At the heart of it all is our mission: to share the love of Jesus
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Christ, to proclaim the Gospel, and to serve one another in His name. This mission is only possible because of the deep faith and generous spirit of people like you. Thank you for your prayers, your presence, and your partnership. Whether you support the Church through giving, through service, or through prayer – please know of my gratitude and my prayers for you and your loved ones.
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C AT H O L I C E D U C AT I O N
Navigating Growth & Complexity in Catholic Education As our Catholic schools continue to evolve to meet the needs of students and families, we are also navigating an increasingly complex educational landscape. These realities invite innovation, collaboration, and renewed commitment for school leaders. Modern schools must skillfully manage enrollment strategies, marketing efforts, advancement planning, and community engagement to thrive. Additionally, a safe and nurturing school environment now includes thoughtful attention to mental, emotional, physical, and social health — all integral to a thriving school community. We are responding by investing in leadership and leadership formation. Strong leadership drives individual and organizational success. Cultivating effective Catholic school leaders is essential to inspiring faculty, improving performance in the classroom, and creating a positive environment for students — all of which position our schools for sustained success. The current focus is on creating targeted, high-impact initiatives to transform today’s challenges into tomorrow’s successes. 03
Our Strategic Steps and Solutions M cNeice Academy of Excellence: A new annual program established for teachers who have been teaching for 1-3 years and prepares them in faith, instruction, and school operations (launched August 2025 with 52 teachers) T eacher Leadership Fund (108 teachers over two years): A new initiative set to launch in the 2026-2027 academic year. This will support 54 elementary school teachers who have been teaching for 4+ years and demonstrate a willingness to take on a leadership role in their school. Teachers will be supported with stipends and two years of leadership formation. Includes a summer institute, quarterly regional sessions, and ongoing coaching led by a Director of Teacher Development and instructional experts. Principals play a key role in supporting teacher leaders locally.
The Teacher Leadership Fund
RECOGNIZING AND REWARDING
THE FUTURE LEADERS OF CATHOLIC
The Urgent Challenge: Teacher Retention Teacher retention is a critical issue facing Archdiocesan Catholic Schools. While many are drawn to the mission, low salaries and high demands make it difficult to sustain a career in Catholic education. The turnover disrupts student learning, burdens school communities, and threatens long-term excellence. It’s time to act. A Bold Solution: The Teacher Leadership
The TLF is a transformative initiative
to:
Fund (TLF)
• Raise teacher compensation in all Archdiocesan elementary schools • Invest in faith formation and professional development • Strengthen our schools through mentorship and leadership
This pilot program will identify two exceptional educators in each of our 54 elementary schools. These 108 Teacher Leaders will receive a $5,000 stipend —a 10% salary increase for many—and participate in a 2-year program of formation to mentor peers and model faith-driven excellence.
EDUCATION
Quick Facts # O F E L E M E N TA RY T E AC H ERS I N T H E A RC H D I O C E S E O F B O S TO N 2024 - 25 AC A D E M I C Y E A R :
990
AV E R AG E E L E M E N TA RY T E AC H E R S A L A RY:
$46,685
YEARS OF BIGGEST RETENTION CHALLENGE:
Years 4-6
The Impact: • Year 1-2: 108 Teacher Leaders supported • Total Investment: $1.5 Million
The Teacher Leadership Fund will:
L eadership Steering Committee: The CSO is establishing a steering committee comprised of school leaders and business/academic stakeholders to guide strategy and innovation for Catholic schools in the Archdiocese. In addition to these leadership initiatives, we are equipping our leaders at every level — from K-12 — by providing continuous, systematic, and progressively advanced instructional support. This stepped-up approach ensures that our teachers are empowered not only in their current roles but also across the span of their careers. By investing in their development, we aim to secure and sustain our greatest asset: exceptional educators who lead, inspire, and transform our classrooms every day.
Support all 54 elementary Schools in
the Archdiocese of Boston
Award $5000 stipends to 108 exceptional teachers who demonstrate the ability to lead Enroll teacher leaders in a two-year program that will train them to lead with purpose and mentor others in their schools Strengthen the pipeline of teacher leaders
in each school
Directly impact thousands of students
LINK
CLICK THE BUTTON ABOVE FOR AN OVERVIEW OF THE TEACHER LEADERSHIP FUND (TLF)
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T H E O F F I C E O F V O C AT I O N S U P D AT E
Cultivating Men’s Faith & the Future of the Priesthood 2025 marked another year of abundant fruit for the
The success of the Office of Vocations is also due to
Archdiocese of Boston’s Office of Vocations. Sixteen
its integrated approach to supporting and cultivating
new men were admitted as seminarians, continuing a
men’s faith as they discern God’s call. With a blend
remarkable trend of more than a dozen new vocations
of traditional, organic methods and innovative digital
each year. This consistent growth is no longer an
strategies, the office effectively raises awareness and
anomaly; it reflects a renewed Archdiocesan-wide
nurtures the progression of personal and spiritual
commitment to fostering vocations, a wholehearted
growth. Through this approach, men are supported
commitment from Archbishop Henning, and a
throughout their discernment journey—from initial
courageous response from men—both young and
inquiry to formal application.
older—heeding Christ’s call to follow Him.
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This consistent growth is no longer an anomaly; it reflects a renewed Archdiocesan-wide commitment to fostering vocations, a wholehearted commitment from Archbishop Henning, and a courageous response from men—both young and older—heeding Christ’s call to follow Him.
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The office hosts a variety of events aimed at
In addition to these in-person events, the office has
showcasing the joy and fulfillment of the priesthood,
embraced modern communication channels, using
while providing opportunities for meaningful
comprehensive targeting strategies, to reach men
connection. For men in high school, two annual St.
of this generation where they are: online. Engaging
Andrew Dinners and a four-day Quo Vadis retreat in
with hundreds of men through social media platforms,
the summertime are offered. For college-age men and
like Instagram, X, and YouTube, streaming platforms,
older, there are Come and See retreats, Masses at St.
and a special daily segment on 98.5 The Sports Hub
John’s Seminary, dedicated men’s groups, a Jubilee
during the Conclave, the office has been successful
Pilgrimage to Italy, and days of reflection.
in growing its funnel of men. Using a dynamic contact management system, Fr. Eric Cadin and Fr. Michael Zimmerman maintain regular outreach to men in their engagement funnel, nurturing relationships and fostering personal conversations, meals, and ongoing accompaniment.
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INTO THE DEEP 2025 RECAP
Archbishop leads Corpus Christi procession by the sea “ P U T O U T I N T O D E E P WAT E R A N D L O W E R Y O U R N E T S F O R A C AT C H .” Archbishop Richard Henning sailed from Gloucester to Boston on June 21 and 22 for “Into the Deep,” a Eucharistic procession by boat that brought the Blessed Sacrament to communities along the North Shore and Boston in honor of the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. The procession took its name from Archbishop Henning’s episcopal motto, “Put Out Into the Deep,” and combined what the Archbishop said were his two favorite things: Jesus and the sea. The procession began in Gloucester, where Archbishop Henning celebrated Mass at the standing-room-only Our Lady of Good Voyage Parish and consecrated the host that would be used in adoration for the rest of the weekend. Having brought the Lord to the North Shore and Boston Harbor parishes this year, Archbishop Henning plans to continue this newly established tradition on the South Shore in summer 2027.
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What if we just bring the Lord to them? What if they just have to go as far as the town dock by their own community and we move on the water?
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Eleven Stops - June 21-22 1 Catholic Community of Gloucester and Rockport 2 Visitation Parish (MANCHESTER BY THE SEA) 3 Beverly Catholic Collaborative 4 Queen of the Apostles (SALEM) 5 Our Lady Star of the Sea (MARBLEHEAD) 6 St. Joseph’s (LYNN) , Lynn Catholic Collaborative, St. Pius V (LYNN) , and St. John the Evangelist (SWAMPSCOTT) - 1 stop, 4 parishes 7 St. Michael the Archangel (WINTHROP) 8 Sacred Heart (EAST BOSTON) and Our Lady of the Assumption, St. Rose (CHELSEA) , Morning Star Catholic Collaborative, Madonna Queen Shrine, Most Holy Redeemer (EAST BOSTON) 9 St. Leonard’s (NORTH END) 10 Seaport Shrine (BOSTON)
VIDEO
CLICK THE BUTTON TO WATCH A RECAP VIDEO OF INTO THE DEEP
11 Gate of Heaven/St. Brigid (SOUTH BOSTON)
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INCREASED OFFERTORY PROGRAMS (IOPs)
Partnering with Parishes: Increased Offertory Program (IOP):
Parishes are where the faithful encounter Christ. As the “heart of the Church,” they are the primary spaces for worship, education, and community building, providing a concrete, accessible home for Catholics to practice their faith and engage with their communities on social justice issues. The Parish Fundraising Services (PFS) team partners with the 248 parishes in the Archdiocese of Boston by providing pastors, finance, operations managers, and business managers with the tools, support, and information needed to manage their parish operations.
By walking with parishes through the IOP, the Archdiocese helps ensure that each community has the means to sustain its ministry, meet its challenges, and grow in faith A year ago, the Archdiocese introduced the Increased Offertory Program (IOP), a focused 6–8 week initiative designed to help parishes strengthen their outreach and support base. By walking with parishes through the IOP, the Archdiocese helps ensure that each community has the means to sustain its ministry, meet its challenges, and grow in faith. The PFS team has partnered with 44 parishes for IOPs and has assisted 60 parishes. The average parish has seen an increase in weekly offertory of 20%. The IOP has had a dramatic impact and results in a significant and instant increase in weekly income.
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>60
parishes partnerships
>20%
increase in average parish weekly offertory
LINK
CLICK THE BUTTON ABOVE FOR A LIST OF PARISHES THAT PFS HAS PARTNERED WITH FOR IOPs.
S E C R E TA R I AT F O R E VA N G E L I Z AT I O N & D I S C I P L E S H I P U P D AT E
Highlights from the Secretariat for Evangelization & Discipleship The Secretariat for Evangelization and Discipleship supported Archdiocesan efforts to advance the mission of the Church to evangelize and “go and make disciples” through several significant initiatives, trainings, and events. SOME 2025 HIGHLIGHTS ARE AS FOLLOWS: The department organized and implemented the “Into the Deep: Eucharistic Procession by Sea” in June 2025. The Family Life & Ecclesial Movements team provided Transformed in Love marriage preparation to over 800 couples, marriage preparation training to various communities within the Archdiocese, and training to leaders from other dioceses looking to use the Archdiocese of Boston’s Transformed in Love program. The Faith Formation & Missionary Discipleship team launched a multi-year youth ministry initiative involving in-person and online training sessions, opportunities for prayer, coaching support for parishes from national organizations and leaders, and more. The Multicultural Ministry team organized a retreat for several hundred Hispanic youth with Archbishop Henning at Merrimack College.
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THE ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON 66 BROOKS DRIVE, BRAINTREE, MA 02184
VIDEO
ONE YEAR TOGETHER
Click the button above to watch a threeminute video recapping Archbishop Henning’s first year with the Archdiocese of Boston.
CLICK THIS BUTTON TO VIEW THE F Y 2 5 A U D I T E D F I N A N C I A L S TAT E M E N T S FOR THE ARCHDIOCESE OF BOSTON