Parish Yearbook 2023-2024

The Roman Catholic Parish of St. Monica, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Stephen of Hungary

A YearIn Review Financial Report & Parish Yearbook

2023 - 2024

Table of Contents The Pastor’s Welcome Letter...............................................................................3 Monthly Highlights September.......................................................................................................4 October............................................................................................................6 November........................................................................................................8 December......................................................................................................10 January...........................................................................................................12 February.........................................................................................................14 March.............................................................................................................16 April................................................................................................................18 May................................................................................................................20 June................................................................................................................22 Letter from J. DeSpirito, Parish Manager ........................................................25 Year End Income Summary...............................................................................26 Year End Expense Summary..............................................................................27 Conclusion...........................................................................................................28

A New Tradition:

the Parish Yearbook and Annual Financial Report Dear Parishioners,

On the bookshelf in my bedroom, there are several now decrepit books. They are my high school and college yearbooks. They each tell the story of a year in a high school in Rockland County or a small private college in Virginia. If you did not go to these institutions, they would really mean nothing to you, save for the fact you’d find in them a much younger Donald Baker, without a beard and with sandy blonde Luke Skywalker hair! (Hey, it was the fashion back then.)

But to those of us who were part of those years, a yearbook is a retelling of everything that happened in a particular year, as well as a source of memories for us in the years ahead. Here at St. Monica, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Stephen of Hungary, we have always tried to be as transparent and communicative as possible. Bulletins, social media posts, emails, and our website all seek to keep our parishioners up to date on what is happening in the parish.

One piece of that communication has been the Parish Financial Report. Since my first years here, Mike Ward and now Jenn DeSpirito have produced annual reports detailing expenses and income in the parish. I believe it’s vital for parishioners to understand how we allocate the resources entrusted to us. After all, to put it biblically, we are the stewards of your treasure.

But I have always been dissatisfied with it. Not because of the information provided, nor in the way it was presented. It is just that a parish is more than a P & L report. It is a community which serves and teaches and supports and celebrates. Those investments of time and talent matter every bit as much (if not more) than how we use our treasures.

So, starting this year, we are producing a Parish Yearbook. This book, which you hold in your hands, is a report on what happened in the parish this past year. The new things we have begun, the celebrations we have had, and the ways we have served the community. There is still a financial report! But it is part of the larger story of our parish and school.

I don’t expect you to save up the yearbooks and put them on your shelf like I have done with my high school and college books! But I do hope that you will read them each year, to learn more about our parish -- what you support when you give and serve. And maybe, just maybe, it will be something you can share with someone else who might be new to the city and looking for a place to call their spiritual home.

Father Donald C. Baker, Pastor

-- Father Baker

september Our Patronal Feast Day

On Sunday, September 24, we celebrated our annual Patronal Feast Day, the day we honor all the patron saints of the parishes that were merged in 2015.

Over the years, we have welcomed guests such as Bishop Edmund Whalen in 2019, who blessed our new confessional and chapel. In 2022, we welcomed Timothy Cardinal Dolan, who came to bless our renovated parish center and celebrated the Feast Day mass. Our Feast Day celebration was followed by an international food festival, which was originally started as a way of highlighting the diversity of the parish.

Thank you to the Parish Council as well as the many volunteers who orchestrated the spectacular event. It made the day the festive celebration that it is!

Cardinal’s Appeal Thank You Mass On September 19, we held a mass in gratitude of the generous donors of the Cardinal's Annual Stewardship Appeal. Mass in the chapel was followed by a small reception.

The Cardinal’s Appeal provides essential funding for evangelization, communications, Catholic education, and charitable works. It supports the formation of new parish priests and cares for those who have served faithfully for many years, ensuring that future generations will continue to grow in knowledge and love of Christ.

Facility Upgrades

Throughout the 2023 - 2024 fiscal year, we made small improvements in the parish center, church, and rectory, with our final project concluding in September. These projects included an upgrade to the lock system, allowing us to reduce the number of keys our parish staff needed to move throughout the buildings; general updates to the rectory, including fresh paint and a new entry way; updated windows and blinds in the Ward Room and sacristy; and new lighting to the sacristy.

Monica’s Ark On Saturday, September 29, we completed a new area of the church called Monica's Ark. Located in the back of the church, it serves as a designated play area for small children and their parents. This carpeted space has provided tremendous relief and solace to many parents with fidgety young children, as the kids can quietly amuse themselves with plush animals, books, and other toys, while parents participate in mass.

october

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

On Sunday, October 22, our Concert Series season began with Salve Mater Fons Amoris: A Libero Canto Project. A musical meditation on motherly love, the program focused on three Baroque pieces: Salve Regina by Scarlatti, Trio Sonata in G Major by La Leonarda, and Stabat Mater by Pergolesi.

The Concert Series was inaugurated in 2019 to spotlight both established and emerging musical artists in the Yorkville area.

Our objective is to enhance and broaden the series, establishing it as a cultural cornerstone that enriches our community across generations. Admission is free, and donations are warmly welcomed. Additionally, we invite businesses interested in supporting the series through underwriting to contact us with their information.

“Music in our parish has been instrumental in fostering a sense of community, faith, and inspiration among our congregation,” says John Zupan, Music Director. “Through music, we touch hearts, uplift spirits, and strengthen our collective journey of faith.”

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me,” and Children’s Liturgy of the Word is one way we make that possible. At the 10 AM mass, just after the Opening Prayer, preschool aged children (and often older siblings) are called forward, blessed, and sent forth with catechists to the Ward Room. There, they hear the Scriptures from the Lectionary for Masses with Children – a simpler translation. The catechists engage the young ones in a brief discussion of “What is God saying to us today?” The Apostles Creed is prayed, and Prayers of the Faithful are offered in simple language, incorporating the spoken prayers of the children. After receiving a “Kid’s Bulletin” with take home activities tied to the Scriptures of the Day, the children are brought back into the main church to be reunited with their families for the second half of mass.

An average of twenty five children participate in Children’s Liturgy of the Word each week, which has made the 10 AM mass very popular for families with younger children.

The St. Monica Concert Series Begins

Ministry Month The Catholic Church believes that all of us, by virtue of being baptized, are called to serve.

Each October, we solicit and challenge our parishioners to think about responding to that call by serving at mass. Each week we focus on a different ministry: altar servers, lectors, eucharistic ministers, hospitality greeters, ushers, and the music ministry.

Active members of each ministry speak at the end of mass to share their own experiences and invite others to serve.

The Blessing of the Animals

In honor of the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi on October 4, parishioners gathered on the front steps of the church for a blessing over their pets. This year on Sunday, October 1, Fr. Baker blessed many beloved dogs, cats, and even a turtle!

november

St. Stephen of Hungary School Receives the 2023 National Blue Ribbon Award St. Stephen of Hungary School, our parish school, achieved a remarkable milestone this year by earning the 2023 National Blue Ribbon Award. Presented by the Department of Education, this honor represents the pinnacle of achievement for American schools. On November 17, school administration and Fr. Baker traveled to Washington, D.C. to accept the prestigious award.

“We are so proud to be here,” said Ms. Genova-Hall, school principal. “Over two days, we spent considerable time networking with educational leaders across the U.S. and learning from fellow nationally recognized schools who share a vision that motivates and empowers students to actualize their full potential. We walked away inspired to continue engaging students, teachers, parents, and our school community in nurturing confident, forward-thinking leaders.”

Originally founded in 1982, The National Blue Ribbon Award is presented to schools that demonstrate exceptional academic achievement or significant progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups, essentially signifying a school as a model of excellence in education.

Bereavement Ministry and Retreat

Grief is never easy, and the loss of a loved one can leave a person feeling adrift, uncertain of how to move forward, and even questioning their faith. Our parish’s Bereavement Ministry seeks to accompany those navigating this difficult journey. Established in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic—when many were unable to say goodbye to loved ones in person or find comfort in traditional funeral rituals—the ministry began with the support group “Seasons of Hope,” which met in person with masks and social distancing.

Today, this group continues to meet three times a year for six week sessions, offering a compassionate space for those who are grieving.

In addition, the ministry hosts a retreat each November to help participants face the holidays after a loss. This year’s retreat, held on November 4, invited attendees to come together for a morning of prayer, journaling, and reflection. Through this time of shared faith, we acknowledged our grief while seeking hope and comfort in the promise of the Resurrection. Pictured above is parishioner Betsy O’Neill, who offered a moving liturgical dance as an expression of reverence for the deceased, honoring their memory and reminding us of the solace found in God’s promise of eternal life.

SSH Community Thanksgiving Dinner On Thursday, November 23, the parish celebrated its Fifteenth Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner.

Together in the auditorium of St. Stephen’s, the team served two hundred in-house diners and prepared an additional one hundred to-go dinners for our homebound neighbors. At only five dollars a ticket, the dinner is sponsored by donations from local businesses and sells out each year!

december Advent Vespers

Each year, as part of Theology Thursday, we celebrate the Advent season with a series of Evening Prayer services. This Advent, our theme of justice was inspired by the traditional Advent hymn Rorate Caeli. Taken from Isaiah 45:8, the Latin phrase is a prayer for the heavens to "rain down" justice upon a world that so desperately seeks it.

Carols, Cookies, and Cocoa

On December 14, we welcomed Joanne Kennedy, Director of Mary’s House from the Catholic Worker movement in the East Village. On December 21, we were joined by Rabbi Joel Mosbacher, Senior Rabbi of Temple Shaaray Tefila on East 79th Street and Second Avenue.

Carols, Cookies, and Cocoa began during the era of social distancing, when parishioners longed for traditional holiday gatherings. To fill this void, we organized a socially distanced caroling event on the church steps, led by our Adult Choir. The initiative was incredibly well-received, prompting the Parish Council to adopt it as a new tradition. Each Christmas, we gather to sing carols on the church steps, followed by cookies and cocoa indoors.

Amid the significant world events of 2023, this theme provided a powerful lens for our preachers, who shared insights from their unique faith traditions on God’s justice and its implications for our often unjust world.

This year, on December 17, despite the rain, our Christmas spirit remained undiminished. We relocated the event to the rear of the church and were joined by our Adult and Children’s Choirs, accompanied by a keyboard and bass guitar. Together, we continued our cherished tradition of caroling. This event has now firmly established itself as a beloved part of our church’s Christmas celebrations.

Senior Ministry: Christmas Luncheon In 2015, parishioner Anne Sabatini approached Fr. Baker and expressed she felt more could be done to reach out to the older members of the newly merged parish(es). In the ensuing years, Anne built a ministry from the ground up, meeting monthly on Friday afternoons for lunches, movies viewings, parties, and other events like trips to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, St. John the Divine Cathedral, Old St. Patrick’s Basilica in Nolita, and the Museum of the Bible in Washington D.C. Pictured to the right is a beloved tradition Anne started: the Christmas Luncheon. On December 15, 2023, seniors got together for a delicious lunch, music, socializing, and holiday bingo!

The Christmas Concert

A highlight of the year for both staff and parishioners is our Annual Christmas Concert, led by music director John Zupan.

On Friday, December 15, the concert included performances by our Adult Choir, our Children’s Choir, and our 5PM Contemporary Ensemble. From the moving melodies of classics like “Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring” to cheerful sing-along carols like “Silver Bells”, the concert spread the warmth and joy of Christmas to all who attended, setting the perfect tone for the holiday season.

january

Celebrating Catholic Schools Week

Catholic Schools Week is an annual initiative led by the National Catholic Educational Association to celebrate the excellence and impact of Catholic schools. Since 1974, Catholic schools have observed this week through a variety of activities, emphasizing the importance of Catholic education. The week-long celebration began on January 27 and was a fantastic way to not only foster school spirit but also acknowledge and praise what makes St. Stephen of Hungary School truly exceptional.

Founded in 1928, St. Stephen of Hungary School is a Pre-K through 8th-grade Catholic school with a rich heritage of academic excellence. By nurturing each student's mind, body, and spirit in the Franciscan tradition, St. Stephen School prepares its students to be passionate leaders and lifelong learners.

“The Saint Stephen Advantage of educating the ‘whole child’ is not only a part of our mission statement; it truly embodies how we create an environment that is rich with culture, student-centered, and engaging,” says Allyson Genova-Hall, Principal. “Students are encouraged to actively participate, question, and investigate their environments with the guidance of our faculty and staff. Our holistic, differentiated approach to learning creates an environment where students are supported to take calculated risks and explore the world around them. Students are challenged to think critically and creatively to solve complex, real-life problems. Working collaboratively, students learn to clearly communicate diverse opinions and resolve conflicts. Through a self-reflective process, students are empowered to be active participants in their own decision-making abilities.”

How does the school put these principles into practice? Ms. Genova-Hall describes one example: “As a community, we spotlight leadership qualities and encourage students to actively participate in our school culture. With the understanding that students are the best role models for other students, our middle school students participate in our service program, which highlights their influence as mentors and elicits a positive culture among the student body who know they can turn to service members for support and encouragement.”

Board Games and Cocktails at Hex & Co

On Sunday, January 28, the Young Adult Ministry gathered for an evening at local board game bar and café, Hex & Co. The Young Adult Ministry is designed for adults ages 21 and up who are seeking community and connection. Despite the cold and rainy weather, the evening was a success, filled with hot finger foods, laughter, and even some playful competition!

Feast of the Three Kings On January 7, 2024, our parish's religious education program joyfully celebrated Epiphany: the Feast of the Three Kings.

This special day reminds us that our Christmas tradition of gift-giving is inspired by the gifts of the Magi to the baby Jesus.

“The students had a wonderful time exploring the Christian roots of the Mardi Gras season through fun activities like crafting crowns and enjoying delicious King Cake,” said Maryann Tyrer, Pastoral Associate for Religious Formation.

february Ash Wednesday This year, February 14 was not only Valentine’s Day but also Ash Wednesday! Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, a forty-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in preparation for Easter. On this day, Catholics receive ashes—made from the burned palms of the previous Palm Sunday—on their foreheads as a reminder of mortality and a call to repentance. Ash Wednesday invites us to reflect, turn away from sin, and renew our relationship with God.

Hearing Aid System Implemented

Celebrating Candlemas

Candlemas, celebrated on February 2, marks the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, when Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem, fulfilling Jewish law. It also honors Simeon’s proclamation of Jesus as the "light for revelation to the Gentiles." In the Catholic faith, Candlemas celebrates Christ as the light of the world, with the tradition of blessing candles to symbolize His light dispelling the darkness of sin.

On Wednesday, February 7, Saint Stephen of Hungary School observed Candlemas. Students held their candles high for a blessing as Fr. Baker encouraged them to be bright lights in an often dark world.

After facing the many challenges presented by COVID-19, we recognized the importance of embracing technological advancements. As a result, we implemented live streaming capabilities for our services and concerts, significantly broadening our reach to connect with virtual attendees worldwide and ensuring accessibility for all. On February 22, we implemented a system upgrade that addressed two issues: Hearing Impairment Solutions: To assist those with hearing impairments, we introduced the Listen Everywhere App. Now, parishioners can simply log into the app upon arriving at church to hear the mass clearly via Bluetooth technology.

Enhanced Livestream Experience: For those participating in mass via livestream, we addressed the issue of limited audio pickup by adding ambient microphones. This improvement allows viewers to hear not only the voices of those speaking into microphones but also the congregation's responses, organ music, and choir singing.

These solutions have enriched both in-person and virtual worship experiences, ensuring that everyone can fully engage in the spiritual journey of our church community.

march

Lenten Retreat

Stations of the Cross

On Saturday, March 23, the Parish Council hosted its annual Parish Retreat, a morning of reflection open to all. This year’s retreat, led by Fr. Tony Ciorra, centered on the theme “Lord, Make Us Instruments of Your Peace: Living the Nonviolent Life.”

Participants delved into the lives of biblical figures who exemplified faithfulness to God’s call, finding inspiration in their journeys.

These reflections were further enriched by meditations on renowned works of art, including Rublev’s The Trinity, Rembrandt’s The Return of the Prodigal Son, and Tanner’s The Annunciation. The retreat concluded with a renewal of baptismal promises, leaving participants spiritually refreshed and challenged to enter Holy Week as instruments of peace in a world yearning for hope and reconciliation.

On March 13, the eighth-grade class participated in the Living Stations of the Cross, a deeply moving and spiritual tradition Through their participation, students not only reflected on the profound meaning behind each station but also developed empathy, compassion, and a stronger connection to their faith.

On March 28, mass concluded with a solemn procession of the Blessed Sacrament to the altar of repose. The chapel remained open for adoration throughout the evening as we kept vigil with Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, offering prayers and reflection.

Two years ago, Fr. Baker was deeply moved while watching a Good Friday service from Germany that featured the St. John Passion by Heinrich Schütz, composed in 1665.

“He introduced this masterpiece to me and asked if we could bring it to our parish,” said John Zupan, Music Director. “Originally written in German, a modern English performing edition was recently made available. It features solo voices in plainsong chant – Evangelist, Jesus, Pilate, Peter, First Servant, and High Priest – along with an SATB chorus.”

Holy Thursday Holy Thursday, also known as the Mass of the Lord's Supper, commemorates the institution of the Eucharist by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper. It marks the beginning of the Easter Triduum, focusing on Christ's sacrifice and his example of humility through the washing of his disciples' feet.

Good Friday: St. John Passion

Celebrating Easter Sunday

Recognizing the challenge, Mr. Zupan eagerly accepted the opportunity. With meticulous planning and extensive rehearsals, the Adult Choir successfully presented the St. John Passion during our Good Friday service on March 29, 2024. The response was overwhelmingly positive. This profound piece will surely become a cherished tradition in our parish for years to come!

On Sunday, March 31, we celebrated the cornerstone of our faith; the most important day of the year as Christians: Easter Sunday, The Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. The celebration was marked by masses in our church adorned with beautiful flowers and filled with the uplifting sounds of powerful, sacred music.

april

Organ Recital, Dr. Sándor Szabó

On April 10, the St. Monica Concert Series welcomed Dr. Sándor Szabó for an organ concert.

Dr. Szabó is a multi-faceted artist: organist, pianist, harpsichordist, and conductor. His program included the dramatic First Sonata-Symphony by Guilmant, colorful organ transcriptions by Lemare, such as Danse Macabre and Ride of the Valkyries, and the jazzy Gershwinesca by Hakim.

“The organ holds a special place in Catholic liturgical history as a powerful instrument,” says John Zupan, Music Director. “It elevates worship through its majestic and expressive sound.”

First introduced in churches around the 10th century, organs became central to sacred music during the medieval period, complementing Gregorian chant and uniting congregations in prayer. Its ability to sustain rich harmonies and lead hymnody makes it ideal for enhancing the solemnity and reverence of the mass. As a symbol of tradition and artistry, the organ remains a profound connection to the Church's musical heritage.

The original organ in the Upper Church was built around 1907

by J.H. & C.S. Odell of New York City, possibly as a secondhand instrument. However, its exact specifications remain unknown. In 1931, the Hall Organ Company rebuilt the organ, adding new windchests, a console, and additional pipework.

This rebuild also incorporated pipes from earlier instruments crafted by J.H. & C.S. Odell and Hilborne L. Roosevelt.

Roosevelt had originally built an organ for the Lower Church in 1883, and parts of that instrument were later integrated into the 1931 rebuild for the Upper Church. The Hall Organ Company advertisement (pictured right) underscores the enduring tradition of organ construction, reflecting the instrument's central role in church music and its lasting influence on the community's worship experience.

Green Team: Composting with GrowNYC

On Sunday, April 7, the Green Team hosted GrowNYC for a composting event in preparation for Earth Day. Parishioners had the opportunity to learn about composting and discover ways to get involved with organizations like GrowNYC to take action against climate change. It was an inspiring and educational afternoon.

First Holy Communion

On April 29, our young Catholic students celebrated a joyous milestone as they received the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist for the first time. Surrounded by their friends and family, they encountered the Body and Blood of Christ, deepening their connection to their faith and the Catholic Church. First Communion marks an important step in a lifelong journey with Christ, filled with grace and spiritual growth.

may

May Crowning

On May 4, at the 5:30 PM family mass, our parish celebrated the May Crowning, a beloved tradition honoring Mary during the month of May. In this meaningful ceremony, children are invited to place a crown of flowers on a statue of Mary, symbolizing her role as the Queen of Heaven and Earth. It serves as a heartfelt expression of our devotion to Mary, who holds a special place in the Catholic faith as the Mother of God and our spiritual mother. The May Crowning invites the entire parish, especially children, to reflect on Mary’s virtues—her humility, obedience, and purity—while seeking her intercession and guidance.

Broadway Review Concert

On Sunday, May 19, the Broadway Review Concert returned for its fifth season. Led by our professional cantors and section leaders—many who have careers in the musical theatre industry—the program included a special appearance by the Children’s Choir. It was a vibrant afternoon of traditional and contemporary Broadway repertoire.

Senior Ministry Met Trip

On Friday, May 17, the Senior Ministry organized a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. With private guide Deborah Goldberg, the group explored the fascinating exhibit “The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism.”

The exhibit showcased works from the Harlem Renaissance alongside pieces by European modernists, highlighting the cultural exchange and mutual influences between the two movements. Through paintings, sculptures, and multimedia works, participants gained deeper insights into this vibrant period of artistic and cultural innovation.

Icon Painting Workshop

On May 6, Fr. Peter Pearson returned to lead parishioners in a week of prayerful painting.

Participants of all skill levels came together for five consecutive evenings and under the expert instruction of Fr. Pearson, created their very own icon of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It was a wonderful week for creative expression of Catholic faith.

june

You’r/e Home Campaign

In June, the "You’r/e Home" Campaign was launched to reinforce the parish’s mission of inclusivity and hospitality. Rooted in the belief that St. Monica, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Stephen of Hungary should feel like home to all, the campaign sought to visually and emotionally embody this ethos.

“Fr. Baker approached me earlier this year with an idea: to illustrate the dual meaning of ‘you are’ and ‘your’ embedded in the phrase ‘Your(/You’re) Home,’” shared Taryn Tonelli, Pastoral Associate for Parish Life. “The goal was to articulate that not only is our church a physical place but also somewhere a person can claim as theirs; their very own haven. After weeks of brainstorming, we knew this powerful message deserved to come to life.”

The initiative invited parishioners to reflect on the essence of home, the emotions it inspires, and their personal connection to the parish. Responses illuminated recurring themes such as warmth, love, acceptance, and belonging. Many expressed gratitude for the parish’s welcoming spirit, its safety, and its unyielding "all are welcome" motto.

These heartfelt responses, paired with candid photos and parishioner portraits, were collaged and displayed around the St. Joseph altar, creating a moving visual representation of the community’s collective heart.

“For me, inclusivity is the lifeblood of being Catholic,” Taryn said, “and so if this campaign does anything, I hope it reinforces our commitment to being a place of overwhelming love and belonging for all.”

Volunteer Appreciation Party

On June 6, we gathered in the Parish Center Living Room to honor the incredible individuals who dedicate their time and talents to our parish. It was a delightful evening filled with hors d'oeuvres, drinks, live music, and a shared celebration of what makes our parish thrive—our volunteers.

From organizing ministry initiatives to teaching in our religious education program to worshiping through music, our volunteers are the cornerstone of our active parish. Pictured to the right is Fr. Baker, toasting to their unwavering generosity and commitment.

“It makes everything we do possible,” Fr. Baker said, “and this event was a small way to express our immense gratitude for their vital contributions.”

St. Stephen Graduation

On Friday, June 7, St. Stephen of Hungary School celebrated eighth-grade graduation. Surrounded by proud families, faculty, and friends, thirty-five students were honored for their hard work, faith, and perseverance. The mass and ceremony not only marked the culmination of their time at St. Stephen, but the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their journeys.

Screaming for Ice Cream While we have many adult volunteers in the parish, we cannot forget the time and energy our youth contribute to help our parish operate successfully.

As a thank you for their hard work, an outdoor ice cream social was held in the school yard of St. Stephen of Hungary School on May 29, complete with a private ice cream truck. It was a terrific afternoon!

Dear Parishioners, It is hard to believe another full year has gone by, and I hope you have enjoyed our “year in review” as much as we enjoyed reliving all of the great moments! I want to take this opportunity to share with you the details of our year-end financial position. On the following pages, you’ll find the summary of the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Financial Report, and I will outline the major points here.

Our 2023–2024 budget projected a surplus of $22,300; however, we ended the year with a deficit of approximately ($45,300). This deficit is largely due to gas and electricity bills based on actual meter reads once our Smart Meters were installed in the spring. Since the installation of the air conditioning system in the church in 2018, our bills have been based on estimated reads of our meters as the project required a meter upgrade which was finally completed this spring. Fortunately, we had sufficient funds in our operating account to cover this deficit.

Once again, we are grateful for the generosity of our parishioners throughout the year. Our collections were up just over $100,000 above our budget, and we received nearly $40,000 from the Cardinal’s Appeal due to your generous support. We also received the proceeds from the sale of St. Elizabeth of Hungary in July in the amount of $3,000,000. These funds are in a PAC account earning 4% APY and have been earmarked for the church’s upcoming roof replacement project, and to assist in finalizing the Certificate of Occupancy for the main school building at St. Stephen of Hungary.

Our expenses were higher in repairs and maintenance than budgeted, however we planned for the following projects with funds we received during last year: Ward Room window and shade upgrade Sacristy renovation (new windows, shades, ceiling and lighting) Smart Meter electrical work Church roof feasibility study Master lock system upgrade in the Parish Center and church Updated Parish Center kitchen and copy room space Needed improvements and repairs to rectory living spaces and heating system We consider ourselves extremely blessed to have been able to complete all of the above, again largely due to the backing of our parishioners and extended community. We are grateful for your ongoing support, and hope we can count on continued support as we embark on the next few years and beyond.

We find ourselves this year working with a more restrictive budget due to a new tax that the Archdiocese is placing on those churches that have rental properties. As many of you know, we rent the school building next to the Parish Center on 80th Street to the Caedmon School. The rent that we receive from Caedmon is almost 60% of our monthly operating budget. Beginning this September, we are paying an additional $50,000 over the course of the year to the Archdiocese from this rental income, and next year that amount increases to upwards of $200,000.

Lastly, we are working diligently to plan for two final big projects – the church roofs and the parish hall. In order to pay for the roof project, which is a top priority, we will be depleting our Morgan Stanley investment account and preferred savings account, and proceeds from the sale of St. Elizabeth.

Recognizing the parish hall’s importance to our community, we are initiating a Capital Campaign to restore this space to better serve everyone. We will be sharing more about these efforts in the coming months. We are excited about the prospect of completing these two projects, and providing the physical space for our thriving community to fill.

Please feel free to reach out to me should you have any questions.

With gratitude, Jennifer DeSpirito Parish Manager -- Father Baker

Year End Income Summary ORDINARY INCOME

TOTAL

Year End Expense Summary ORDINARY EXPENSE

$2,035,408

TOTAL

$2,080,724

In closing In conclusion, this year has been a testament to growth, collaboration, and shared purpose within our parish and school community. The partnership between Father Baker, the school administration, and the parish staff has sparked innovation and thoughtful planning, all rooted in our mission to serve the Yorkville community and the parishioners of St. Monica, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Stephen of Hungary.

This yearbook is more than a record of progress—it’s a celebration of the moments, memories, and milestones that bring us together. It reflects the faith and dedication that make our community so vibrant and strong.

Your unwavering support makes all of this possible, and we are deeply grateful. As we continue to grow in faith and purpose, we do so as one united community, committed to keeping St. Monica, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Stephen of Hungary a place of warmth and faith.

And as always, please remember: Catholic means universal.

No matter who you are, where you come from, what language you speak or lifestyle you lead; no matter how much money you make, or how old you may be: you are always welcome here, and you are always welcome to make this place your parish home.

Faithfully Yours, The Roman Catholic Parish of St. Monica, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Stephen of Hungary

Quotes

“Home is a place where people value and support you for who you really are.”