Edwin A. Sevillano, MBA
Temporal Administration
Last year was extraordinary to the fullest extent of the word. After some months filled with uncertainty we started to emerge from a global pandemic, vaccines were made available, businesses reopened and life recovered some sense of normality. At the parish level, matters followed the directives of the Governor of New Jersey and our Bishop of Trenton: stage by stage we implemented measures for the safety of our parishioners coming to worship at St Mary. The Parish Office reopened. Religious Education classes resumed in the fall. Parish in person meetings were possible again. Some projects and work in our facilities were also scheduled later in the year. Let’s review the accomplishments and highlights of this past fiscal year.
STEWARDSHIP During the fall we launched our Offertory Recovery Program with the objective of recovering the revenue we lost when the pandemic started in March 2020 and in the months following. The response and support were tremendous and we were able to close the gap in revenue caused during the months we were closed. Also our operating income (Sunday offerings) reached the amount given before the pandemic. Our Sunday offering weekly average per parishioner household increased from $43.47 to $56.97. We thank all our parishioners who stepped up and made this possible. Other parishioners approached our Pastor to make special contributions for particular projects and other plans:
$138,600 from a parishioner for the Narthex Completion Project - Phase I which included: space acoustic treatment; light fixtures upgrade; dome building; spotlights installation; statue of the Blessed Mother Seat of Wisdom and pedestal.
$100,000 from a charitable foundation established by a former parishioner for building the Childcare Center Play Area (planning has begun).
$100,000 from a parishioner who wishes to remain anonymous for the creation of a Trust to provide for future needs of the parish.
In addition, the bequest of our late parishioner Mr. Robert Golar was disbursed and the parish received a restricted bequest totaling $260,869 as one of the beneficiaries. Per Mr Golar’s Last Will & Testament the bequest funds have been restricted for: the Buildings fund ($16,304) and for the charitable outreach of the
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