“The gifts that you, the faithful, have entrusted to us are being well-utilized to carry out the work of Christ. Donations to diocesan ministries, services and programs serve thousands of people, truly changing lives for Christ.”
– Bishop Gregory L. Parkes
Dear Brother and Sisters in Christ,
Thank you for answering the call to courageously live the Gospel across our five-county Diocese of St. Petersburg in our 74 parishes, 5 missions, 48 schools and early childhood centers, two universities, and many, many social service, health care, housing and pastoral ministries.
In celebration of the many ways each of you share your gifts with our brothers and sisters in Christ, we have prepared this annual report for 2019.
It features a closer look at Diocesan Operations and includes the 2018-2019 condensed financial statement, highlights the impact of several of our ministries, reports on the closure of our Forward in Faith campaign, and shares the successes of The Catholic Foundation.
Our diocesan ministries, programs and services which assist our parishes and missions, Catholic schools and centers, and bring hope to those in most need would not be possible without the support of generous donors like you. The gifts that you, the faithful, have entrusted to us are being well-utilized to carry out the work of Christ.
Thank you and let us continue to courageously live the Gospel!
Sincerely in Christ,
+Bishop Gregory L. Parkes
A Look at the Numbers
In an effort to be good stewards as we courageously live the Gospel, we are committed to transparency. The ministries of the Diocese of St. Petersburg operate on a very tight annual budget, relying on specific revenue sources, including interest earnings, donations and grants, bequests, parish assessment payments and direct donations to the Annual Pastoral Appeal. Of our 2019 total non-program revenue of $11,865,133, more than $8.4 million came from APA donations from our people.
Our 2019 Annual Report includes a comprehensive overview of the operational expenses and revenues associated with our traditional diocesan ministry and service areas, impact reporting from several of our ministries, a final summary of our Forward in Faith Campaign and finally, a look at The Catholic Foundation’s Endowment Funds and annual fundraising and expenses.
- Please click here to download a PDF of the full version of the 2019 Annual Report.
- To download the condensed financial statement for operating, click here.
- If you would like to view our audited financial statements for 2019, please click here.
- Click here to see the final report for the Forward in Faith Capital Campaign
It is important to note that gifts to special campaigns, such as Forward in Faith, are not included in total operating revenue because these are immediately directed to the outlined projects of the campaign. An update on the Forward in Faith Campaign is included with this annual report because we want to report back to our donors on the good works accomplished through their generosity.
You Courageously Served Our CLERGY
Ministry to Priests, supported by financial gifts to the Annual Pastoral Appeal, offers support to all our priests ranging from those who are newly ordained through those reaching retirement. This support includes encouragement, consultation, spiritual direction to assist them in their ministry to Christs’ people. Our retired priests may need additional service. Many are now at a place in which assistance during transitions are imperative. This assistance may include help in filing necessary items for retirement, health concerns and special needs as they arise.
In 2019, $2 million was utilized to support clergy, religious, vocations and seminarian education throughout our diocese. Click here to download our condensed statement of financial activities which provides expense information for this group of ministries, programs and services, including our Ministry to Priests.
To learn more about how your support courageously serves our retired clergy, watch the clip above.
You Courageously Showed MERCY to All
Donations to our Annual Pastoral Appeal enable us to offer emergency services to help our brothers and sisters in need. In 2019, $1.7 million of our total outreach dollars were directed toward Catholic Charities, which provides services for those seeking assistance as they get back on track. Click here to download our condensed statement of financial activities to see the breakdown of funds used for Catholic Social Services as well as all programs, services and ministries serving thousands across our diocese.
To learn more about how your support courageously serves the Ministries of Mercy, watch the clip above.
You Courageously Supported MARRIAGE & FAMILY LIFE
Happy, healthy and holy families are the necessary building blocks of our communities. The Office of Marriage and Family Life focuses on marriage preparation, marriage support, maintenance and enrichment, and pastoral care for family life.
We prepare couples so that they may understand the sacramental nature of their marriage as well as the practical tools that will help to build a strong marriage and family life. Our programs are supplemental to parish marriage preparation, and include options that are suited to the individual needs of couples. One of our programs, Journey to Matrimony, is a full weekend retreat offered seven times in 2019.
While starting a marriage off on the right foot is vital, we cannot overlook the need to also support the domestic church. Strong Catholic Families, Strong Catholic Youth is a process for parishes to partner with parents to provide the tools they need to keep the faith alive in their home.
In 2019, total expenses for all Catholic Formation and Education Ministries totaled $1.8 million, which includes the programs offered through the Office of Marriage and Family Life. To review our condensed statement of financial activities for all diocesan ministries, programs and services, click here.
To learn more about how your support courageously supports Marriage and Family Life, watch the clips above.
You Courageously Inspired, Renewed and Formed through the BETHANY CENTER
Bethany Center offers a spiritual space for meetings and youth and adults retreat facilities to all parishes, schools and organizations within the Diocese. The facilities are also utilized by other groups seeking fellowship, renewal and personal growth.
In 2019, total expenses for all parish, school and diocesan ministries support services totaled almost $3 million, which includes support for the Bethany Center. To review our condensed statement of financial activities for all diocesan ministries, programs and services, click here.
To learn more about how your support courageously serves the Bethany Center, watch the clip above.
Forward in Faith Capital Campaign Reaches $28 million
As the redemption for Forward in Faith Capital Campaign is wrapping up, we are pleased to report that we have received more than $27 million from our 16,971 donors from all 80 parishes and missions. A major component of the campaign included Parish Share whereby each parish received 20 cents of every dollar paid to the campaign. Through this initiative 20% of all funds raised in a parish was returned to the parish for local projects.
Click here for a final report for the Forward in Faith Capital Campaign.
Please click here to contact the Office of Stewardship & Development for more information.