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A report to
the people of the Local Church
PRAISED BE JESUS
CHRIST!
(Now and Forever)
Once again the finances for fiscal years 2005-2004 for Central
Administration are presented in this issue of The Catholic Moment. It is
my hope you will find them reassuring.
The figures and graphs offered are based on an audit of Central
Administration conducted by Katz, Sapper and Miller, an
Indianapolis-based accounting firm. As in the past, an “unqualified”
opinion was received. To achieve an “unqualified” opinion, financial
accounting standards must be met and commonly accepted internal controls
must be observed. The 2005 results are reported in comparison to the
2004 audited results since our main source of funding, Fruitful Harvest,
is a two-year campaign. This two-year presentation is rolled forward
each year. With not-for-profit organizations, accounting standards
require that revenue pledged during fund-raising campaigns be recognized
in the year pledges are made. Because of this, audits show more revenue
during even-numbered years than in the odd-numbered years.
Although our financial performance shows a deficit of approximately $1.7
million in 2005, that figure needs to be balanced against a surplus of
$1.2 million for 2004, and against a loss of $4.2 million in 2003 to go
along with a surplus of $4.9 million in 2002. Overall, it amounts to a
net surplus over the last four years of $200,000. To put that in
perspective, should all sources of income cease, that surplus would
allow us to continue operations for just eight and two-thirds days. This
underscores that Central Administration operates with restraint.
Please note that in the pie chart and in the financial statement, the
largest use of funds was parish revenue sharing from Fruitful Harvest at
$2.8 million, almost 38 percent. This figure is more than twice as large
as the next largest expense category.
Note, too, that parish income and parish expense each increased a bit
more than 1 percent in 2005.
The Catholics of Northcentral Indiana have again demonstrated strong
financial commitment to our Local Church and its responsibilities.
Over and above that, you have responded most generously to the special
collections on behalf of our seminarians, the victims of the tsunami and
hurricanes Rita and Katrina.
Your compassion and commitment to our parishes, Fruitful Harvest, and
the mission of our Local Church is a source of ongoing inspiration to me
and to all who serve you in the fellowship of Christ.
Accountability is an important part of stewardship. Each year, the
diocese subjects itself to the scrutiny of an independent audit. The
audited financial statements are available for inspection through the
Pastoral Office for Administration.
As required by Canon Law, I have established and regularly confer with a
Diocesan Finance Council. That council focuses on budgets, financial
policies and procedures. Current members are: Msgr. Robert L. Sell, III,
vicar general; Robert H. Quinn, diocesan finance officer; Leon Cyr,
Sacred Heart Parish, Fowler; Leo Dierckman, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
Parish, Carmel; Donald E. Goetz, St. Cecilia Parish, DeMotte; Lynn
Layden of Lafayette; Edward Lopke, St. Patrick Parish, Kokomo; Marianne
McLean, St. Maria Goretti Parish, Westfield; Thomas Parent, diocesan
attorney, Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Lafayette;
and Lee H. Snider, St. Mary Parish, Muncie.
In November 2000, the bishops of the United States unanimously approved
a resolution regarding diocesan financial reporting. They directed that
at the end of each fiscal year, each diocesan bishop report to the
metropolitan archbishop the names and professional titles of the members
of his diocesan finance council, the dates on which that finance council
met and a statement signed by the finance council members and the
diocesan finance officer stating that the audited financial statements
of the diocese have been reviewed. The Diocese of Lafayette has complied
with that resolution. Parishes are expected to report similar
information about their parish finance council to Robert Quinn, diocesan
finance officer.
Figures and graphs illustrate how the Catholics of Northcentral Indiana
have been most generous. That generosity makes it possible for us to
fulfill the basic responsibilities expected of every Local (Diocesan)
Church. As our mission statement proclaims, we are a people gathered by
the Hoy Spirit who demonstrate commitment to responsible stewardship.
Praising God from whom all our blessings flow, I am
Sincerely yours,
William L. Higi
Bishop of Lafayette-in-Indiana |
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Statistics as of January 1, 2006
Total
diocesan Catholic population 105,196
Number of parishes/missions 63
Parishes/missions without resident pastor 14
High schools, diocesan and parochial 2
Total senior high school students 591
Elementary schools, diocesan and parochial 20
Total preschool/elementary/junior high students
4,372
Religious education:
High school students 3,132
Elementary students 9,661
Total students under Catholic instruction 17,756
Source: The Official Catholic Directory
Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana |
