The State of St Columbkille Parish

Our annual report was mailed to all parishioners and Fr Damian spoke at every Mass this about the state of the parish in this last year. Before he spoke he pulled his annual report out from ten years ago.

When Fr. Damian looked it over, he said, "Just in the financial part of it, in 2004 the debt for this building and the school building was $4,000,000. We're under two million now, so the debt has been cut more than half.

"Our parish budget is now $1,000,000 more which speaks, I think, about you; about this parish; about this community; about its generosity and about its discipleship.

"Each year it is not only a reflection for me on the financial part, it is also a reflection on how we are doing as disciples of Jesus. I think there is here a great dynamism and an engagement that those in the church are really striving to live your faith well.

"You teach me many things in your prayer; your generosity. Just watching this morning as people brought in food for the Tri-City Pantry, the amount of food coming in to feed those who are hungry. It is an expression of your commitment to giving for others.

"As always, I truly want to say thank you. You're a great group of disciples. You make my job as pastor very easy. I am very proud of you."