Each fall when we ask people to reflect on their current level of giving and ask them to consider increasing their giving in support of the many ministries and services of the parish, people invariably ask "where does all the money go?" A Parish Annual Report is a great way to show parishioners the many wonderful achievements and accomplishments of the parish over the past year. In the business world Annual Reports are a required part of a comprehensive communications effort. Investors, customers or prospective investors and customers want to see a track record of accomplishment and of sound financial management. In this regard, parishioners are no different. They want to know that the money they are "investing" is being used in the most effective way to make the most difference. Sometimes we forget that.
A number of parishes in the Archdiocese of Baltimore have been and are beginning to produce annual reports which are much more comprehensive than just a financial statement listing revenues and expenses. Many of the new Annual Reports really "tell the stories behind the numbers." St. Margaret, Nativity, St. Bernadette, St. Mary's Annapolis, St. Joseph Fullerton, St. Joan of Arc and St. Clement Mary Hofbauer are several parishes in the Eastern Vicariate of the Archdiocese of Baltimore which have established this practice and have benefitted from sharing this information.
As you consider producing an annual report, first identify a volunteer or staff member with good project managment experience. This person will need to organize the content, recruit individuals to help in writing the copy, work with a graphic artist to lay-out the information, and a printer to print the report and make sure it is distributed to every parishioner. (And of course work with the pastor to identify a potential underwriter).
You may with to organize the Annual Report as follows:
- Mission Statement of the Parish.
- Introduction letter from the Pastor.
- Major accomplishments and achievements.
- Report on New Initiatives - Projects underway/completed with funds raised through Heritage of Hope, Parish Planning Efforts through Renewing the Vision, Collaboration with a Sister Parish, New Outreach, Expanded Ministry Staff...
- Highlights/features/personal stories of individuals volunteering or being served in various areas of ministry, i.e., Evangelization, Education, Liturgy, Service to the Poor, Funds.
- Parish Demographics - number of families, Baptisms, Confirmations, Funerals, Breakdown by age groups, etc.
- Parish Financials - Pie Chart listing major sources of revenue and major categories of expenses.
- Photos, photos, photos.
The Development Office of the Archdiocese of Baltimore has worked with designers to produce templates for Annual Reports. Please feel free to call Jim Edwards, Greg Leitner, or Bob Brown, the Vicariate Directors of Development, to work with you and your PDC to consider an Annual Report to enhance your overall communications effort.
