Dear Parishioner,

I pray this letter finds you safe and healthy.

Today I write to you about the operating results of Church of the Blessed Sacrament covering our fiscal year-end August 31, 2023. In many ways the parish had a solid year:

• Attendance at mass continues to increase

• The scaffolding is down

• We continue to have more baptisms and weddings

• The theatre and other public space rentals generated positive revenue.

• The 10:00 a.m. Mass and its attendant hospitality event are generally quite crowded.

• We had our first ever block party.

• Spirit Sunday routinely hosts upwards of 100 parishioners.

However, our overall income remains depressed primarily due to the vacancy of our Convent, a decline in weekly collections and an increase in clergy (one additional priest) and personnel costs. Therefore, we had a shortfall of $211,000 over the last fiscal year.

Over the last 12 months we have continued to upgrade our facilities putting a new floor and lighting in Taylor Hall, and countless window and pain repairs. And in an old building such as ours there are always unexpected maintenance projects.

Going forward, we must begin to re-pay a loan we received to repair the facade, plus the attendant interest expenses projected to be ~$80,000. Regarding capital projects, we must pay for NYC mandated repairs to our school’s facade. as well as sorely needed electrical upgrades. Each of these could exceed $1 million.

In order to manage our budget, we have kept an eye on expenses, listed the convent for sale and have reduces our staff by two people. However, we still need your help.

To make up for last year’s loss, bridge the anticipated operating deficit and have funds to allocate toward unforeseen expenses we are launching an annual appeal to raise $350,000.

We ask that all of you consider participating in the appeal and want you to know that all funds raised during the campaign will remain within our community.

We will continue to do our utmost to manage the resources of the parish in the most efficient manner and remain humble and grateful for all of your support.

Your Pastor, David Nolan

https://blessedsacramentnyc.churchgiving.com/parishappeal