ANNUAL REPORT TO THE PARISH

                Every year in the fall, all parishes in the Diocese are required to submit a Financial and Spiritual Report on the state and activity of the parish to the Diocese. You will find our annual financial report that has been submitted to the Diocese in this weekend’s bulletin.

                The Financial Report shows that our parish is well supported by our parishioners and friends. Because of your kind generosity we are able to maintain our parish programs and facilities. In addition, this year through your selfless sacrifice, our parish received two payments from Upon This Rock totaling $87,815. Our Preservation Fund is well on its way. On behalf of the trustees, the Finance/Restoration Committee and the Parish Council, thank you for all of your dedicated efforts with your time, treasure, and talent that you freely offer to St. Louis.

                During this past year, our Spiritual Report shows that many people have benefited spiritually from the St. Louis faith community. We have 664 households registered with St. Louis totaling 1,592 members. Our membership can fluctuate from year to year due to the fact that some may have relocated, others joined the parish, and that some of our parishioners have been called home to God during the year.

                There are 20 catechists that volunteer their time and talent to provide instruction in our various faith formation programs that include: Pre-Baptismal Instruction, Religious Education, and RCIA along with the various other programs that are offered from time to time. Assisting in our Liturgical Functions are: 16 Lectors, 27 Eucharistic Ministers, 11 Altar Servers, 24 Ushers/Greeters; 3 Music Ministers and a Choir of about 40 who help us worship each Sunday. (We welcome more people to consider being Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Servers, Ushers/Greeters and Music Ministry.) We have 5 Home/Hospital Visitors who visit a few of our parishioners who are confined to home or a health care facility and assist at Buffalo General Hospital.

                In the past year 21 children were baptized, 12 children and 2 adults received the Sacrament of Penance for the first time, 10 children and 2 adults received First Eucharist, 9 young adults and 2 adults received the Sacrament of Confirmation and 62 couples were married at St. Louis. Of the 17 funerals/Memorial Masses celebrated here about 10 were members of our parish.

                All this activity is a sign that St. Louis is and continues to be a strong and vibrant parish. We continue to minister to the people of God both of our own parish and the wider community by welcoming all to our parish.

                Thank you all for praying and participating in the Faith Community of St. Louis.